Senior Cafe Readfield History Presentations Slated for 2018

Monday, February 26, 2018 ~ 9:30-11:00am
"The Day Readfield Corner Burned"
by Dale Potter-Clark

Readfield Corner was once a bustling business center where groceries, shoes, clothing, millinery, hardware, carriages and even coffins and gravestones could be purchased. Readfield Telephone Company was also located at Readfield Corner as well as a hotel, tavern and livery. In this presentation you will learn more about this industrious village of long ago and about the day that it all changed forever.

Monday, April 23, 2018 ~ 9:30-11:00am
"Early Religion in Readfield"
by Dale Potter-Clark

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. Dale 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.

Senior Café meets every Monday morning at the Maranacook Middle School Cafeteria when school is in session. Attendees are welcome to come for coffee, muffins and social time from 9-9:30 before the program begins. Senior Café is a program for people 55 and older. It is sponsored by Maranacook Adult and Community Education. There is no fee required to participate. If school is cancelled due to weather presentations are rescheduled for a later date. FMI about Senior Café contact Nicole Cushing at 685-4923x1065; FMI about the presentations email Potter-Clark crossings4u@gmail.com

Readfield History Walks for Spring 2018

We have done the last History Walk for 2017, on Veterans' Day. To read more about that event, which was quite remarkable, follow this link to the Central Maine Newspaper story by Jason Pafundi, which appeared on the front page on Sunday, Nov. 12th. While there, also be sure to see the photos by newspaper photographer Joe Phelan.


Readfield History Walks for the spring of 2018 will be announced in the New Year so be sure to check back for updates. We are open to suggestions - send yours to crossings4u@gmail.com


In the meantime, we wish you Happy healthy Holidays season and all the best in the New Year!

Four Readfield History Classes Announced for Winter-Spring of 2018

Read to the end to see registration information...

#1) KENTS HILL: FROM FARMLAND TO VILLAGE                        

By Dale Potter-Clark
Thursday, February 15, 2018 6:30-8:30pm (snow date March 1^st)                                New!!  
When and how did Kents Hill village change from remote backcountry farmland to a cultural and educational center? Before 1775 there were very few people living on Kent’s Hill – the Packards and Kents were two of the first to stake their claims and buildings began to appear. The Packard men were housewrights so they built many of them. After the Revolutionary War others came – the most influential, who had 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 Kent’s Hill evolved from a handful of family farms to a thriving cultural and educational center. In this class you will learn about that evolution, hear more about the buildings and houses, and some of the people who lived in Kents Hill village.

 

#2) Local artists lost with time: Who were they and what were their claims to fame?
By Dale Potter-Clark
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 6:30-8:30pm (snow date March 22^nd)           
New!!  
This immediate area has produced many artists, with various talents, including the famed artist Wallace Nutting of Manchester; Robert Vance of Readfield who was one of the earliest daguerreotypists in the U.S.; sculpturer Ellsworth Crosby of Wayne; and famed violin maker Franklin Richardson of Mt. Vernon. You will learn about them and others in this presentation.

 

#3) Patriots of the Revolutionary War: “Johnny has Gone for a Soldier”
By Dale Potter-Clark
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 6:30-8:30pm                                
NEW!! 
Soon after the first shot was fired at Lexington, exactly 243 years ago, nineteen men from Winthrop, ages 14 to 46, picked up arms and marched off to fight for independence. Some had also fought in the French & Indian War. Several of them were living in the part of Winthrop that later became Readfield (1791) and North Manchester (1850).  Over the years more than ninety Patriots lived in Readfield and many are buried here. In this presentation you will hear some of their stories.

 

#4) The Civil War: Who were some of our Civil War Veterans?
By Dale Potter-Clark
Wednesday, May 30, 2018 6:30-8:30pm                                
NEW!! 
Between 1861 and 1865 the small town of Readfield bid farewell to one-hundred sixty men as they bravely left Readfield to serve in the Civil War.  Twenty-seven of them were killed or wounded.  In this presentation you will hear some of their stories and also about some of the War’s impact on Readfield. What better time to honor them in this way than during Memorial Day week?

TO REGISTER:

$40 for four presentations or $12.50 each (Those who paid for the fall Kents Hill presentation that was postponed to Feb. 15,^, 2018 would not be charged for the spring make-up class. They have the option to sign up for other three for $30). Proceeds from these classes will help establish a “Museum in the Streets®” 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.

