Fifty Old Houses in Readfield and the People Who Lived in Them ~ Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Wednesday, November 19, 2014, 6:30-8:30 pm

As you drive through Readfield have you wondered about the history of some of our old homes? In this presentation you will learn something about more than fifty of our 18^th and 19^th century homes and some of the people who have lived in or built them. Many of the same houses will be included, that were discussed when this presentation was done last spring. Some different homes will be added from various parts of town.

Instructor: Dale Potter Clark and Bill Adams
Location: Maranacook Community High School
Registration: $15 will help fund historical site markers in Readfield

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

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.

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.

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 19^th 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

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.

Readfield History Walk #21 ~ The Earliest Days on the Eastern Shore of Maranacook Lake ~ October 3, 2014

Bring a sandwich, a walking stick, and wear sturdy walking shoes. Meet at 10:00am at the home of Bob and Joan Mohlar at 339 South Rd. Walks generally take about 3 hours which includes stopping for lunch.

What I call "W Corner" is quiet and unassuming to passersby, but anyone who has researched or read Readfield's history knows this town's roots are very, very deep on this corner! In 1768 Robert Waugh established his landing and farm nearby - and that is what we hear about most often. Many people do not know that Ransford Smith came here at about the same time and lived on this corner in a primitive log cabin. Butler's History of Farmington tells us that in 1776 a party of six men came up the Kennebec River in canoes as far as Hallowell, then proceeded on foot through the sparsely settled district to Mr. Ransford Smith’s log cabin. Those men were on their way to survey and plot out the wilderness on Sandy River that would one day become Farmington. 

As today's motorists round the corner from Beaver Rook onto South Road they do not realize they are on the very spot where the 1791 town meeting was held, at Henry Wyman's house, when townspeople voted to separate from Winthrop.

Samuel White settled on this very corner early on as well, and one of his daughters married Josiah Whittier. Thus the Whittiers became firmly planted on this corner for another 150+ years. Many members of these families are buried in the nearby Whittier Cemetery. 

The old Whittier cemetery sits back from the road and catches little attention. On this history walk we will venture to and feel the echoes of history there. Then, we will meander down a nearby camp road to see perhaps the largest and most majestic Pine trees you will ever see! And, along that shore walkers will learn about and see what some believe to be the oldest cottage on the lake - where people from the theater in New York once summered, among others.
And why do I call this "W Corner"? It was on this corner that four of our earliest settlers homesteaded - Waugh, Whittier, White and Wyman. Come and join us - you will learn so much more and enjoy a wonderful walk with an invigorating group of people!

HISTORICAL CLASSES ~ FALL 2014 ~ MARANACOOK ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION ~ by Dale Potter Clark

Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 6:30-8:30 pm
Summer camps and resorts in Readfield 1850 ~ 1950 – NEW!

The railroad passed through Readfield in 1849 and summer visitors soon began to flock here, via the trains, to enjoy the peace and solitude of our lakes and woods.  Soon after that resorts and camps began to appear on our lake shores. A presentation and discussion about the evolvement of summer resorts and camps in Readfield is slated for September 24^th at Maranacook Community and Adult Education. Using a slide show, Dale Potter-Clark will lead the class and Charlie Day, co-author of a book released earlier this year titled Maranacook’s Southern Lakeside Resorts, will be on hand to give his input as well.  Attendees will be encouraged to share pictures and memories to augment the class. Summer residents are encouraged to attend as well as year-round dwellers.

 

The class will be held at Maranacook Community School on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration fee is $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.

Registration: $15 will help fund historical site markers in Readfield

 

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

The Beans were significant landowners, manufacturers and farmers here 1780 into the 19^th century. Their mills and farms were concentrated on and around Thundercastle Road, but some lived 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. They also had their share of tragedy. Come and learn about “The Beans of Readfield, Maine”.

Instructor: Dale Potter Clark

Location: Maranacook Community High School

Registration: $15 will help fund historical site markers in Readfield

 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014, 6:30-8:30 pm
Fifty Old Houses in Readfield and the People Who Lived in Them

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! As you drive through Readfield have you wondered about the history of some of our old homes? In this presentation you will learn something about more than fifty of our 18^th and 19^th century homes and some of the people who have lived in or built them.

Instructor: Dale Potter Clark

Location: Maranacook Community High School

Registration: $15 will help fund historical site markers in Readfield

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

Readfield History Walk # 20 ~ Fogg Farm Conservation Area ~ Friday, Sept. 19, 2014

Fogg homestead as it looks today.

For the first walk of this fall History Walkers will meet at Fogg Farm Conservation Area Friday, September 19, 2014 at 10:00am.

The Fogg Conservation Area trail has been expanded since we visited two years ago so we will enjoy seeing the work done there by Readfield Trails Committee in 2013 as well as the 0.4 mile original loop trail.

