MINOT – The Minot Historical Society met at the Town Office on Aug. 10 when the speakers, introduced by Nancy Conant, were Marilyn Burgess and Ian Orman of the Leeds Historical Society.

Orman showed slides of old houses and outbuildings. He quoted someone who once said “People who like old houses must be different.” Old houses have problems, and some people believe that old houses need to be kept in the authentic state.

Orman showed slides of barns, as almost everyone had a mini-farm years ago even if they lived in the middle of town. As times changed, barns and stables were the first to collapse. In many cases, barns were moved by horses or oxen to a better location and used for different purposes.

Burgess spoke on why towns should take surveys of their old buildings and document their history so it can be preserved. She recommended picking an early date to use as a cut-off date; then drive through town and survey the homes in the era. She said members must find people who are willing to give their time to accomplish the work. She also gave handouts on where and who to contact for more information.

A work day was scheduled for Aug. 21 to continue work on the William Ladd Homestead site. A donation of old town reports was accepted from Jim and Elaine Roux. The society will continue to collect old town reports prior to 1969.

A day meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the Poland Spring Museum. Everyone will meet at 12:30 p.m. for lunch followed by a tour.