The minutes from the 1970’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).
The annual meeting of the Nicatous Camp Owners Association was held on Saturday, August 15, 1970 in the Burlington Town Hall.
President Joe Laing called the meeting to order at approximately 2 PM. Miss Julia Bacon read the secretary and treasurers reports which were accepted.
Miss Bacon then nominated Margaret Easton to succeed her as secretary/treasurer. Mr. Laing was nominated to remain as president. He acknowledged that he was willing to remain on but would be happy to retire if someone else were nominated. There were no other nominations and the two officers were duly elected.
The next business to be taken up was a meeting place for next year. Most people seemed to feel that some place on the lake would be more convenient then in Burlington. Mr. Libman volunteered to act as host at his camp, formerly Butterfield’s Island. Mr. Lovejoy also volunteered. Another suggestion was to have it at the New York Club. Mr. Easton made a motion which was seconded and upon affirmatively to meet on the lake at a place selected by the president.
The next order of business concerned the dam. There was general discussion about the condition of the dam, the problems of opening and lowering the gates and a general what to do about it. Mr. Stratton nominated a committee to investigate the problem and to attempt to do something about it. The following people were nominated and elected to service on the committee:
Ronald Pelletier
Harmon Chamberlain
Orman McKinney
Finally, Mrs. Lovejoy reported that Mr. Bowers had heard from the Fish and Game Department that they intended to stock the lake with 15,000 salmon in the fall.
The monthly meeting was adjourned at 2:45 PM.
People attending the meeting were:
Charles Dayton
Raymond Gove
Joseph Laing
Mr. & Mrs. John L. Easton, Jr.
Miss Cheryl Hesseltine
Dana Stratton
Ronald Pelletier
Mr. & Mrs. Willis Thompson
Mrs. Russell Lovejoy
Michael Libman
Vernon Bowers
Mrs. Winthrop Merriam and son
Miss Julia Bacon
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Easton, Sec.
The Nicatous Camp Owners Association met on Saturday, August 21, 1971 at the New York Club at 2 PM.
President Joe Laing called the meeting to order at 2 PM. The secretary read the minutes of the last meeting and the treasurers report, both of which were accepted.
The next order of business was election of officers. President Laing declined to serve again and MR. Raymond Gove was nominated and elected. Mrs. Easton was again elected as secretary.
Mr. Pelletier reporting for the dam committee said that the dam was in very bad shape. After considerable discussion about what could be done a motion was made for the committee to take whatever action was necessary to repair the and prevent the dam from collapsing using up to the amount that we now have in the treasury. This motion was amended to allow for a member canvas should additional funds be needed. The motion was approved.
Because Orman McKinney is not a member of the Association a replacement on the dam committee had to be found to take his place. Mr. Stratton was nominated but declined. Mr. Easton was then nominated and was suggested that Mr. McKinney remain on in an ex-office capacity.
Mr. Charles Dayton suggested that a concrete structure in front of the dam might be one way to solve the problem.
A rising Mrs. Lovejoy reported that 4700 salmon were put in the lake as far up as they could be taken before they would have died. Mrs. Lovejoy also offered Hemlock Lodge as the next meeting place. This offer was accepted with pleasure.
A rising vote of thanks was given to Joe Laing who has served so faithfully in the office of president.
The meeting was adjourned at 3 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Easton
Secretary
Members attending:
Julia Bacon
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Gove
Mr. & Mrs Winthrop Merriman & family
Joe Laing
Harris Bradeen
Mr. & Mrs. Willard Thompson and family
Cheryl Hesseltine and guest
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Dayton
Ronald Pelletier
Dana Stratton
Mr. & Mrs. John Easton
Mrs. Russell Lovejoy
The Nicatous Camp Owners Association met at Mr. and Mrs. Lovejoy’s camp, Hemlock Lodge, on August 19th, 1972 at 2 PM.
President Raymond Gove called the meeting to order. The secretary and treasurers report were read and accepted.
Total funds as of August 19th, 1972 were $728.54. $60.00 in dues were collected at the meeting making a total of $788.54.
