Readfield History Walk # 31 ~ Whittier Homesteads on North Road and Hike into Quimby Bog ~ 10/30/2015

Whittier homestead with Moses Eaton stencils the focus of Readfield History Walk
On October 30^th Readfield History Walkers will enjoy a walk into Quimby Bog, and afterwards visit the circa 1801 Josiah Whittier homestead on North Road, which harbors restored Moses Eaton stencils.
Participants will meet and park at 183 North Road, Readfield and from there will hike to Quimby Bog on a private trail. The trek covers about 1.5 miles round trip and is considered moderate by the landowners. Quimby Bog is named for Dr. Samuel Quimby of Mt. Vernon, an early physician and mill owner. The southernmost part of Quimby Bog can be seen from route 17 in Readfield Depot, and from there it extends north to Dunn's Corner, Mt. Vernon. The settlement known as Dunn's Corner developed around Dr. Quimby’s grist mill, sawmill and shingle mill which he managed from about 1810 until 1850.  
Upon completion of the hike participants will return to the Josiah Whittier homestead.
Josiah Whittier was a son of Moses, who came to Readfield from Raymond, NH with his wife and ten children about 1788. Moses settled 200 acres on the road then called “Whitcher Road” (the old spelling and pronunciation for Whittier), but known today as North Road. Moses’ sons Josiah, Beniah and Moses, Jr as well as three grandsons - Hiram, Joseph and True Whittier - followed in his footsteps. Some of Moses’ daughters married men from this area of town and also settled nearby – one being his son-in-law Nathaniel Jose for whom Jose Hill is named. In that area of town there remains four original "Whitcher" homesteads.
History Walkers will have the opportunity to view restored Moses Eaton stencils inside the Josiah Whittier homestead. Eaton was from New Hampshire, born 1792, and apprenticed under his father, Moses Sr.  He struck out on his own as an itinerant artist and his travels brought him into Maine where examples of his work still exist.  Eaton stenciled inside both Josiah Whittier’s house and his father’s house next door.
Participants to meet by 10:00 a.m. at 183 North Road, located 0.8 miles after turning off route 17. Walkers will receive information about the Whittier family and their contemporary neighbors, Samuel Wing and his son Daniel, who arrived here about 1780, and others who came to this part of Readfield early on. Walking sticks and sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended. Bring a sandwich if you wish to eat lunch with the group afterwards. There is no fee for Readfield History Walks. Donations in support of the historical site markers project are welcome. Checks can be made payable to Readfield Historical Society. Of note - Moses, Sr's daughter Lydia's second marriage was to Simeon Ladd, Jr. in 1821 (history walk #30).