HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-04-126LBC-min.pdf LEXINGTON BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
Minutes - April 26, 1972
The meeting opened with a discussion of a letter from Town Manager, Walter
C. O'Connell, to Captain Edgar of the Minute Men, which was critical of the re-
enactment held on Lexington Green on April 16 This letter is enclosed for those
who did not attend this meeting Leo Gaughan attended the meeting instead of
Ray Barnes for the Town Celebrations Committee (ICC) He felt that TCC had not
been informed as to who was in charge or given notification of the presence of
TV newsmen. The TCC believed they were not in charge of this event but that the
Minute Men were to: control it The Minute Men, represented by Captain Edgar and
Robert Marrigan felt that TCC had been notified and were under the impression
that TCC was to control the event. All agreed *ith Mr O'Connell that a great
deal of improvement was needed if the enactmentVis to be held another year Rop-
ing off the Green is not enough. There was certainly a lick of coordination with
those in authority; too few police; and more crowds than could be handled properly
Perhaps another location would help. Mr Howard said it was premature to make a
decision to have or not to have the event in 1975 He was unaware that it was not
under the control of TCC. The Lexington Minute1Men will take the question under
ads+isement
The 1972 Parade was thoroughly discussed In reply to Mr Greeley, Mr Gaughan
agreed that the military aspect of the parade can be de-emphasized. The TCC meetings
are open to those who would like to see such a change and he hopes such people
will come to the committee with their ideas TCC has an obligation to the loyal
units of the parade each year The Military adds much more than fighting spirit
In regard to the quality of this year's parade, he said that quality shows a
tendenecy to peak in special years such as 1950 and 1963 and to decline in the
years between. The 1971 and 1972 parades were about equal in quality and both
better than 1970 King said the Parade advisory group will be qualified to give
a great deal of help to TCC on the 1975 parade. Linc said it would be possible
to bring governmental pressure for the best military units. He will be happy
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to make himself available to TCC for any help he is able to contribute in this
direction. King indicated that LBC will be able todefins its ideas and scheduled
events by the end of 1972.
The discussion of the military aspects of the celebration were considered
by several of the committeermembers Mr Greeley would like to see it de-empha-
sized. Mr. Marrigan said the Minute Men are positively in business as an historical
unit- a recreation of history and definitely not warlike.
Item 4 of Mr Howard's agenda, the Permanent Memorial was considered next.
Bob Reynolds said the sub-committee is still alive. They had decided not to
put pressure on Town Meeting for reconsideration of article 43 He said that the
committee had decided to simmer for a while as they felt the museum item was a
"hot potato" Roland suggested that the archives could be logically in the library
Warren reminded the committee that the Historical Society would be reluctant to
hand over historical items to the library He also said that Mr Cummings of
the Preservation Society thobghtethat Lexington had much of value for a museum.
Bob further reported that he had cantered with Anne Scigliano of the
Minuteman and that she is willing to help with articles and publicize thinking
on a permanent Memorial A coupon which peopte can Clip and send in stating
their preferences is a possibility
Ideas presented at the April 19th hearing-- held by ¶orkahop"75 were-r-eviewea —
by Roland Greeley One of the most interesting suggestions he felt was one for
the effetive use of the historical houses for which they were built. Perhaps a
coffee house and dialogue could be promoted. There were about 75 peoplelin
attendance. Ideas were slanted more toward what we ought not to do rather than
the positive aspect.
Before he left, Mr Gaughan brought up the question of fund raising events
King told him LBC could not sponsor such events but encouraged other groups to
do so.
Captain Edgar asked if there could be another Minute Man on the committee
it
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to improve communication. King reminded him that a liaison person should be
appointed from the Minute Men.
Line Cole brought up the question of the April 19 date and stated that
there may be advantages to leaving the Mass date as is since it gives us
the long weekend.
Item 3 on the agenda. committee organization continued the meeting
A corresponding secretary will be added to help Becky The office of V
Chairman will be left open for the time being. The historian probably
should be two people as there is a need for one to record events of the 1975
celebration and one to advise the committee as to historical episodes of
interest to programming for the celebration. Doris submitted a list of
persons to help with publicity The committee would like to see this list
narrowed to 3 people of her choice. Roland said he would consult Mr O'Connell
concerning the director of public safety There are three new positions on
LBC open. Arts and Culture; School Relations; and Administrative. The
School Department will be consulted as to a suggestion for the school liaison.
King reported meeting members of the National American Revolution
Bicentennial Commission in Washington recently He feels the contact will
prove useful, they are delighted with LBC progress, especially the regional
group
There is a $45,000 sum noted by Congress which will be available to each
state.
The winning symbol for 1972 was drawn by Anne Modoono, a sixth grade
pupil at Munroe School It shows the Belfry in a circle. The drawing will
be turned over to Ray Barnes so that it can be adapted for use on our
stationery
The meeting was adjourned at 10.30 p m.
Respectfully submitted,