The minutes from the 1960′s are below. Please note that minutes have been typed as they were written (except for any typo’s that you find – those are probably mine).
Town Hall
Burlington, Maine
May 28, 1960
President Bowers called the meeting to order. The secretary read the minutes of the last meeting.
Then, Mr. Barron of the Prentice Carlisle Co. lowered the boom. He announced that his company had received a letter from Mr. Cobb of the Fish and Game department stating that Nicatous stream was suitable as a spawning ground, and that free passage for fish must be maintained at the dam by either opening a gate or building and maintaining a fishway. The letter contained blueprints drawn up by the Fish and Game department engineer on just how the fishway. should be made. Mr. Barron stated that to comply with the Game department ruling a dam gate had been raised and in the process had washed down the sluice. He further stated that his company would spend some money but not a major portion to construct and maintain a fishway. He stressed the maintenance of the fishway as possible being a considerable expense.
Some discussion followed but it was finally decided to let the lake drain to low water, then appraise the dam to determine how expensive the construction of a fishway might be and then, if the financing of the fishway could be determined, to arrive at a water level to which the fishway should be built!
A guesstimate of $2,000. was made at the expense of a fishway if the dam itself had to be repaired or replaced.
Dave Priest suggested that other financial sources might be available to support the fishway such as state funds, sportsman’s clubs, etc.
The treasurer was requested to send bills to those who had not paid their dues.
Mr. Easton of the road committee stated that he would have a report at the next meeting.
Mr. Chamberlain suggested that an appraisal of the dam should be made before the next meeting.
Mr. Barron, when asked, said the engineer for his company gets $15.00 per day – a rather frosty silence.
Marge Lovejoy asked how much could be spent to appraise the dam. The treasurer reported only some $70.00 in the till.
Respectfully submitted,
Ed Laing
Town Hall
Burlington, Maine
August 13, 1960
The meeting was called to order by president Vernon Bowers. The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.
Arguments on bylaws concerning dues; Jake Helleltine asked why all the camp owners were not members of the Association..mentioned Harold Little, Young’s Camp and Col. John Pesch as being omitted. He also asked why he couldn’t vote without paying $5.00. No answer.
Harmon Chamberlin paid the dues on Nicatous Lodge, and said that would give him two votes on owning two properties. Arthur Dayton suggested that Nicatous Lodge be entered as a corporation or in Mrs. Chamberlin’s name, to comply with the bylaws; and stated that both sides should compromise on the water level and not split the Association 51% – 49% with animosity terminating the Association
Motion was made that Marge Lovejoy send out letters to the membership to be returned station their preference for water level to get a consensus of opinion, attendance being limited at the meeting.
Pres. Vernie Bowers announced that this being the annual meeting a slate of new officers was called for; and like Calvin Coolidge, he did not choose to run. Ed Laing was elected President with only one dissenting vote, and Russ Lovejoy elected Secretary/Treasurer.
Road Discussion: Vernon Bowers reported that John Easton phoned him, said he couldn’t attend the meeting, but that he has talked to the County Commissioners and they seemed favorably inclined to take over the Nicatous Road. – wanted a green light from the Association to continue his quest. Got it!
There was some discussion of a possible increase in taxes if the county takes over the road. Russ Lovejoy suggested a letter to camp owners for a donation to spend on road improvement. Someone brought out that the Association doesn’t want an expressway to the lake, for undesirables as well as desirables would patronize the road.
Russ Lovejoy reported that he had kept a record of the water level since June to determine how fast the lake would drop with one gate open and the other two leaking. One half inch per day was the maximum loss for the period and George Thompson reported on a six inch rainfall for the same period.
No appraisal of the dam has been made to date.
Road Committee of Russ Lovejoy, Harmon Chamberlin, and Ed Laing to meet with Commissioner Sargent in the fall, before hunting season.
Question? Where to hold annual meeting, Burlington or Nicatous Lake, Harmon Chamberlin offered use of Nicatous Lodge.
