Spring 2016 ~ READFIELD HISTORY ON THE MARCH…

Spring 2016 dates and subjects have been set for three Readfield History Walks and two Maranacook Adult and Community Education (MACE) classes. Read more about them below and mark your calendars.

To register for MACE classes call 207-685-4923 x 1065 or visit http://maranacook.maineadulted.org. There is no registration fee for Readfield History Walks, but donations to Readfield Historical Society for the Readfield “Museum in the Streets®” project are gratefully received. 

1. Friday, April 15, 10:00am-12:00noon History Walk at Readfield Depot

3. Wednesday, April 27, 6:30pm-8:30pm - MACE Rise & Decline of Readfield Depot

4. Friday, April 29, 10:00am-12:00noon History Walk at Kents Hill Village (Part I)

5. Friday, May 13, 10:00am-12:00noon History Walk at Kents Hill Village (Part II)

 

readfield depot: MORE BUILDINGS, Old Houses the People who lived there         

The rise and fall of Readfield Depot. When and why was it a buzzing community center?

By Dale Potter-Clark, Wednesday, April 27th (changed from March 30)

This class will include information about the old homes and buildings, past and present, in and around Readfield Depot; the evolution of Readfield Depot; some people who have lived there; and how the symbiotic relationship between Readfield Depot and summer residents helped boost Readfield’s economy and overall lakeside development. On the evening of the class booklets that contain house bios and photos from this section of town will be available for $5 each. Proceeds from registration fees will be applied towards creating a “Museum in the Streets® in Readfield. NOTE: All are welcome to attend a Readfield History Walk at Readfield Depot on Friday, April 15^th.

 

KENTS HILL: STILL MORE BUILDINGS, OLD HOUSES AND SOME PEOPLE WHO LIVED THERE  

When and how did Kents Hill village change from remote backcountry to a cultural and educational center?

By Dale Potter-Clark, PREVISOULY SCHEDULED FOR April 27 WILL BE DONE AT A LATER TIME

Before 1775 there were very few people living on “Kent’s Hill, so called, on the road from Hallowell” – the Packards, Foords and Kents were the first to stake their claims and buildings began to appear. The Packard men were housewrights so many were built by them. After the Revolutionary War others came. The most influential with a long lasting effect was Luther Sampson. From 1790 until 1824 a meeting house and parsonage, grammar school, store, cemetery and Methodist Seminary were established and the hilltop called Kents Hill evolved from a handful of family farms to a thriving cultural and educational center. In this class you will learn more about that evolution, hear more about those buildings and houses, and some of the people who lived there. On the evening of the class booklets that contain house bios and photos from this section of town will be available for $5 each. Proceeds from registration fees will be applied towards creating a “Museum in the Streets® in Readfield. NOTE: All are welcome to attend two Readfield History Walks at various parts of Kents Hill village on Friday, April 29^th and Friday, May 13^th.

READFIELD HISTORY WALKS 2016

History Walks and Maranacook Adult and Community Education classes are all behind us for 2015, but plans are in the making for more in the spring of 2016. If you are interested in knowing of plans as they evolve:

1. Check this web site regularly for updates;
2. Sign up to receive emails when new posts are made on this web site (right column); 
3. Request that email updates be sent to you by emailing crossings4u@gmail.com;
4. Visit the Readfield Historical Society facebook page;
5. Watch local newspapers Community Advertiser, Kennebec Journal, Lake Region Reader and others.
6. Read the Readfield Messenger - the town newsletter - it's online.

Thank you to all who hosted our history walks this year and to the dozens who attended. Also to Susan Simons at Maranacook Adult and Community Education for her unwavering encouragement and support! All told we had at least 250 different attendees come to the various historical events described on this web site this year.
Hope to see you in the spring.

Veterans Day - Friday, November 11, 2016

On Veterans Day - Friday, November 11, 2016 - there will be a special Readfield History Walk when we will remember our Veterans in a special way. If there are people in Readfield who wish to help plan that please be in touch with Dale Potter Clark crossings4u@gmail.com Thank you!

