2024 Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

FREE

Volume 33 | Issue 2 | 2024

Maine’s History Magazine

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

Lewiston’s Frederick Payne Maine’s former Governor & U.S. Senator

Pittsfield’s 2nd Lt. Carl Alexander “These are my credentials”

Kurt Russell’s Rangeley Roots Hollywood star spent childhood summers here

www.DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

Inside This Edition

2

Maine’s History Magazine

4 I t Makes No Never Mind James Nalley 5 A Snowy Night In Hallowell Speed led to winter collision in 1898 Brian Swartz

GREATHER KENNEBEC & ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER VALLEYS

8 Pilgrims And Kennebec River Valley Beaver Pelts to England repaid their debt John Murray 16 The Portland-Lewiston Interurban “Finest in the state of Maine!”

Jeffrey Bradley

Editor Dennis Burch Design & Layout Liana Merdan

20 Lewiston’s Frederick Payne Maine’s former Governor and U.S. Senator James Nalley

Field Representative Don Plante Contributing Writers Jeffrey Bradley Charles Francis Ruth M. Knowles John Murray James Nalley Brian Swartz

26 Pittsfield’s 2 nd Lt. Carl Alexander “These are my credentials” James Nalley 30 The Genealogy Corner Tracing Irish Ancestry Charles Francis

Published by CreMark, Inc.

34 Kurt Russell’s Rangeley Roots Hollywood star spent childhood summers here Charles Francis 38 John Ware And The Pioneers Of Norridgewock A glimpse into the town’s history Ruth M. Knowles 46 Norridgewock’s Major John Moor The Sword of Bunker Hill Charles Francis

Are you hiding what we’re looking for ?

Publisher Jim Burch

10 Exchange Street, Suite 208 Portland, Maine 04101 Ph (207) 874-7720 info@discovermainemagazine.com www.discovermainemagazine.com Discover Maine Magazine is distributed to town offices, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, fraternal organizations, barber shops, beauty salons, hospitals and medical offices, newsstands, grocery and convenience stores, hardware stores, lumber companies, motels, restaurants and other locations throughout this part of Maine.

NO PART of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from CreMark, Inc. | Copyright © 2023, CreMark, Inc.

SUBSCRIPTION FORM ON PAGE 50

Front Cover Photo:

Share your stories with us!

Discover Maine Magazine (207) 874-7720

www.discovermainemagazine.com

Levesque family in their Marion automobile in Lewiston, ca. 1917.

From the Collections of Franco Center, courtesy of www.vintagemaineimages.com, Item # 6859 All photos in Discover Maine’s Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys edition show Maine as it used to be, and many are from local citizens who love this part of Maine.

Photos are also provided from our collaboration with the Maine Historical Society and the Penobscot Marine Museum.

3

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

In Loving Memory Tricia C. Asselin, 53 Peyton Brewer-Ross, 40 William Frank Brackett, 48 Thomas Ryan Conrad, 34 Michael R. Deslauriers II, 51 Maxx A. Hathaway, 35 Bryan M. MacFarlane, 41 Keith D. Macneir, 64 Ronald G. Morin, 55 Joshua A. Seal, 36 Arthur Fred Strout, 42 Stephen M. Vozzella, 45 Lucille M. Violette, 73 Robert E. Violette, 76 Joseph Lawrence Walker, 57 Jason Adam Walker, 51 William A. Young, 44 Aaron Young, 14

Never Forgotten

Lewiston Strong

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

4

It Makes No Never Mind

by James Nalley

A

t the time of this publication, this region of Maine, which covers more than 5,000 square miles, will not only be experiencing the beginnings of winter, but also a wide array of holiday and New Year’s events.

Although there are plenty to choose from regarding the latter, the following are some choices (in no particular order).

First, for those looking for live Christmas trees, there is Trees to Please (www.trees-to-please.com). Located on Smithfield Road in Norridgewock, they offer freshly pre-cut Christmas trees or the opportunity to cut down your own Balsam fir or Fraser. There is even an option to select a potted tree to plant in your yard! As a bonus, it offers a lovely gift shop, where you can purchase Christmas wreaths, holiday ornaments, and other related goods made by local artisans.

Second, since 1969, downtown Waterville has turned into “Kringleville” every December. Families and children of all ages can watch the Christmas parade of lights and enjoy arctic animals, a miniature gingerbread house, and a mini-ice-skating rink. There is, of course, Santa Claus. It is managed by a dedicated group of volunteers in partnership with the Children’s Discovery

Museum and the City of Waterville.

Third, in the spirit of giving, there is the Christmas Program at the Maine Children’s Home in Waterville. This program is the only one of its kind that provides brand new clothes, winter essentials, toys, books, and games to more than 1,100 Maine children whose families are facing financial hardship. This program mainly relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community supporters. Overall, there are five ways to support the program: 1) Give new items from the “Urgent Needs” List; 2) Purchase items on their Amazon wish list; 3) Participate in “Our Giving Tree Campaign”; 4) Become a volunteer; and 5) Make a monetary gift. For more details, see www.mainechildrenshome. org/programs/christmas-program.

Finally, of course, no holiday season is complete without a New Year’s celebration. Among the many throughout the state, New Year’s Auburn is one of the largest and best. Visitors can ring in the New Year at the Beer Garden, which not only features beer, but also wine and other beverages from local brewers, pubs, and restaurants. Meanwhile, food trucks from across the state will provide delicious food, after which you can dance the night away to music performed by live local bands. Of

course, there is a countdown culminating in a huge fireworks display! Best of all, admission is free.

At this point, my readers have come to expect a witty tale or a joke. However, in light of the seriousness of a recent event and its timing with the holidays, I will end with the following poem by Sandy Siewers. In the meantime, be strong Maine.

Wilson Funeral Home

STEVENS

“When Service Matters”

~ ~Family Since1927 1927 Family Owned Owned Since ~~ The second oldest funeral home in Cumberland County

Serving area communities of Offering Affordable Funeral Raymond, Gray, New Gloucester, Auburn, N. and Yarmouth Cumberland Memorials Direct& Cremations

Jason C. Wilson

657-3204

When snowflakes dance on winter winds And colored lights shine Christmas cheer,

When children’s laughers fills the air And family gathers from far and near, I try to celebrate with them And not let my hurting show.

But the empty spaces within my heart, At this season, seem to grow, ‘Till ofentimes it fills the days And many night times too.

With aching thoughts and memories Of Christmases I spent with you.

Yes, memories do hurt, it’s true, But I have this feeling too.

I’m so glad I hold these memories.

For with them I hold part of you.

So, for now I’ll wipe away the tears And join with loved ones dear To celebrate this Christmas time, For I know that, in my heart, you’re here.

24 HR

ELECTRIC & PUMP SERVICE INC In Business Since 2002

Residential ~ Commercial Pumps & Controls Sales & Installations 24 Hour Service Confined Space Entry Certified Maintenance Contracts Available

24 Shaker Road • Gray, Maine 04039

wilsonfhllc.com

11 Berry Rd, Monmouth, ME . . . 933-9638

5

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

A Snowy Night In Hallowell Speed led to winter collision in 1898

by Brian Swartz

W

inter lay heavily over the lower Kennebec Valley in early January 1898. Cold reinforced the snow that had blanketed Hallowell, yet despite the chill reddening cheeks and exposed skin, people moved about the city one night — and at least one person moved way too fast.

Although snow hampered travel, people could move through Hallowell via horse-drawn sleighs, the Maine Central Railroad, or the seven-mile Augusta, Hallowell, & Gardiner Electric Street Railroad Co., a trolley line established in 1890. Mainers did not “plow” the roads then; a local government might hire men and horses to

compact the snow on the primary local streets with a cylindrical granite roller, but those streets remained snow-covered until the next thaw.

And a hilly, snow-covered street was great for sledding. Hallowell abounded in such streets that January. Then, as today, side streets roll downhill to intersect Water Street (modern Route 201) in the city’s downtown. Today, for drivers descending Winthrop, Central, Union, and Academy streets, there is little room (and time) for error at the stop signs or traffic lights, especially the light at Winthrop and Water streets.

The problem is not exclusive to vehicles powered by internal combustion

engines. In January 1898, Hallowell Weekly Register publisher and editor Walter F. Marston reported (albeit a bit tongue-in-cheek) on an incident that occurred long after sunset on Saturday, January 8.

The perpetrator violated a particular municipal ordinance. Casting the incident in nautical terms, Marston wrote that “owing to the narrowness of the thoroughfare, it is one of the harbor regulations of Hallowell, that no craft shall come down Academy St. except in tow.”

He referred, of course, to horsedrawn conveyances, and the city had adopted an ordinance designed to pro(cont. on page 6)

LINKLETTER & SONS, INC. Athens, Maine 207-654-2301

www.f-sfcu.com Farmington 1-800-339-3228 Skowhegan 1-877-952-5800 Kingfield • Stratton • Madison

Professional loggers for over 50 years.

We selective cut, buy lots and buy stumpage

LINCOLN STREET RADIATOR SHOP

Bring a piece of history home!

Radiator, Heating & A/C Specialist

VintageMaineImages.com

None Too Large, None Too Small, We Fix Them All! ▪ Complete Radiator Service ▪ Cleaned-Repaired-New Cores ▪ Complete Radiators & Heaters in Stock ▪ Automobile Air Conditioning ▪ Fuel Tanks & Sending Units in Stock ▪ Gas Tanks Repaired & Replaced

Discover 26,000+ Historical Images Prints | Digital Files | Creative Use Licenses VINTAGE MAINE IMAGES IS A WEBSITE OF MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

207-784-9356

1522 Lisbon Street • Lewiston, ME

Vintage MAINE Images

Camera Club on Brown’s Wharf, Portland, 1898 Item #13723

207-774-1822 info@VintageMaineImages.com 489 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04101

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

6

(cont. from page 5) tect such vehicles and pedestrians moving on Academy Street. Why? “Between Powder House Hill and Water street are two obstructions dangerous to navigation”: the Maine Central tracks and the trolley tracks.

Sometime after sunset on January 8, “in defiance of municipal regulations and public safety, a double-runner came down Academy street under full steam,” Marston reported. He referred to a double-runner sled that likely had a seat made from a single wooden plank to which were secured two steel runners up front and two more in the rear.

Possibly drawing on his past experience sledding on Academy Street, Marston stressed that “the speed down this hill is such that an inexperienced coaster [sledder] has but one breath and two heart-beats on the trip — the first at the top, the last at the bottom where Academy Street intersected Water Street.”

That Saturday night, “this trip was

a record-breaker by several seconds,” he indicated. The person (or people) aboard the sled moved too fast, and “at the cotton mill [on Academy Street], the double-runner hauled the wind [changed direction] so as to leave Leigh & Wingate’s on the lee, then run for Joppa for anchorage.”

Hallowell residents understood Marston’s geographical references to the double-runner’s progress on Academy Street. According to Vintage Maine Images, Joppa extended from Temple Street to Vaughan Stream and “was the poorer section of the city and included commercial establishments and residences.”

So the double-runner apparently headed for Joppa. But the sled never completed its voyage, because a “Mr. Horne, of West Gardiner hove in sight” while steering a horse-drawn “fine sleigh … with sheets full, light sails and everything drawing, bound for

Clearwater drug store,” Marston noted.

“Neither craft showed any lights” on that dark night, he wrote. The double-runner “struck the sleigh on the port bow [left front] and passed completely through it to the starboard quarter [right side] cutting it down to the water line” by smashing the runners’ supports.

Tossed “on his beams end,” the poor horse bolted, “carrying away some windward braces and light standing rigging,” and “the skipper was washed overboard,” reported Marston. Horne lay bleeding from “a bad scalp wound and was at first believed to be dead.”

City Marshal Henderson and other folks rushed to the scene, and Horne soon stirred.

Henderson found the sled “floating derelict [abandoned] but entirely uninjured,” so “the crew had taken to the life-boat and made all speed for the nearest harbor,” Marston said. Apparently tracking the crew in the snow,

ROTTARI ELECTRIC

Record Building Supply, Inc.

Robert Rottari

Quality & Service Since 1996

Master Electrician

~ 40 Years Experience ~ Specializing in Electrical Repair, Service and Installation

207-653-9225

Books • Puzzles Magazines • Greeting Cards Gifts • Toys • Stonewall Kitchen Melissa & Doug

207-739-6200

Complete Line Of Building Materials Featuring Benjamin Moore Paints

(207) 539-4219

RJROTTARI@MAINE.RR.COM

430 Main Street, Norway, ME

623 Main Street, Oxford, ME recordbuildingsupply.com

Mainely Puppies Plus, LLC

RDA Automotive

J.T. REID’S GUN SHOP

New Gloucester

Major & Minor Repairs • Brake Service Tune Ups • Electrical Diagnostic Testing Air Conditioning Service & Repair Exhaust Systems • State Inspections Poodles • Pekingese • Lhasa • Shih-Tzu Chihuahua • Yorkie • Pug • Westie

Owned & Operated by Glenn Cugno

and more!

207.744.2017

280 Park St. (Rt. 26) • South Paris, ME Maine Breeders Lic #F1620

68 Adams Ave • Lewiston, ME • 783-0581

John Reid Owner

Buying small & large firearms collections!

We will travel to appraise your collection!

Monthly Handgun Safety Courses

Major Credit Cards Accepted 9-6 Mon-Fri • 9-4 Sat & Sun — New Location — 24 Garfield Rd., Auburn, ME ▪ 777-3579

jtreidsgunshop.com

7

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com the city marshal soon learned that “the owner of the sled was reported abed and sound asleep!”

Henderson confiscated the double-runner, which he discovered that the owner had acquired at a Knights of Pythias fair in December. The wrecked sleigh, “now available as kindling wood and old iron,” was moved to a nearby stable.