The Rise and Decline of Readfield Depot ~ Presentation at Senior Cafe Nov. 27, 2017 9:30-11am

In passing through Readfield have you ever wondered how Readfield Depot came to be? It was, at one time, a buzzing community center. On November 27^th Readfield historian Dale Potter-Clark will share the history of some old homes and buildings in and around Readfield Depot; the evolution of that area into a village; tidbits about some people who have lived there; and how the symbiotic relationship between Readfield Depot and summer residents helped boost the town’s economy and overall lakeside development. A slide show of vintage photos will be shown throughout the presentation. In addition, Potter-Clark will do a reading about Readfield Depot from the book she co-authored titled “The Founders and Evolution of Summer Resorts and Kids’ Camps on Four Lakes in Central Maine”.

The presentation is slated for Monday, November 27^th 9:30-11am at Senior Café, Maranacook Middle School Cafeteria. Attendees are welcome to come for coffee, muffins and social time from 9-9:30 before the program begins. Senior Café is a program for people 55 and older that meet at the Maranacook Middle School cafeteria every Monday morning when school is open. It is sponsored by Maranacook Adult and Community Education. There is no fee required to participate. If school is cancelled due to weather this presentation will be rescheduled for a later date. FMI about Senior Café contact Nicole Cushing at 685-4923x1065; FMI about the presentation or the above mentioned book contact Potter-Clark at crossings4u@gmail.com

READFIELD HISTORY WALKS #43, #44, #45 ~ FALL 2017 (#44 UPDATED 10/15/2017)

All history walks will begin at 10am and last until approximately noon. All are welcome, there is no charge. See below for locations and where to meet.

Mark your calendars for:

#43. Friday, September 29th ~ 65 Nickerson Hill Road, Readfield
Saunders Manufacturing; Saunders' family heritage; Rosmarin-Saunders Family Forest
Meet in Saunders Manufacturing parking lot, 65 Nickerson Hill Road by 10am.
Saunders Manufacturing was founded in East Winthrop by Harry (A.H.) Saunders, his wife Edith and son Joe in 1947. A year later they bought a farm at 65 Nickerson Hill Road, from Harry's mother Sarah, and moved themselves and the business there. Over the years the business grew, as did their land holdings.
Research reveals that members of the Saunders family has a rich heritage in manufacturing and some have even had a hand in helping to build some internationally famous historic landmarks. Attend this History Walk to learn more.
In November, 2016 342 acres of the land from Saunders Manufacturing was donated to the Kennebec Land Trust. From Saunders Manufacturing, those who wish to, will join the group to enjoy one of the trails there, further west on Nickerson Hill Road.

#44. Friday, October 27th ~ Camp Kirkwold, 177 North Wayne Rd, Readfield

Camp Kirkwold has been a Girl Scout camp since 1952. It was founded as Camp Abenaki in 1919 by Dr. Emma Greene Wood, an osteopathic physician from New Jersey. She sold it to Marjorie Kirk of New York in 1927, who renamed it Camp Merrywold, meaning "happy world". She managed to keep it operating through the Great Depression era but when WWII and gas rationing struck she had to close the doors. After ten years of trying to sell it she eventually donated it to the Girl Scouts of Maine in 1952. The Girl Scout Council renamed it Kirkwold in Marjorie Kirk's honor. The caretaker, Berndt Graf, has agreed to open the gate for us so we can drive in as far as their parking lot, which is marked and obvious as you enter the campground. Gather at the parking lot by 10am and we will walk further into the grounds from there. Mr. Graf will have some photos and other historical memorabilia on display for us and will be available for answering questions about Kirkwold that we may have. Dale Potter-Clark will read from the chapter about the history of Kirkwold from her book "The Evolution of Summer Resorts and Kids' Camps on Four Lakes in Central Maine". You will enjoy seeing the historic lodge and some of the other buildings on “campus”. I hope you will be able to join us – this is a rare opportunity to see Kirkwold – and I bet some of you, or your daughters, attended Kirkwold as Girl Scouts and would enjoy seeing it again?