READFIELD ORAL HISTORIES RECORDINGS AVAILABLE

NOW AVAILABLE - The last history walk for this year will take place on November 13th for the winter hiatus, but you need not stop walking into the past during the cold months ahead. You can listen to memories and stories of Readfield through the voices of several people who have roots here... What a great holiday gift idea!


During the summer of 2015 Sydney Greene and Dale Potter-Clark, from the Readfield Historical Society, audio recorded six oral histories - each session varies in length from 1 to 2 hours. Several people who currently or formerly live in Readfield were interviewed about various sections of Readfield, farming, schools, WWII and much more. Copies of these are now available for a $10 donation. Proceeds will benefit a fund to have historical site markers - called "Museum  in the Streets" - created and installed at various locations in Readfield. Follow this link to purchase online or contact Dale at crossings4u@gmail.com. 
These interviews are included:

1. Lloyd Bruen and Evelyn Adell-Potter re Readfield Depot in 1930s-40s and much more. (July 3, 2015)
2. Dale Potter-Clark re Beginnings of Readfield Historical Society, growing up in Readfield in the 1950s and more. (July 14, 2015)
3. Russell and Phillip Walters re Sawyer-Walters farm on Church Road, memories of Readfield and Phil’s time as a German POW during WWII and more. (July 21, 2015)
4. Buster Potter, Steve Cowperthwaite and Barbara Clark-Gilman re Nason farm, Kents Hill village, Kents Hill School and more (July 27, 2015)
5. Joe Maloney, whose mother Margaret was a Fogg, talks about the Fogg Homestead, his memories of Readfield and more (August 3, 2015)
6. Bob Newman, Gene Newman-Potter and Peggy Lucas-Parks re East Readfield and more (August 11, 2015)

Readfied History Walk #32 11/13/2015 ~ Tours of the Community Library / Currier - Eaton House; Masonic Hall; and Readfield Grange

The final Readfield History Walk of this year will take place rain or shine at Readfield Corner. Walkers should meet at Gile Hall, 8 Old Kents Hill Road by 10am. From there we will walk to the Readfield Community Library to begin phase one of a three part tour.

Readfield Community Library is housed in the historic Dr. Samuel Currier homestead. Dr. Currier was the first doctor at Readfield Corner and his son George, who also lived at this homestead, followed in his father’s footsteps. Together Dr. Samuel and Dr. George Currier served as town physicians for 75 years. The circa 1800 building was donated to the Town of Readfield in 1945 by their grand-daughter Alice Eaton, for use as a community gathering place. For many years it was known as the Currier-Eaton House and also called “The Community House”.   Activities and meetings were held at The Community House such as Lions Club, Boy and Girl Scouts, Little Town Club, dancing classes, Rifle Club and more. Readfield Community Library has been housed here for the greater part of the past seventy years.

Following a tour of the library walkers will proceed to the second floor of the Masonic Block where John Lord will show the Lafayette Masonic Lodge. Free Masons is the oldest and largest fraternity in the world whose motto is "Better men make a better world." The Readfield Masons was founded in 1826 and met for several years on the second floor of Lory Bacon's store across the street. He was their first Readfield lodge master. They eventually constructed their own building on the present site which burned in the great fire of June 11, 1921 as did nearly all of Readfield Corner. By that fall the Masons laid the cornerstone in a special ground-breaking ceremony and the Masonic Block, as we know it today, was rebuilt within months of the tragic fire. The Masons have contributed to the community in many ways over the past two centuries.

Finally, history walkers will go to the old Readfield Grange Hall for a tour. Readfield Grange # 217 was organized March 24, 1876 with 38 charter members – only three years after the first chapters were organized in Maine. For 21 years their meetings were held in private homes until this hall was built in 1897. The organization was an integral part of life in Readfield. It was here where farmers and others gathered to socialize, learn new farming methods, and share political and local concerns. Among the benefits were cooperative buying of insurance, seeds and agricultural supplies. Readfield Grange remained active until about a decade ago, and was then owned by Golden Guys and Gals Senior Citizens for several years. In 2014 Nicole Danielson opened Maple Tree Community School for K-8 here. The building has been adapted to include a science lab, art room, library, dining room and a performing arts space, but the beautiful hardwood floors and other original features have been retained.