There, Marston closely examined the sleigh. “It was not merely damaged or even smashed, but pulverized,” he commented. Disgusted at losing his brand new (but uninsured) sleigh, Horne rented a horse and sleigh at the stable “and when last seen was sailing close-hauled for West Gardiner.”

The final mass at St. Mary’s Church in 2000. In June of 2000 the Franco Center took over the building.

(Courtesy of the Franco Center)

46 Cedar Street, Lewiston, ME 04240

207-689-2000

www.francocenter.org

Styling Dog Grooming Boutique 207-513-1454

Toenails Cut $10

Interested in history? We give tours by appointment. Our stories are about French-Canadian immigrants who came to Lewiston to work in the mills, shoe shops, and brickyards in the 1850s, and who lived in Little Canada along the Androscoggin River. Our building is the former St. Mary’s Church which was built for these immigrants. We have 30+ display cases of historical artifacts. Come spend a few hours with us! Visit our website and read our “News” blog full of interesting historical information.

(no appointment necessary)

Tues & Weds: 10am-6:30pm Thurs & Fri: 8am-4pm • Sat: 8am-12pm

Hiring Bather/Brusher (no experience necessary)

Hiring Groomer

(Some experience necessary)

984 Sabattus Street• Lewiston, ME stylingdogs.wix.com/stylingdog

MAINE PELLET SALES LLC “We Sell High Heat & Low Ash Pellets”

•Full Service Auto & Truck Repair Foreign & Domestic • Transmission Repairs Insurance Work • Free Estimates Specializing in Vintage Auto Restoration

countrysideauto@roadrunner.com 3429 Hotel Rd. • Auburn

782-7769

• Northern Warmth • Matra • Northern/Cubex • Vermont Wood • La Crete • Wood and Sons • Bio Products For Your Wood Stove ~ Available NOW for pick-up or delivery ~

353-9700

Lisbon Falls, Maine www.MainePelletSales.com

“Your Full Service Commercial Masonry Contractor” BRICK VENEER ~ BLOCK WORK

Fully Insured 933-2171 ~ 1-877-445-2171 Route 202

North Monmouth

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

8

Pilgrims And Kennebec River Valley Beaver

by John Murray

Pelts to England repaid their debt

A

fter arriving in Plymouth in 1620, the Pilgrims struggled with surviving their first hard winter along the Atlantic coast. The human will to survive is strong, and the Pilgrims survived, and established a permanent settlement. Along with improving the skills required to harvest wild game and fish, forest land was cleared for agricultural purposes, and their farming skills gradually improved.

By the early fall of 1625, the Pilgrims managed to have a large harvest of corn, and it was the first time that the Pilgrims had an excess of a resource. The Pil-

grims were in debt to London Merchant creditors, who had funded their voyage to North America, yet the corn was of little value to ship it back to England as payment of the debt.

As the creditors in England grew

Ron’s Transmissions Ron Charpentier Jr., Owner

THE MEADOWS

Transmissions - Clutches - Auto Repair

Service on Domestic Cars, Light Trucks, Vans & Motor Homes Diagnosis Available • Complete Clutch, Clutch Systems Rear End Work, Drive Shafts, Complete Automotive Service ~ Reasonable Rates, Many Years of Experience ~

375-4924

515 Gardiner Road, Wales, Maine

Luncheon Specials Breakfast All Day Your Hosts: Mike & Kim

Homemade Soups & Desserts Take Out Available

(207) 623-9656

Front Entrance: 204 Water Street, Augusta Rear Entrance: 107 Commercial Street, Augusta

A Living Center for Seniors

more impatient with the Pilgrim’s inability to repay their outstanding debt, the Pilgrims needed a new strategy.

Luckily with foresight, the parts of a small sailing boat called a shallop were stored in the hull of the Mayflower. After this boat was assembled the following spring after arriving in the new land, it was initially used for fishing the local coastal waters, and now it would be put into service for a different mission. It was decided that a few men would sail up the coast to search for other tribes of native Indians who might be willing to trade more valuable local resources

C&S Market Gas ~ Deli ~ Groceries Pizza ~ Sandwiches Beverages

Rebecca Laliberte Proprietor

433 Route 202 • Greene, ME

207-946-3007 www.mainemeadows.com

ATM

207-622-2328

785 Riverside Drive • Augusta, ME

From meetings to concerts and celebrations to competitions, and countless moments in between...

We make them all MEMORABLE! Since 1973, the Augusta Civic Center has been there for all the moments and memories — and we’re ready to put our imaginations to work, helping you create lasting ones in the years ahead!

(207) 626-2405 | AugustaCivicCenter.org

9

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com for the harvested corn. The little sailing boat was filled with corn, and with Edward Winslow as the skipper, set sail in a northward direction up the coast.

Some days later along the then unnamed coast of Maine, the shallop would enter the mouth of a large river which would come to be known as the Kennebec River. The small crew of Pilgrim men sailed upriver on the Kennebec until they were hampered by the quicker moving current rapids. Unable to progress further upriver, the boat was brought to the shore, and it was here that the Pilgrims encountered the resident inhabitants. The native Indians in the Plymouth region had been friendly, but the Pilgrims did not know what to expect with other Indian tribes. Fortunately, these native Indians were also of a good disposition. These friendly Indians had an established village in the vicinity of the river basin, and curiously greeted the oddly dressed pale-skinned men who spoke with a different tongue.

Although there was a language barrier between the Pilgrims and the Indians, a rudimental dialogue was established between the two parties, and the Indians soon recognized that the Pilgrims wanted to trade. With the large natural resource of fish and game in the Kennebec region, the resident Indians were a tribe that specialized in fishing and hunting. Very little farming was done, and only a meager amount of corn was grown by the Kennebec Indians. Excited about the large load of corn that the Pilgrims possessed, the Indians gladly took all the corn that was stored in the shallop and traded seven hundred pounds of beaver fur pelts in return.

Upon returning to the Plymouth settlement, the beaver fur pelts were loaded onto the next ship that sailed back to England. The beaver furs prompted much interest with the London Merchant creditors, and a land grant was given to the Pilgrims that gave them

sole rights to the land along the Kennebec River basin. This land grant allowed the Pilgrims to control and take full advantage of the beaver fur trade that had been established with the Indians. In 1628, a trading fort was constructed on the eastern bank of the Kennebec River close to the Indian village so the Pilgrims could establish a more efficient trading system with the Indians.

The Indians were quite proficient with capturing beaver and were capable of obtaining large numbers of them.

These native Indian hunters would hunt beaver all along the 150-mile length of the Kennebec River. During these hunting trips, some groups of Indians would regularly travel upriver to Moosehead Lake, which was the fertile source of the Kennebec River, and home to large populations of beaver.

Skills required to capture beaver had been practiced for thousands of years by the Indians. Beaver meat was

KIRKPATRICK’S SERVICE & REPAIR

Vasvary Electric

82 Cony Road ▪ Augusta

(cont. on page 10)

Honest work at Honest prices Louis Vasvary Jr. Master Electrician

Fully Insured ~ Since 1975 ~

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow...

Macomber, Farr & Whitten is Here for You

Insurance Services Since 1848

Foreign Car Specialists 207-622-1557

One Market Square, Suite 201 Augusta, ME 04330 phone 1-800-989-9049

www.mfwinsurance.com

207-754-4293 299 Costello Rd. • Gardiner, ME

You’ve got to visit

Elmer’s Barn

& Antique Mall

All Lines of Commercial, Personal, Life, Health & Bonding

Free Estimates

The most unusual Antique Shop in Maine

We have stuff here you’ve never seen before and will never see again ANYWHERE!

~ Antiques Bought & Sold ~

549-7671

Open 7 Days 9-5ish

Route 17 • Coopers Mills, ME

Water Testing • Radon Testing Asbestos Testing • Food Testing Indoor Air Quality Analysis

Is your well water safe to drink? $5.00 OFF

Full Water Test with this ad Order your kit today!

1-800-244-8378 www.nelabservices.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

10

(cont. from page 9) considered delicious, and the fur hides were used for clothing, footwear and blankets. The Indians used a variety of methods to capture beavers, including spears, nets and snares. Beavers feed on the bark of trees, so the Indians would use cut willow and poplar branches as bait, and wait in concealment for the beaver to arrive. As the beaver approached to eat the bait, the Indian hunter would use a long spear to dispatch the beaver. Nets were constructed from sinew, and these nets were placed under the water at the entrance of the beavers den. The net was tied to a stout pole, and multiple sets of moose hooves were attached to function as a bell. When the beaver became entangled in the underwater net, the moose hooves would rattle together from the shaking of the net, alerting the hunter who was waiting nearby with spear. Snares were fashioned from animal skins that were partially

tanned, and twisted together to form a loop. These snares were placed at the entrances of beaver dens, and in known beaver travel routes.

Upon returning to the Kennebec River basin to conduct more trade for the valuable beaver fur pelts, the Pil-

Lakeview Lumber Co. Complete Building Materials & Hardware for the Homeowner and Contractor Great Arts & Crafts Department!

968-2498 Rt. 202, China Village, Maine

RITA’S CATERING Mobile Bar Service Food Truck Full Service Catering Look for our new location coming soon at 1250 Main Street in Clinton (formerly Galusha’s Too)

207-592-RITA (7482)

Come & Visit Our Bargain Warehouse!

grims became quite aware of the large number of beavers in the region when the Indians provided a huge amount of beaver pelts that could not fit into the boat. The Pilgrims took all that could fit for the journey back to Plymouth, and then upon arriving, the colony car-

PATTERSON’S

GENERAL STORE Pizza • Subs • Baskets • Cigs • Soda GAS • DIESEL PROPANE

OPEN 7 DAYS

4 Pond Road • Burnham

207-948-3388

Cold Beer • Deli Case

Winslow Supply, Inc. RICK’S REPAIR Plumbing, Heating & Electrical Supplies Open Monday-Friday 7am-4pm

1-800-287-5608 873-5608 567 Benton Avenue, Winslow, ME

55 Ell Hill Road, Palmyra

(207) 938-3800 COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

►STATE INSPECTIONS◄ Now Building Customized Bumpers * Taking Used Motor Oil * Spraying Fluid Film Undercoating (Call For Appointment)

11

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com penter modified and enlarged the size of the boat. This was accomplished by cutting the existing boat in half, then it was lengthened by approximately six feet with attached cut timber. This additional deck space would allow for the transport of more fur pelts.

During their five years of constructing the trading fort on the shore of the Kennebec River, the Pilgrims would ship 12,500 pounds of beaver fur pelts to England. These shipments of beaver fur pelts would fully repay the debt owed to the London Merchant creditors. With the outstanding debt paid off, all profits thereafter would immensely benefit the Plymouth colony. Pilgrim trade with the Kennebec Indians would continue for nearly thirty years. By this time, the French were well aware of the valuable beaver that were coming from the area, and had also established trade with the native Indians.

With other traders competing with the Kennebec Indians, the margin of profit was decreasing for the Plymouth Pilgrims. In 1661, it was decided to sell the Kennebec River trading fort to businessmen of the nearby Massachusetts Bay Colony. As it turned out, this was a wise business choice for the Plymouth Pilgrims. Beaver populations along the Kennebec River basin were beginning to noticeably decline due to overharvesting of the animal.

During the year 1646, the French would export 33,000 pounds of beaver fur pelts. Shortly thereafter, with increas-

ing hostiles from the French, the new owners of the Kennebec River trading fort would abandon the area with the start of the French and Indian war.

For nearly a hundred years afterwards, the Kennebec River basin would have no European settlers in the area.

The ancestors from the Massachusetts Bay Colony reclaimed the tract of land

Phil Carter’s Garage

McAllister Accounting And Tax Services

Air Conditioning Specialist

Serving your business and personal tax planning and preparation needs for over 30 years.

Collision Repair • Windshields Rust Repair • Frame Straightening

Marcus E. McAllister

─ FREE ESTIMATES ─

897-5667

207-938-8107

“Serving you since 1960”

Registered With International Mobile Air Conditioning Certification Association (IMACA)

From Foreign & Domestic to 18-Wheelers When It Comes To Air Conditioning, Phil Carter’s Garage Is The Only Name!

Tune-Ups • Exhausts • Brakes Complete Car Care Needs

453-6310

1 Pleasant Drive, Benton Station

404 Main Street • Jay, ME

where the previous trading fort once stood, and in 1754 constructed a new fort called Old Fort Western. This fort would encourage settlement in the location, and the area would continue to grow and prosper, until ultimately becoming modern day Augusta — the capital of Maine.

214 Estes Ave. ▪ Palmyra, ME

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

12

A participant in the 1923 State of Maine Winter Carnival in Augusta jumping over a barrier in a skating event.

Item # 27724 from the collections of the Maine Historical Society and www.VintageMaineImages.com

& MORE TO YOUR DOOR

NOW SHIPPING NATIONWIDE

L I N DA B E A N S M A I N E LO B ST E R.CO M 1 - 855 - U S M A I N E

Located directly across from L.L. Bean in Freeport Open Daily til 8pm 240 seats with balcony & pet friendly patio.

Family meals, LL’s favorites Relaxing full bars up and down

Personally selected unique and beautiful places for you featuring high-quality ocean view and oceanfront, art and furnishings

88 Main Street, Freeport │ 207-865-9835

Inquiries for week, month or season: (207) 330-0263

LindaBeansPerfectMaine.com

Website photos: LindaBeansPerfectMaine.com

WATERFRONT

RESEARCH FOUNDATION -AND- READING LIBRARIES

________________

Many Dealers in Historic Freeport Home Open daily year-round 10:00am - 5:00pm

Visit or Buy Online!

