Group to spend $10,500 for Marshall House improvements
By: Gwen Runkle
LAMBERTVILLE The Lambertville Historical Society began the new year by electing new officers and examining the expanded 2001 budget at its annual meeting held Jan. 7.
Members gathered at the Centenary United Methodist Church on Union Street.
Bill Dorman, former treasurer, was unanimously elected as president of the society to replace Gene Dennison. Linda Weber was made vice president, Roger Morrison, treasurer, and Franta Broulik, secretary.
Mr. Dennison was awarded a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the society for his work as president. He was optimistic for the coming year, citing the growth of the organization and the "huge success of the (Marshall) House tours."
According to the budget report, in 2000 the society raised $23,567 through ads, donations and ticket sales for tours of the Marshall House on Bridge Street. Revenues were $7,000 more than projected.
The house is the society’s headquarters and boyhood home of James Marshall, an American pioneer whose discovery of gold at Sutter’s sawmill in 1848 launched the California gold rush.
Success has boosted the society’s spirits and allowed it to increase its planned budget for 2001 to $45,350 from last year’s $33,600.
The Marshall House opens for weekend tours and programs from 1 to 4 p.m. beginning the last weekend of April and ending the last weekend of October.
"One-third of the money from the (Marshall) house tours will go to sponsor events," said Mr. Dorman, such as the society’s educational programs, newsletter mailings, scholarship program and oral history project.
But the primary reason for the increase in budget is for repairs and maintenance to the Marshall House, Mr. Dorman said. The house is owned by the state, and, "as lessee, we are responsible for maintenance," he said.
About $10,500 will be put aside for refinishing floors, roof and chimney repairs and digging an eastside drainage ditch.
Because it is an historical site, "When doing any digging, according to state code, we need to hire an archeologist," Mr. Dorman said.
The society is hoping to get a New Jersey Trust grant to help with the expense of refinishing the floors of the house. It also hopes to get another grant to cover the estimated $8,000 cost of an archeologist.
Over the last three to four years, the society has made numerous improvements to Marshall House.
"We have installed a new heating system, new air conditioning and new storm windows and have a video display system and PA system," Mr. Dennison said.
He is particularly proud of the society’s development of a scholarship program, its collection of artifacts and new Web site. Over the past two years, the society set up a scholarship program for graduating seniors of local high schools who plan to pursue an education in liberal arts, Mr. Dennison said. The budget report shows it designates $1,000 to this fund.
Newly established policy also has been helpful to the society in the collection of artifacts.
"We have already received two quilts: the Lamberts and the Coryells," he said. These families were among the first to settle in the area.
Mr. Dennison hopes the society will have representation on a possible city Historic Preservation Committee. According to Ms. Weber, the city’s Planning Board is interested in developing the committee, but it is only in the "infancy stage" she said.
Mr. Dennison said, "If the committee is formed, one of our officers in the historical society should be on the committee, not just a liaison, but an important and active member."
Mr. Dorman agreed, and, as the new president, he said he also looks forward to the coming year.
"With the help of the many talented people of the historical society, I will do my best to continue the legacy of dedication to the educational mission (of the society)," he said.