Walkers are invited to bring a sandwich and eat at the old grange hall following the tour. Plans are already in the making for history walks next spring. FMI www.readfieldhistorywalks.blogspot.com  Request that email reminders be sent directly to you by sending your name and email address to crossings4u@gmail.com.

IT'S TIME TO GET READFIELD HOUSE CIRCA SIGNS!!

Dale Potter-Clark and Bill Adams have researched about 150 pre-1900 Readfield houses over the past couple of years with plans to write a book. They are currently collaborating with Readfield Historical Society to see that house circa signs are placed on some of those old homes and also that a  "Museum in the Streets" is created. Dale has taken the lead in securing orders and raising the funding. Contact her for more info at crossings4u@gmail.com 
The house circa signs are phase 1 of a three phase effort:
Phase 1 House Circa Signs
Phase 2 This is an offshoot of the Readfield History Walks. In researching for history walks so much info about various sites throughout town has been unearthed. To preserve information about those sites for visitors and future generations a Readfield “Museum in the Streets” will be created with hopes to move forward with this phase in time for Readfield’s 225^th anniversary in 2016. 
Phase 3 Potter-Clark and Adams will publish a comprehensive book titled Old Houses in Readfield and the People Who Lived in Them

 

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). 

READFIELD HISTORY WALK #30 ~ NORTON, LADD, ELLIOT, FOGG and WILLIAMS HOMESTEADS AND MORE ~ OCTOBER 16, 2015 Revised 10/15/2015

THIS HISTORY WALK IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF

RUSSELL O. WALTERS

OCTOBER 20, 1927 ~ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

Upper Church Road abounded in farmland in the 19th and early to mid 20th centuries. Abutting homesteads included those of Stephen Norton, Joel Bean, Dudley Fogg, Simeon Ladd, Jr. and William Elliott, John L. Williams. Most settled in Readfield about the same time between 1800-1806. The Norton and Bean families were here much earlier before  1790. In 1917 the Fogg and Ladd families also "joined" when Sam Fogg married Inez Turner daughter of Fred & Lydia (Ladd) Turner. The Ladd and original Elliott farmhouses are no longer, but the Fogg house and others remain. 
There were three Elliott farms in this immediate area. Barbara and Sam Fogg, Jr, son of Sam and Inez, owned and farmed one of them (Fike in 2015) for several years - until they moved to the ancestral Fogg Homestead to take it over from his parents. Two Elliot farms remain, on the west side of upper Church Road. One is now owned by Brandon & Jessica Fike and the other is that of Russ & Joy Walters. Before the Fikes, and after Sam and Barbara, that farm was owned by Jessica's parents Pete & Kay Gilman. The Walters farm has been in that family for close to 100 years having been owned by Russ' maternal grandparents - the Sawyers - and then by his parents Phil and Kathryn Walters.
We will see parts of the Elliott and Ladd foundations that have endured over time. Three old stone causeways have recently been discovered in the woods, and we will be able to see one or two of them for the first time since they were discovered by the landowners. Our thanks to Peter Davis and Deb Doten for hosting us for this history walk; and to Bill & Flo Drake and Adam Ireland for welcoming us to view the Ladd homestead foundation on their newly acquired property. Meet no later than 10am at Gile Hall, 8 Old Kents Hill Road, and we will caravan from there. Important to wear sturdy water-proof walking shoes or hiking boots this time and bring a walking stick. After the walk we are invited to the Fogg Homestead to eat lunch (bring your own sandwich) and enjoy the beautiful view. Of note - Simeon Ladd's 2nd wife was Lydia Whittier, whose family homestead we will visit next time (History Walk #31 Oct. 30, 2015).

Readfield History Walk #29 ~ Case Cemetery, Tour of North Manchester Meeting House, Hike into Shedd Pond ~ Friday October 2, 2015

This is a repeat of history walk #10 - new information has been discovered

since then that will be of interest!