Walkers will also receive information about some other homesteaders who came to this immediate area - the Gove, Hawes and Marston families - and will visit the nearby Marston Cemetery. 

The land that is Fogg Conservation Area was part of the Fogg homestead for nearly two centuries. In the early 1990s, after the farm was subdivided, 15 acres was donated to Readfield with a conservation easement to the Kennebec Land Trust. 



DIRECTIONS: Take Church Road from Readfield Corner; drive about 1 mile north and turn right onto Fogg Road; the conservation area is about 0.6 mile on left - park in the turnout area on side of road. Suggest you car pool as parking is limited. Bring a sandwich and drink; wear sturdy walking shoes; dress in layers; a walking stick is suggested.To receive research materials associated with this walk email a request to crossings4u@gmail.com.

 

"On the Sandy River and Coos Trail with Relief and Friends" ~ Historical Bus Tour ~ August 16, 2014

PLEASE NOTE:

Sandy River Trail and Coos Trail went through Readfield (essentially route 17), thus the name. Stops will include two in East Readfield, one in Readfield Depot and two at Kents Hill. A tour of Kents Hill Campus will be included as well as other surprises. The bus will only be for transporting from stop to stop so actual time on the bus will be minimal.

Order tickets online and have your tickets mailed to you - Just follow this link!

Sincere thanks to Kents Hill School for the use of their “big yellow wagon” and to Mike Feeney (Bill Brown) for serving as our wagon master for the day. Also, a big thank you to our cast: Olivia Jernigan (Emma Hunt Fifield); Charles Elvin, Jr. (Rev. Isaac Case); John Tyler (Rev. Jesse Lee); Bonnie Gilman Parlin (Mrs. Nathaniel Whittier); Stephen Cowperthwaite (Luther Sampson); Annette Peterson Donaghy (Eunice Chase Lane); and Dale Potter-Clark (Relief Savage Gordon).

Augusta Nature Club plan to visit Readfield Trail ~ June 25, 2014 UPDATED 6/25/2014

Milt Wright is pictured here explaining features at
Torsey Pond Nature Preserve to two of our
Readfield History Walkers. 

NOTE 6/25/2014: Augusta Nature Club walks rain or shine so today is a go in spite of the weather forecast! Hope to see some of you there!


The Augusta Nature Club has arranged to visit Readfield on Wednesday June 25, 2014. The group has chosen Torsey Pond Nature Preserve for their hike because of its wide array of nature interest that includes woods, two brooks, wetlands with frontage, and an observatory on Torsey Pond. Milt Wright and Dale Potter Clark will host the group. Readfield History Walkers are invited to join them.

Meet at the trailhead parking lot by 10am. Directions: from the top of Kents Hill bear right onto route 41 / Chimney Road towards Mt. Vernon. Watch for the parking lot, on the right, one mile from that point.

Wear sturdy walking shoes and a walking stick is suggested. 

LUNCH:

• The Augusta Nature Club folks plan to go to Post Office Café for lunch after the walk.
• Readfield History Walkers bring a sandwich. We are invited to go to Evelyn Potter's house to eat, followed by cake and ice cream in celebration of Milt's 75th Birthday. 

An article appeared in the Bangor Daily News on 6/3/2014 about the Torsey Pond Nature Preserve. Click on this link to read the article.

FMI about the Augusta Nature Club and Center visit  www.augustanaturecenter.com/

Readfield History Walk #19 ~ June 6, 2014 ~ Martha Washington Inn and the early history of Lot #68

When James Craig came to Readfield in 1765 he ran a cable
ferry across Lake Maranacook.

Captain William Armstrong's homestead as it looked in 1947.
This became part of the Martha Washington Inn in the 1920s.

The last Readfield History Walk of the spring season will take place on Friday, June 6^th. Walkers should meet at the Dead Stream boat landing / parking lot on route 41 no later than 10am. From there participants will car pool to the starting location for an exploration of Armstrong Cemetery and part of lot #68 where James Craig settled and began a ferry service on Lake Maranacook in 1768. Craig sold the southern part of lot to Capt. William Armstrong, whose home still stands and later became part of Martha Washington Inn. James Craig moved on to build the first sawmill and grist mill in Readfield at what became known as Craig's Mills. We explored that area on History Walk # 13

To see some pictures of the Martha Washington Inn during its heyday see the album in the right column. Click on whatever picture is showing at the time and you will be directed to Picasa where you can view an enlarged version

As the number of guests grew and the owners could not
accommodate all of them, they built this hotel. This was
torn down around 1992. The Armstrong house remains.

of the entire album, with captions. Pictures compliments of Readfield Historical Society.

Readfield History Walks are held several times in the spring and fall and will resume in September 2014.

