HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 13, 1970
-
-
TO~Th1SHIP OF PICKERING MUSEUM BOARD
8/70
A meeting of the Pickering
Township Museum Board was
held on TUESDAY, the
THIRTEENTH day of OCTOBER,
1970 at EIGHT o'clock p.m.
at the Municipal Building
PRESENT~ Mr. D. McLean
Mrs. D. Earle
Mrs. IV!. Spang
~1r. R. Hiller
N. C. Marshall, Secretary
1. On motion of Mrs. Earle, seconded by Mr. McLean and
carried unanimously Mr. Miller assumed the chair.
2. Accounts-
On motion of Mr. McLean# seconded by Mrs. Earle the
accounts as detailed on the list presented to the Board
by the Secretary in the amount of $1,544.49 were approved.
Addressing himself to the general financial condition of
the Board, the Secretary explained that it appeared as
though they would finish the season with an under
expenditure of approximately $1#200. - $1#500. This was
premised on realized income of roughly $7,765. out of
the budgeted $9,100. and expenses to date of $5,400.
To this must be added the outstanding costs of the
glazing of the windows in the Oddfellows Hall as well
as the painting which totalled $1,100. as well as the
outstanding labour costs for miscellaneous jobs on the
property totalling approximately $250.
Mr. Miller asked the Board whether or not it was prepared
to purchase a quantity of electrical boxes for the
eventual installation of hydro to the various buildings
on the grounds. In addition he wondered whether they
were prepared to purchase the 1916 Cross Mounted Case
Tractor which is presently on the grounds. The former
represents a cost of $40. and the latter $225. It was
suggested that these items be purchased once a more
definite figure on the surplus is available.
3. History In Action -
The Secretary was asked to send thank you letters to
the various people who assisted in the festivities
notably some 35 men who had assisted with the steam
engine and gasoline engine display.
Interest was expressed in the receipts generated by the
weekend festivities. Mr. Marshall explained that gross
receipts were in the $1,200. - $1,300. range of which
approximately $950. represented the gate receipts. As
the Museum financial year was rapidly coming to a close
he hoped that a detailed financial statement would be
available shortly on which the breakdown of the 1970
revenue would be detailed indicating actual results
against budgeted amounts.
-
~
-2-
8/70
4. Church Service -
The B02.rd briefly reviewed the success of the Church
service held on the previous Sunday expressing pleasure
that the Church had experienced a full house. Collections
in the amount of $54.73 were received and the Clergy
present agreed that this should be directed towards the
continuance of the Museum Capital Projects. It was
suggested that the soloist and accompaniest receive a
gift to the value of $10. and that Mr. McLean be reimbursed
for out of pocket expenses amounting to $5.
On motion of Mr. McLean, seconded by Mrs. Earle and
carried it was agreed that a small gift to a total
value of $10. be given to the soloist and accompaniest
who attended the Museum Thanksgiving Church service.
5. Historical Society -
The Board was reminded that the Historical Society had
tentatively agreed to extend $300. of their funds towards
the renovation of the various Museum buildings during the
current year~ Evidently Mrs. Fallis had submitted a
small account directly to them which presumably had been
paid~ It was pointed out that it would be preferable
that if such a grant is to be made that the amount in-
volved be forwarded directly to the TOVlnship in order
that any accounts to be charged against it would be
paid through the Museum account. In this way a proper
record could be kept of the rr~nies expended on the various
Museum buildings. In addition such items as the expenses
of Mr. Wilson in renovating a number of the furnishings
for the houses that had recently been restored could be
charged against this amount. It was suggested that the
Secretary forward a letter to the Secretary of the
Historical Society, r\ir. Ron Freeman of the ltJest Rouge
asking that if the Society did in fact intend to expend
this amount of money that it be forwarded directly to
the Township.
6~ Museum Furnishings -
r1r. Miller mentioned that there were two chairs suitable
for use in the Cole House that were in need of upholster-
ing. The Board suggested that a firm price be obtained
for this job and once known proper approval could be
obtained~
70 publicity-
The Board's attention was drawn to the fact that there
was virtually no items of a publicity nature available
at the Museum nor had there been for some time. In past
years pamphlets had been available for distribution to
the public. A strong demand existed for such literature
which could be either in pamphletg booklet 0 or post card
form. The members recognized the importance of having
such literature available for distribution and agreed
that an item should be included in the 1971 budget to
cover the cost of such items. In the interim they we: e
aware that the history of a number of the buildings was
being documented and were of the opinion that this in-
-
......
