Preserving History • Engaging Minds • Connecting maine historical society Fall 2011 Fall History Unburied MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY I’ve been thinking a good deal lately about how history is never quite over. We Incorporated 1822 think an event or conflict is safely stowed in the non-controversial past, but then something happens to show us we are wrong. It’s as if history is really just at rest: all it needs is the sharp noise of the present to wake it into relevance. That’s the OFFICERS

Katherine Stoddard Pope, President case with our story in this issue about the fate of Henry Wadsworth and the 12 Lendall L. Smith, 1st Vice President other sailors who died in in 1804—the “Intrepid 13.” Why, we might ask, Preston R. Miller, 2nd Vice President Carolyn B. Murray, Secretary after all these years, is there now legislation before the U.S. Senate calling for the Horace W. Horton, Treasurer repatriation of their remains? For one thing, the improperly buried always exert an TRUSTEES emotional claim on us, especially if they are veterans fallen in a foreign land. But for

Eleanor G. Ames Peter Merrill maine historical society another there is Gaddafi. His hostility toward the U.S. in his early reign caused con- Richard E. Barnes Margaret Crane Morfit Robert P. BaRoss Eldon L. Morrison cern amongst descendants about the treatment of their ancestors (the mass graves Eric Baxter Neil R. Rolde Carl L. Chatto Imelda A. Schaefer are apparently known and marked). His later change of heart and warming to the Priscilla B. Doucette Charles V. Stanhope U.S. gave them hope and helped launch an effort to make the story known. His Harland H. Eastman Alan B. Stearns Joseph E. Gray Frederic L. Thompson impending fall from power—with all the uncertainty that implies— has brought Bob Greene Jotham A. Trafton Patrick T. Jackson Lee D. Webb the matter to a head. We do not think of the U.S. House and Senate as histori- E. Christopher Livesay Paul A. Wescott cal organizations, because they are not. Congress is where contemporary political Peter G. McPheeters Jean T. Wilkinson passions and national interests play themselves out, and that is the noise that has STAFF recalled Henry Wadsworth from the sleep of history. ADMINISTRATION

Richard D’Abate Executive Director Richard D’Abate Stephen Bromage Assistant Director Executive Director Sara Archbald Administrative Assistant to the Director Steven Atripaldi Facilities Manager Jacqueline Fenlason Director of Finance & Administration ABOUT THE COVER: Cynthia Murphy Finance/Human Resource Assistant Deborah Tillman Stone Development Director Detail of the painting of the which took place Elizabeth Nash Marketing & Public Relations Manager on July 25, 1804. The Constitution, in the foreground, was Jennifer Blodgett Membership Coordinator commanded by Edward Preble. This painting is signed “J. Proctor, Portland, Maine” and was created about 1830. EDUCATION The painting is based on the 1804 hand-colored print by Bridget McCormick Education Coordinator John B. Guerrazzi, Maine Memory Network print #13204. Larissa Vigue Picard Community Partnership Coordinator

LIBRARY Nicholas Noyes Head of Library Services William D. Barry Library Reference Assistant Nancy Noble Archivist/Cataloger Table of Contents Jamie Rice Public Services Librarian CoRRECTION Tracy Lamaestra Library Reference Assistant Page 3: ON VIEW: The Elaine May Robinson MHS would like to correct Wedding Dress the following omission MUSEUM and errors in our recently Page 4-5: FROM THE COLLECTIONS: THE LIBYAN John Mayer Curator of the Museum published campaign donor CONNECTION: PREBLE AND WADSWORTH IN TRIPOLI Holly Hurd-Forsyth Registrar report. Our deepest Dana Twiss CMP Project Manager appreciation and thanks go William Allen CMP Project Technician Pages 6-7: MAINE MEMORY NETWORK: Joining Together to the following donors for Charles Rand CMP Project Archivist Melissa Spoerl Museum Store Manager Page 8: SPOTLIGHT ON MMN CONTRIBUTING PARTNER their generous support of the Robert Kemp Visitor Services Coordinator Hamlin Memorial Library and Museum capital campaign:

Allan Levinsky Visitor Services Coordinator • Paris Hill: A Spotlight Removed Holmes and Didi Stockly Margaret Kinsley Johnson MAINE MEMORY NETWORK Page 9: • MHS Glass Serves as Model and David Johnson Kathleen Amoroso Director of Digital Services • Leaving a Legacy Gerald E. Korn* in honor Candace Kanes Curator of Anne Carroll Moore Frances Pollitt Cataloger Page 10-11: PEOPLE AND EVENTS: Dani Fazio Image Services Coordinator • Brown Library Hosts Scholars *Deceased 2 On View The Elaine May Robinson Wedding Dress from 1939

Looking good – or how we present ourselves during special moments – is one of the organizing themes of the new exhibit Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In: Adornment and Identity in Maine. Dressing up is something we all do, although with our own perspective and flair. We may be members of special groups, raised in a unique cultural environment, or just enjoy some wildly different interests. Whatever the case, the things we wear are symbols of our interests and often document personal moments and special events.

The collections of Maine Historical Society are filled with artifacts of adornment – the artifacts that reflect personal stories and experiences in Maine, and these are the things that are the core of our new exhibit.

A wedding is an intensely personal and meaningful moment. Because of this, wedding dresses are powerful keepsakes. The Elaine May Robinson wedding dress from 1939 is a richly supported example.

Elaine grew up at the family homestead in Peru, Maine. She was 26 when she married Wilder Mitchell, 39, of nearby Mexico, who operated a saw- mill. They had been dating for a while and her family described him as “an ardent suitor.” The wedding took place on June 26, 1939 at a Robinson family summer home in Peru. There wasn’t much room in the log house, so only family and a few close friends were invited.

Mabelle Florence (Sawyer) Rob- inson, the bride’s mother, made the dress from a Butterick pattern. The fabric is sheer cotton (organdy), deco- rated with white ribbon and bows on the skirt, neck, and very puffy sleeves. The style of the dress evokes costumes worn by Hollywood stars, and added a feeling of contemporary fashion to what was a small scale, rural event.

In 2003 Carolyn Small, a direct descendent, donated the dress, shoes, accessories, photographs and even a doll used as a centerpiece to the MHS collections. Together, with h The Elaine Robinson Mitchell wedding dress, made notes about the family history, this group of objects speaks in 1939 by Mabelle Robinson, to life in rural Maine in the early 20th century. Elaine’s mother.

John Mayer f A hand-colored photograph Curator of Elaine Robinson wearing her dress with the groom, M. Wilder Mitchell, 1939.

3 The Libyan Connection: Preble and Wadsworth in Tripoli h Henry Wadsworth (1785- 1804), for whom the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was named, sketched Tripoli, The bloody civil war and NATO intervention in modern day reminds North Africa, in 1804 while us that this region has long been a military hot spot for America. In the late serving in the U.S. Navy. 18th century the new and increasingly commercial faced exorbitant demands for tribute from North Africa’s Barbary states. Aggressive and piratical, these states controlled much of the Mediterranean, impounding foreign vessels and enslaving crews. The , in fact, was officially re-commis- sioned in 1798 to deal with this very problem. Men from Maine played impor- tant roles.

In 1803 President Jefferson sent Commodore Edward Preble to the region. A resident of Portland and next door neighbor of the Wadsworth-Longfellow families, Preble had earned a reputation for daring leadership and toughness. He came with a flotilla of fighting ships, including the U.S.S. Constitution, and immediately attempted a blockade of Tripoli harbor. It was the first of a series of actions that would come to be known as the .

fg Commodore Edward Preble pitcher, ca. 1805. Liverpool pitcher with the Battle of Tripoli on one side and a portrait of Edward Preble on the other. Preble, a native of Portland, commanded the American Squadron including the U.S.S. Constitution. The text reads, “Commodore Prebles squadron attacking the City of Tripoli Aug. 3 1804. Commodore Preble E. Pluribus Unum.”