#45. Sat., Nov.11th ~ Readfield Corner Cemetery, Church Rd, Readfield
On this Veterans' Day join members of the community and "The Third Maine Infantry" Civil War re-enactors, complete with fife and drummers, as we honor those who have courageously served our country. Walkers will begin at Readfield Corner Cemetery at 10am when we will have a special remembrance in honor of members of the Third Maine who are buried there. From there all are invited to march, or walk, to Gile Hall for a closing ceremony in honor of all Veterans. More details will be coming at a later time, so stay tuned!

Readfield History Walk # 43 ~ Fri. September 29, 2017

Rosmarin and Saunders Family Forest

Sept. 29^th 10am-2pm: Walkers meet at the Saunders Manufacturing parking area on Nickerson Hill Road where walkers will learn about the history of the Saunders family and the plant. From there we will proceed to the “Rosmarin and Saunders Family Forest” on Nickerson Hill Road. The 342 acre property, which was once part of Saunders Manufacturing land holdings, was donated by the Rosmarin family to the Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) in 2016. Walkers will enjoy exploring some of the trail together.  The ground is somewhat uneven so wear sturdy shoes and a walking stick is recommended.

For those who are unable to participate in this History Walk there is another opportunity when the KLT dedicates the Rosmarin and Saunders Family Forest on Sunday, September 17, 2017 1:30pm 2:30pm. At that time KLT directors and staff will lead hikes on the new trail after a short dedication ceremony.

Both of the above mentioned events are open to the public, no registration required. Directions: From Main Street (route 17) turn onto Nickerson Hill Rd. Travel for about 0.6 mile then turn left into a small parking area.

Readfield History Classes Announced for the Fall of 2017

1. Industry in Early Readfield                   
   Is it hard to imagine the quiet rural community of Readfield as a busy industrial center?
   By Dale Potter-Clark
   DATE:  Wednesday, September 27^th 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Repeat by Request!!   Industry began in early Readfield at various locations throughout town. In particular, East Readfield and Factory Square became busy industrial hubs. In this presentation participants will learn about Readfield’s early settlement and travel; natural resources applicable to early industry; the evolution of industry in Readfield, locations of the mills and factories and about some of the manufacturers. Registration fees will help establish a “Museum in the Streets® in Readfield.
    
2. history of the Currier-Eaton Family and their home, that houses the current readfield community library building     
   When driving through Readfield Corner do you ever wonder about the history of the grand old Colonial that houses the Readfield Community Library?
   By Dale Potter-Clark   
   DATE:  Wednesday, October 18^th 6:30-8:30 p.m.       New!!      Less than ten years after Readfield’s incorporation a young doctor and his new wife, Dr. Samuel and Patience (Stanley) Currier, bought a grand home in the town’s evolving commercial center. There, they raised their family of ten children, hosted large community gatherings and he treated patients. They became stellar residents and carried on their roles for decades. Their son George later became the town physician and lived in his parents’ grand old Colonial until his death in 1863. The house remained in the Currier family for nearly 150 years, until Dr. Samuel and Mrs. Currier’s great-granddaughter, Alice Eaton, donated their ancestral home to the town of Readfield. Since then residents have cared for it, supported it and loved it as their community center and library. In this presentation you will learn more about the Currier-Eaton family and their home, from then until now.  Registration fees will help establish a “Museum in the Streets® in Readfield.
    
3. KENTS HILL: FROM FARMLAND TO VILLAGE                       
   When and how did Kents Hill village change from remote backcountry farmland to a cultural and educational center?
   By Dale Potter-Clark
   DATE:  Wednesday, November 15^th 6:30-8:30 p.m.   New!!       Before 1775 there were very few people living on Kent’s Hill – the Packards and Kents were two of the first to stake their claims and buildings began to appear. The Packard men were house wrights so they built many of them. After the Revolutionary War others came – the most influential, who had 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 Kent’s Hill evolved from a handful of family farms to a thriving cultural and educational center. In this class you will learn about that evolution, hear more about the buildings and houses, and some of the people who lived in Kents Hill village. Registration fees will help establish a “Museum in the Streets® in Readfield. 

