Saturday, October 25, 2014

Readfield History Walk #24 ~ FOLLOW-UP / UPDATE

Last fall we held a Readfield History Walk, led by guests Libby Doak and Sharon Burns of Chelsea. The Readfield Cemetery Sexton and most of the Cemetery Committee attended and are now in touch with Doak and Burns. These ladies have done an amazing job of restoring cemeteries in their town and are very generous with their time in teaching others their techniques, "tricks of the trade" and materials used at minimal cost. They have now also been put in touch with the Mt. Vernon Cemetery Sexton who plans to attend Libby and Sharon's "class". Cleaning stones can be a VERY expensive project when done professionally and some techniques used can actually be harmful to the stones. The process is not difficult or expensive when a few volunteers get together and take it on. FMI about Doak and Burns group see Maine Cemetery Volunteers - MCV on Facebook. SO PLEASED this is a result of History Walk #24!!

Readfield History Walk #24 ~ 11/14/2014 ~ Early New England Cemetery Traditions, Grave Stone Iconography and Symbolism


Friday, November 14, 2014 10:00-12:00noon ~ Early New England Cemetery Traditions, Grave Stone Iconography and Symbolism
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THIS LINK TO SEE THE PICTURES FROM THIS VERY INTERESTING PRESENTATION AND READ THE CAPTIONS TO LEARN SOME OF WHAT WAS SHARED!  
Libby Doak and Sharon Burns have been recording, cleaning and restoring old cemeteries in Chelsea, ME for the past 3 years which has led them into fascinating finds. Because of their interest in the old burying grounds, they have gained knowledge about the traditional early New England cemetery traditions and grave stone iconography and symbolism. The pair will have charts and lists of symbol meanings available as well as extensive bibliographies. “This will be a pretty informal presentation”, said Doak. “We love trivia like why cemeteries are fenced and why ministers often had dozens of pairs of gloves. And you wouldn’t believe the amount of drink a funeral required.”

A demonstration for how to clean gravestones using D2 will also be done. All are welcome. There is no fee. Donations to Readfield Historical Society or Readfield Trails Committee are appreciated. This will be the last history walk of 2014.




Thursday, October 23, 2014

Readfield History Walk #23 ~ 10/31/2014 ~ Joel Bean and David Huntoon homesteads & Tyler Conservation Area

The Joel Bean and David Huntoon homesteads & Tyler Conservation Area, Thundercastle Road ~ OCTOBER 31st
Hosted by John Tyler and Melanie Lanctot
In this History Walk we will discover what the origin is of Thundercastle and learn about the people who lived in this area during the earliest days of Readfield. Settled by Joel Bean and Samuel Huntoon, this neighborhood was owned predominately by members of the Bean and Huntoon families until well into the 19th century. Two of the original Bean and Huntoon farm houses are still standing. Melanie, who is celebrating the 100th anniversary of her family owning her home, will share background information and vintage pictures of the Fuller / Lanctot homestead. We will also enjoy walking in the Tyler Conservation Area with John Tyler, whose family has made this land available for the public to enjoy. The 45-acre easement, donated by the Tyler family, protects wildlife habitat, provides for local recreation, and conserves the rural character of the Readfield neighborhood we will tour. NOTE!! Gather at the Readfield Town Office at 10am and we will car pool from there, due to limited parking at our walk site.

Dedication of new loop on Old Fairgrounds Trails ~ October 25th at 9:00am

Saturday, October 25th at 9:00am there will be a ribbon cutting dedication of the new loop on the Old Fairgrounds Trail. Gather outside the Maranacook School District superintendent's building by 9am at 45 Millard Harrison Drive, Readfield. Refreshments will be served and guided walks at the Old Readfield Fairgrounds Trail will be offered following the dedication. This will be held rain or shine.

Friday, October 17, 2014

The Beans of Readfield, Maine ~ Wed, October 22nd at Maranacook Adult & Community Education

The Beans of Readfield, Maine 
Wednesday, October 22, 2014, 6:30-8:30 pm

The Beans were significant landowners, manufacturers and farmers in Readfield from  1780 until well into the 19th century. Their mills and farms were concentrated on and around Thundercastle Road, but some lived at Readfield Corner, on Kents Hill and near Readfield Depot too. At one time Torsey Pond was called Joel Bean’s Pond and nearby was another small mill pond called Bean’s mill pond. They built many beautiful stonewalls, dams and foundations that have endured for two centuries. In spite of their significant presence and contributions the Bean name is nearly obscure in Readfield today. Come to “The Beans of Readfield, Maine”and learn how the Beans helped form, develop and populate our town.
Instructor: Dale Potter Clark
Location: Maranacook Community High School
Registration: $15
To register contact Maranacook Adult and Community Education
Phone: 207-685-4923  x 1065 or REGISTER ONLINE  using a debit or credit card
For details and to view all classes,  go to:    http://maranacook.maineadulted.org






Saturday, October 4, 2014

Readfield History Walk #22 ~ Franklin and Joel Bean, Jr. homesteads and More!! ~ October 17, 2014

CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN AND WILL BE RESCUEDULED IN 2015
Franklin and Joel Bean, Jr. homesteads and Chases Camps on Thundercastle and Chase Roads.
Hosted by Tom and Christine Higgins.
We will explore some of the ground where two of the Bean brothers established their adjoining homesteads in 1812 and 1825. The Chases Camps property was originally part of these homesteads. John A. Chase of Kents Hill purchased land from the Beans, on Torsey Pond (formerly called Bean then Greeley Pond) and established the first boys camp in Maine there. Many of the original buildings are still standing but are privately owned cottages today. As part of this History Walk the Higgins, who are both artists, have invited us to their uniquely designed studio where we will view some of Tom's art and Christine will give a paper making demonstration.


Meet at the Readfield Town Office and we will car pool from there as parking is limited at the walk location. Bring a sandwich and water and wear sturdy walking shoes.