31 Main Street, Freeport │ 207-869-5091

FreeportAntiquesShowcase.com

Three Generations of Wyeth Art & History

Serving Wholesale Accounts with Live Lobster To inquire email us at

info@beanmainelobster.com

THE WYETH GALLERY AT FREEPORT

Showroom at 31 Main Street, Freeport Online orders at:

NCWyethFoundation.org

NEW! Archival Maine Photos, Kosti, Wyeth Family, LL Bean at 31 Main Street in Freeport!

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

TOWN and COUNTRY SALON AD GOES HERE

PenobscotMarineMuseum.org Route One, Searsport 207-548-2529

13

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

14

The Seagraves ladder built in the 1930s shown in front of the Norway Fire Department, ca. 1959.

Item # 5541 from the collections of the Maine Historical Society and www.VintageMaineImages.com

www.PresPest.com │ 800-966-5568 Local People Helping Local People

What’s going on in there?

Commercial & Residential Over 50 Years Experience in Pest Control

Bethel • Bridgton • Oxford Hills • Rangeley

Best Hookers in Town Medium Duty Towing • Lock Out Service Gas Delivery • Tire Change • Jump Start

The thing about eye disease is, you may not know you have it.

Some conditions are asymptomatic, and by the time symptoms do present we’re left with fewer options. An annual examination at GFVC can ensure that we diagnose any latent disease with cutting-edge technology. We’ll also check your vision and adjust your prescription. And while you’re here, you can check out the latest designer frames.

207.890.4851 24 Hour Emergency Service

Norway, ME

DAVID L. GUISELEY, O.D. • JONATHAN F. COOK, O.D. In Gray 207.657.4488 and Windham 207.894.2174 office hours /appointments: visit grayfamilyvision.com

15

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

The Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library in West Paris, ca. 1910-15. Item # LB2008.19.115902 from the Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co. Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org

ANTIQUES

pa’s tradin’ company Pa’s Tradin’ has come home!

& FLEA MARKET

“Where memories are Re-lived” More than just Antiques

Multi-Dealer Shop • Dealer Spaces Available

207-744-0232 │ route26antiques.com

Loans • Guns • Ammo Electronics • Power Tools Musical Instruments 207-743-0709

Open 9-5, 7 Days A Week │ 1188 Main Street • Route 26, Oxford, ME (right next to Walmart)

Office & Light Industrial Cleaning

Paving & Excavation LLC — Free Estimates —

ALWAYS HIRING! Travis & Candice Wilson

207-743-6615 • 207-890-0968

104 Hill Street, South Paris, ME 04281 │ wilsonpaving21@gmail.com

Celebrating 5 Years!

Mike Magretto Veteran Owned & Operated

207-530-8890

EmeraldJanitorialServices.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

16

The Portland-Lewiston Interurban

by Jeffrey Bradley

T

“Finest in the State of Maine!”

he interurban railway that connected Portland and Lewiston for nearly 20 years was possibly the best in all New England. From 1914 to 1933 this high-speed system provided reliable electrified streetcar freight and passenger service on a dedicated 30-mile single-track right-of-way until financial difficulties made that unfeasible.

Coming into possession of the Androscoggin Electric Company when mill magnate and financier W Scott Libby died just prior to opening day, the PLI, as it came to be known, was a proud symbol of progress, and better constructed than many railroads. Offering limited-express and local service,

the cars left each city terminus on every hour of the day. All infrastructure and rolling stock were owned by the company, which also provided the most modern methods of power distribution, and the line became known for careful efficiency. In town the cars shared the line with other slow-moving trolleys, but once in the open countryside they whizzed along on their own private track at speeds up to 60 miles per hour.

Two or more would be hitched together for special occasions.

Interurban describes an electrified high-speed rail system that travels in and between city, town, and country and carries mostly passengers. Electric power, turbines, and relay stations en-

abled this kind of transit to come into its own during the age of steam. Prospering in the earlier part of the 20th century, nearly 15,000 miles of trackage existed by 1915, and for a time they ranked among the country’s top-five industries. Nowadays most consist of four or more coaches but the PLI was essentially a single high-speed streetcar. Particularly in rural Maine and especially during the winter when goods and services moved about the primitive roads by horse-drawn wagon, this kind of transport was viewed as a viable alternative. Yet, by 1930, thanks in part to the automobile, most lines were gone.

Planning began in 1902 but construction delayed until 1910. The pre-

646 Main Street • Lewiston, ME 207-376-1711

www.LookingAheadClubhouse.org

On-site Restaurant serving Breakfast and Dinner Daily Indoor Heated Pool • 24/7 Fitness Center 4,500 sqft of Spacious Adaptable Event Space Convenient location to Auburn, Augusta, Lewiston, Portland

Langlois’

Situated along the banks of the Androscoggin River with a peaceful view of the Great Falls

“Family Owned & Operated for Over 35 Years”

14 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn, ME │ 207-784-4433 │ auburnriverwatch.hgi.com

Collision Center Inc.

“Marcel, Mike, Dave, Scott and Jim look forward to serving you today”

784-0550 1305 Sabattus St. • Lewiston, ME

17

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com vious welter of lines, changeovers, and mishmash of fares made the three-hour roundabout trip nearly unbearable despite the cheap fares and frequent service. Maine Central and the Grand Trunk Railroad connected the two cities by steam, but service was sketchy and the fare cost 95 cents. While public agitation for a direct electrified route increased, in the way of railroads, nothing was done until the mergers, incorporations and other back-room shenanigans could be sorted out, and what finally emerged was a line that ran from Morrill’s Corner in Portland to the outskirts of Auburn with scheduled stops at Deering Junction, West Falmouth, West Cumberland, South Gray, Gray, North Gray, Lower Gloucester, Upper Gloucester, Danville, Littlefield’s Corner and Fairview Junction.

Grading began with Italian laborers using horse-drawn carts to perform the mostly nonmechanized work.

Construction stopped for the winter but started again in spring as the line gradually crept toward Portland. The year 1912 proved especially busy with a series of reinforced concrete bridges thrown up over the Presumpscot, Royal and Little Androscoggin Rivers, brick substations that doubled as passenger depots erected in West Falmouth, Gray and Danville along with the overhead power lines, a new passenger terminal that ran the entire length of a city block finished in Portland, and the first deluxe Laconia passenger cars delivered to the newly-completed car house on Middle Street in Lewiston.

Libby’s death caused turmoil — the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville Street Railway very much wanted to own it — but with the newly minted Portland-Lewiston Interurban passing into the hands of the Androscoggin Electric Company, service commenced on July 10, 1914. Interestingly, the whole

thing was built without a single issue of stock.

High demand occasioned hourly departures from Portland starting at 4:45AM and ended with the last arriving in Lewiston at 11:05PM. Scheduled running time for the local stops was an hour and 30 minutes with a minimum fare of 10 cents and a through fare of 75 cents. Both service and price were an improvement over traveling by steam.

Immediately successful, the railway drew some 90,000 passengers its first four months, and two daily freight trips were also scheduled. No signals existed along the right-of-way, so conductors called for dispatch orders from the register stations in Deering and Fairview Junction or tapped overhead telephone wires by portable antenna. At the Deer Rips location, the Androscoggin Electric Company used waterpower to generate electricity transferred by relays to the auxiliary steam turbine in Lew(cont. on page 18)

YOUR FUTURE

STARTS HERE Central Maine Community College offers the career, technical and transfer programs you need to succeed. Learn on-campus or online for the lowest tuition in New England!

C

The Cote Corporation 1250 TURNER STREET AUBURN, ME 04210 207-755-5100 • CMCC.EDU

The C Cote Corporation

The Cote Corporation

Crane & Rigging Services • Trucking • Millwright Machinery Moving • Warehousing Cranes up to 300 Ton Capacity Tip Height 361’

Crane

DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE!

Machinery Moving ••Trucking • Warehousing www.cotecrane.com 800-696-6282

Cranes up to 300 Ton Capacity • Tip Height 361’

2980 Hotel Road, Auburn, ME 04210

DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE!

Crane & Rigging Services • Millwright

www.cotecrane.com • 800-696-6282

Central Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer. For more information visit www.cmcc.edu.

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

18

(cont. from page 17) iston. Ten bridges dotted the line, the highest incline was at four percent, and no sharp curves existed. Town speed was held to 15mph, but the locals averaged 25mph in open country with limited-express service averaging 10 miles per hour faster; a run starting in Monument Square made only five stops to shave a full 20 minutes off the trip.

Nine handsome passenger cars in green and grey livery trimmed with dark red featuring letters and numerals etched in gold comprised the fleet.

Inside was room for 52 with the main compartment divided from a smoking section. Floors were of interlocking rubber tiles, the leaded glass windows were finished in wood, and two sets of Pullman steps were found at either end. Twenty reversible plush green seats occupied the main compartment plus two leather longitudinal end seats.

There were no toilets. Each 46-footlong coach had air brakes and brass whistles and was attached to the wires

Discover the

by a ‘shoe’ that was quieter, more durable and ensured a steadier contact than previous configurations. They were fast and comfortable and the crews polite and attentive — a far cry from the bone-rattling highway buses that came to displace them. Four box motors — basically a passenger or boxcar refitted as an engine with few seats or windows — were mostly used for handling freight or snowplows and there was a powerful steeple-roof Baldwin locomotive.

An old photo taken near New Gloucester reveals a well-constructed roadbed, track, trolley poles and amalgam of high-tension wires. Although mishaps occurred in the crowded cities, operating over the single track at high speed without any signals occasioned only one accident of consequence. On January 11, 1924, two cars were involved in a rear-end collision at Deering Junction that left 16 injured but no fatalities. The long downgrade at Dan-

power of community resilience.

Together, we will overcome profound adversity to build a resilient future.

19

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

Portland–Lewiston Interurban car, 1915

ville Hill that paralleled the highway was the scene of madcap races between early automobiles and the speeding streetcars and after several near misses at grade crossings automatic signals were installed.

Young boy dressed as a young St. Jean Baptiste for a parade in Lewiston that was held annually from 1875 to 1966 to celebrate the patron saint.

(Courtesy of the Franco Center)

"Love You For Free"

'Snowy Spirits' & 'Yeti-brewed' concoctions RoopersBeverage.com

BEER. WINE. SPIRITS 980 Main Street, Oxford |539.6072 1420 Lisbon Street, Lewiston |333.3095

794 Sabattus Street, Lewiston | 783.6353 686 Main Street, Lewiston | 344.1200

301 Main Street, Auburn | 783.9098 545 Minot Ave, Auburn | 783.2047

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

20

Lewiston’s Frederick Payne Maine’s former Governor and U.S. Senator

by James Nalley

I

n the early 1900s, a young boy from Lewiston took every menial job he could find to make ends meet for himself and his family. For example, he worked as a newsboy, grocery clerk, theater usher, and dishwasher, all while attending public schools in his native city. Eventually, he earned his business degree and slowly made his way into politics, serving as the Mayor of Augusta, the Governor of Maine, and a U.S. Senator. Within his tenure as mayor and governor, he made important and necessary changes for the State of Maine. As for the Senate, it was politics as usual.

Frederick Payne was born on July 24, 1904, in Lewiston. He received his early education at public schools in Lewiston, eventually graduating

y Sp Dail

from Jordan High School. He went on to study at the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance (currently Bentley University) in Boston, Massa-

ls

ecia

Wee k

usic

ive M

L

ly S

chusetts, where he graduated in 1925.

Payne then worked as a financial manager and chief disbursing officer for the Maine & New Hampshire Theater Co., which operated 132 movie theaters throughout New England.

His first official entry into politics was in 1935, when he was elected Mayor of Augusta. He served as mayor until 1941. With higher ambitions, in 1940, he ran for the Republican nomination for Governor of Maine, but lost to State Senator Sumner Sewall, a former airline executive with a history as a World War I fighter ace. However, after Sewall was elected Governor, he named Payne as the State Finance Commissioner and Budget Director. He did not remain in this position for long, since he, like

pec

ials

Home of the “Hog Wing” Best Lobster Roll, Lobster Stew & Hand-cut Fries in town!

Homemade Soups, Chowders & Stews • Appetizers Amazing Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers and Entrees Specials valid Prime Rib every Friday & Saturday

207.753.1446 │ 675 Main Street • Lewiston

thru 1/1/24

AFFORDABLE WELL DRILLING EXCAVATION & FORESTRY

STARTING AT $9100 for a Complete Well* (Most Jobs) Call Ahead for a Quote • Hydrofracturing to Increase Flow • “Down The Hole” Camera

1298 SABATTUS ST. LEWISTON, ME LIBERTEAUTOSALES.COM

375-7204 FULLY INSURED

*Includes up to 400’ Depth, 20’ of Casing and Complete Stainless Steel Pump Systems

21

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com many other able-bodied individuals, joined the war effort in 1942. In this case, he joined as an officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Upon returning home to Maine in 1945, Payne spent the next three years working as a manager of the Waldoboro Garage Company, while planning his return to politics. In 1948, Payne was elected as the 60th Governor of Maine after soundly defeating his Democratic opponent, Biddeford mayor Louis Lausier, by a margin of 66% to 34%.

He easily won re-election in 1950, defeating Democrat Earl Grant by 61% to 39%.

As governor, Payne was extremely productive, making wide-ranging changes to the state. For instance, he began a long-range highway modernization program financed by a $27 million bond issue, and developed an effective highway safety program that greatly reduced the number of highway deaths. In addition, he expanded (cont. on page 22)

Governor Frederick Payne holds two lobsters as part of “Down the Maine Hatch Day” in 1951.

Item # LB1992.301.165 from the Atlantic Fisherman Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org

Native Maine’ah ™ We don’t know any better...

Pellet Stove Services Visit our website to contact us today!

NativeMaineah.com On-Site Services: • Cleaning We service a wide variety of Pellet Stoves • Repairs • Yearly Maintenance • Chimney Installs • Stove Installs

Native Maine’ah™ exclusive ComfortBilt

3 Year on-site Parts & Labor Warranty with the purchase of a Pellet Stove from us!

Nobody can match that!