We will begin at Case Cemetery, Route 17, East Readfield where Rev. Isaac Case built the East Readfield Baptist Church in 1793. The church was moved to North Manchester in 1839. When Rev. Case died in 1852 he was buried on the spot where his pulpit once was. His wife Joanna and son Elisha are on the same plot. In 1905 the Baptist Conference of Maine had a tablet memorial erected on that same spot, and it is still there. We will also see the entrance to Case Road which was long ago discontinued. 

Most of the Colonial features inside of
North Manchester Meeting House are intact.
The numbered pews have "gates" on every one.

Case built his log cabin on Case Road in 1795 and though it was located near the East Winthrop line he built it so he could see his church from his home. From there we will go to the North Manchester Meeting House for a tour. The church is still active though non-denominational now rather than Baptist. Then on to hike into nearby Shedd Pond. A monograph researched and written by Dale Potter Clark will be available to walkers on the day of this event for a donation.  Donations will be applied to the Readfield Museum in the Streets project. Follow this link to read more about the monograph, titled Rev. Isaac Case, a biography. 

If you wish to be placed on the History Walks email  list to receive all of our updates please send your request to crossings4u@gmail.com.
UPDATES: 
1) Some members of Manchester Historical Society will be joining us and have invited walkers to the Manchester Grange Hall after the walk where we can eat our sandwiches and also view the temporary historical display put up specially for the Manchester Autumn Apple Festival. The display includes 19th century Manchester farm artifacts, Civil War memorabilia and much more.
2) A special invitation to this history walk has been extended to the East Winthrop Baptist Church since that church is an 1823 "spin-off" of Rev. Isaac Case's church.
3) Also joining us will be ancestors of John Day. They are coming in from Minnesota and Delaware for a family heritage tour and this walk was planned to coincide with their visit. FYI - John Day and his wife are also buried in Case Cemetery. 

DATES FOR FALL 2015 HISTORY WALKS ANNOUNCED!!

Walks will be held on Fridays again this fall - save the dates below. All walks are 10am-12noon. Bring a sandwich if you wish to share lunch with other walkers afterwards. Wear sturdy shoes and a walking stick is recommended.
SAVE THESE FOUR DATES:


#29 October 2nd: Case Cemetery and North Manchester Meeting House; followed by a hike into Shedd Pond. This is a repeat of history walk #10 with some added info. Some members of Manchester Historical Society will be joining us and have invited us to the Manchester Grange Hall after the walk where we can eat our sandwiches and also view the temporary historical display put up specially for the Manchester Apple Festival. The display includes 19th century Manchester farm artifacts, Civil War memorabilia and much more. East Winthrop Baptist Church has received a special invitation as well since that church is an 1823 "spin-off" of Rev. Isaac Case's church. Also joining us will be ancestors of John Day who are coming in from Minnesota and Delaware and will join us. John Day and his wife a buried in Case Cemetery and lived in the part of Readfield that later became Manchester. A monograph researched and written by Dale Potter Clark will be available on the day of this event for a donation, which will be applied to the Readfield “Museum in the Streets” fund managed by Readfield Historical Society. Follow this link to read more about the monograph, titled Rev. Isaac Case, a biography. 
#30 October 16th: Fogg and Ladd Homesteads. Dudley Fogg and Simeon Ladd, Jr. settled in Readfield about the same time - circa 1805 - on adjacent farms. In 1917 the two families also "joined" when Sam Fogg married Inez Turner daughter of Fred & Lydia (Ladd) Turner. The Ladd farmhouse no longer stands but the Fogg one does. We will enjoy the splendor of autumn colors from the Fogg Homestead, and a hike through the Fogg Farm Conservation Area and on to where the Ladd homestead once sat. Meet no later than 10am at Gile Hall, 8 Old Kents Hill Road, and we will caravan from there. Of note - Simeon Ladd's 2nd wife was Lydia Whittier, whose family homestead we will visit next time (see #31 below).
#31 October 30th: Whittier homesteads and Quimby Bog on North Road. In Readfield's earliest days the North Road was called "Whitcher Road" - the early spelling and pronunciation for Whittier. Moses Whittier and his sons Moses, Jr. Josiah and Beniah settled a significant piece of land in that area of town and two original "Whitcher" homesteads are still standing and very much lived in. Of note - Moses, Sr's daughter Lydia's second marriage was to Simeon Ladd, Jr. in 1821 (see #30 above). Plans are still evolving for this History Walk so stay tuned.
#32 November 13th: Readfield Corner to include tours of Dr. Samuel Currier house (Community Library); Lafayette Masonic Lodge; and the old Readfield Grange Hall, where we will eat lunch. Details will be announced about where we will park and begin.
We will be announcing locations / subjects for all the fall 2015 Readfield History Walks soon. Check back here FMI as plans evolve. You can also request email reminders be sent directly to you by sending your name and email address to crossings4u@gmail.com.
We also entertain suggestions for locations / subjects - although there is no guarantee that we can satisfy all requests we will try.