All three presentations will be held at Maranacook Adult and Community Education, Maranacook High School, Millard Harrison Drive, Readfield. The registration fee is all three for $30 or $12.50 each. Registration proceeds will help fund a Museum in the Streets”® in Readfield (historical site markers).  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 #41 ~ June 16, 2017

#41 Readfield History Walk

Friday, June 16, 2017  10am - 12noon

“The Underground Railroad: Rev. David Thurston and the Metcalf Neighborhood”

Rev. David Thurston served the Winthrop Congregational Church 1807-1851. His anti-slavery views and efforts began in the 1820s and the Underground Railroad route was established through Winthrop due to his advocacy. In 1833 he was a delegate at the founding convention of the American Anti-Slavery Society in Philadelphia and helped draft their “Declaration of Sentiments”. In 1837 he took a year’s leave from the church in order to serve as agent of the Society. He was in demand as a speaker on their “circuit” and over time became more and more assertive that his congregation should hold his views on slavery but some of his Whig Party parishioners did not agree and because of that he was finally asked to resign after 44 years of serving their church. After that he wrote the first History of Winthrop in 1855, various papers on religion, temperance and anti-slavery; and preached in Vassalboro, Sidney, Searsport and finally in Litchfield where he died in 1865. He is buried in Metcalf Cemetery, Bearce Road, Winthrop.

This History Walk will include some driving as well as easy walking. Meet by 10am in the parking lot behind the Winthrop Congregational Church, 10 Bowdoin St. Winthrop. Our thanks to the Winthrop Historical Society and Winthrop Congregational Church for partnering with us on this History Walk.

Was the Underground Railroad REALLY in Readfield?

This presentation, done April 25th, will be repeated on June 7th.

"Was the Underground Railroad REALLY in Readfield?"

by Dale Potter-Clark

It has been proven that the Underground Railroad was in Augusta, Hallowell, Winthrop, Farmington and Jay, so why not Readfield? In this presentation Dale will share some of the clues she has unearthed in researching old homes and 19^th century Readfield that led her to believe if, when and where it passed through town. She welcomes participants to bring and share their own clues and ideas. 

TIME: 6:30-8:30pm 

PLACE: Maranacook Adult and Community Education, Readfield 

COST: $12.50

TO REGISTER: Call 207-685-4923 x 1065 or visit http://maranacook.maineadulted.org Proceeds will help fund the historical site markers project in Readfield. 

See the next post FMI about the three history walks planned for this spring!

SPRING 2017 READFIELD HISTORY WALKS ANNOUNCED!!

We do not customarily request “reservations” but we would like to get a sense of how many folks plan to participate in two of the walks below. If you plan to come to History Walks #40 and / or #41 below please email Dale at crossings4u@gmail.com.

 

There is no charge for any of the Readfield History Walks. Donations to Readfield Historical Society are gratefully received.

 

NOTE!! THIS HISTORY WALK HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO MAY 12TH, SAME TIME, SAME PLACE
#39 Readfield History Walk

Friday, April 28, 2017            10am - 12noon

“Readfield Corner the Fires of 1921 & 1934”

For this walk we will meander through Readfield Corner to envision it through different eyes.

Stories will be shared about what happened when the devastating fires of 1921 and 1934 occurred, some of the people who were affected, and hear about what structures was there before the fires. Meet at Gile Hall, 8 Old Kents Hill Road, by 10am.

 

#40 Readfield History Walk

Friday, May 19, 2017 10am - 12noon  

"Finding Three Readfield Governors”

We have been asked this question so many times: “Jonathan Hunton is buried in Readfield but where are Readfield’s other three governors buried?” In this History Walk, you will find out. The “other three governors” were Jonathan Hubbard, Anson P. Morrill and Lot M. Morrill.

Walkers meet at Gile Hall, 8 Old Kents Hill Road by 10:00am. From there we will caravan to the Hallowell Village Cemetery to “visit” Gov. Hubbard. From there the caravan will proceed to Augusta to “visit” the Morrill brothers. Additional Readfield historical tidbits will be shared at both cemeteries. Those who wish to start at Hallowell Village Cemetery, rather than caravanning from Readfield, should be at the cemetery by 10:30am. (29 Water Street, next to Bolley’s Famous Franks)

 

#41 Readfield History Walk

Friday, June 16, 2017  10am - 12noon

“The Underground Railroad: Rev. David Thurston and the Metcalf Neighborhood”