Mobile Service is our Specialty...We come to You!

Serving Central, Southern & Coastal Maine 207-756-0482 Lewiston, Maine

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

22

(cont. from page 21) the Maine Development Commission, which focused on the planning, execution, and implementation of business district plans. According to The New York Times (June 16, 1978), “His biggest accomplishment as governor was the revamping of the state’s sagging financial structure through the enactment of a 2% sales tax.”

Being a somewhat unstoppable political force, Payne naturally drew accusations from his rivals. In this regard, during his second term as governor, he was accused of accepting a bribe involving the state liquor industry. As stated in The Washington Post (June 17, 1978), “There was the revelation that Payne, like Sherman Adams, presidential assistant to President Eisenhower, had received gifts from Bernard Goldfine, a Boston industrialist. Adams later resigned.” Meanwhile, Payne, at his rallies for U.S. Senate in 1952, openly explained that he “had been a

friend of Goldfine for many years and that Goldfine had helped bring prosperity to Maine by revitalizing mills and creating jobs.” Subsequently, Payne testified before a special investigating committee, after which he was cleared of all charges. Two years later, when Goldfine was serving a federal prison term on a charge of contempt of court for failing to furnish income tax data, Payne helped by operating Goldfine’s textile interests.

In 1952, Payne won election to the U.S. Senate, after defeating incumbent Senator Owen Brewster in a heated primary. At that time, Brewster was a close confidant of Senator Joseph McCarthy (the senator of whom the term “McCarthyism” was coined) and an antagonist of Howard Hughes. Hughes, in turn, heavily funded Payne’s primary challenge, after which Payne went on to defeat Democrat Roger Dube in the general election.

In a strange turn of events, Payne, after a series of magazine articles and Hollywood films sensationalized youth gangs and violence, supported legislation to ban automatic-opening or switchblade knives. Foreshadowing today’s political environment, Payne, during the congressional hearings, suggested that immigrants were the source of the violence: “Isn’t it true that this type of knife, the switchblade knife, in its several different forms, was developed abroad, and was developed by the so-called scum, if you want to call it, or the groups who are always involved in crime?” Soon after, the ban on switchblade knives was enacted into law as the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958.

Payne and other congressmen supporting this Act believed that by stopping the importation and interstate sales of automatic knives, it would reduce or eliminate youth gang violence by blocking access to what had become (cont. on page 24) Where Friends & Family Gather

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE 1975 Lisbon Street • Route 196 • Lewiston, Maine │ 207-783-0858 │ www.ABCPOOL.com

Open 7am-3pm Sunday & Tuesday 7am-9pm Wednesday-Saturday • Closed Monday 103 Lincoln St., Lewiston, ME • 207-333-5062

Online Ordering Available!

stationgrillrestaurant.com

SMILE AGAIN DENTURES, INC. Now Accepting New Patients!

Quality, Customized Dental Work by a Licensed Denturist

FREE CONSULTATIONS!

Poorly fit or broken dentures On-site, same day service (in most cases) Affordable Dentures & Partials Assistance with Dental Insurance Forms We’ll Give You Something To Smile About!

514-0660 • 801 Webster Street, Lewiston Joe Adkins, Licensed Denturist • Mon-Thur 8-4

23

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

G&G

CASH FUELS THE NATURAL CHOICE NO. 2 FUEL • K-1 PROPANE

268-3835 • 268-FUEL 490 Richmond Rd. • Litchfield, ME

Bob Temple Well Drilling

Bob & Hollis Temple, owners Complete Well Drilling Services Pump Repair • New Pump Systems Water Treatment Systems Sales • Service • Installation

A ski race during the 1923 Maine Winter Carnival in Augusta. Item # 27725 from the collections of the Maine Historical Society and www.VintageMaineImages.com

LAW OFFICE OF

BRIAN D. CONDON, JR, ESQ. Elder Law • Wills • Trusts • Divorce Estate Planning • Tax Planning Real Estate

Office: 377-3005 Cell: 485-4513 winthroplegal@gmail.com

666-3224 2055 Augusta Road Bowdoin, ME

- New Location! -

AMERICAN AWARDS INC

~ Serving Maine Communities for over 40 years! ~

Trophies • Plaques • Name Tags Certificates • Engraving Corporate Gift Items ________________________

622-5067

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

1-800-649-5413 295 State Street • Augusta

126 Main St. Winthrop, ME

www.AmericanAwardsInc.com

Make the Kennebec Valley your home Let’s Make Moves Together.

(207) 623-1123

75 Western Ave., Augusta

www.KennebecValleyChamber.com (207) 623-4559 info@kennebecvalleychamber.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

24

(cont. from page 22) a symbolic weapon. However, no laws are fool-proof, and according to the article “Youth Gangs Worsening Violence Prompts Crackdowns and Community Mobilization” (1991) in the Congressional Quarterly by Charles Clark, “While switchblade imports, domestic production, and sales to lawful owners soon ended, later legislative research demonstrated that youth gang violence rates had, in fact, rapidly increased, since gang members turned to firearms instead of knives.”

Interestingly, according to GovTrack, “From January 1953 to August 1958, Payne missed 147 out of 795 roll-call votes, which is 18.5%. This was much worse than the median of 6.6% among the lifetime records of senators serving in August 1958.” The disclaimer here is that GovTrack does not track why legislators miss votes, but it is often due to medical absences,

Harvest Time Natural Foods Serving the Augusta Area for over 40 Years!

major life events, and running for higher office. Out of all of the votes that he missed, one of the most important was the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

In 1958, Payne ran for re-election and was challenged by former Maine Governor and rising Democratic star Edmund Muskie. Muskie easily won the election, with 60% of the vote against Payne’s 39%. He was one of the 12 Democrats who overtook Republican incumbents and established the party as the “party-of-house.” This election was considered the largest single-party gain in the Senate’s history.

As is well known, Muskie went on to become a career Senator, the Democratic Party’s candidate for Vice-President in the 1968 presidential election, and the U.S. Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter.

After his loss, Payne retired from political life and settled down in Wal-

In Business For 50 Years, Insured & Licensed

Vitamins • Books • Cosmetics Pet Food & Products Beer & Wine Making Supplies Herbs • Fresh Produce Essential Oils & More!

HYDROMODERN AIR FREE FRACTURING HAMMER ESTIMATES METHODS

Open Every Day!

WATER PUMPS • SALES & SERVICE

207-623-8700

171 Capitol St., Suite 1 • Augusta, ME

GEOTHERMAL DRILLING COMPLETE SERVICE FROM WELL TO HOUSE

Family Owned & Operated

622-4018 • 582-4324 488 Northern Ave., Farmingdale

www.rolfeswelldrilling.net

Daryl Horak Logging Chipping Lot Clearing Selective Cutting Site Work Cell: 207-242-3239

Free Estimates • Fully Palermo, MEInsured

Art • Craft • Design

Open Tues.-Sat. 263 Water St., Gardiner • 512-4679

www.monkitree.com

doboro. In his later life, he served as a trustee of the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, and was an industrial consultant and district manager of Walsh Engineers, Inc. On June 15, 1978, Payne died at his home in Waldoboro at the age of 73. He had been suffering from emphysema for several years. He was subsequently buried at the German Protestant Cemetery in Waldoboro.

Despite his relatively long career in politics, with its mixed results and controversies, Payne will best be remembered for his work as Governor of Maine. Most importantly, during his tenure, a 2% sales tax was sanctioned, executive power was increased over state agencies, the bonded deficit was erased, and a surplus in the state treasury was secured.

25

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

Postcard image designed by William Robinson Miller showing Main Street in Fairfield, with the Hotel Gerald on the left, ca. 1910. Item # 25816 from the collections of the Maine Historical Society and www.VintageMaineImages.com

Bookkeeping services to customers throughout the state of Maine

207-453-9388 779 Skowhegan Road • Hinckley, ME

www.backofficesolutionsme.com

Lizotte Construction Residential & Commercial

Family owned and operated for over 60 years

Gravel, Loam, Fill House Lots Septic Systems

— Free Estimates —

Peter Lizotte Owner

For dependability call

29 County Road Oakland, ME

Mark & Wayne Weeks 207-465-3753

weekswells.com

Chinese Restaurant

The area’s finest Szechuan & Mandarin dishes

Specializing in Hammer Drilling

Pump Systems Sales & Installation

Ming Lee

Cell: 207-215-7707 | 207-547-2031 peter.lizotte@gmail.com 46 Sunflower Lane, Sidney, ME

Luncheon Specials Dinner Combos Take Out • Dine-In

Weekdays: 11-9 Weekends: 11-10

207-873-2828

Pine Tree Square, 365 Main St. Waterville, ME www.mingleerestaurant.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

26

Pittsfield’s 2 Lt. Carl Alexander nd

by James Nalley

O

“These are my credentials”

n June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied (American, British, and Canadian) troops landed on a 50-mile stretch of coastline in northern France, making it one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history. Known as Operation Overload or D-Day, the British and Canadians overcame light opposition when capturing the beaches codenamed Gold, June, and Sword, whereas the U.S. faced heavy casualties (more than 2,000) on Omaha beach. Meanwhile, Utah beach, the westernmost landing area, was taken by elements of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division (with relatively few casualties), thus securing a clear pathway into France. Approximately four weeks

later, members of 8th Infantry Division landed on Utah beach and battled their way through the hedgerows of the small

MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY 257-8000 • 549 Troy Rd., Detroit, ME 04929 Est. 2018

MON-SUN 9a-7p

French towns. Among them was Second Lieutenant Carl H. Alexander from Pittsfield.

Born in Vanceboro on August 5, 1916, Carl was the son of Daniel Alexander, who worked for the Central Maine Railroad. At the age of 16, Carl and his family moved to a farm in Pittsfield, where he helped his father tend the crops until he joined the U.S. Army approximately nine years later. According to his biography in Silent Heroes by Madison Taylor, Carl’s younger sister, Iris “Peg” Bailey recalled her “older brother’s humor and kind demeanor, especially when he played with his younger sisters. She described him as a ‘wicked tease,’ recalling stories of him

FEED COMMODITIES INTERNATIONAL Your Partner for Profitability Open Mon-Fri 7:30a-4:30p & Sat. 8a-12p Your Local Farm Store • Nutritional & Economic Consulting Specializing in Commercial Family Dairy Farms Variety of Bulk Grains and Blends Custom Filled to Order

487-5589 54 North Rd. • Detroit, ME

LIMITLESS FARM LLC

www.feedcommodities.com

One Day At A Time Coaching

MAINE CRAFT CANNABIS Mention this Ad for a FREEBIE! Check out our social media:

onedayatatimecoach@gmail.com

Rewards Progam Limitless Farm LLC

207LimitlessFarm

www.LimitlessFarmLLC.com

Hazel Labbe NASM Certified Personal Trainer

207-692-3519 Belgrade, Maine

27

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com teaching her to drive a car. To his mother’s dismay, he even enjoyed smoking a pipe.”

Eventually, like his older brother, Bob, who enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a paratrooper, Alexander wanted to “see the world” and experience life beyond the small town of Pittsfield.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 20, 1941, in Portland. As stated by Taylor, “Military service was very common in the community and family… and Peg recalled a friendly competition between her brothers, both of whom joined during peacetime.”

After being commissioned as a second lieutenant, Alexander trained at Camp Crowder in southwest Missouri. Established in 1941, the camp was re-designated as a U.S. Army Signal Corps replacement training center, an Army Service Forces training center, and an officer candidate preparatory school, the first of its kind at any mil(cont. on page 28)

___________________ Located in the iconic former Hathaway Shirt Factory!

Like Us and Follow Us:

— Soldiers landing at Utah Beach —

Hathaway Mill Antiques, a sister shop to Cabot Mill Antiques in Brunswick, is a 10,000 square foot multi-dealer quality antique shop featuring period furnishings to mid-century modern.

Including furniture, textiles, books, jewelry, art, and general store displays.

Make Hathaway Mill Antiques your next antiquing destination!

Air Conditioned • Ample Parking

Open WED-SUN 10am-5pm • Closed MON-TUES │ 10 Water Street, Waterville, ME 207-877-0250 • info@hathawaymillantiques.com • HathawayMillAntiques.com WHAT YOU NEED. WHEN YOU NEED IT. WHERE YOU NEED IT.

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS WE'LL GO THE EXTRA MILE TO SERVE YOU.

Clearance Mattress & Furniture Center “Better Mattresses for a Better Sleep” We sell Furniture and Ma�resses up to 80% below retail!

VETERANS & FIRST RESPONDERS RECEIVE EXTRA 10% OFF!

Open By Appointment Only Check us out on Facebook BoxDropNewport & BoxDropWaterville

55 Grove Street • Waterville, ME • 207-877-4244 Effie Dodge, Owner | boxdropwinslowma�resslady@gmail.com

MCNAUGHTON CONSTRUCTION

Sidney, ME

EXCAVATION DEMOLITION SAND LOAM & GRAVEL

FREE DELIVERY WITHIN STOREWIDE DELIVERY AREA

AN ADDITIONAL FEE WILL BE APPLIED TO DELIVERIES MADE BEYOND OUR REGULAR SERVICE AREA. PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS & NEW HAMPSHIR

E

22 LOCATIONS ACROSS MAINE & NEW HAMPSHIRE AUBURN • BANGOR • BAR HARBOR • BELFAST • BELGRADE • BLUE HILL • BOOTHBAY HARBOR • BRUNSWICK • BUCKSPORT • CALAIS • CAMDEN • CHERRYFIELD DAMARISCOTTA • ELLSWORTH • FAIRFIELD • FARMINGTON • GREENVILLE • MACHIAS • PORTLAND • ROCHESTER (NH) • ROCKLAND • SKOWHEGAN

WWW.HAMMONDLUMBER.COM

207-441-4567

WWW.MCNAUGHTONCONSTRUCTIONME.COM

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

28

(cont. from page 27) itary base. This was where he met Evelyn Adelman, whom he married on September 13, 1943, in Pittsfield.

