Whittier homestead with Moses
Eaton stencils the focus of Readfield History Walk
On October 30th
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).
Friday, October 2, 2015
Thursday, October 1, 2015
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
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).
Monday, September 21, 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. |
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.
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.
Monday, August 10, 2015
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.
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.
Monday, June 15, 2015
History Walk #28 at Readfield Corner ~ SATURDAY, August 8, 2015
A special Readfield History Walk will be held on SATURDAY morning August 8th 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
Sunday, June 14, 2015
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
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
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.
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.
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"
"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
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
Friday, June 12, 2015
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.
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.
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