Rev. David Thurston served the Winthrop Congregational Church 1807-1851. His anti-slavery views and efforts began in the 1820s and the Underground Railroad route was established through Winthrop due to his advocacy. In 1833 he was a delegate at the founding convention of the American Anti-Slavery Society in Philadelphia and helped draft their “Declaration of Sentiments”. In 1837 he took a year’s leave from the church in order to serve as agent of the Society. He was in demand as a speaker on their “circuit” and over time became more and more assertive that his congregation should hold his views on slavery but some of his Whig Party parishioners did not agree and because of that he was finally asked to resign after 44 years of serving their church. After that he wrote the first History of Winthrop in 1855, various papers on religion, temperance and anti-slavery; and preached in Vassalboro, Sidney, Searsport and finally in Litchfield where he died in 1865. He is burial is Metcalf Cemetery, Winthrop.

This History Walk will include some driving as well as walking. Details about where to meet and other details will be announced at a later date. Our thanks to the Winthrop Historical Society for partnering with us for this History Walk.

READFIELD HISTORY WALKS ~ DATES SET FOR SPRING 2017

Dates have been set for Readfield History Walks for the spring of 2017. Plans are still in the making and will be announced soon. In the meantime, please mark your calendars for these three dates!

1. Friday, April 28, 2017 (#39) POSTPONED TO MAY 12TH
2. Friday, May 19, 2017 (#40)
3. Friday, June 16, 2017 (#41)

If you wish to be included on the History Walks email list please send your name and email address to crossings4u@gmail.com People on this list receive reminders about upcoming history walks and associated research materials and on occasion notices about upcoming historical events that are pertinent to Readfield and / or the immediate area.

THREE SPRING 2017 HISTORICAL PRESENTATIONS

Dale Potter-Clark will be doing three historical presentations at Maranacook Adult and Community Education in the spring of 2017. Registration fee is $12.50 per class or $30 for all three. To register  call 207-685-4923 x 1065 or visit http://maranacook.maineadulted.org Proceeds will help fund the creation and placement of historical site markers in Readfield. 


1) Wednesday, March, 22, 2017 6:30-8:00pm
TITLE:  The Day Readfield Corner Burned          NEW!!
Readfield Corner was once a bustling business center where groceries, shoes, clothing, millinery, hardware, carriages and even coffins and gravestones could be purchased. Readfield Telephone Company was also located at Readfield Corner as well as a hotel, tavern and livery. In this presentation you will learn more about this industrious village of long ago and about the day that it all changed forever.
2) Tuesday, April 25, 2017 6:30-8:30pm   
TITLE:  Was the Underground Railroad REALLY in Readfield?          NEW!!
It has been proven that the Underground Railroad was in Winthrop, Farmington and Jay, so why not Readfield? In this presentation Dale will share some of the clues she has unearthed in researching old homes and 19^th century Readfield that lead her to believe if, when and where it passed through town. She welcomes participants to bring and share their own clues and ideas. This promises to be an enlightening and fascinating evening! This will be repeated on June 7th, by "popular demand"!
3) Wednesday, May 31, 2017  6:30-8pm        
TITLE:  The Founders and Evolution of Summer Resorts & Kids Camps   

Charles L. Day and Dale Potter-Clark are co-authors of The Founders and Evolution of Summer Resorts and Kid’s Camps on Four Lakes in Central Maine.  Four years ago they began the process of gathering information at a Maranacook Community Education class. Fifty or more enthusiastic people gathered that evening to share stories and to learn about the resorts, hotels and kids’ camps that have existed in this immediate area. After more than three years of conducting personal interviews, making site visits and doing exhaustive research Charles and Dale have published a 356 page book packed with 220+ vintage photos and information about more than forty establishments that have existed on the four lakes. Thrown in for good measure is “The Larches” on “Lake Myra” in Readfield. Included is the history of the railroad, steamboats and the trolley in this area as well as the summer hotels, housekeeping cottages, sporting camps and kids’ camps. Dale will first do a presentation about the process of researching and writing the book, followed by a reading. She will be available to sell and sign books after the presentation.  

READFIELD HISTORICAL PRESENTATIONS for the SPRING of 2017

Dale Potter-Clark will be doing three historical presentations at Maranacook Adult and Community Education in the spring of 2017. Registration fee is $12.50 per class or $30 for all three. To register  call 207-685-4923 x 1065 or visit http://maranacook.maineadulted.org Proceeds will help fund the creation and placement of historical site markers in Readfield. 

1) Wednesday, March 15, 2017 6:30-8pm
POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER TO MARCH 22ND 6:30-8:00PM
TITLE:  The Day Readfield Corner Burned          NEW!!
Readfield Corner was once a bustling business center where groceries, shoes, clothing, millinery, hardware, carriages and even coffins and gravestones could be purchased. Readfield Telephone Company was also located at Readfield Corner as well as a hotel, tavern and livery. In this presentation you will learn more about this industrious village of long ago and about the day that it all changed forever.


2) Tuesday, April 25, 2017 6:30-8pm   
TITLE:  Was the Underground Railroad REALLY in Readfield?          NEW!!
It has been proven that the Underground Railroad was in Winthrop, Farmington and Jay, so why not Readfield? In this presentation Dale will share some of the clues she has unearthed in researching old homes and 19^th century Readfield that lead her to believe if, when and where it passed through town. She welcomes participants to bring and share their own clues and ideas. This promises to be an enlightening and fascinating evening!


3) Wednesday, May 31, 2017  6:30-8pm        
TITLE:  The Founders and Evolution of Summer Resorts & Kids Camps   

Charles L. Day and Dale Potter-Clark are co-authors of The Founders and Evolution of Summer Resorts and Kid’s Camps on Four Lakes in Central Maine.  Four years ago they began the process of gathering information at a Maranacook Community Education class. Fifty or more enthusiastic people gathered that evening to share stories and to learn about the resorts, hotels and kids’ camps that have existed in this immediate area. After more than three years of conducting personal interviews, making site visits and doing exhaustive research Charles and Dale have published a 356 page book packed with 220+ vintage photos and information about more than forty establishments that have existed on the four lakes. Thrown in for good measure is “The Larches” on “Lake Myra” in Readfield. Included is the history of the railroad, steamboats and the trolley in this area as well as the summer hotels, housekeeping cottages, sporting camps and kids’ camps. Dale will first do a presentation about the process of researching and writing the book, followed by a reading. She will be available to sell and sign books after the presentation.  

READFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY 31st ANNUAL MEETING and PROGRAM ~ MARCH 18, 2017

     Maine author George A. Smith will be the guest speaker at the Readfield Historical Society 31^st annual meeting at Gile Hall, 8 Old Kents Hill Road on Saturday, March 18^th at 1:00pm. The meeting and program is open to all and free of charge. Smith’s presentation will follow a brief business meeting and election of officers.
     Smith served as executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM) for 18 years, making it one of the state’s most influential organizations. In 2010 he left SAM to write full-time. He currently authors an outdoor news blog for the Bangor Daily News and a weekly editorial column for the Kennebec Journal and Waterville Sentinel. For nearly forty years he has written articles for The Maine Sportsman magazine. On another front, Smith co-hosts the television show Wildfire which focuses on hunting, fishing, conservation and environmental issues.
     In 2014 Islandport Press published Smith’s book   A Life Lived Outdoors which includes some of his favorite stories about home, camp, family, faith, travel, hunting, fishing and growing up in Winthrop. Earlier this year Down East Books published his newest release about Maine Sporting Camps. Additionally, he and his wife Linda, a retired first grade teacher, write a weekly travel column for Central Maine Newspapers. Their column focuses on Maine inns, restaurants, events and activities. Last September, Islandport Press published a Maine travel book in which George and Linda’s favorite inns and restaurants are featured.
     George is a Winthrop native, a graduate of the University of Maine, and has lived in Mount Vernon for 38years. He and Linda have three children and three grandchildren. Smith’s books will be available for purchase after the program and he will stay for book signings, while RHS serves refreshments.
     The Readfield Historical Society has existed since 1985 to preserve the rich heritage of Readfield and its’ people. Their extensive collections of memorabilia, photos, and historical and genealogical resource materials are located at their archives and museum at 759 Main Street, Readfield Depot. Members and guests offer historical presentations, tours and programs at various locations throughout the year. FMI about RHS or the annual meeting contact Bob Harris at (207) 377-2299 or via email readfieldhistorical@gmail.com.

 

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