In early 1944, Alexander was assigned to the 8th Infantry Division, 28th Infantry Regiment, and sent to England for additional training, in preparation for an offensive into northern France.

On July 4, 1944, the division landed on Utah beach in Normandy, roughly one month after the initial D-Day landings.

Like many of the Allied regiments, the goal was to continuously push through the small towns of France and attack the distracted Germans and their unbalanced forces. According to the article The 8th Infantry Division by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the division entered combat on July 7 and eventually captured the cities of Rennes and Brest. At that time, Alexander’s unit fought their way through the hedgerows as they pushed towards

Rennes, with the news of being relieved once they reached the city. However, on July 13, Alexander and his platoon were part of an attack on a German ammunition dump near Rennes. After an enemy shell wounded another officer, Alexander singlehandedly carried the man to safety and continued to organize his men. At that time, he was hit by a second shell. According to Taylor, realizing that his “wounds were fatal, he refused aid and encouraged medics to save the other officer instead. He then gave instructions to his platoon to finish the attack and died moments later.”

Eventually, when U.S. Brigadier General Charles Canham (the deputy commander of the 8th Infantry Division) arrived to accept the surrender of German troops in Brest, the commander of the Brest garrison, General Hermann-Bernhard Ramcke, asked the lower-ranking officer to show his cre-

Kramers Inc.

Since 1966

dentials, after which Canham promptly pointed to his troops and said, “These are my credentials.” This phrase has since become the 8th Infantry’s motto.

Upon receiving the Western Union telegram about Alexander’s death, his mother, Izetta, discussed repatriating his body. However, Alexander’s brother, Bob, decided that he should be laid to rest with his fallen comrades at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Alexander posthumously received the Purple Heart and Silver Star for his actions in combat. Although the Allied forces eventually reached and liberated Paris in late August 1944, as shown in the numerous photos of joyous crowds greeting the 28th Infantry Division, it was the sacrifices of men like Alexander who selflessly focused on the overall goal, despite the odds.

PAIN IS NOT NORMAL!

Full Line Of Equipment, Parts, Service & Accessories Route 104, Downtown Sidney

547-3345

No matter what you’re doing in life, we have the shoe for you!

www.kramersinc.com

!

K A E SANTD MUCH MORE!

Treat Your Family to Dinner at The Wagon

2 Depot St., Livermore Falls • 897-4031 www.chuckwagon-restaurant.com

“The Home of Happy Feet” 207-897-5558 │ pinetreeorthopedic.com

175 Park Street • Livermore Falls, ME 04254 ─ Open 8-5 TUES-FRI & 9-2 SAT ─

29

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

Men competing in a log chopping competition at the New England Sportsmen’s Rendevouz event on Lake Maranacook in 1935. Item # 104781 from the collections of the Maine Historical Society / MaineToday Media and www.VintageMaineImages.com

Greenwood Orchards ~ Est. 1965 ~

Farmstand & Bakery Our own apples locally grown in Buckfield & Turner Over 20 Years Experience

Local Honey, Maple Syrup & Preserves Our Own 100% Pure Cider Native Produce • Full Bakery Check for Winter Hours

207-225-3764 • 174 Auburn Rd., Turner

No matter where you are on your journey,

we can help you get there.

Real Estate, Auto, & Personal Lending Digital Banking • Free Checking Accounts Investment Accounts & More!

170 Main St., Jay (207) 897-0900 www.otisfcu.coop

Maine Souvenirs Specialty Foods Select Wines & Cider Camping, Farmhouse, Garden Unique Gifts Discount Department Winter hours beginning January 1st:

WED-SUN 10am-4pm • Closed MON & TUES 207-364-4206 │ 9 Roxbury Road, Rt. 17 • Mexico, ME │ www.toddsdiscount-giftshop.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

30

The Genealogy Corner

I

Charles Francis

Tracing Irish ancestry

n the early decades of the twentieth century, an attorney named Matthew McCarthy made a name for himself in Rumford. Among other things, McCarthy was a municipal judge. In addition, his law office was notable in that it trained a French Canadian by the name of Albert Beliveau for the Bar. Beliveau went on to become the first French Canadian to be appointed to the Superior Court. Beliveau subsequently married Matthew McCarthy’s daughter, Margaret. They, in turn, were the parents of one of the most notable figures in Maine politics, Severin Beliveau.

Matthew McCarthy was second generation Irish. His parents were Wil-

liam and Mary (Gallagher) McCarthy.

Matthew McCarthy was born in 1874 in Glenburn, where his father was a prosperous farmer.

William and Mary McCarthy were part of the great Irish migration to America of the 1860s and ‘70s. Many Irish who came to Maine during that period settled in the Bangor area. Many more went further north and founded the town of New Limerick in southern Aroostook County.

Matthew McCarthy was educated in Glenburn schools, Eastern Maine Conference Seminary in Bucksport, and the University of Maine Law School. He passed his bar examination in 1900. He

Open Daily 5am to 11pm

first practiced law in Bangor, and then Lewiston, before settling in Rumford in 1905.

Matthew McCarthy married twice.

His first wife was Mildred Lynch of Orono. His second wife, Mabel Lavertu, was from Berlin, New Hampshire. His second marriage is somewhat unique for the time as it is one of the first recorded instances of an Irish and French Canadian union. Matthew and Mabel McCarthy had three children in addition to Margaret — William, Matthew Jr., and Mary. All became teachers in Rumford.

Obviously, a good deal is known about the McCarthy family in Maine.

Experience Small Town Maine

Gateway to the Western Mountains

Weekend entertainment and games on the big screen!

Town of Mexico

One bite and you’ll be hooked.

Wednesday & Thursday 11-8 • Friday 11-9 Saturday Noon-9 • Sunday Noon-8 Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

mexicomaine.net

364-3800 │ 438 Hancock Street • Rumford, ME

mountainvalleyvariety.com

134 Main Street, Mexico, Maine 04257

(207) 364-7971

We Now Have NFL SUNDAY TICKET OPEN JAM EVERY THURSDAY (6 to 9pm) WE HAVE A ROOM TO BOOK PRIVATE PARTIES (Contact us today to reserve)

506 West Side Road • Weld, ME 04285

• Propane • Kerosene • #2 Heating Oil Fueling Station ~ On-Road Fuel located at Rt. 108 • Peru, ME

207.507.1655 105 Congress St. • Rumford, ME

207-562-0972 • www.dixfielddiscountfuel.com 1180 Rt. 2, Suite 6 • Rumford, ME

Michael T. Kersey Broker / Owner

Michael T. Kersey Jr. Sales & Logistics

www.kerseyre.com 207-585-2411 — Over 35 Years Of Experience —

Specializing In Large Acreage, Waterfront, Residential, Building Lots And Recreational Lots Lifetime Member Of The Professional Maine Guides Association Registered Master Maine Guide

No Blarney Spoken Here!

31

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com The same, however, cannot be said of Matthew McCarthy’s Irish antecedents.

Matthew McCarthy’s obituary (he died in 1965) simply states that his parents were born in Ireland. The situation is not all that unique, though, as many Irish immigrants to the United States in the nineteenth century are simply listed in official records as having been born in Ireland. This, of course, presents problems for those interested in tracing their Irish ancestry. But there are a few ways to find the information you are looking for.

One of the most common methods of researching Irish ancestry when a family’s origin is simply given as Ireland is to look for similar names and the dates of their migration. The reason for this is that emigrants almost always moved in groups. In the case of the William McCarthy who settled in Glenburn, there were a number of other McCarthys who migrated to Maine at

the same time. Most of them settled in New Limerick. These McCarthys trace their origins to County Cork. Therefore, the place to start researching the Irish ancestry of Matthew McCarthy would be in that county’s records.

The above method of researching Irish family history works fine from about the year 1850. But before that time, other problems arise. The reason for this is that before 1850, ships from Ireland did not sail to America on a regular schedule. For this reason, many emigrants moved to an Irish port city like Belfast or Dublin for a time, where they waited for a ship to sail. Many even made their journey in stages, first having a stopover in a port like Liverpool or Bristol in England. The most important fact to establish for your ancestors is a county of origin. If it turns out to be incorrect, you must start over, trying another county.

Researching Irish family history

to any great extent is extremely difficult. One reason for this is that major repositories of records in Ireland were twice destroyed by fire, first in the early 1800s, and then again about 1922.

Another reason is the commonality of surnames like Kelly, Murphy, and Murray. For example, there are an incredible number of Michael Murphys in the world. In addition, names with prefixes like O’Neil and McNeil often had the prefix dropped and Neil could become Neal.

Those building a family tree of their Irish ancestry will quickly find two things. The first is that it is impossible to go back much before 1800. The church records of Irish Protestants are somewhat better, as a general statement, than those of Irish Catholics, but the further back you go, the more difficult it is to find records for average people. On the other hand, if you are descended from landed gentry, you will most likely find (cont. on page 32)

Rooted in Oxford county.

Branching out into Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset and York.

Let's grow together.

800.991.9219 | ofcu.org

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

32

(cont. from page 31) a family history stretching back to antiquity already in existence.

Then, too, there is the fact that many Irish actually trace their roots elsewhere other than Ireland. Those folks are Scots and Welsh, Gaelic or Celtic and even English. Sometimes, once in America some Irish referred to themselves as Scots-Irish. It is a term, however, that has no meaning in Ireland.

Only in America is it used.

For those interested in tracing their Irish ancestry, there are researchers in Ireland who will do the leg work for a fee. Before contacting one, however, do some background work on the nuts and bolts of researching Irish family ties on your own.

The best way to begin researching is to get a book on Irish genealogy. The book should contain data that includes the entire British Isles. One of the best and most recent is Angus Baxter’s In

Search of Your British & Irish Roots: A Complete Guide to Tracing Your British, Welsh, Scottish & Irish Ancestors.

Once you have a good idea of the ins and outs of tracing Irish genealogy, then you can decide whether it is worth your while to hire someone to trace your ancestry in a particular Irish county.

The most important step in tracing your Irish roots is usually found in learning everything possible about your ancestors after they arrived in this country, as in the case of Matthew McCarthy. The fact that your ancestors most likely came with a group of Irish emigrants, as did Matthew McCarthy’s, serves as the first real starting place.

mefishwildlife.com

CONLOGUE’S BUILDING

Carpentry & Renovations

Ash to Zebrawood and everything in between...

Our warehouse and showroom are packed full for your browsing pleasure.

Shop Online: RAREWOODSUSA.COM 207-364-1520 │ 120 Swift River Rd. • Mexico, ME

Plumbing • Heating • Cooling GEOTHERMAL • SOLID FUEL • SOLAR • COMFORT CONTROLS

WILLIE’S ELECTRICAL

EXOTIC AND DOMESTIC HARDWOOD Woods of the World in Mexico, Maine

Pass on a tradition that will last a lifetime.

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

Residential & Light Commercial Electric

207-645-2711

— Veteran Owned —

Wilton, ME

William Scott Conlogue: 577-5905 email: cbpmllc@gmail.com W. Farmington, ME

Farmington │

171 Main Street •207-778-9862

Skowhegan

98 Water Street •207-474-9561

abtmech@gmail.com

Austin Foss ~ Terry Smith

│

Livermore Falls 1 Depot Street •207-897-5760

www.kyesinsurance.com

33

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

Approaching the athletic field at Abbott School in Farmington. Item # LB2007.1.105911 from the Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co. Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org

-------- 645-3088 --------

Colonial Valley Motel

Professional Towing Conveniently located on Rts. 2 & 4 in Farmington

Locally Owned & Operated Courteous, Friendly Personnel

Complimentary Continental Breakfast Cable TV • Phones • Air Conditioning Free WiFi • Pet Friendly Our Family Suite Sleeps 6!

207.778.6004 | 1.866.778.6004 WWW.MOUNTBLUEMOTEL.COM

Expert Repairs

Spacious rooms with queen or king beds

Brakes • Alignment Air Conditioning • Exhaust

Ample parking for larger vehicles

25 Hour Towing & Recovery

1-800-684-2800

445 US Rt. 2 East │ Wilton

Routes 2 & 4 | Farmington, ME

www.collinstowingandrepair.com

www.colonialvalleymotel.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

34

Kurt Russell’s Rangeley Roots Hollywood star spent childhood summers here

by Charles Francis

I

n 1993, when the University of Maine ice hockey team was on the west coast preparing to participate in the final four festivities of the NCAA hockey playoffs, Maine reporters covering the team were surprised to see actor Kurt Russell, a regular at the team’s practices. When Russell, who showed up wearing University of Maine colors, was asked why he was supporting the Maine team, the Maine reporters were even more surprised to learn that Russell had ties to the state and that he owned property there.

When he was a youngster growing up, Kurt Russell spent most of his summers in Rangeley. His grandparents

lived on what could only be described as a wilderness farm. That property had passed to him, and he and his family summered there on a regular basis, a fact that had escaped the attention of the Maine press.

Kurt Russell is a Hollywood star.

His three most successful movies, Tombstone, Stargate, and Executive Decision have grossed over two hundred million dollars. While he is generally not known as a serious actor, he won critical acclaim for his role opposite Meryl Streep in Silkwood. An even less well-known side of Russell is that he is a political maverick who has spoken to such prestigious organizations as

the conservative Cato Institute.

