MINOT – The Minot Historical Society met at the Minot Town Office for the May 13 meeting when Doreen Convoy discussed stenciling.

Frank Berry introduced Convoy, who said stenciling is her study. She does restoration in old houses, matching paints and repairing damaged sections. She showed slides of stenciling in many old Maine and Massachusetts houses and taverns.

She also told of Moses Eaton, famous for his stenciling. He came to Maine from Massachusetts/New Hampshire and did stenciling in many homes and other buildings.

Convoy also showed the different patterns of old stencils – pineapple, oak leaf, weeping willow and swag and tassel. She explained how stencil paints were made and how some leached out as the years passed, leaving a different color. Convoy also showed how stenciling was done.

During the meeting the paper necessary to file for incorporation status was explained. Members voted that Eda Tripp be appointed as the registered agent for the society. The incorporators to be listed are Hester Gilpatric, Eleanor Thayer and Madeline Hicks.

Christi Mitchell of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission has agreed to do a survey of houses 50 years old and older in Minot.

It was noted that the Board of Selectmen authorized the Minot Historical Society to be caretaker of the land given to the town at the March town meeting. The two parcels include the site of the prior William Ladd Homestead and the old Town Pound/Noyes School lot.

Two sample membership applications were presented for approval. One was approved by a show of hands. Refreshments followed.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at the Minot Town Office when the speaker will be Rufus Prince. His topic will be “The History of Turner.”