History Walk #28 at Readfield Corner ~ SATURDAY, August 8, 2015

A special Readfield History Walk will be held on SATURDAY morning August 8^th from 10am to 12noon during Readfield Heritage Days. Walk leaders will be Dale Potter-Clark, Readfield History Walks Coordinator; Milt Wright, Readfield Trails Committee; and William Adams, Readfield Corner Historian. Adams and Potter-Clark are researching for a future publication about all the old houses in Readfield and the people who lived in them. Thus far they have researched more than one-hundred fifty buildings throughout town.

Included on this History Walk will be the new pathway that leads from the Community Library to Union Meeting House, and parts of the Old Fairgrounds Trail. Also, lower Church Road and Main Street from Gile Hall to the Old Fairgrounds trailhead on route 17. Walkers will make some brief stops to learn about some of the oldest and more intriguing homes. Bill Adams will be stationed at Readfield Corner center, where a major fire occurred in 1921, and where many businesses have come and gone since the late 1700s. The Judge Emery O. Beane house circa1850 will be open for tours along the way.

Meet at Gile Hall, 8 Old Kents Hill Road by 10am. There is no fee for the walk although some of Potter-Clark and Adam’s research will be available in a specially produced booklet for a minimum donation of $20. The 40+ page booklet includes three (of the nine) maps Adams has created that portray the evolution of Readfield Corner since pre-1799. Also included are dozens of pictures and information about the old homes and buildings at Readfield Corner; excerpts from Ernest “Tink” Rolfe’s oral history done by Potter-Clark in 1987 – including his memories of Readfield Fire Department and another big fire that occurred at Readfield Corner in 1934; and information about the Old Fairgrounds and development at the north end of Lake Maranacook. Booklet profits will benefit a project to purchase and install historical site markers throughout Readfield.*** If you are unable to attend and wish to purchase a booklet you can do so online and have it mailed to you or email crossings4u@gmail.com to make arrangements.

*** After expenses the income from this booklet will be applied to the "Readfield Historical Site Markers" fund. Your tax-deductible donation towards the Readfield Historical Site Markers fund are welcome at any time. Checks should be made out to Readfield Historical Society with a notation it is designated for the historical site markers. Mail to: Readfield Historical Society PO Box 354 Readfield, ME 04355 attn: Mary Jernigan, Treasurer

Readfield Heritage Days ~ August 7-8, 2015

Activities for those with historical interest are listed below. For info about all the activities scheduled for that weekend follow this link.

Friday, August 7th 5-7pm: Readfield Historical Society annual Wine & Cheese
At the Readfield Historical Society and Museum, Main Street, Readfield Depot
Wine & cheese ~ sausages ~ finger foods ~ non-alcoholic beverages ~ sweets  
Free to members. New members welcome at the door for a $10 annual dues fee 

Saturday, August 8th 10am-12noon: Readfield History Walk #28 of Readfield Corner
Meet at Gile Hall on Old Kents Hill Road by 10am. Included on this History Walk will be the new trail that leads from the Community Library to Union Meeting House, and part of the Old Fairgrounds Trail, Church Road and Main Street. Brief stops will be made along the way to learn about some of the oldest homes, and at Readfield Corner center where a major fire occurred in 1921 and many businesses have come and gone since the late 1700s. The historic Judge Emery O. Bean house circa1850 will also be included on the tour. There is no fee but participants are encouraged to get the 40 page booklet specially prepared for this history walk for a minimum $20 donation. Proceeds to benefit the Readfield Historical Markers fund. Booklets can also be purchased online.
Saturday, August 8th 8am-2pm: 6th annual Antique Car Show