Respectfully submitted,
Ed Laing
Nicatous Lake
Aug. 12, 1961
President Laing called the meeting to order at 2:30. Minutes of the last were read and accepted as read.
Subject of water level was brought up and Mr. Chapman asked if it was planned to have the desired level of 2 1/2 feet in the spring, midsummer or fall. Considerable discussion on this subject but, it was stressed that it was obvious it was impossible to maintain a constant level in a body of water such as Nicatous Lake as leakage, precipitation, temperatures etc. were unpredictable. Mr. Chapman stated that there were not enough beaches around the lake that this factor should be used in determining water level. Also stated that fishing wasn’t not as good with present levels as at high water levels. A check of members present indicated that nine out of ten of them had beaches and desired a water level that would enable them to use the same. Marge Lovejoy contradicted Mr. Chapman on fishing conditions, stating that she was in a better position to judge account guests at Hemlock Lodge.
Mr. Arthur Dayton make motion to have some qualified person check condition of dam and Marge Lovejoy seconded motion. Motion carried. Mrs. Elizabeth Magee made motion to use funds in treasury for repair of dam. Motion was seconded and carried. Repairs were to be made subject to approval of P. and C. Vernon Bowers made motion that Tuff Lovejoy supervise and control water level as close as possible to desired pitch. Motion was seconded and carried.
Pres. Ed Laing stated that he had talked to Mr. Easton about repair of Nicatous Tote road but nothing new or definite forthcoming. Mr. Easton had stated that to the best of his knowledge the County was not going to take over maintenance of the road. Mr. Chamberlin stated that he had been informed that the County was going to take over the road and had allotted $700.00 to be spent this year and $2500.00 next year.
Russ Lovejoy suggested that members consider expanding Association to include camp owners at West Lake on the assumption that there is strength in numbers and this might be useful in lobbying for stocking or any other action which might be of benefit to both areas. It was decided that this issue would be held over until the next meeting when more would be know about the West Lake Development.
Ed Laing made motion that this being the end of the term that new officers be elected. Motion denied. Verny Bowers made motion to retain same officers. Motion seconded and carried.
Marge Lovejoy made motion that Nicatous Association become Associate member of Maine Sporting Lodges Association. Motion seconded by Harold Chamberlin and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Russ Lovejoy
Nicatous Lake
Aug. 11, 1962
Pres. Ed Laing called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted as read.
Treasurer asked for payment of dues for the coming year, and Secretary distributed copies of the bylaws to new members.
President Laing asked if there was any old business to be discussed and the subject of bringing West Lake Camp Owners into the association was brought up. Mrs. Chamberlin moved to table this question for the time being and Mr. Chamberlin seconded. Motion carried.
Marge Lovejoy mentioned repairs to the dam. Russ said he could get no one to work on it the previous year while water was at a low level but would try to accomplish repairs this year if Association still desires it. Mike Bowers moved that we wait another year before spending money on the dam. Marge Lovejoy seconded. Motion carried.
Mr. Chamberlin moved that we close dam in the spring when the water reaches the four foot level in no. 1 gate. Mr. Chapman seconded. Motion carried.
Geo. Gordon asked for clarification of the law about fishways. Secretary explained that according to law we must either have a fishway installed or open gate of dam permanently. However that Comm. Cobb agreed that in order to hold a head of water in the summer, we could have permission to close the gates between June first and September eleventh only. Much discussion on this subject and Mr. Chamberlin stated that there was some doubt in his mind as to the legality of the above ruling.
The question was raised as to whether it was proper for Mr. Chamberlin to have two memberships in the association. Marge Lovejoy moved that since the bylaws state that no member shall have more than one vote that Mr. Chamberlin be limited to one membership. Mike Bowers seconded and the motion was carried.
Pres. Ed Laing resigned as president and Joe Laing was elected to the office of President. Russ Lovejoy reelected as Secretary and Treasurer.
