Brownville historical society holds annual meeting

BROWNVILLE — The Brownville-Brownville Junction Historical Society held its annual meeting on May 15 at the Parish House Museum. Officers elected for the coming year are: Susan Worcester, president, secretary and curator; George Dean, vice president; and Allana Washburn, treasurer. Washburn replaces Marilyn Kindamo who has held the position of treasurer for the organization for nearly 25 years. Members of the board of directors are Lynn Weston, Lynn Gerrish and Jeff Larson.

It was reported that the sales of “More Than a Train Yard and a Whistle Stop: The Canadian Pacific Railroad in Brownville Junction 1886 to 1963” gifted to the society by author Ken Hatchette have gone very well this year. A count of 130 books have been sold to date and only 20 remain. The author and the publishing committee are working on a revised version that will be available through Amazon.com soon. The title of this revised version is “The Canadian Pacific Railway in Brownville Junction, Maine 1886 to 1963.”

Last year the group was able to purchase a heat pump that will allow them to extend their working season at the museum thanks to generous donations from the BJHS Alumni Association, Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union, Everett and Lee Worcester and a number of individual donations received. It is hoped that the proceeds from the sale of the railroad book will allow them to refurbish the restroom at the museum this summer.

Other projects that will be part of the group’s agenda this summer include revamping the section of the museum dedicated to area veterans and adding space for the memorabilia from the Brownville Junction High School Alumni organization. Ongoing projects include documenting all items in the museum in the Past Perfect program.

Dean talked about attending the Mid Maine Historical Society’s semi-annual meeting in Newport on May 6.

The first newsletter of the year has been mailed out to members.

The museum will open for the season on June 19. It will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of September.

The group is always looking for volunteers to assist with projects or to come to the museum on Tuesdays and Thursdays to greet visitors. If you would like to know more about the society or the Parish House Museum, please call Susan Worcester at 965-8070 or email brownvillehistorical@trcmaine.org. You can also become a member of the society for a donation of $5.

The group’s next meeting will be Tuesday, June 26 at 10 a.m. at the museum. All are welcome to attend.