If you would like to support the repatriation of the remains of Henry Wadsworth, along with the rest of the “Intrepid 13,” please let our senators know.

Senator Olympia J. Snowe 154 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510-1903 Phone: (202) 224-5344 Fax: (202) 224-1946 Email by web: http://snowe.senate.gov

Senator Susan M. Collins 413 Dirksen Senate Office BLDg. Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2523 Fax: (202) 224-2693 4 Email by web: http://collins.senate.gov F r o m t h e COLLECTIONS O 5 The Death Notice of Portland, January 11, 1805 Mr. Henry Wadsworth, Most probably prepared by his sister, Zilpah never more, shall my eyes behold him! Never again Never him! behold eyes my shall more, never shall my ears hear the sound of his voice. Oh! My Brother! Thou art laid low. No funeral rites for thee! No afflicted mourners consign thee to the grave. But thou, alone, unheeded, unprepared, was in one moment, slain, and buried. Thou fell the fairest flower that e’er has bloomed: so soon, so suddenly cut down. Think, O my Soul, think what it is to die, and be not unprepared. Died, before Tripoly, in the twentieth year of his age, Mr. Henry Wadsworth, third son of , Esq. of Portland. In an engagement on the beginning of September last, he mo- with one In up. blown was 12 ship fire a board on men ment, in the twinkling of an eye, he passed from time to eternity, from earth to heaven. Never! Richard D’Abate Executive Director

Cemetery. Cemetery. Henry Wadsworth, a memorial marker, long in place, awaits him in Portland’s Eastern long in place, awaits him in Portland’s a memorial marker, Henry Wadsworth, Senate to bring back the remains of the “Intrepid 13” from the shores of Tripoli. As for Senate to bring back the remains of the “Intrepid 13” from the shores of Tripoli. As if to prove that history is never quite over, there is today an amendment before the U.S. As if to prove that history is never quite over,

most revered poets. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow—a boy who would grow up to become one of America’s Longfellow—a boy who would grow up to become one of America’s Henry Wadsworth two years later, would keep her brother’s memory alive in the name of her first born son: memory would keep her brother’s two years later, wrote the very moving death notice of Jan 11, 1805 (right), and it was certainly she who, wrote the very moving death notice of Jan 11, 1805 (right), and it was certainly she sister Zilpah (the wife of Stephen Longfellow) it was a tragedy. It was probably she who sister Zilpah (the wife of Stephen Longfellow) it was a tragedy. ary War General Peleg Wadsworth, it was an act of heroism and patriotic sacrifice. For his it was an act of heroism and patriotic sacrifice. General Peleg Wadsworth, ary War The death of Henry Wadsworth was deeply felt by his family. For his father, Revolution- For his father, was deeply felt by his family. The death of Henry Wadsworth harbor of Tripoli and were buried in two mass graves, where they remain to this day. and were buried in two mass graves, where they remain to this day. harbor of Tripoli Now sometimes called the “Intrepid 13,” their mutilated bodies washed ashore in the Now sometimes called the “Intrepid 13,” their mutilated bodies washed ashore in Their mission ended in disaster. A premature and gigantic explosion killed all on board. Their mission ended in disaster. Somers, Jr., captain, Henry Wadsworth, second in command, and eleven other sailors. second in command, and eleven other captain, Henry Wadsworth, Somers, Jr., Packed with explosives, the ship sailed on the night of September 4, 1804: Richard Packed with explosives, the ship sailed on the night of September 4, 1804: Richard guarding the inner harbor. guarding the inner harbor. teered for a stealth raid aboard the fire ship Intrepid intended to destroy enemy vessels teered for a stealth raid aboard the fire ship tested twenty-year-old lieutenant from Portland. Late in the summer of 1804 he volun- lieutenant tested twenty-year-old Serving under Preble was the young Henry Wadsworth, a promising and already battle- Wadsworth, Serving under Preble was the young Henry oining Together

JJoining together into clubs, societies, and fraternal groups – to help others, to enrich one’s knowledge, to help group members, or for social purposes – has long been a tradition in Maine and other American communities. Individuals and the community have benefited from the activities of such groups in direct and less predictable ways.

Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital (2000), suggests that membership in all types of fraternal, civic, and social clubs and organi- zations has declined in America, with the result that many of the less direct societal benefits are lost. He wrote that people now are more likely to be involved in individual pursuits or to join mass membership groups that don’t pro- vide the opportunity for informal discussions about social and civic issues, hence less “social capital.”

As the collections of historical organizations and the Maine Memory Network can attest, community organizations – large and small and for numerous purposes – have existed in Maine. h Littleton Grange officers, ca. 1948. Contributed by Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum. Voluntary organizations whose aim was to help the needy began to crop up by the early nineteenth century, supple- There was the Female Samaritan Association of menting town charitable efforts. For instance, in 1829, the Portland, the Social and Humane Society of Paris, Rev. William I. Reese, pastor of the First Universalist the Women’s Relief Corps of Garland, the Martha Society in Portland, concerned about the fate of widows Washington Society, the Portland Benevolent and orphans during cold winter months, founded the Society, the Greek Ladies Society of Portland, the Widows’ Wood Society. Funded by the city’s religious Dorcas Society – and many more. organizations and individual donors, the group was incorporated in 1850, and still operates. Some groups have operated mostly for the enrich- ment and improvement of members. As historian Other private charities also responded to a variety of needs Karen Blair has noted, such groups helped women within their communities and some fraternal lodges and become involved in civic affairs and employment. similar groups used membership dues to provide insurance Women in Bridgton started the Philomadelphoi So- or assistance to members. For instance, the Aged Brother- ciety in the early nineteenth century and embraced hood of Portland, incorporated in 1869, accepted members “every opportunity to encourage female Educa- who were 65 years or older and “of good moral character.” tion.” Members could take books from the organization’s library. Young women in the Woodfords section of Portland in the late 1880s formed the Members paid $1 a year and the funds were used “to re- WGs, a “literary improvement” society for young women. The Urban Club lieve the wants of destitute members.” Members came from of Portland, a women’s literary group, started in 1897. Members presented throughout Maine, as well as nearby states. Most alloca- papers on various topics, heard musical performances, and discussed topics tions, according to the 1876 rules, were not to exceed $5 a mostly related to cities. month. In 1873, the group set up the Mussey Endowment Fund, to help the effort to help members and “inculcate the The Fraternity Club, a men’s literary and social club of Portland, founded lesson of social sympathy on the community at large.” in 1873 by ministers, soon drew businessmen, artists, and other civic no- tables, all of whom were men of “scientific and literary tastes.” They, too, Many other groups, on a voluntary basis, have run orphan- read papers on various topics. For instance, the Rev. Thomas Hill of First ages or homes for the infirm, and provided funds for a Parish Church, a founder of the group, gave papers on “Straits of Magel- large variety of needs within their communities. Others lan,” “The Nautrigon” (his invention for ship navigation), and “Metres” come together temporarily to meet a particular need such (primarily relating to poetry) during the club’s first two years. as help in natural disasters or war relief.

6 h Aged Brotherhood of Portland gathering at Cushings Island, 1886. Contributed by Maine Historical Society. 6 Pomona Grange, Caribou, ca. 1910. Contributed by Caribou Public Library. m Thomas Hill of the Fraternity Club, Portland, 1873. Contributed by Maine Historical Society.

Among the most active self-improvement, fraternal, and political action group in Maine has been the Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. The group, focused on rural and agricultural issues, was founded nation- ally in 1867 and in Maine in 1874. Grange meetings ranged from social to educational and intellectual. Granges have lobbied for agricultural issues and a variety of other concerns, including free rural mail delivery.

