Johnston Historical Society gets a sign of the times

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There was no formal ceremony for the Johnston Historical Society’s newest addition.

There was, however, plenty of excitement at the non-profit’s Museum Barn that’s located next to the Elijah Angell House and Fire Station No. 2 on Putnam Pike, Route 44, in Johnston.

On a near bone-chilling morning, there were also two rather impressive expressions of thanks issued by Louis McGowan, the JHS president, who was elated once a special sign had been erected to the Museum Barn.

“Wow, that looks fantastic,” McGowan observed while standing back and gazing at the 12-foot wide sign that measured two feet deep. “People coming east on Route 44 will certainly be able to see the sign; it’s going to give us extra advertising for folks who don’t know about our organization.”

McGowan then extended his hand to John Eramian, the owner of Eramian Signs and said: “Thank you John; I can’t tell you how much we appreciate what you’ve done for us in the past and especially to put this sign up here on the Museum Barn.”

The JHS president also wanted it known that “John Eramian has always been there for each and every organization in Johnston. He’s a very generous businessman when it comes to helping non-profits and we certainly appreciat his help in erecting this sign. Again, thank you John!”

The JHS was also had the sign made with the help of Johnston State Rep. Deb Fellela, who McGowan said “has always been there time and gain for the Johnston Historical Society.”

Fellela was successful in securing a State of Rhode Island Legislative Grant that are only given to non-profit organizations that meet the requirements necessary for such funding.

When the JHS approached Fellela about applying for the grant, she said “absolutely” and as McGowan said after the sign raising – which is wooden and painted features brown paint on the trim and lettering and sits atop of a tan background – “we can’t thank Deb enough for her on-going efforts on behalf of the JHS.”

The new sign also offers what McGowan said is “another audience for the JHS.”

“Everyone that visits Emmily’s Family Style Restaurant & Grille (next door to the Museum Barn) will see that sign,” MvGowan went on. “Also, people who are driving down Route 44 from Smithfield will see it too. This is exactly what we’ve needed for quite some time.”

Anthony Ursillo, a Director for the JHS, along with Eramian’s son Matt and co-worker Chris also assisted in affixing the sign to the Museum Barn.

“The sign looks absolutely awesome on the building,” Ursillo noted while thanking Timothy Kee for being on hand to photograph the event. “It will really help advertise the JHS.”

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