In fact, Russell’s open conservatism – he is an avowed Libertarian – has led the Hollywood press corps to describe him as “still trying to deal with his Cro-Magnon heritage.” One example of his heritage was his sponsorship of an annual celebrity deer hunt in which all proceeds, including the game itself, went to charitable institutions. (Russell ended the hunt due to opposition in the press and from animal rights activists.)

Russell traces his particular Libertarian philosophy to his experiences as an adolescent in Rangeley. In fact, in an interview he said, “I feel more at home in the woods. I’m a real nature person.” (cont. on page 36)

PITCHER PERFECT TIRE SERVICE

John LaBrecque Master Electrician

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • SERVICE CALLS ALTERNATIVE POWER • LIGHTNING/SURGE PROTECTION

(207) 716-6600 Farmington, ME

Big, Fat, Tall, Small... ...We Do ‘em All!

778-9699 62 Mercer Road • Rt. 27 • New Sharon, ME

• HEAT PUMPS • INSTALLATION SERVICE • CLEANING

207-248-2874

Indoor Pool & Hot Tub • Flat Screen TVs w/ Cable • Free WiFi • Pet Friendly 2303 Main Street, Rangeley, ME • Located on ITS 84/89 │ 207-864-3434 • www.rangeleysaddlebackinn.com

35

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

Fowler’s Store in Oquossoc. Item # LB2007.1.102036 from the Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co. Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org — Open at 11am daily —

24 Hour Emergency Service

George Poland

207-520-1957

LakesRegionPowerSystems@gmail.com

PO Box 1103 •Rangeley, ME 04970

www.lakesregionpower.net

Eat In or Take Out 207-864-5616 │ sargessportspub.com 2454 Main Street • Rangeley, ME

Enjoy Our Magazine?

YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY STORE AND EATERY

Call Us Today To Subscribe!

Hand Cut Meats • Fresh Produce • Full Deli • Bakery Fresh Baked Donuts, Muffins, Pies & Cookies Homemade Soups Daily • Organic & Gluten Free Selections Agency Liquor Store • Wine • Local Brews & Beer Cave

Subscription Cost: $40 Receive all 8 editions we publish this year!

1-800-753-8684

Open Every Day at 5am for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Find us on

207-864-3662

for Daily Specials

75 Carry Rd., Main Street • Oquossoc, ME

~ Order Online ~

www.OquossocGrocery.com

Large Take Out Menu

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

36

(cont. from page 34) The comment was made in 1997 to a reporter from the Canadian newspaper Calgary Sun. At the time, Russell and his family were vacationing at a secluded beach house in the Musculus region of Ontario. In the interview, the actor compared Musculus to Rangeley, and it was an apt comparison.

The Rangeley area where Kurt Russell’s grandparents lived and where he acquired his particular vision of the way things should be is known today as a summer and winter sports resort.

It lies deep in a heavily forested region that stretches well into Canada. It is a region of rugged fir-covered mountains which provide habitat for all sorts of wild game and boasts sparkling lakes and streams filled with trout and salmon. In short, it is a paradise for hunters and fishermen, and that is what Kurt Russell grew up learning to do.

Kurt Russell was born in Spring-

— Kurt Russell in 2006 —

Sporting the Great Outdoors!

For All Your Outdoor Needs Snowmobile Apparel • Snowmobile & ATV Registration Gifts • Souvenirs • Clothing Hunting, Fishing and Camping Equipment

38 Carry Road • Rt. 4 • Oquossoc, ME │ 207-864-5582

www.riversedgesports.com

Covenant Heating Rangeley, ME

207-491-5964

Propane & Oil Equipment • 24 Hour Emergency Services John Tompkins, Master Oil & Propane │ john@covenantheating.com

Fully Insured • www.covenantheating.com

Western Maine’s Premier Airport Shuttle • Car Service • Taxi

Serving outdoor enthusiasts for over 15 years!

— 24/7 by reservation —

207-329-3482

allpointstrans1@gmail.com

www.allpointstrans.co

37

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com field, Massachusetts in 1951. As a child, he was signed to a ten-year movie contract by none other than Walt Disney himself. Among his early pictures was The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes.

His first love, however, was baseball, and his intent was to become a professional baseball player, which was a distinct possibility as he possessed, as they say, all the “proper tools.” A shoulder injury ended his hopes in that direction, however, and he then made acting his career.

Russell was the featured guest speaker of the Cato Institute’s twentieth anniversary banquet in 1997. In his address, he said he had been a Libertarian for more than two decades. He also said, “I think a lot of people are Libertarians and are afraid to admit it, or don’t know.”

According to the official position of the Libertarian Party, the only role

of government should be “to help people defend themselves from force or fraud.” Among other things, the party opposes a compulsory draft, government control of the media, and government subsidies to businesses and farms.

It believes drug laws cause more harm than good, that minimum wage laws cause unemployment, and that services should be paid for with user fees rather than taxes. In short, it wants the government to stay out of people’s lives. It is a philosophy that has found formal expression in this country as far back as the time of Thoreau who has been paraphrased as saying that “government is best which governs least or not at all.”

If Kurt Russell can trace his Libertarian philosophy to his experiences in the forests of the Rangeley region, he is not the only person to be able to credit similar experiences to the formation of his political philosophy. Another who

can do so is Russell Means, who starred in The Last of the Mohicans and Natural Born Killers. Means is much more than an actor, however. Besides having been a candidate for the presidential nomination of the Libertarian Party, he is the founder of AIM, the American Indian Movement, and the author of the autobiography Where White Men Fear to Tread. Means sees “American Indians [as] caught in the same dilemma as Libertarians… We’re just for freedom.”

Russell Means was born on the Lakota/Oglala Pine Ridge Reservation in the Black Hills. His upbringing there had much in common with that of Kurt Russell in the Rangeley area. Perhaps there is something to be said, then, for having what the Hollywood press has called a Cro-Magnon heritage of growing up learning to hunt and fish.

Rangeley Vacation Rentals Waterfront, Mountain Side, Trailside and In-town Rentals Rent by the Night, WeekJim orWilson Month in the Rangeley & Eustis Areas Valley Crossing Building

Carrabassett Valley, New ME Properties!

Always Accepting

207-235-2642 207-864-2224 83 Main St., Kennebunk, ME 207-985-3361

RangeleyVacationRentals.com 141 years of trusted service.

Restaurant • Sports Pub • Bowling Golf Simulator • Arcade 1242 Carrabassett Drive • Carrabassett Valley, ME

(207) 235-3300 • Open Tuesday - Sunday

SAFE CLEAN WATER Professional Water Treatment

J.P. Clarke

Home • Auto • Commercial • Life • Marine Jim Wilson 207-235-2642 Valley Crossing Building Carrabassett Valley, ME

John Kreie 207-985-3361 83 Main Street Kennebunk, ME

Dave Fazzina 207-439-5981 27 Walker Street Kittery, ME

www.coleharrison.com

Plumbing Services 207-399-7210 jpclarkeplumbing@gmail.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

38

John Ware And The Pioneers Of Norridgewock A glimpse into the town’s history

by Ruth M. Knowles

T

he town of Norridgewock was first settled by the English in 1773. The name was derived from the famous Indian Chief Norridgwog. A great deal of history was being made here in Norridgewock at this time in the settlement of the State of Maine.

William Warren and William Fletcher were the first settlers. Most of the early settlers were young men. Back in those times men depended upon their own efforts to make their way in the world.

At the beginning of the Revolutionary War on April 1st, General Arnold

and his men marched through Norridgewock where they stopped at the home of Thomas Farrington. It was here that Arnold saw the first white child, Abel Farrington, born of English parents.

At the close of 1776, there were only about ten settlers living within the limits of Norridgewock.

According to The History of Norridgewock by William Allen, one of the most distinguished early pioneers in Norridgewock was John Ware. A cooper by trade, he came to the town in 1787 at twenty years of age with only

a single suit of clothes. In 1809 the County of Somerset was established and Norridgewock was made its shire town. John Ware was the principal agent in establishing Somerset County and was a Representative to the court in 1808 and 1809. He also served as town treasurer in 1799, 1800, 1801 and 1806.

John Ware operated a large store along with his brother-in-law Richard Sawtelle of Huguenot descent. Sawtelle was known as a man who was always honest in his dealings. He and Ware also served together on a committee which banded together to face the

You’ll love our outside deck seating overlooking beautiful Kennebec gorge

Restaurant Your Local Source for: Lumber & Building Materials Roofing Materials & Masonry Products Honda Generators & Power Equipment Husqvarna and Echo Chainsaws & Mowers

We Cater Special Events!

LIVE MUSIC Thursday & Saturday 6pm-9pm

Tuesday - Saturday - Call for hours • Sunday 11:30am-7pm

39 Water Street Downtown Skowhegan, ME

207-474-6627 • oldmillpub.net

Free Estimates On-site Sales Assistance Free Delivery Service

1-800-750-2231 207-265-2231

Dover-Foxcroft: 659-3642

354 Main Street • Kingfield, Maine

sackettandbrake.com

www.jordanlumberco.com

Skowhegan: 474-6223

39

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com British threat to Colonial shipping and importing. Ware was also the proprietor of the first bridge across the Kennebec River. It is said that John Ware never took time to get married or even court a girl, though in spite of all the demands he maintained an active public life, giving the newly established Somerset County a jail along with the acre of land on which the jail was built. On top of this, he helped with a committee to build the first meetinghouse and church which stood in the town until it burned in 1960.

John Ware played somewhat a part in the beautification of Norridgewock.

John wanted poplar and willows, but his good friend and lawyer Ithamar Spaulding, who directed and furnished the trees, preferred elms. Mr. Spaulding got his way.

It was in Norridgewock that John Ware built up a large fortune. Allen states in his history of the town that Ware was accommodating to those he considered his friends, but a bitter en-

W

emy to those that opposed him. The friends that helped him swell his fortune could often be found partaking of the strong drinks that were sold in Ware’s store. It is also recorded that in all of John Ware’s early projects his workers were paid with liquor. Another means of profit for John Ware was the Indian trade. The Indians greatly desired the things that were sold in the store and came many miles to deal with him. John bought their furs and sold them at an enormous profit.

John Ware had a pet beaver. Hanson’s History of Norridgewock tells the story of the beaver as follows: “About the time 1796, Mr. John Ware procured a beaver from an Indian friend which he domesticated and kept in his store. It was the custom to let him out at midnight and he would follow his instincts in the neighboring Kennebec and return at dawn of day to his home.

One night the beaver was kept in the store, and a violent southeast rainstorm came up and drove the rain violently (cont. on page 40)

Live, Visit, Work and Play in the Skowhegan Region

The Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to support our thriving business communities!

Explore the Kennebec River, visit unique shops, or enjoy our vibrant culinary scene packed with locally sourced ingredients.

207.474.3621 • admin@skowheganregion.com

www.skowheganregion.com

HITTEMORE & SONS Since 1970

Outdoor Power Equipment

Sales and service by a family who cares!

(207) 474-2591 • 257 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, ME www.whittemoreandsons.com

WOODLAWN

REHAB & NURSING CENTER

Physician Directed Rehabilitation Program Long-Term Care  Skilled Care Respite Care Secure Care Protection

474-9300

a d m i n w o o d l a w n @ f i r s t a tlan tic.com

59 W. Front St.

Skowhegan

~ Debit, EBT Cards & Food Stamps Also Accepted ~

Mon.-Thurs. 6AM-8PM • Fri. 6AM-9PM Sat. 7AM-9PM & Sun. 8AM-8PM

(207) 643-2130

5 South Main Street, Solon, Maine www.soloncornermkt.com

We Are Open Every Day: 8AM-8PM

(207) 474-3121

121 North Ave., Skowhegan, Maine www.georgesbananastand.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

40

(cont. from page 39) under the street door. Mr. Ware heard noises all night beneath him, but he little suspected the cause. Upon going down into the store in the morning, Mr. Ware found his beaver who, fearing a flood, had prepared according to his nature to resist it by sawing up the chairs and whatever else came in his way to manufacture a dam. The absence of mud however rendered it somewhat leaky — but it was in the way of the flood.”

In 1816 the town of Norridgewock found it necessary to revise the inventory of the town. John Ware thinking himself not fairly treated by the assessors, moved from the town, taking a large part of the property of the town with him. He first moved to Bloomfield (Skowhegan), then soon afterward to Athens. He died on August 1st of 1829.

A man by the name of Dr. Ephraim Ware is buried in Athens, possibly John Ware’s father.

In his autobiographical poem, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, Lord Byron wrote, “But there are deeds that should not pass away, and names that must not wither...” Here are some of the other noteworthy pioneers of this town.

James Waugh, Esq. came in the winter of 1774-75. His son James Waugh Jr. was born the following year, being the first male child born of English parents within the limits of the County.

John Clark came to the town in 1774. He served in the breastwork at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Here he felt the need to prepare for death and became a Christian.

Oliver Wood acted as an agent for the Plymouth Company. He was for a long time the only acting Justice of Peace in the town.

Mariah Gould was one of the early settlers. He served in the Revolutionary War. Peter Gilman carried the mail on

horseback for twenty years starting on the day that a Post office was first established. He followed the course of the river for forty-five miles and back once a week.

Deacon Solomon Bixby was one of the early settlers of the town. He served fourteen years as one of the selectmen.

Deacon William W. Dinsmore was a member of Norridgewock church for eighteen years. His conversations and prayers were welcomed by the sick and afflicted.

When the town of Norridgewock was incorporated on June 18, 1788, there were seventy-nine families living in the town. The number of inhabitants was estimated to be three hundred and twenty.

At there first town meeting Gov. William King received all but one of the town votes.

WE HAVE EXPANDED! R&B’s Home Source is now on both sides of Route 201!