Mrs. Chamberlin read a letter addressed by her to members of the Association, protesting statements made by Russ Lovejoy in a personal letter to some camp owners who are members of the Association. No action was taken in this matter. Mr. Bowers moved for adjournment and Mr. Gordon seconded. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 4:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Burlington Town Hall
August 10, 1963
Meeting called to order by Pres. Joe Laing at 2:20 PM.
Pres. Laing asked if there was any old business and Sec. Lovejoy reminded meeting that the Nicatous Dam was still leaking badly and in need of repair. Said that it is very difficult to raise or lower gates. Mr. Chamberlin moved that a committee be appointed to request permission and help from Prentiss and Carlisle Co. to repair the dam. Marge Lovejoy seconded and the motion was carried. It was agreed that Pres. laing and Mr. Chamberlin should comprise the committee.
There was some discussion about filling in two of the sluiceways with rock and gravel and repairing the other gate. Mike Bowers suggested that new floors be laid in the sluiceways over the old ones to stop some of the leakage. Vernon Bowers moved that we spend the $300 available for material and all members give a days labor on the dam. Elizabeth Magee seconded and the motion was carried. It was agreed that Vernie and Russ should order the necessary lumber and Joe Laing should bring the spikes. The Bee to be held on a Saturday when the water reached a suitable level.
Russ asked the meeting to elect a new Secretary-Treasurer but Mr. Chamberlin moved that the old officers be reelected and Elizabeth seconded. The motion carried and Russ agreed to condtion as Sec. – Treas. and Joe as Pres.
Mike Bowers moved to adjourn and Harmon seconded. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 3:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Sat. Aug. 15, 1964
Burlington Town Hall
Pres. Joe Laing called the meeting to order at 2 PM.
Secretary & treasurers report for past year read, and accepted as read.
Pres. Laing told the meeting that the work on the Nicatous Dam last fall has helped considerably in maintaining the water level. Members agreed to retain dam as is, with a view of eventually closing two gates with coarse gravel.
Mr. Chamberlin mentioned that in response to several complaints about dumping garbage along the road, that Prentis & Carlisle had erected a no-dumping sign on the tote road and had notified lease holders at West Lake to dump away from the road.
Chas. Dayton offered his thanks to all who contributed labor on the dam. he also move to pay the town of Burlington $4.00 for the use of the Town Hall for the years 1963 & 1964. Prall Morriam seconded and the motion carried. Check duly issued.
Harmon Chamberlin offered to see the Comm. of Inland Fisheries & Game and attempt to get some salmon stocked in Nicatous, in response to a request by one of the members that the association try to get some fish.
Harmon Chamberlin moved to keep the same officers for another year. Chas. Dayton seconded and motion carried.
Harmon moved for adjournment and Prall seconded, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 2:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Sec.
Sat. Aug 21, 1965
2 P.M.
Burlington Town Hall
Meeting called to order at 2 PM.
Secretaries report for 1964 read and accepted as read.
Treasurers report for 1964 read and accepted as read.
Harmon Chamberlin reported that he had approached the Fish and Game Dept. about stocking salmon in Nicatous without success.
Treasurer requested a small petty cash account to cover mailing costs. Mr. Chamberlin moved to establish a petty cash account for ten dollars. Chas. Dayton seconded and the motion carried.
Russ Lovejoy suggested it might be a good idea to close two sluices of the dam permanently with rock and gravel. Mr. Chamberlin suggested that P. & C. might pour concrete abutments and buy steel girders for bridging the dam. Pres. Laing offered to contact Geo. Carlisle of P. & C. to see if they would send a man to inspect the dam before one of their loaded pulp trucks fall through.
Chas. Dayton moved to adjourn and Harmon seconded.
Meeting adjourned at 2:50 PM.
Burlington Town Hall
Sat. Aug. 13, 1966
Pres. Laing called meeting to order at 2 PM.
Secretary’s report read and accepted as read. Treasurers report read and accepted as read.
Several members voiced the wish that the state stock salmon in Nicatous and Russ Lovejoy agreed to write a petition addressed to the Fish & Game Dept. to see if we can get some salmon stocked.
