To the Editor:

Sept. 26 marked the occasion of the Berne Historical Society’s 46th annual meeting and election of officers. The night also set the stage for the “big reveal” of Berne’s historic-sign mystery painter.

In the front corner of our meeting room at the Berne Library stood a cardboard cutout figure wearing a white T-shirt, baseball cap, and masked face sporting two huge question marks. By its side was an historic sign cutout complete with blue post and gold trim: “Berne’s Roadside History Makeovers 2016.” On the refreshment table, a CD player.

After elections and a slide show of Berne’s markers, the time had arrived. A flurry of activity in the Berne Library located our special guest, a flickering of lights quieted those in attendance, and the CD player’s play button brought up the theme song from “Rocky.” When Frank Brady charged into the room with fists held high, he was greeted with smiles and a huge round of applause. (Maybe he didn’t charge in or have his fists held high, but it did seem like it).

Brady, combining humor laced with underlying sincerity, shared some of his sign-painting adventures. While renewing one precariously located marker, a man asked if he needed a ladder. On other sites, at least two separate people stopped to thank him for his efforts.

Many miles were logged while hunting for plaques — JoAnne Brady, his wife, was a great assistant during this phase. Of the 26 markers reported to be part of Berne’s roadside history, Brady located 15 and restored 14.

During our business meeting, we voted to fund the replacement of one of the nine missing markers in town.  The historical society is also in the midst of a grant application to place a marker at the Helderberg Lutheran Church, commemorating the Anti-Rent State Convention held there in 1845. The church was recently placed on the State Register of Historic Places. Congratulations to the church for this well-deserved honor.

Also part of the evening, a motion was passed to offer a once-and-done life membership for $100. Regular annual dues remain at $5 per person.  

After presenting Brady with a certificate of appreciation, he thanked us and made a point of offering his help if we ever needed anything. Since you mentioned it, the repair of the kitchen in the Berne Museum was brought up. This room got hit with water damage from a leaky roof in 2005. So, Frank, do you have experience with paint and spackle?

Thanks again to Frank Brady for caring enough to improve Berne’s roadside history.

Sandra L. Kisselback

Berne Historical Society