To learn more about many of Readfield’s pioneers visit www.readfield1791.blogspot.com


To answer some questions that arose from the history walk on 6/6/2014:

• In 1924 George and Carolyn Nobis bought the Capt. William Armstrong homestead which had been in the Armstrong family since about 1770. The acquisition included the Armstrong home, 100 acres, and shoreline on the west side of Maranacook Lake.
• The Nobis’ started taking in paying guests at the house but business grew exponentially so in 1929 they took out a $15,000 mortgage with Augusta Trust Company (later became Depositors Trust then Key Bank) to build a hotel adjacent to the house. In 1930 they took out a second mortgage for $3,000 to finish the job. There was a portable sawmill set up by Bill Wyman (of East Readfield) across the road where newly cut trees were sawed into lumber, then brought across the road to construct the building (per Larry Rolfe oral history audio taped by Dale Potter Clark in 7/1986).
• The Nobis’ also built a "boathouse" on the shore. The name and location at the water’s edge implies that building was first used to house their boats. Later, by the time the Poulins bought it, the building had been converted to a gathering place for people to enjoy water recreation, and inside was a pool table and pin ball machines (per Jean Poulin Pratt). The boathouse location is also where guests could arrive by boat from the train station in Winthrop in the earliest days of operation. Later, MWI had a station wagon they used to transport folks from local train stations (I have posted a picture of that in the album on the history walks web site).
• Louis and Pauline Prolman were the last to own and operate MWI during its heyday (1947-1967). When they sold to Gerard Poulin 4/1967 (Book 1440 Page 769-770 Kennebec Registry) the sale included two parcels - one was 40 acres with the buildings and all contents i.e. furniture, dishes etc. - the southern part of lot #68 which bordered on Lake Maranacook - # of feet not stated. The second parcel bordered north of that and included another 650 feet on Lake Maranacook, as stated in the deed.

Readfield History Walk #18 ~ Prince Luce homestead ~ May 16, 2014

Floyd Luce collecting sap in the Luce woods.

      He was born in 1899, a great-grandson Prince Luce. 

On Friday, May 16^th Dr. Ronda Luce, a direct descendant of the early Readfield settler Prince Luce, will host and guide the Readfield History Walkers on a trek through her 3^rd great-grandfather’s woods.  More than 200 years ago Prince Luce homesteaded a large plot of land east of Readfield Depot and two of his brothers settled nearby. His father, Beriah, and another brother settled across town**. The land where Prince Luce settled has been occupied by seven consecutive generations of this branch of the family.

Prince Luce’s original farmhouse burned around 1932 so members of the Edgar Luce family, who were living there at the time, were forced to move off the land. Years later a new house was built near the same spot by Edgar's nephew and his wife, Rex and Audrey Luce, and the property became inhabited by Prince Luce’s descendants again. Coincidentally, this year’s Readfield Town Report is dedicated to the memory of Rex and Audrey Luce.

Included on the tour will be the opportunity to view mysterious manmade rock engravings and formations discovered in the Luce woods. Pictures of the farmhouse and homestead as it once looked will be shared.

Participants should bring lunch as they will stop to eat somewhere on the excursion. Sturdy shoes and walking sticks are suggested. Meet promptly at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot across from Readfield Historical Society on route 17 at Readfield Depot. Walkers will car pool from there to the Luce property on Luce Road.  FMI email Dale Potter-Clark at crossings4u@gmail.com. No fee or registration. Donations to Readfield Historical Society are appreciated.

** See History Walk #14 Luce Memorial Forest

Three upcoming historical presentations at the Senior Cafe

Dale Potter-Clark will present three times, in April and May, to the 55+ age group residents at the Senior Café. These gatherings are held at the Maranacook Middle School cafeteria in Readfield - at Maranacook Community School. Starting at 9:00am muffins and beverage are served. The program is held 9:30-11:00am. All are welcome regardless of where they live! No fee or registration.

Monday, April 14^th 9:30-11:00am

“Living, Working and Socializing in 19th Century Readfield”
19^th century Readfield had four distinct centers that included industries, churches, schools, hotels and farms; after 1850 lakeside resorts and camps began to emerge. Readfield is known as the home of four Maine governors but there is much more to tell. Participants will learn about the climate in 19th century Readfield and the lifestyles of her people 1850-1900.

Monday, May 5th 9:30-11:00am

"Fifty old Readfield homes and the people who lived in them"

As you drive through Readfield have you wondered about the history of some of our old homes? If so, this is the class for you! In this presentation you will learn something about fifty of our 18^th and 19^th century homes and some of the people who have lived in or built them. 

Monday, May 19th 9:30-11:00am
"When We Were Young"

On May 19th the Readfield Elementary School 3rd graders will be guests at Senior Café. Through the eyes of senior citizens there, the students will learn about what it was like when their grandparents and great-grandparents were their age.  Starting at 10am a 10-15 minute slide show demonstrating life in our area during the post WWII years. Then students will be given the opportunity to ask questions of the seniors, about their childhoods and the world as they remember it. Anyone from Readfield and surrounding towns, who are 55+, are welcome to attend. Starting at 9am coffee, muffins and visiting. The students will arrive at 10am.

