MINOT – The Minot Historical Society gathered at the town office for the May meeting when Wilma Irish, who has been a Norlands Living History Center employee for 28 years, was the speaker.

She portrayed Clara Boothby Howard, who was her great-aunt. Staff at the Norlands take on the names of previous ancestors or people. She was dressed in period costume and spoke of the times five years after the “War of the Rebellion” (Civil War).

Irish talked of the soldiers in that war and the causes of their deaths and illnesses. Her topic was “Health, Sanitation and Deadly Diseases of the 1800s.” She told of the doctors and their discoveries of germs that caused the diseases as well as the strange cures some used. She brought herbs, salves and cures to display

In other business, it was recommended that members draw up plot plans of how they feel the William Ladd Homestead Memorial Park should be used, and the committee will decide which portions should be included in the project. It was also voted to purchase a blade trimmer to be used to maintain pathways at the site. Saturday, June 5, was set as another work day for the project.

Discussion of use of a DVD camera or filming for interviews of people in or around Minot was held. The president will speak with those who could help with this project.

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, at the town office. The speaker will be Prof. Paul Fredricks and his topic will be “Corn Shops.” Everyone is invited. Refreshments will follow.