Ronald Pelletier, chairman of the dam committee made his report. He had talked to David Thompson of Diamond International who said that Diamond would provide an “I” beam on a flatbed, a back hoe and two men if we could manage a roll-type dam. This would keep the lake at the same level all year around. Mr. Thompson suggested a petition from camp owners for the purpose of avoiding a fishway the cost of which would be astronomical. Mr. Thompson also suggested that a representative of the association and one from Diamond get together with someone from the state. Everyone agreed that the level of water at the time of this meeting was about right. The measurement at the time for the bottom to the “I” beam was 38”. Mr. Pelletier also showed a plan that he had drawn up for a roll-type dam.
Under new business, Miss Bacon suggested that we continue with the officers that we now have. The motion was made and approved.
There was some discussion about stocking the lake and the method being used.
There then followed considerable discussion about pollution of the lake. There was feeling among some members that there were some camp owners who were polluting very badly with little regard as to the consequences. Mr. Weeks made a motion that we inquire as to what the laws and regulations are regarding this. It was suggested by Mr. Gove that we wait to see what LURC came up with. The secretary was instructed to write about regulations concerning pollution before the next meeting.
Finally, it was moved and accepted that the place of the next meeting be the Nicatous Club at 2 PM at about the middle of August.
A vote of thanks was extended to the Lovejoy’s and the meeting adjourned at 3:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Easton
Secretary
The Nicatous Campowners Association met on Saturday, August 18, 1973 at 2 PM.
President Raymond Gove opened the meeting. The secretary read minutes of the last meeting and gave the treasurers report.
First topic, as usual, was the dam. It was reported that Diamond International planned to repair the old dam and did not want any help from the organization. some members felt that it was not possible to repair the old dam and some felt that this measure was too temporary but the group voted to see what Diamond did do this year.
Mr. Arthur Dayton suggested as a motion: “We urge that a notch be put in 2” x 8” deep so that a low flow would concentrate in that area. This was voted.
There was some discussion as to who maintains the dump and of pollution in general.
It was voted to join COLA, the Congress of Lake Associations. The president or secretary will appoint a person to COLA.
An amendment was suggested to by-laws to limit families to one vote.
Raymond Gove was nominated and elected as president . Margaret Easton was nominated and elected as secretary-treasurer and it was agreed that the next meeting would be held about the middle of August at 2 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Margaret Easton, Secretary
Abbreviated: Minutes of Nicatous Campowners’ Assn. Meeting
August 17, 1974 – 2 P.M. – Nicatous Club
President Raymond Gove called the meeting to order soon after 2 P.M. In the absence of the Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. Easton, Julia Gove collected the dues. Julia Bacon was asked to be temporary secretary of this meeting.
The minutes of the 1973 meeting and the treasurer’s report were read and approved.
The question of the dump was discussed. Diamond International is in charge and recent bulldozing closed one entrance and opened the other. Russell Lovejoy recommended that the road be open at both ends and arranged so that cars can drive through beside the pit to encourage dumping there. Letter with this suggestion should be sent to Diamond from the Nicatous Campowners Assn. – Passed
The next discussion was on the Dam. Correspondence to and from the Campowners’ Assn. and Diamond was read. The latest seems to be that Diamond is about to build a Dam with fishway constructed according to Fish and Game specifications. The questions of the water level was brought up. Several years ago when there was much
discussion about the water level a compromise was agreed upon setting the level at about 3 ft. or possibly 38” from the floor of the Dam. It is not possible to maintain an absolute level but it has been kept at approximately this height.
It was suggested that Campowners’ Assn. write to Diamond recommending the 3 ft. or therabouts for the new Dam.
It was suggested that someone from the association be appointed to check on the progress of the Dam and notify the association of developments. Russell Lovejoy and Linwood Bowers were asked to do this.
Membership in COLA (Congress of Lake Associations) was discussed. Mrs. Easton went to a meeting of COLA as representative of Nicatous Campowners’ Assn. and found it very interesting. Campowners’ Assn. joined COLA last year and dues are to be raised to $2.00 next year (per member). It was voted to continue membership in COLA and to appoint Mrs. Easton as representative from the Campowners’ Assoc.