-3-
8/70
formation should be included in any future publications.
8. Budget-
The Board examined the various items that should be
included in the 1971 Budget.
One item mentioned was the need to proceéd with the
wiring of a nu~ber of the buildings particularly in view
of the fact that the major portion of the cost had
already been absorbed through the purchase of the wire.
It was suggested that an item be included in the 1971
Budget to at least start work on this project. In the
interim Mr. Miller agreed to contact Mr. Carruthers
to obtain some idea of just what cost would be involved
in installing the required underground curcuit. It
was understood that Mr. Cook was in the process of com-
pleting a routi~g proposal for the installation of the
electrical service.
Noting the results of the 1970 financial year the Board
recognized that their 1971 renovation programme would in
cll liklihood be confined to an expenditure of approximately
$3,500. In referring to the 5 year capital forecast it
was agreed that the next buildings to receive attention
would be the Hotel and Harness Shop. Chimneys, new doors,
and sash were required in both buildings and replacement
of a certain amount of the siding. On a priority basis
it was felt that the exterior of these two buildings
should be renovated as soon as possible and possibly
this could be achieved within the boundaries of the
$3,500. suggested.
It was agreed that the Secretary proceed with a draft of
the 1971 Museum Board Budget based on the 1970 operating
costs and anticipating capital expenses of $3,500. (to
be directed primarily at the exterior renovation of the
Harness Shop and Hotel) and that provision be made to
include the cost of installing a portion of the under-
ground wiring.
~,nth respect to the renovation of the two buildings noted
the Board suggested that rt~s. Duncan be consulted to determine
the exact type of window used in these two buildings at
the time of their original construction. In addition
she could offer advice as to the interior layout of the
Hotel.
9. Temporary Staff -
A lengthy discussion took place concerning the problems
of staffing the Museum Buildings during the summer
months and the difficulties encountered where reliance
was placed primarily on volunteers. People viewing the
property expected to see the interior of all buildings
and yet this in itself presented real security problems
where only one or two people were available to supervise
the grounds. Several teenage girls had expressed interest
in assisting at the grounds and perhaps if properly trained
could be the answer. Recognition \'laS given to the fact
that people in this particular age bracket tend to be
-
-
-4-
8/70
introverts and might possibly not be prepared to engage
in conversa:i.:ion vlÌth visitors.
It vIas recognized that in attempting to operate a I:lluseum
which encompassed sorne fifteen. buildings tha'c the staff-
ing p::oblem '\:lould become even more critical and that
some solution. must be found. Obviously the financial
implication~; of properly staffinç¡ the ground::; is far
beyond the capabilities of the Board.
10. O~dfellcws Hall -
The Oddfellows Hall was virtually complete and the Board
examined the various possibilities v¡hich existed concern-
ing i·ts use. It "vas generally concluded that it should
be usej for display purposesq notably of items that would
not deteriorate as a result of the lack or proper humidity
controL In this regard it ¡,vas suggested tha·t perhaps
on":! gl.·oup of items that I~ould be moved into the building
in the near future would be the collection of stoves
that are presently located in the log barn. This way
the stoves would he properly displayed and the positive
step would have been ta.ken in opening the log barn to
Fublic scrutiny. This particular building had never
been opened other than on History In Action Day.
Another point raised was tha·t there were several display
cabinets located in the Church shed which should be
movcd into the Hall and could be used for displaying a
multitude of items.
One proble,n th2.t wa~:; re::ogni zed, ':las that of locati:..1g a
number of items in the Hall without a proper display
plan in mind. It was suggested that before items are
moved into the building it be definitely de~ermined
that this is in fact their final destination and that
they are considered to be proper items for display in
the building. In addition the items should be
catalogued at the time they are located at the Hall.
ll. Maintenance-
with the accelerated development of the Museum property
during the past two or three years the need for regular
maintenance on the buildings had increased in great
measure. With regular tours through the buildings it
was becoming necessary to sweep the buildings regularly
and carry out other maintenance duties such as window
cleaning. These duties we;:e beyond the capabilities
the present Curator and in fact it was doubtful whether
or not she would be able to con·tinue in the future.
Obviously some alternative must be found to the present
hap-hazard system that exists. The members agreed to
consider this matter and possibly offer some recommend-
ation at the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
DATED
Chairman