Historic Resources Commission approves plaque wording, selects Longview Graphics

The Graham City Historic Resources Commission voted Aug. 4 to approve revised wording and formatting for three historic plaques and to move ahead with a vendor the staff identified as Longview Graphics. Chair opened the agenda item by returning the group to the plaques discussion from the May list and asked for public comment on wording only.

A staff member reported the status of approvals and said, “We have selected a contractor, that being Longview Graphics” and that the commission has initial cost estimates but would not have a final figure until lettering was finalized. Commissioners discussed uniform wording, agreeing to spell out the abbreviation “United Church of Christ” instead of “UCC,” to omit the word “built” before dates for consistency, and to move the word “style” to the end of architectural descriptions (for example, “Italian Renaissance style”).

Public commenter Mary Mebane, who identified herself at the meeting, asked whether removing “built” would still display the date; the chair confirmed the date will remain. Commissioners also debated whether to include an additional historic line about an original 1876 wood structure; the group agreed to keep the plaques simpler and limit the lines to what fits the approved format.

Commissioner made a motion to accept the lettering changes (including spelling out United Church of Christ, deleting a final line on one plaque, and moving the word “style” to the end of architectural descriptions); the motion was seconded and approved by the commission. Staff was directed to finalize wording and provide updated copy to Longview Graphics so samples can be prepared for presentation to the Graham City Council.

Staff reminded the commission of the city council submission deadline and next steps: materials must be submitted to get on the Sept. 8 Graham City Council agenda; the deadline to place materials on that agenda is Aug. 28. The commission agreed to move the three near-complete plaques forward rather than add additional sites now.