Next question was that of the number of votes per camp or per family.. This was discussed by Assn. and we thought resolved some years back. However there still seemed to be uncertainty and action on a possible change in the Bylaws was postponed from 1973 to 1974. No one had a copy of the by-laws at this meeting so it was voted to discuss it in 1975 with reference to the present by-laws with a copy of the by-laws in hand.
Officers of the Assn. were elected as at present.
President – Raymond Gove
Sec. Tres. – Margaret Easton
Date of the 1975 meeting was set for the mid-August date comparable to this year – August 16, 1975. It was recommended that minutes of the meeting be sent to anyone with a lease or a concern with land on the lake. There seems to be sufficient money in the treasury. It was also recommended that notes of the meeting be sent to new people as well as present members and perhaps if notes are sent out a little earlier in the summer more people would come. Unfortunately, there were no members with camps in the upper lake present at this 1974 meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 3:30.
Julia Bacon
(temporary sec.)
1975 – The Nicatous Campowners Association met at 2 PM at the Nicatous Club.
President Raymond Gove opened the meeting. Margaret Easton read the secretary & treasurers reports. She reported a balance in the savings account of $1005.47 and in the checking account of $50.38.
Under old business the subject of the dump and dump road came up. Several members suggested that the dump was a mess because one end of the road was blocked off. it was suggested that a letter be sent to COLA to see if they had any information on dumps and to proceed from there.
A report on the dam indicated that the fishway was out of the water at the time of the year when the fish would be using it and appeared to be improperly placed. There is also a seepage leak on the south side of the dam. It was felt that a heavy rain in the spring might take the dam out. The water was too high in the spring but all right now. It was suggested that a letter be sent to Fish and Game to have them inspect fishway before fish leave lake.
A brief discussion of the bylaws concerning membership and voting followed with the conclusion that the bylaws were sufficiently clear concerning this.
Under new business, Mrs. Easton and President Raymond Gove reported about the annual COLA meeting. There were several interesting workshops attended by Mrs. Easton and Mr. and Mrs. Gove. One workshop concerned theft and vandalism. Forms were available to members for listing valuables in their camps. It was moved and seconded that expenses for these meetings when attended by the COLA representative be paid.
It was suggested that a request to LURC Be sent for a map of the area and how it is designated.
The subject of stocking the lake came up. One member reported that the state biologist felt that the lake could not maintain salmon. It was suggested that a letter to Maynard Marsh be written.
The president felt that it would be advisable to have a vice-president or someone like this in the event that the president resided out of state. The bylaws do not provide for a vice-president so it was voted to amend them to include this office next year. The vote on the amendment to preclude the election of officers.
In the meantime, Linwood Bowers was nominated and elected to serve as residential aide to the president. Raymond Gove was reelected as president and Margaret Easton as secretary treasurer.
The meeting was then adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Margaret Easton
Secretary
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Nicatous Camp Owners Association
August 14, 1976
The annual meeting of the Nicatous Camp Owners Associations was held on August 14, 1976 at 2 PM at the Nicatous Club. President Raymond Gove conducted the meeting. Minutes of the 1975 meeting were accepted as read. Mrs. Easton reported a balance on hand of $105.70 in the checking account and $1156.45 in the savings account.
Under old business Mrs. Easton reported that she had communicated both by telephone and letter with Mr. Bruce Brockway of Diamond International concerning dump and dam problems. Mr. Brockway indicated that the exit road from the dump had been closed upon request because it was too close to Nicatous Stream. He expressed the opinion that Diamond would eventually be asked to close the dump permanently. He expressed the opinion that Diamond would eventually be asked to close the dump permanently. He has referred the problem with the dam to Diamonds’ Superintendent of road construction.
Under new business President Gove mentioned the letter received by Diamond lessees stating that unless the dump was properly used Diamond would have to charge $10.00 to maintain it. Mrs. Lovejoy made a motion that Diamond receive our expression of appreciation for bulldozing the rubbish back and cleaning the dump up. Mr. Brockway, at Mrs. Easton’s request, had sent a list of West Lake lessees with the idea that we might help in the formation of an association at West Lake which might in turn help to police the dump, since it is mostly people from that lake that use it. If any of our members have any suggestions for persons to contact please let the secretary know.
Everyone at the meeting agreed that the water level of the lake is too high. There were various suggestions for solutions to the problem. Improper placement of the fishway appears to be a major factor. It was also suggested that the dam was too narrow. Another suggestion was to check in to the possibility of cutting the dam down to the next timber since it appears to be holding more than the three feet of water which association members have previously agreed to be the “normal” level of the water held by the dam.
There was some discussion of a petition to be sent to the Soil and Water Conservation Commission under the “Neglected Dams” act, upon receipt of a petition from 10% of the littoral proprietors this commission can conduct a public hearing for the for the purpose of establishing a normal water level. Members felt, however, that it would be more appropriate to first attempt to solve this problem through further communication with Diamond and Maine Fish and Game (because of the fishway). Letters were to be sent to both asking that they meet with our dam committee. (These letters have been sent.)
President Raymond Gove talked about the COLA annual meeting which he and Mrs. Gove attended, mentioning that it was possible to have a sanitary survey done through the Environmental Protection Association. He had several pamphlets available for perusal.
Under other new business, Richard Weeks suggested the possibility of running a cooperative store. No action was taken at this meeting but members were to think it over before next year.
Section 4 of the Bylaws was amended to include a vice-president.
Officers elected were Raymond Gove, President; Linwood Bowers, Vice-president; Margaret Easton, Secretary, Treasurer. The secretary was instructed to cast one ballot.
Respectfully submitted
Margaret Easton, Secretary
The Nicatous Camp Owners Association met on August 13, 1977 at 2 PM at the Nicatous Club with Mrs. Elizabeth Magee as hostess.
Since copies of the 1976 meeting had been sent to camp owners it was moved to omit reading them.
The treasurers report was read. The association has $149.87 on hand in the checking account and $1349.50 in the savings account as of this date.
The secretary reported that, as a result of a motion at the 1976 meeting, a letter had been sent to Mr. Brockway of Diamond International, suggesting a meeting of our dam committee (Linwood Bowers and Russell Lovejoy), a representative of Diamond and someone from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. This meeting was held on Wednesday, September 29 at 10:30 AM. As a result of the meeting Diamond offered to attempt to lower the dam approximately a foot by removing eight to twelve inches from the top of the faceboards on the dam. They requested a letter from the Association asking for this action and signed by the officers. Diamond received this letter on October 19 but was unable to do anything because of fall rains.
On April 18, 1977 the secretary received a letter from Mr. Brockway saying that nothing had been done because of the high water level but would be done when “physically possible”. Nothing has been done as of August 13.
Linwood Bowers reported that he had checked the dam and believed that the water was as low as it would get. He made a motion to have a letter sent to Diamond suggesting that this would be a good time to lower the dam before the fall rains started. In a discussion by the group it was ascertained that there were amp owners who would be willing to help Diamond on this project. The motion carried. The secretary is to notify members when the work has been completed.
Under new business a card was read from Dick Fogg’s family thanking the association for flowers sent to his funeral. (Linwood Bowers thought of this). Other discussion involved the legality of spraying near the shore and a discussion of vandalism. Most members felt that we were fairly free from it so far.
Marge Lovejoy mentioned that a Mr. Hart was interested in writing a book about Nicatous Lodge and was particularly interest in hearing from anyone who knew about the history of the lake and lake people. His address can be obtained by contacting her at Hemlock Lodge, Nicatous Lake.
A subject important to all members was a discussion of a crisis distress signal. It was decided that a white flag signal at dock level could be used and should be investigated by anyone going by. Some members also advocated the use of Citizen Band radios. Several people in the upper lake are already using them. The Tynes (new owners of Nicatous Lodge) can send messages to the Penobscot sheriffs office on the Civilian Defense Band in case of emergency but since their generator is only on at certain times of the day, they do not attempt to receive messages.
Reelected to office were Raymond Gove, President and Linwood Bowers, Vice-president. Ruth Weeks was elected as the new secretary. It was voted to request the officers to have a suggested slate ready before the meeting next year with the idea that the president and vice-president serve for two years and the vice-president would be willing to assume the presidency. The outgoing secretary received a vote of thanks.
Respectfully submitted
Margaret Easton, Secretary
Omitted at the meeting but worthy of mention – Mrs. Easton received a telephone call from Frank Le Duc’s secretary (St. Regis), saying that he had nothing to report to camp owners and everything seemed to be gong very well.
The letter concerning the dam was sent to Diamond on August 17, 1977.
The Nicatous Camp Owners Association meeting was held on August 19th, 1978 at the Nicatous Club at 2 PM.
A discussion about the lowering of the dam level to between 8” – 12” followed. It was decided to maintain a daily check of the water level to determine accurately the height of the water. This monthly check will be kept by Mr. Tyne, our new vice-president.
A letter was sent to Diamond International to thank them for their cooperation in the lowering of the dam and a statement was included to mention that our organization is reserving judgment for several years as to whether this height will meet the goal the organization has set for a medium height water level.
The dump situation at the foot of the lake was discussed. A suggestion was made to contact the selectmen of Burlington to see about Burlington letting us dump our refuse at their dump. A suggestion was also made to send a letter to Diamond International to see about the cost of clearing the land around the dump and the digging of a pit for the refuse.
The election of officers was held and Mr. Gove was reelected President, Mr. Tyne was elected Vice-president and Ruth B. Weeks was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the organization.
Mr. Dayton as president of the Nicatous Club again graciously offered to the the N.C.O.A. meeting held there in 1979. This offer was accepted with thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth B. Weeks
Secretary, Nicatous Campowners Association
The Nicatous Camp Owners Association meeting was held on August 18th, 1979 at the Nicatous Club at 2 PM.
This was an overwhelming year for attendance as there were 29 people (voting) at the meeting and a total of 7 new members – all from the upper lake!
The treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Mr. Tyne gave his report on the monthly check of the dam height for the year from September 1978 – August 1979. Discussion about the dam height followed. Motion was made to leave dam situation alone and reserve judgment for a period of four years. Amendment to motion made stating if there is any problem in any year prior to the 4 year period, a discussion of the dam height would again be brought up. Motion carried by 18 -2 votes.
Mr. Tyne motioned that the association state it is satisfied with water level at this date August 18, 1979. Motion 2nd and vote.
A letter from Diamond International was read by Ruth Weeks, secretary, saying that the dump cold be cleared and refurbished at a cost of $600.00 and maintained at a cost of $1.00 per year for the association. Mr. Tyne related his contact with the Burlington selectmen to use the Burlington dump. A negative reply was received and the letter further stated the county was responsible.
A discussion followed regarding the dump situation. The people at the upper lake use the Beddington dump – 20 miles away. Mention was made of the fact that the warden is keeping a close watch on the dump and debris around it as there are now newer and stricter regulations. The feeling of the association is that the West Lake residents are using the dump more than the Nicatous Lake people. Mr. Barry Tyne of Nicatous Lodge, a full-time resident, noted that he used the dump a lot also.
After much discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Baldwin that a “dump” committee be appointed and to authorize the president to spend $600.00, if needed. Motion seconded by Mr. Tyne and voted. The president would act ex-officio and would appoint a dump committee of 3 with expense money up to $600.00. Suggestion made that new and old members be notified of dues owed and also if there are new members that notification be sent to the secretary of N.C.O.A.
Election of officers followed. Mr. Bowers motioned that he slate of officers remain the same. Mr. Sargent said motion out of order until members have chance to express themselves on nomination. Nominations followed. Barry Tyne was elected new president, Harris Bradeen, new vice-president and Leslie Locke, new treasurer-secretary for 1979 - 1980.
Mr. Tyne then appointed the dump committee of 3: Linwood Bowers, Dand Stratton, Mare Lovejoy.
With the approval of the Nicatous Club the annual meeting will be held there on the 3rd Saturday of August in 1980.
Respectfully Submitted.
Ruth B. Weeks