Maranacook Community School hosted by Strictly Street Car Club 

Held annually to benefit the Ricky Gibson Football Scholarship fund. FMI contact

Saturday, August 8th 10am-2pm: Readfield Historical Society open to visitors
Summer hours are every Thursday and Saturday 10am-2:00pm and by appointment. Contact Flo Drake at (207) 685-4662 or email her at the address below to make special arrangements.
Saturday, August 8th 8am-2pm: Union Meeting House open for tours and a yard sale
Located on Church Road, this building is on the National Register of Historic Buildings and boasts beautiful trompe l'oeil art, windows with unique stenciled and stained glass as well as many original features.

Saturday, August 8th: Jesse Lee Methodist Meeting House

Open house from 1:00-2:00pm 

Located on Main St. East Readfield (corner of Plains Road and route 17)

Dedicated in 1795 Jesse Lee Meeting House in East Readfield is New England's oldest Methodist church to be in continuous use.   

Enjoy:
Free watermelon on the lawn;
archival documents & memorabilia on display;
items for sale. 

Christina Misner Rao at the piano 
"Rev. Jesse Lee" to help answer questions.
Dale Potter-Clark, Readfield Historical Consultant to answer questions about East Readfield village, "the Vanished Village" 

Readfield Heritage Days: Karen Dube, Chairperson ~ reportn14@aol.com
Readfield History Walks: Dale Potter-Clark, Coordinator ~ crossings4u@gmail.com
Readfield Historical Society: Flo Drake, President ~ readfieldhistorical@gmail.com
Union Meeting House: John Perry, Board of Directors ~ jmpgmp@myfairpoint.net
Jesse Lee Meeting House, Readfield United Methodist Church: office@readfieldumc.org 

The Evolution of Summer Resorts and Kids’ Camps in Readfield ~ June 17, 2015

By Dale Potter-Clark and Charlie Day
The railroad passed through Readfield in 1849 and summer visitors soon started to flock here, via the trains, to enjoy the peace and solitude of our lakes and woods.  Attendees will learn about the locations and evolvement of some summer resorts and kids’ camps in Readfield and the immediate area on Maranacook, Echo, Lovejoy and Torsey Lakes. Participants are encouraged to bring pictures and share memories. The class will be held at Maranacook Community School on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 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.

READFIELD HISTORY WALK #27 ~ Kamp Peacock (Dixon's Camps) ~ June 12, 2015

Located on the east shore of Lake Maranacook, Kamp Kiwanacook was founded by Readfield attorney Ellsworth E. Peacock in 1925 as a summer boys camp for children of Kiwanians. He later changed it to housekeeping cottages and called it Kamp Peacock. The last to operate this complex were the Dixons', who sold the buildings to individual parties. All buildings are privately owned today but many of the original cabins remain. This location is known today as Lazy Loon Shores.

As always, wear good walking shoes and bring a sandwich. MEET at the parking lot across the road from Readfield Historical Society NO later than 10:00am and we will car pool from there.

Hoping for great weather so we can enjoy eating our lunches near beautiful Lake Maranacook's shore. Much thanks to Rita Bouchard for hosting this History Walk.

Readfield Historical Society Season Opening & Farms Heritage Calendars Sale ~ May 23-24, 2015

Readfield Historical Society is kicking off the summer season May 23-24th. Evelyn Potter and Bev Norton-Newton will be the hosts / docents on duty for the weekend 10am-2pm both days. Evelyn and Dale Potter-Clark will be on hand all weekend to sell the Farm Heritage Calendars they created to benefit RHS and in honor of Readfield's 225th anniversary. The calendars are $10 each AND 100% of proceeds go to RHS! 

Readfield Historical Society is open 10AM to 2PM Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the summer.