No old or new business to be considered by the meeting and Ray Gove moved to adjourn as 2:20 PM. Vernon Bowers seconded and meeting was duly adjourned.
Sat. Aug. 12, 1967
Pres. Laing called meeting to order at 2 PM.
Secretary & Treasurers report for the past year read and accepted as read.
Harmon Chamberlin spoke of his concern about pollution of Nicatous due to the large number of camps which have been built on West Lake. He suggested that we contact state authorities to see what needs to be done. Julia Bacon said she thought the Nat’l Resources Council might have helpful suggestions, Julia agreed to contact the council.
Frederick Chapman asked about repairs for the dam on Nicatous and it was agreed that due to the extensive repairs needed, the cost would be too great for the Camp Owners Association to handle. Harmon agreed to contact P.D. to see what they intend to do about the dam.
Harmon moved to adjourn at 2:20 PM. Frederick seconded and motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 2:20 PM.
Secretary’s Report
Aug. 17, 1968, 2 PM
Present: Joseph Laing, Pres., Russell Lovejoy, Sec. Treas., Dr. and Mrs. A. B. Dayton, Mr. & Mrs. Winthrop Merriam, Julia G Bacon, Raymond Gove, Alden Harris for Mr. Chamberlin.
The report of the Sec.- Treas. for the 1967 meeting was read and approved.
In 1967 the question of pollution in West Lake & Nicatous had been brought up. A letter to the National Resources Council of Maine was referred to the Water Improvement Commission. The director of the Division of Sanitary Engineering sent a plumbing inspector to Nicatous in the fall (September). He talked to Mr. Lovejoy and Mr. Chamberlin and said he would return the following summer when more camps were open.
There was discussions of sanitation problems in general such as facilities on Norway Point and other public camp grounds. Mr. Lovejoy suggested sending samples of lake water for testing a couple of times a year.
No action has been taken so far on stocking of salmon in Nicatous. Still working on survey.
R. Lovejoy resigned as Sec.- Treas. and J. Bacon elected.
There was some discussion on dam which is in bad shape – R. Lovejoy says raising and lowering gates is really a problem without a crew of men. Association authorized hiring help, when needed. Approx. dates on Sept. 10th (to open) and June 1st (to close).
Question of ownership of the dam is complicated. Diamond International and Eastern are present lumber company owners. The Log Driver’s Association presumably has authority and exists but is not currently active as dam is not used for lumbering.
Mr. Brown, chair of the County Commissioners in Ellsworth says county might help financially if matching funds were available from town or Camp Owners Association. County contributed considerably toward improving road to Nicatous. J. Bacon saw Mr. Brown in Ellsworth in Sept. 1968.
Secretary’s Report
Aug. 9, 1969
Present: Joseph Laing, Pres. – Julia G Bacon, Sec Treas.
Russell Lovejoy
Alden Harris for Harmon Chamberlin
Thomas Raile
Raymond Gove
Winthrop & Prall Bacon Merriam
The report of the 1968 meeting was read and approved.
Discussion about the dam -
Mr Chamberlin has asked his attorney in Bangor to check on the responsibility of Diamond on maintaining dam. Mr. Lovejoy thinks that one pate would be all that is necessary with other two filled in. At the moment there seems to be nothing to do about dam. It is in bad shape – Gates difficult to open & close.
Discussion about the road -
County road is now all the way to the lake – It seems better to gravel road already made than blacktop a section. There is a wrecked car on side of road – Is it anyone’s responsibility to see that it is removed?
Discussion on dump -
Everyone agrees that the dump is a mess, but what to do about it? Whose responsibility is it? Fire warden is concerned and it has been bulldozed – Mr. Chamberlin has worked on it. If it is reported to the Health Dept. it might just be closed, and then where are we?
Diamond International might help by canceling leases of West Lake campers who abuse dump privileges but who is going to catch them and report them?
Salmon Stocking -
Nothing is being done on Nicatous at present. West Lake is stocked. Mr. Lovejoy will ask Linwood Bowers about latest report on Nicatous.
Meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM
