Readfield's first poor farm (of three) was established on Walker Road in 1859. Four family farms had been built in this neighborhood years before that. Included among them was this poor farm built by Stephen Bean in 1823 and sold to the town of Readfield in 1859.
This area was originally settled by Joshua & Elizabeth (Longfellow) Johnson (circa 1790), who sold their homestead to their daughter and husband Elias & Nancy (Johnson) Gove in 1800. One of their nine children was Elias Gove Jr, "Immanuel Prince of Peace".
The second family to settle on Walker Road was Thaddeus & Mary (Sanborn) Richardson in 1802. In 1815 they sold 45 of their 100 acres to their son Asa & wife Sarah (Cottle). They built a farm adjacent to his parents and raised 13 children there - one was Mary Jane Richardson.
The second family to settle on Walker Road was Thaddeus & Mary (Sanborn) Richardson in 1802. In 1815 they sold 45 of their 100 acres to their son Asa & wife Sarah (Cottle). They built a farm adjacent to his parents and raised 13 children there - one was Mary Jane Richardson.
None of those original farm buildings remain in this neighborhood. When road names were changed or made permanent, during the development of the E911 system, this road was renamed Walker Road. Previously it had been known as the Hawes and the Lewis Road.
This walk will last from 10a.m. - 12:00noon. We will walk and talk along the road and not on rough ground, although part of the road is on a slight upgrade.
DIRECTIONS: From Main St. Readfield Corner (blinking traffic light) take Church Road north to Fogg Road. Walker Road is off Fogg Road. There will be someone there to show you where to park a short ways up Walker Road. More historic background, photos and old maps will be available for viewing, as well as some history of the poor farm, on the day of the walk. Hope to see you then. No fee or registration necessary. Donations to Readfield Historical Society are welcome. FMI crossings4u@gmail.com.
DIRECTIONS: From Main St. Readfield Corner (blinking traffic light) take Church Road north to Fogg Road. Walker Road is off Fogg Road. There will be someone there to show you where to park a short ways up Walker Road. More historic background, photos and old maps will be available for viewing, as well as some history of the poor farm, on the day of the walk. Hope to see you then. No fee or registration necessary. Donations to Readfield Historical Society are welcome. FMI crossings4u@gmail.com.