Early Religion and Preachers in Readfield ~ May 20, 2015

Maranacook Adult and Community Education ~ May 20th ~ 6:30-8:30pm
Instructors: Dale Potter-Clark and Libby Doak
DESCRIPTION: Readfield was settled years ahead of the War of Independence and before the US Constitution assured religious freedom. In those days the Congregational Church and Puritan lifestyle still prevailed. It was not long, however, before Baptist, Methodist and other evangelists and missionaries came into this backcountry and converted many of our fair residents. Still later the Universalists appeared. Early Readfield became a hot bed of free thinkers, movers and shakers.
PART ONE: Libby Doak will share information about New England Pilgrims and Puritans and the influences they had over society in general. She will share examples of how the Puritan Church governed every aspect of life - including where and how funerals and burials were conducted. She will also tell what other religions had to lose by bucking the Puritan Church.
PART TWO: Dale Potter-Clark will share information about the coming of early religions in Readfield which was on the missionary circuit in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Methodists, Baptists, Universalists and even the Shakers impacted Readfield in its earliest days
MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Libby Doak was very well received when she led a Readfield History Walk last fall. She and her friend Sharon Burns have been recording, cleaning and restoring old cemeteries in Chelsea, ME for several years which led them into fascinating finds. Libby is a very entertaining as well as informative speaker. “This will be a pretty informal presentation”, said Doak. “I 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.” 
Dale Potter-Clark is a consultant for Readfield Historical Society, coordinator of Readfield History Walks and author of several historical monographs and books. Her family is 10 generations deep in Readfield SO she has loved learning about Readfield’s history for as long as she can remember.  Clark spends most days (and sometimes nights) researching Readfield history. She shares some of her findings at presentations such as these and via several historical blogs and websites. She also writes special articles for local newspapers and for Discover Maine Magazine.
TO REGISTER: The class will be held at Maranacook Community School on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration fee is $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 visit http://maranacook.maineadulted.org.

READFIELD HISTORY WALK #26 ~ Factory Square & Beans' Mills Revisited ~ May 15, 2015

We last walked Factory Square and Bean’s Mills in October 2013. Since then a great deal of information has been discovered and many facts that were unknown in 2013 have come into focus. Please join us for an informative jaunt from Gile Hall, through Craig’s Mills, onto Factory Square, and up Old Kents Hill Road to Bean’s Mills. There are many homes and remains of buildings and dams that were connected to both Mills. If you missed Dale Potter-Clark’s March presentation about early industry in Readfield (Maranacook Adult and Community Ed) then this is a great chance to learn some of what was shared. Meet 10:00am at the parking lot at Gile Hall at 10am. Bring a sandwich and wear good walking shoes. NOTE: To see pictures of the previous History Walk (#13) on Factory Square and Beans' Mills see the slideshow in the right column. 

READFIELD HISTORY WALK #25 ~ MAY 1, 2015 ~ KENTS HILL VILLAGE AND PACKARD'S CORNER

Kents Hill Village and “Packard’s Corner”, May 1, 2015, 10a.m. - 1:00p.m. (note to 1p.m. this time)

Kents Hill village began well before 1800 with the building of homes, a meeting house, store, blacksmith shop, school and a parsonage at “Packard’s Corner”. After Maine Wesleyan Seminary opened its doors, in 1821, most of the activity and settlement shifted towards the Seminary. In 1835 a new meeting house was built at its present location (Torsey Memorial Church), but the current parsonage did not become such until 1882. By then Maine Wesleyan Seminary and Female College had the commanding presence in Kents Hill village and the early settlement at “Packard’s Corner” became all but lost and forgotten. Join us to learn more – and of some interesting information that has recently been unearthed through Dale’s research. A tour of Torsey Memorial Church and Kents Hill School campus is also part of this history walk. Nancy Russell, direct descendant of Luther Sampson (founder of KHS) will accompany us on the walk and help at various locations as tour guide. Kents Hill School is graciously making special accommodations for us. Our first history walk of 2015 promises to be a very special one indeed!
THE PLAN: Meet at Torsey Church at 10:00am – come on inside where we will do our introductions and to see the inside of the church. Then we will walk to the east end of the village (as far as Torsey View House); then return westerly to Kents Hill School campus to meet a KHS representative in front of Jollity Manse (old infirmary, which is now admin building), and from there a tour of KHS campus then lunch at Masterman Union. Bring a sandwich and / or Kents Hill School is offering us salad, soup, desserts and drinks in their dining hall, for those who wish. Folks will return to their cars (in Torsey Church parking lot) at their own leisure with a list of early Kents Hill village and School people in hand, who are buried there, and can explore the cemetery on their own as wish that day or at a later time.
Will be a GREAT day!! Plan on end time of 1:00pm that day if you wish to do it all. Remember, we have a rain date "policy" and if bad weather I will post that on Facebook, send an email to the History Walkers email list, and post it on this web site early the morning of the scheduled walk. BUT it is NOT going to rain (or snow ;-) )