“small business works” Water Treatment Systems Propane, Natural Gas & Oil Installations Licensed and Insured

858-4455 • Cell: 692-3153 mwainerph@yahoo.com 79 George St. • Norridgewock, ME

Appliances • Furniture • Bedding • Lawn & Garden 207-474-2400 ▪ randbshomesource.com Route 201 • 514 & 517 Lakewood Road • Madison, ME

FINE LINE

PAVING & GRADING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Driveways • Walkways Parking Lots • Repairs Sealcoating & Rubberized Crackfilling FREE Fine Grading ESTIMATES

99 Main Street • Madison, ME 207.696.5142 │ www.fonzos.com

Jim Peters

207-696-8805 Cell: 207-431-1217 629 Main Street • Madison, ME 04950

LUCE’S MEATS & MAPLE

~ W HO L E S A L E - R ET AI L ~ Slaughterhouse • Custom Smoking We specialize in supplying some of Maine’s best restaurants_______________ with Maine-grown meats of the finest quality.

Our own maple syrup, candies and treats.

A family tradition since 1795!

207-635-2817 North Anson, Maine

41

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

Bird’s-eye view of Caratunk. Item # LB2007.1.102345 from the Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co. Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org

Check our Facebook Page for Updates

MON-FRI: 4am to Close SAT: 6am to 8pm • SUN: 6am to Close

Snowmobiles & ATV’s Sales & Service

(207) 668-4442 1-800-287-SNOW www.jackmanpowersports.com 549 Main Street, Jackman, ME

SNOWMOBILING • HIKING • BIKING • BOATING • RAFTING • HUNTING

Outstanding Outdoor Adventure All-Year Round Kitchens with King Bed Phones • A/C 89 Main St., Bingham, ME ITS 87 in our backyard!

Snowmobile & ATV park on site Ride right on the trails

Private Bath/Shower Remote Color Cable TV WiFi • Fridges/Microwaves

1-866-806-6120 | hello@binghammotorinn.com FISHING • HIKING • BIKING • SKIING • RAFTING • CANOEING • HUNTING

• 24 Hour Fuel • Movie Rentals • Food/Sundries • Cold Beer & Soda

Open 6 AM to 10 PM

407 Main Street • Jackman, ME

207-668-7864

LOCATED RIGHT ON THE ITS 89 TRAIL!

hallandsmithenergy.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

42

Canoe racers at Shadow Pond Slope during the Moosehead Lake Carnival in Greenville on January 23, 1966.

Item # LB2005.24.19102 from the Boutilier Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org

SALES SERVICE RENTALS 13 Industrial Park Greenville Junction, ME www.mooseheadmotorsports.com

207-695-2020

Weekend Entertainment

Pool Tables • Arcade • Air Hockey

Delicious Home-Cooked Food Open Tuesday-Saturday: 4pm-Close Sunday: Patriots Kickoff-Close (only during football season)

695-2488 │2 Industrial Park Rd., Greenville Jct.

Harris Drug Store

Give the gift

Serving the Moosehead Lake Area since 1896

CH AL E T

FULL PRESCRIPTION SERVICE

MOOSEHEAD

LAKEFRONT LODGING

of Discover Maine Magazine! $40 1 Year Subscription

Registered Pharmacists:

Michael J. Harris Harold W. Harris

Soda Fountain • Magazines • Sundries Digital Photo Printing • Greeting Cards

207-695-2921 10 Pritham Ave. • Greenville

Call Today!

Open Year Round www.chaletmoosehead.com

207-695-2950 12 North St., Greenville Junction

207-874-7720

43

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

Mexico Corner in Mexico. Item # LB2007.1.108041 from the Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co. Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org

Independent, local, experienced agents with a personal touch.

We’re in your neighborhood.

Vinyl tile stripping, waxing, buffing, & other commercial services Free Estimates • Day or Night Service Luke Niedner - Proprietor

207-859-0205 Livermore, ME

DAN’S Automotive

Repair & Sales

“The One Automotive Service You Can Count On!” Major And Minor Repairs Quality, Clean Pre-Owned Automobiles For Sale Computerized 4-Wheel Alignment • Custom Exhaust

K I M B A L L KO R P

Advantage Insurance - 160 Congress St., Rumford....................................................................................................................................364-8293 Bessey Insurance - 10 Snell Hill Rd., Turner...............................................................................................................................................225-2334 D&H Insurance - 18 Highland Spring Rd., Lewiston....................................................................................................................................783-9991 Kimball Insurance - 91 Main St., Sangerville..............................................................................................................................................876-9777 Weber Insurance - 670 Wilton Rd., Farmington........................................................................................................................................778-3300 Weber Insurance - 20 Main St., Livermore Falls.......................................................................................................................................897-4313

b

A Jo

625 Crescent Ave., Rumford, ME

Whirlpool Kitchenaid Maytag • Amana

Mon-Fri 8AM - 5PM Sat 9AM - Noon, or by appointment

MASON’S CARPENTRY - 25 Years Experience -

ne

Do Well

Sales & Service

Refrigerators • Ranges • Washers • Dryers Freezers • Dishwashers • Microwaves

364-7062 Family Owned & Operated for 60 Years

Fisher Plows Sales & Service New & Used

369-9302

Visit us today for all your insurance needs!

ELECTRIC 13 Main Street, Mexico

New Construction Custom Finish Work Remodeling, etc.

Fully Insured • Free Estimates Ken Mason Owner

No job too Big or Small! We do them ALL!

207-595-8861 • masontools@yahoo.com

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

44

Post Office in Carthage. Item # LB2007.1.104779 from the Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co. Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org

The Town Of Carthage INC. 1826

MONDAY & TUESDAY: 8am-1pm THURSDAY: 8am-5pm

DEVANEY DOAK & GARRETT BOOKSELLERS FARMINGTON’S INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE SINCE 1991

Quality Books, Gifts & More Mon.-Wed. 10-5 Thur. 10-5:30 Fri. 10-6:30 Sat. 9-5 Sun. 12-3

Kenny Brechner

207-562-8874 703A Carthage Rd. (Rt. 142) Carthage, ME 04224

of Maine “From Our Forest to Final Form”

AUTHORIZED SALES CENTER New Equipment Sales & Service Ross Clair, Manager/Sawyer

(207) 645-2072 541 Borough Rd., Chesterville, ME

Proprietor

kenny@ddgbooks.com

193 Broadway • Farmington, ME, 04938 | (207) 778-3454 Info@ddgbooks.com • http://ddgbooks.com

Farmington Farmers Union & Union Rental Celebrating 100+ Years of Serving the Area’s Agricultural Needs

We offer a complete line of plumbing, hardware, paint, farming supplies, and livestock needs.

TOOL RENTALS AVAILABLE Small Engine Mechanic On Duty

244 Front St., Farmington, ME • 778-4520 • 778-5674

45

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

Main Street in Rangeley. Item # LB2007.1.102159 from the Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co. Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org

THE

WOOD MILL OF MAINE Rt. 2 · Mercer, ME

Wide Pine Flooring Custom Lumber Planing & Kiln Drying Log Home Supplies Proud distributor of superior pine products from Robbins Lumber Co.

587-2145

contact@thewoodmillofmaine.com

CONSERVE | RESTORE | STEWARD

Get outside with us!

20,000

acres conserved

40

Our VILLAGE MARKET

miles of trails

Pizza • Subs • Sandwiches Beer • Soda • Wine • Gas Public Restroom 10% Off Any Large Pizza!

Free trail maps and recreational info at: 2424 Main Street Rangeley, ME 04970 (207) 864-7311 | rlht.org

207-652-2277

~ Convenient to ATV’ers & Snowmobilers ~ Route 27 • New Vineyard, ME

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

46

Norridgewock’s Major John Moor

by Charles Francis

O

The Sword of Bunker Hill

n October 12, 1904 the words to The Sword of Bunker Hill rang through the old Congregational church on the banks of the Upper Kennebec. The singer was Emma Dunton, the great-great-granddaughter of Colonel John Moor, one of the heroes of the Battle of Bunker Hill. The occasion was the dedication of the Major John Moor Memorial in the Norridgewock Cemetery. The ceremony was being held inside because the weather was too inclement to hold it outside. The reason why Colonel Moor’s memorial is referred to as the Major John Moor Memorial is that Moor’s rank was that of major during the American Revolution.

The fact that The Sword of Bunker

Hill was sung at the dedication of the Major John Moor Memorial is significant for a number of reasons. The sword that Moor carried at Bunker Hill laid in repose gracing the ceremony. There was an even more significant reason why the singing of the song was appropriate, however. Some hundred and more years ago The Sword of Bunker Hill was viewed as a national anthem.

The song, which had been written in 1861 at the very beginning of the Civil War, was once — along with The Battle Hymn of the Republic — seriously considered for the honor of the nation’s official national anthem.

Colonel John Moor, along with four sons by his first wife, was one of the

T&L Enterprises Auto & Small Engine Repair Thomas LeMont Jr. Mechanic / Owner

141 Main Street • Stratton, ME

207-246-4276 • 207-265-6026 — Flaggstaff Rentals — Full or Half Day Rentals - 8am-4pm

www.flagstaffrentalsmaine.com

~ Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner ~

Steaks, Burgers, Seafood & Spirits Thursdays: Two-Fer Menu, featuring our Famous Prime Rib

59 Eustis Village & ITS 89 207-246-7511 www.trailsendsteakhouse.com

Interior & Exterior Decor

1890 PRIMITIVES

Find us on Facebook under 1890 Primitives

207-431-2877

219 North Ave. Skowhegan, Maine 10-5, Wed.-Sat.

Smokin’ Good Times ME Smokin’ Good Meats at Smokin’ Good Prices!

Ross Frazier, Pitmaster

207-474-9656

47

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com early settlers of Norridgewock. Moor and his sons arrived there in 1780.

Some years later, in 1791, he became one of the early settlers of North Anson, where he built the first mill. While in Norridgewock he became an officer in the local militia, which accounts for his rank of colonel. His involvement in the militia of the upper Kennebec region was the least of his accomplishments from a military perspective, however.

John Moor was one of those quiet American farmers who, when the call to duty sounded, answered. That call led him to serve in the French and Indian Wars as well as at Lexington and Concord. Then came the Battle of Bunker Hill, the battle that some historians consider the most important in the Revolution.

John Moor was born in Litchfield, New Hampshire in 1731. His father Samuel was a farmer who also served in the French and Indian War.

In 1755 John Moor was farming in Derryfield, New Hampshire when the call for volunteers went out to fight the French under Montcalm. Moor, who was a militia captain at the time, commanded a company of some five hundred men at Crown Point. In August of 1777 Moor was taken captive by Indians allied to the French, and sold at Quebec. His captivity included being transported to a prison in France.

Between the end of the French and Indian War in 1763 and the beginning of hostilities marking the onset of the Revolution, Moor farmed in Derryfield. Then when reinforcements were needed to protect the munitions stored at Lexington, Moor recruited a force of New Hampshire men that joined the minutemen formed at the rude bridge where the shot heard round the world was fired. Shortly after that, Moor was commissioned a captain in John Stark’s regiment. With him came thirty-four

of the thirty-six able-bodied men of Derryfield. Much later Moor was to be dubbed the “Knight of Derryfield” for his actions both on and off the field as a representative of that town.

The Battle of Bunker Hill has been touched upon by every student of early American history. Every Patriot who participated in the struggle, which actually took place at Breeds Hill, has been identified, and every aspect of the battle has been dissected. For this reason, the actions of John Moor and the men under his command are a matter of fact and not fancy.

The New Hampshire men in Stark’s regiment, along with men from Connecticut, were the ones chosen to defend the hill, as those Americans who had run out of ammunition left. George Bancroft, in one of the most famous passages in American history, describes the event with the following words: “The little handful of brave men... (cont. on page 48)

To Heat or Cool & Propane too!

call 207-696-3040

Heating Oil, Kerosene & Propane Delivery With 24 Hour Repair Service

207-474-3000 Joseph Almand - Owner & Head Barista

217 North Ave.Skowhegan, ME

207-474-6468 • 65 Water St., Skowhegan, ME

WWW.JOESFLATIRONCAFE.COM

HARDYS MOTORSPORTS Your Outdoor Equipment Headquarters!

Certified Natural Gas & Geothermal Heating and Cooling Installation Available www.bobscashfuel.com

Bobs Cash Fuel.indd 1

Snow Blowers • Zero Turn Mowers • Push Mowers • Riding Mowers • Wood Splitters • Chain Saws • Trimmers

We service all the brands we sell! * 0% Financing Available with approved Credit *

*All Units full of gas ready to be used. Delivered within 20 miles* 74 Mercer Rd., Norridgewock, ME ▪ 634-3452 ▪ hardysmotorsports@tds.net

458 North Ave. Skowhegan, ME

GREG’S AUTO REPAIR

5/13/13 1:48 P

Greg Holt

Owner/Operator

Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair Rocker Panels & Cab Corners • Fluid Filming

474-8912

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

48

(cont. from page 47) would have been... cut off but for the unfailing courage of the provincials at the rail fence and the bank of the Mystic. They had repulsed the enemy twice, they now held them in check till the main body had left the hill [then] the New Hampshire soldiers under Stark quit the hill they had so nobly defended.”

At first, the Battle of Bunker Hill was looked upon as an American defeat. Later, however, when it came to be realized that American forces had beaten back highly trained British regulars with relative ease and would have continued to do so had they not run out of ammunition, it became a rallying point for later battles. This was the reason why the song that was sung at the dedication of the Major John Moor Memorial, The Sword of Bunker Hill, came to be written in 1861.

The Sword of Bunker Hill was written by William Ross Wallace, a Kentuckian and an ardent Union sympa-

thizer. In it, a dying veteran asks his son to bring him the sword he tore from the hand of a British officer at Bunker Hill.

What the veteran is doing is passing on a legacy to the son, for as the words of the song say: For, boy, the God of freedom bless’d The Sword of Bunker Hill.