 

Senior Café meets every Monday morning (when school is in session) at the

Maranacook Middle School cafeteria.

Dates set for Readfield History Walks ~ Spring 2014

Dates are set for three spring History Walks so mark your calendars and spit shine your walking shoes. All History Walks will take place on Fridays. As always we will meet at 10am. Announcements will be made later with additional information so stay tuned.

May 2th ~ 10:00am
The old Corn Shop and surrounding area which encompasses Millett Manor, the Weathervane, the Gilman farm, Readfield beach, Camp KV for Kids and more. 

May 16th ~ 10:00am
The Prince Luce homestead and woods hosted by Ronda Luce. In addition to seeing the area where Prince Luce settled circa 1780 we will view unusual and mysterious manmade engravings and formations. Old pictures of the homestead and property will be shared.

June 6th ~ 10:00am
The area around the old Martha Washington Inn on Lake Maranacook, and the ancient Armstrong Cemetery. Many pictures of the Inn as it looked during its heyday will be shared. 

Update for History Walk #17 Friday, May 2nd

Some are wondering about whether or not we will history walk tomorrow (due to possible rain). The weather report says mostly sunny with 20% chance of rain so I say LETS DO IT J

We will begin at 10am to see the site of the old Corn Shop, then make our way east. Meet at the home of Ed and Sylvia Dodge on Main Street about 1/2 mile east of the intersection at Readfield Corner. Park in the Dodge's driveway or at the Weathervane Restaurant slightly east of the Dodge home and walk to their house.

Although the Weathervane does not open until 4pm this time of year, they will open special for the History Walkers tomorrow at 11:30am, and we will eat our lunch there. Those who wish to bring their own sandwiches are welcome to do so and to eat inside. History Walkers also have the option to order something there for lunch and / or beverages if they wish to. If it is a nice enough day the Weathervane deck (overlooking the beach) will be open for us.

A BIG Thank you to owners Gloria and Jeff of the Weathervane for accommodating us!

http://www.weathervanerestaurant.net/

History Walk #17 ~ Corn Shop to Camp KV and all in Between ~ Friday, May 2, 2014

The Corn Shop in Readfield was located about 1/2 mile east of the Readfield Corner intersection and built by Jasper and Edgar Wyman of Washington County (today known as Wyman's of Maine and famous for their blueberries). In the background here is Millett Manor (MM). Tamson and Ed Nelson built MM as a summer tourist hotel about 1903 and called it "Tamsonhurst". History Walkers will learn about these two businesses and much more on this excursion!

Friday, May 2nd 10:00am ~ 2:00pm

This history walk will cover where the old corn shop was (about 1/2 mile east of Readfield Corner) and will also include the area from there east all the way to Camp KV. So, this will encompass Millett Manor, Gilman farm, the Weathervane, the Readfield Recreation Association (founders of the town beach), Camp KV for Kids. Also included will be information about the houses and other properties that fall within that area (on Main Street).

 

Bring a sandwich and a drink as we will stop to eat lunch somewhere on the walk. Wear sturdy walking shoes and walking sticks are suggested. FMI about where to meet please email crossings4u@gmail.com.

Among the sites visited on this history walk was Camp KV for Kids.

This location was originally part of Joshua Bean’s holdings along with all the other land included on this history walk. This was a second parcel included with the property purchased by Lewis and Anne Millett in 1948. They donated the land to the Kennebec Valley Council of Girl Scouts in 1949 and it served as a day camp for the Girl Scouts until the 1970’s, when the Council had to close the camp and it went to public auction. According to Robert Mohlar, who was a member of the newly formed Readfield Conservation Commission at that time, the group recognized that developers would no doubt buy and sub-divide this 59 acre parcel, so they went to work immediately to raise community awareness in hopes the camp could be preserved for public use and continue as a summer camp for children. Donald Laubenstein and Jack Smart of Readfield, and several other business people from the Augusta area, led the charge and formed the Camp KA VE Committee. They managed to place the winning bid and signed the newly organized Camp KV for Kids over to the Kennebec Valley YMCA in March, 1975. The deed includes the restriction that the property “not be used for any purpose other than for the benefit of youth of the area. By 1995 it was fully endowed. Today it is still in use as a day camp by the Kennebec Valley YMCA. FMI about 2014 summer programs: http://www.kvymca.org/content/2014-camp-kv-kids

Permission to use and share this information, about the history of Camp KV for Kids, is hereby granted to Kennebec Valley YMCA, Camp KV for Kids, with the understanding that credit be given to Dale Potter-Clark as researcher and writer. May 10, 2014