Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Smith Homestead: Readfield: History Walk # 72

The new barn at Smith Homestead.
(Mike LaBerge photo)
Mark your calendars for a history walk of the old Smith homestead property on Sturtevant Hill Road, Friday, October 11th 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Thank you to Steve DeAngelis for hosting and guiding us on a tour of his new post and beam barn and the grounds. He will also share some of the surprises that have been discovered on the land since his family purchased the farm ten years ago. A grandson of Reggie and Olive Smith hopes to join us and share some precious memories of his grandparents and the homestead, where he spent much of his youth “tagging along ten feet behind Reggie, his hero.”

Following that part of the tour, those who wish to are invited to follow a trail “down back” where an old foundation has been discovered. Bring a sandwich walking stick and wear good shoes if you wish to take part in that excursion. There is no fee or registration required. FMI email crossings4u@gmail.com.

Monday, October 17, 2022

HISTORY WALK #62 ~ VETERANS' DAY, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2022

An event honoring all Veterans will be held in Readfield on Friday, Nov. 11th planned by members of Readfield’s Historical Society, Select Board, United Methodist Church and the 3rd Maine Infantry Civil War re-enactors. All are welcome to join in for this special remembrance and honoring of those who have served or currently serve in the U.S. Armed Services.

Participants should gather at the Readfield Corner Cemetery, Church Road by 10 a.m. for a special remembrance of some Veterans whose memorials and graves are there. From the cemetery the 3rd Maine will lead the way to Asa Gile Hall, 8 Old Kents Hill Road, for a closing ceremony at 11 a.m. in honor of all Veterans. All are invited to march along or those who are not able to walk that far can follow in their vehicles. The 3rd Maine will do two musket volleys along the way, at the cemetery and outside Gile Hall. 

Following the ceremony free bag lunches will be distributed at Gile Hall, by members of the Readfield United Methodist Church.  

To begin, at Readfield Corner Cemetery, parking is available at the Old Fairgrounds parking lot or in the north end of the cemetery. Please invite and / or bring Veterans you know. FMI contact 441-9184 or crossings4u@gmail.com.  

Saturday, August 13, 2022

HISTORY WALK # 61 ~ READFIELD DEPOT VILLAGE

Readfield Depot Village from days gone by was the topic for our history walk on Sat, August 13th during Readfield Heritage Days weekend. Thank you to all who attended and had stories and info to share.





Thursday, July 8, 2021

History Walk #59 to include unveiling of SIX historic signs

On Saturday, August 14th, during Readfield Heritage Days six historic site markers will be unveiled. Folks can either walk along with Dale Potter-Clark as each unveiling is done, or attend those of particular interest:

1. 9:00 a.m. Readfield Community Library at their book sale at the Readfield Fire Department.

2. 10:00 a.m. Union Meeting House, 22 Church Road. Meet inside the meeting house for this unveiling.

3. 11:00 a.m. Old Fairgrounds , Church Road. Four signs will be unveiled here. Three in the parking lot and one on the “Upper Fair-grounds Trail”. These signs will cover the time span 1812-2021; from 1812 when militia musters were first held; to the Kennebec County Agricultural Fair; and the Readfield Grange Fair to and through the evolution to what is there today.

4. 11:30 a.m. the sign at Upper Fairgrounds Trail will include information about the race track where sulky races, horse and oxen pullings and other events were held. An oxen pulling demonstration will be held then also, with some of the original pulling stones, to an area prepared for a special display.

The pulling stone event is made possible by a 
Maine Bicentennial Grant from the Maine Arts Commission.

Monday, June 14, 2021

FIRST HISTORIC SITE MARKER DEDICATED ~ JUNE 11, 2021

We dedicated the first "History Walks Series" historical site marker on June 11, 2021. More will be appearing in and around Readfield Corner this summer. Stay tuned for where and when...

The sign pictured here will be displayed on the Masonic Block at Readfield Corner. The photos and narrative includes the history of Masonic Lodge #48 which was established at Readfield Corner in 1826; and the devastating fire that destroyed most of Readfield Corner on June 11, 1921. The sign was sponsored in memory of Thomas Adell, by some of his family members, friends and members of the Masonic Lodge. (Andy Tolman photo)

In the photo L to R: Dale Potter-Clark, Bill Adams, Ed Dodge and standing below on the right is John Lord. Ed and John are Masons who worked with Dale to plan and implement the History Walk and sign dedication. Bill co-led the walk with Dale.