The message of The Sword of Bunker Hill was clear to those fighting on the Union side during the Civil War. They were picking up the sword that “the God of freedom bless’d” at Bunker Hill. When the Major John Moor Memorial was dedicated in 1903 in Norridgewock, that message was still very much alive.

According to newspaper reports of the dedication of the Major John Moor Memorial, the descendants of Moor all stood at his grave and sang America. It had been those same descendants who had paid for the memorial, a stone of Maine granite.

Todd West welcomes you to

JIMMY’S SHOP ‘N SAVE Convenient to ITS 87 Ready-To-Go Chicken Baskets & Hamburgers Brick Oven Pizza

• Custom Fresh Cut Meats • Fresh Produce • All Your Grocery And Snack Needs • Agency Liquor Store MAIN STREET • BINGHAM

24 Hour Gas

672-5528

JIMMYSSHOPNSAVE.COM

CLARK AUTO PARTS Complete line of auto & truck parts Snowmobile parts & accessories

If you need it, we can get it! ─ Open Monday-Saturday ─

207-672-5556

341 Main St. • Bingham, ME

NAPAONLINE.COM

P.O. Box 489 • 8 Long Pond Road Jackman, Maine 04945

207-668-4457 Fax: 207-668-4188 Do You Enjoy Writing?

Do You Love Maine?

Do You Love History?

If so, give us a call.

We Are Always Looking for HISTORY WRITERS to contribute to our magazine!

Discover Maine Magazine (207) 874-7720 • 1-800-753-8684

Discover Maine Magazine has been brought to you free through the generous support of Maine businesses for the past 30 years, and we extend a special thanks to them.

Please tell our advertisers how much you love Discover Maine Magazine by doing business with them whenever possible.

Thanks for supporting those businesses that help us bring Maine’s history to you!

49

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

High School building in Bingham. Item # LB2007.1.104255 from the Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co. Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org

In Memory of

Charles Francis

October 1, 1942 - June 10, 2023 Charles "Charlie" Laurance Humphrey Francis, age 80, of Lower Wolfville passed away June 10, 2023, in the Valley Hospice, Kentville. Born October 1, 1942, in Portland, Maine, USA; he was the son of the late Henry Russell Francis and Marguerita (Woods) Francis.

Charlie was first and always a teacher. He grew up in the Unitarian Church. He was also a voracious reader in the fields of science, theology, literary critique, and popular history. Genealogy was a strong interest. He became a regular contributing writer for Discover Maine Magazine, sharing articles on the popular history of Maine for over 20-years until his death.

Charlie earned degrees from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, where he obtained a degree in Canadian Studies; and University of Maine at Orono, where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Education. After his studies, Charles taught first in Mars Hill, Maine, USA. He then continued teaching at NYA in Yarmouth, Maine, USA, and at Searsport District High School where he taught history and English, was involved in curriculum development and coached cross-country.

Following retirement in 1990, Charlie moved to Monroe, Maine, USA, where he served as Chair of the Selection Board. In the early to mid-1990s, he served aboard the light ship “Nantucket”. His interest in the history of his community was shown in his leadership in restoring the Civil War statue in Monroe. His fascination with Canadian history led him to Halifax and his Howe family connection.

Charlie fell in love with his wife’s country and became a proud and fervent citizen of Canada in 2002. Together they were the owners of his “Shangri-la” near Annapolis Royal. He delighted in living in the heart of Canada's birthplace. Nature and the environment were his sources of spiritual connection. Gardening, daily runs, which in later years became daily walks, fed his joy.

Charlie is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Lou Rockwell of Wolfville; daughter, Sarah Francis of Gray, Maine, USA; grandchildren, Curtis Austin and Margaret (Maggie) Austin of Gray, Maine, USA; special first cousin, Jack Woods, Peapack, New Jersey, USA; and Jetta the Cat of Wolfville.

Cremation has taken place and in accordance with Charlie’s wishes, there will be no service. Memorial donations may be made to the Valley Hospice in Kentville or The Lodge That Gives in Halifax (1-888-939-3333). Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902679-2822).

Courtesy of Serenity Funeral Home

Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys

50

Three men fishing in a canoe near Rockwood. Item # LB2016.15.1650 from the Jake Gillison Collection and www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org

Enjoy Discover Maine All Year!

Discover Maine Magazine is published eight times each year in regional issues that span the entire State of Maine. Each issue is distributed for pick up, free of charge, only in the region for which it is published.

Subscription Rates: $40 Veterans and Non-Profits receive 10% off ($36)

It is possible to enjoy Discover Maine year ‘round by having all eight issues mailed directly to your home or office. Mailings are done four times each year.

Name Address Phone

Send payments to: Discover Maine Magazine 10 Exchange Street, Suite 208, Portland, Maine 04101 Or call 207-874-7720 to subscribe with Visa or MasterCard

51

DiscoverMaineMagazine.com

BUSINESS

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS PAGE

1890 Primitives....................................................................46 ABC Pool & Spa Center.........................................................22 ABT Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.......................................32 Advantage Insurance............................................................43 Affordable Well Drilling Excavation & Forestry.....................20 All Points Transportation......................................................36 American Awards Inc. .........................................................23 Asian Cafe.............................................................................24 Asian Noodle Bowl...............................................................24 Augusta Civic Center...............................................................8 Back Office Solutions Maine.................................................25 Bean Maine Lobster..............................................................12 Ben's Auto Body...................................................................11 Bessey Insurance..................................................................43 Bingham Motor Inn.............................................................41 Bob Temple Well Drilling.....................................................23 Bob's Cash Fuel....................................................................47 Box Drop Mattress & Furniture.............................................27 C&S Market.............................................................................8 Central Maine Community College.......................................17 Chalet Moosehead Lakefront Lodging.................................42 Chuck Wagon Restaurant.....................................................28 City of Lewiston....................................................................18 Clark Auto Parts....................................................................48 Cole Harrison Insurance........................................................37 Collins Enterprises................................................................33 Colonial Valley Motel............................................................33 Conlogue's Building..............................................................32 Countryside Auto Body & Repair............................................7 Covenant Heating.................................................................36 Cushing Construction............................................................29 D&H Insurance......................................................................43 Damboise Garage.................................................................25 Dan's Automotive Repair & Sales.........................................43 Daryl Horak Logging............................................................24 Design Architectural Heating...............................................17 Devaney Doak & Garrett Booksellers....................................44 Dirigo Federal Credit Union..................................................18 Dixfield Discount Fuel, Inc. ..................................................30 Downtown Diner....................................................................8 E.J. Carrier, Inc. ....................................................................48 Ed Hodsdon Masonry, Inc. ....................................................7 Elmer's Barn & Antique Mall..................................................9 Emerald Janitorial................................................................15 Farmington Farmers Union & Union Rental..........................44 Feed Commodities International..........................................26 Fine Line Paving & Grading...................................................40 Flagstaff Rentals...................................................................46 Fonzo's Pizza, Seafood & More............................................40 Franco Center Performing Arts & Events................................7 Franklin-Somerset Federal Credit Union.................................5 Freeport Antiques and Heirlooms Showcase........................12 G&G Cash Fuels.....................................................................23 George's Banana Stand........................................................39 Ginny's Natural Corner.........................................................47 Gray Family Vision Center.....................................................14 Greenwood Orchards Farmstand & Bakery..........................29 Greg's Auto Repair................................................................47 Hall & Smith Energy..............................................................41 Hammond Lumber Company...............................................27 Handy Andy Heat Pumps......................................................34 Hardys Motorsports..............................................................47 Harris Drug Store..................................................................42 Harvest Time Natural Foods.................................................24

BUSINESS

PAGE

Hathaway Mill Antiques.......................................................27 Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch.................................16 J.P. Clarke Plumbing Services...............................................37 J.T. Reid's Gun Shop................................................................6 Jackman Power Sports..........................................................41 Jimmy's Shop 'N Save...........................................................48 Joe's Flat Iron Café................................................................47 Jordan Lumber Co. ...............................................................38 Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce..............................23 Kersey Real Estate.................................................................30 Kimball Insurance.................................................................43 Kimball Korp.........................................................................43 Kirkpatrick's Service & Repair.................................................9 Kramers Inc. .........................................................................28 Kyes Insurance......................................................................32 Lakes Region Power Systems................................................35 Lakeview Lumber Co. ...........................................................10 Laney's Pit Stop.....................................................................38 Langlois' Collision Center Inc. ...............................................16 Larsen's Electric....................................................................43 Lavallee's Garage..................................................................48 Law Office of Brian D. Condon, Jr, Esq. .................................23 Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce........18 Liberte Auto Sales.................................................................20 Limitless Farm LLC Medical Cannabis....................................26 Lincoln Street Radiator Shop..................................................5 Linda Bean's Maine Kitchen & Topside Tavern......................12 Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster...................................................12 Linda Bean's Perfect Maine Vacation Rental.........................12 Linkletter & Sons, Inc. ............................................................5 Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union...............................20 Lizotte Construction..............................................................25 Looking Ahead Clubhouse....................................................16 Luce's Meats & Maple...........................................................40 Macomber, Farr & Whitten Insurance......................................9 Maine Family Federal Credit Union.......................................22 Maine Historical Society..........................................................5 Maine Pellet Sales LLC.............................................................7 Mainely Puppies Plus, LLC.......................................................6 Maine's Northwestern Mountains........................................36 Mama Bear's Den..................................................................41 Mason's Carpentry.................................................................43 McAllister Accounting and Tax Services.................................11 McNaughton Construction....................................................27 Melissa's Pub & Grill..............................................................20 Mike Wainer Plumbing & Heating........................................40 Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant................................................25 Monkitree....................................................................24 Moosehead Motorsports.......................................................42 Mountain Valley Variety........................................................30 Mount Blue Motel.................................................................33 N.C. Wyeth Research Foundation and Reading Libraries.....12 Naples Packing Co., Inc. ........................................................44 Native Maine'ah Pellet Stove Services...................................21 Niedner's Floor Finishing......................................................43 Northeast Laboratory Services...............................................9 Old Mill Pub Restaurant........................................................38 One Day At A Time Coaching.................................................26 Oquossoc Grocery..................................................................35 Otis Federal Credit Union.....................................................29 Our Village Market................................................................45 Oxford Casino............................................................back cover Oxford Federal Credit Union.................................................31 Pa’s Tradin’ Company.............................................................15

BUSINESS

PAGE

Patterson's General Store.....................................................10 Penobscot Marine Museum..................................................13 Phil Carter's Garage..............................................................11 Pine Tree Orthopedic Lab.......................................................28 Pitcher Perfect Tire Service..................................................34 Presidential Pest Control.......................................................14 R&B's Home Source..............................................................40 R.E. Lowell Lumber Inc. ........................................................23 Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust..............................................45 Rangeley Lakes Trails Center.................................................45 Rangeley Made in Maine......................................................35 Rangeley Saddleback Inn.....................................................34 Rangeley Vacation Rentals...................................................37 Rare Woods USA...................................................................32 RDA Automotive.....................................................................6 Record Building Supply, Inc. ..................................................6 Rick's Repair..........................................................................10 Rita's Catering.......................................................................10 River's Edge Sports...............................................................36 Rolfe's Well Drilling Co. ........................................................24 Ron's Transmissions................................................................8 Roopers Beverage & Redemption.........................................19 Rottari Electric........................................................................6 Route 26 Antiques & Flea Market..........................................15 Russell & Sons Towing & Recovery.......................................14 Sackett and Brake Survey Inc. ..............................................38 Sarge's Pub & Grub...............................................................35 Seahorse Lounge..................................................................30 Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce.......................39 Smile Again Dentures, Inc. ...................................................22 Smokin' Good Times ME........................................................46 Solon Corner Market.............................................................39 Sprague & Curtis Real Estate.................................................23 Station Grill Restaurant.........................................................22 Sterling Electric.....................................................................34 Stevens Electric & Pump Service Inc. .....................................4 Strong Hardware & Building Supply....................................46 Styling Dog Grooming Boutique.............................................7 T&L Enterprises.....................................................................46 The Bankery & Skowhegan Fleuriste.....................................39 The Cote Corporation............................................................17 The Lure Restaurant.............................................................30 The Meadows.........................................................................8 The Sterling Inn....................................................................41 The Sugarbowl Family Entertainment..................................37 The Tribune Books & Gifts.....................................................6 The Wood Mill of Maine.......................................................45 Todd's Discount & Gift Shop..................................................29 Town of Carthage.................................................................44 Town of Mexico.....................................................................30 Trail's End Steakhouse & Tavern............................................46 Trailside One Stop.................................................................41 Vasvary Electric.......................................................................9 Vintage Maine Images............................................................5 Weber Insurance...................................................................43 Weeks & Sons Well Drilling..................................................25 Whittemore & Sons Outdoor Power Equipment....................39 Willie’s Electrical...................................................................32 Wilson Funeral Home.............................................................4 Wilson Paving & Excavation LLC...........................................15 Winslow Supply, Inc. ............................................................10 Woodlawn Rehab & Nursing Center.....................................39 Wood-Mizer of Maine...........................................................44 Woody’s................................................................................42

52

— 2024 Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River Valleys —Valleys Greater Kennebec & Androscoggin River

ALWAYS OPEN,

ALWAYS FUN! Maine’s home for wicked good fun, with 24/7 casino action and our convenient hotel and pub!

OxfordCasino.com

Experience round-the-clock casino action on our expanded gaming floor, featuring exciting table games and nearly 1,000 slot machines! With over 100 hotel rooms and a pub-style restaurant offering the best in Maine and New England cuisine, we’re building excitement every day!

Oxford Casino Hotel is just minutes from the Maine Turnpike on Route 26!

Persons under 21 years of age may not enter the gaming area or restaurants unless licensed as employees. Gambling problem? In Maine, call 2-1-1 or 1-800-GAMBLER for help.