Tilton Historical Society
Monthly Meeting

February 11, 2026

 

The meeting was called to order by John Ciriello Chairman at 6:00pm. The following were present, John Ciriello, Robert Clogston, Patty Amora Pendert. Chuck Hussman, Vicki Hussman, Kathy,  Yeo, Janice Leighton-Boudreau, William Hockensmith, Sharon Bullerwell, Carol Twomey,  Brendon Murphy, Kara Campobasso, Barbara Sullivan and John Basiliere.   Ken Lowrey was also present. Present via Zoom was Rick Montembeault and Kim Cilley.

 

Pledge of Allegiance was said, and the business meeting began.

 

 

Voting --Election Policy

 

John discussed the guidance from the Department of Justice office regarding voting.  John had sent the membership an email regarding the discussion. A motion was made to rescind the motion of last month regarding keeping the voting “in person” and not to include absentee ballots. The motion was made by Janice Leighton-Boudreau and seconded by Sharon Bullerwell. Then a motion was made by Janice Leighton-Boudreau and seconded by John Basilliere to have the Voting is in person, with adherence to state and federal disabilities laws for absentee ballots.  The voting will be announced 30 days before on Facebook, stating absentee ballots must be requested and returned by 4/8.                                                

 

 

Webb Tilton Memorial Concert

 

Rick Montembeault who grew up in Tilton and now resides in Thailand has offered to do  40th year memorial concert for Webb Tilton who Died 6/22/1986.   He visited Tilton last year and had mentioned the possibility of having a concert in honor of Webb Tilton.  He would like to do this on June 3, 2026 and would like to get various local groups involved such as Tilton School Drama club, Winnisquam regional Drama club and possibly the Streetcar group.  There was a discussion about where the best location for the concert would be depending on the weather.  Getting a picture of Webb enlarged and any memorabilia would also be good.  

 

 

Tilton Inn Project

 

Janice spoke briefly about the project she is working on for the Tilton Inn.  The Tilton Inn currently has rooms that are dedicated to prominent people.  Janice is working with the owners and creating short  bios on the people who Inn’s rooms are named after. The bios will be laminated and placed on each door.  Janice is not sure when this project will be completed.  There was a brief discussion about having a presentation event when the project is completed.

 

 Model of Tilton

 

Ken Lowrey spoke about how he would like to put together a model of Tilton which would be as the downtown looked in 1884.   

 

 

Bert’s Egg Wagon

 

Vicki Hussman “Save Bert’s Wagon” Project. There has been a strong interest in restoring Bert’s Egg Wagon. It is currently at Southwick School and is deteriorating.  Vicki has spoken with the school, the local Grange and the Parks Commission. Everyone has expressed an interest in having this happen.  Vicki is also working to get Bert’s Wagon ornaments.

 

Featured Families for Memory Lane/H&H Tour 2026

 

John told the membership that he was looking to have families represented on Memory Lane this year at the Cemetery Tour.  Both John and Janice have been speaking with the Dodge family to do a representation of Jim Dodge at the tour. The family has expressed enthusiasm for the project.

 

Flat Files

 

Judy Tilton  let John know that there were flat files for sale at 3/$50 each.  John paid cash and then solicited donations from members.  Ben Dussault $50, Michael Fox $100 reimbursed John.  They normally go for as much as $700 each.

 

Purchase vacuum for office

 

John discussed the need for a vacuum cleaner or the office Kim Cilley donated a Shark Rocket bagless vacuum. 

 

Working weekend for office – organizing/cleaning

 

John discussed having a working weekend for clean-up and organizing at the office. John and Kathy will work on a date and notify members.

 

Glass slides

 

John discussed the glass slides that are currently owned by the Historical Society. He said that they plan to have an exploratory session with Laconia Historical Society to see if locations can be identified.

 

Mansion Tour for Hall Library Patrons

 

John announced that there was going to be a tour of the mansion Also should be noted that the upcoming mansion tour was requested by  interested members of the Hall Memorial Library. 

April 11th 12pm.  He invited everyone who might be interested in helping or just being on the tour  to come.

 

Annual Report

 

The annual report is completed and filed.  All governing officers were emailed copies with the balance sheet by John on Feb 9th.

 

Treasurer's Report

 

Patty Amora Pender gave the treasures report for January. She emailed copies to the governing officers prior to the meeting.

 

The Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm

These minutes are subject to the review and approval of the  Tilton Historical Society

 

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