SAVE THESE DATES FOR SPRING 2015

Click on the links below to read more about any of the eight historical presentations and events listed below!

1) Monday, April 13th 10:00-11:30am
by Dale Potter-Clark, A Senior Café presentation
The Beans of Readfield, Maine
2) Wednesday, April 15th 6:30-8:30pm
Living, Working and Socializing in 19th Century Readfield
by Dale Potter-Clark, a Maranacook Community and Adult Ed presentation
3) Friday, May 1^st  10:00am-12:00noon Readfield History Walk #25
Kents Hill Village and Packard's Corner
4) Friday, May 15^th  10:00am-12:00noon Readfield History Walk #26
Factory Square and Beans' Mills Revisited 
5) Wednesday, May 20th 6:30-8:30pm
Early Religion and Preachers in Readfield
by Dale Potter-Clark and Libby Doak, a Maranacook Community and Adult Ed presentation
6) Sat. & Sun., May 23 & 24th 10:00am-2:00pm Readfield Historical Society 
Calendars commemorating Readfield's 225th anniversary and Farm Heritage
Researched and created by charter members Evelyn Adell Potter and Dale Potter-Clark, to benefit RHS, more than two dozen farms are featured and many pictures from families' private collections. Both Evelyn and Dale will be on hand to meet and greet visitors, to accept questions and to sell these calendars . Be sure to follow the link above to learn more about the calendars. Cost is $10.00 each until gone. They can be ordered ahead and mailed for additional S&H cost. FMI or to request one by mail please email Evelyn.
7) Friday, June 12^th10:00am-12:00noon Readfield History Walk
Kamp Peacock, later known as Dixon's Camps on Lake Maranacook
8) Wednesday, June 17th 6:30-8:30pm 
The Evolution of Summer Resorts and Kids' Camps in Readfield
by Dale Potter-Clark and Charlie Day, a Maranacook Community and Adult Ed presentation

The Beans of Readfield, Maine ~ A presentation at Senior Cafe, Marancook School

The Beans of Readfield, Maine 

Monday, April 13, 2015, 9:30-11:00am 

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

Living, Working and Socializing in 19th Century Readfield ~ April 15, 2015

Presenter: Dale Potter-Clark
Time: April 15, 2015; 6:30-8:30pm
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. Dale Potter-Clark, Consultant for Readfield Historical Society, will present a two hour slide show and stories that give insights into the lives of Readfield people 1850 -1900. FMI about other upcoming historical presentations and events visit www.readfieldhistorywalks.blogspot.com


This presentation will be held at Maranacook Community School on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration fee is $15 will help fund historical site markers in Readfield.  To register contact Maranacook Adult and Community Education (MACE) Phone: 207-685-4923 x 1065 or Register online using a debit or credit card. For details and to view all MACE classes go to http://maranacook.maineadulted.org.

Industry in Early Readfield – March 18, 2015

By Dale Potter-Clark
Maranacook Community and Adult Education will offer a new class by Dale Potter-Clark on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 titled Industry in Early Readfield. Best known is the industrial center at Factory Square but, in fact, there were others. Industry began early on in East Readfield and at other locations throughout town. Learn more about some of the businesses in town when Readfield was young, and about the men who owned and operated them. 

The class will be held at Maranacook Community School on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 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.

Proceeds from this presentation will help fund historical site markers in Readfield.