More than 100 Grange chapters still exist in Maine, as do many other fraternal, service, educational, and charitable groups. Numerous groups, however, as Robert Putnam suggests, have ceased to exist. n

Candace Kanes MMN Curator h Aged Brotherhood of Portland request for funds for widow, 1876. Contributed by Maine Historical Society. 7 Contributing partners 8 mineral collection,19th centuryart,artifactsandarchival The AugustusC.Hamlincollectionincludes agemand and DVDssomedatingbacktothelibrary’s beginning. juvenile fictionandnon-fictionaudio books,videos COLLECTIONS that itbealibraryfortheresidentsofParis Hill. family andother“distinguished”families of ParisHill,and tacle anddepositoryofrelicsmemorialstheHamlin museum formineralsofOxfordCounty,thatitbearecep- it becalled“HamlinMemorialall,”tousedasa renovated OxfordCountyjailtotheAssociation,statingthat Library Association.In1902,ugustusHamlindeededthe rated onAugust21,1901,laternamingitselftheParisHill FOUNDED: contributing partner pro partner contributing Representatives. other senator, oftheU.S. and12members Houseof for Abraham Lincoln’s term; first three othergovernors, one Hannibal Hamlin, governor, U.S. senator, andvicepresident The town boastedmany notable residents, amongthem the populationgrew. nearby, tookhold, businesses andindustry supporting and withthe countybusiness begansettling concerned others transformed. andjailwereA courthouse built, lawyers and sincethelate1770swas community ofsubsistence farmers chosen astheshire town orcountyseat. What hadbeena When Oxford Countywas created in1805, Hillwas Paris was Hill. withParis highways, acommunity’s couldhelpdetermine fate. Soit economic development. The locationofraillines, andlater it brought forindustry, new opportunities tourism, and When thetraincamethrough Oxford Countyinthe1850s, Paris Hill: ASpotlight Removed HAMLIN S potlight on on potlight The Ladies’AssociationofParisHillincorpo- : Includes5,686volumesofadultand

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NET f ile: 207-743-2980 P.O. Box43,Paris,ME04271 LOCATION (free toall): Library (freetolocalresidents)andMuseum Sat: 10a.m.to3p.m. Tues &Thurs:11a.m.to5p.m. V reports. are portraitsoflocalfamilies,maps,furniture,andtown history oftheStearnsfamilyandotherlocalfamilies.There Warren Stearnscollectionsincludematerialsrelatedtothe material belongingtotheHamlinfamily.TheSewardand W ISIT OR

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MUSEUM I Places.of Historic 1973, theentire community was putontheNationalRegister considerably smallerthan before, tookonitsown character. In remained Hill, andParis homes oftheearly19thcentury while 1899, brought andsummerpeople. visitors The colonialstyle In 1902, theoldjailbecamelibrary. A golfcourse, built in ready tooccupy inSouthParis. Hill; by 1895, new buildings thathousedcountyoffices were Paris. ItnolongermadesenseforthecountyseattobeinParis land toMontreal stayed tothewest, traveling through South Then, therailroad was laidout. The linethatconnectedPort- mages courtesyofHamlinMemorialLibraryandMuseum.

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LIBRARY : n h Oxford CountyJail,ca. 1890. [email protected] Ann McDonald,Museumstaff [email protected] CONTACT

6 ! ParisHillCommon,1822. AND

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JenniferLewis,ibrarian MUSEUM Glass Serves Leaving a Legacy at MHS as Model for Maine Historical Society MFA’s Give a meaningful gift that will cost you nothing during your Colonial Room lifetime. Bequests are a significant way to provide gener- ous support for the Maine Historical Society. They require no outlay of financial resources while you are alive and the long-term benefits of such foresight are immeasurable.

The work of collecting and preserving Maine’s rich history is important not just for ourselves, but for those who come after us. By including a gift for MHS in your estate plans, you make a promise to future generations that the artifacts and stories of Maine’s heritage will always be there. Your generosity lives on, leaving a legacy that enriches the lives of those who come after you. h The reproduction crown glass sits next to one of the The Anne Longfellow Pierce Society was created to completed leaded glass windows prior to delivery to the MFA. recognize the foresight and generosity of individuals who have made a planned gift or included MHS in their estate A glass bullseye in Maine Historical Society’s collection served as a plans. If you have done so, we thank you. To be recognized model for new leaded windows replicated for the 1704 Brown Pearl in the Anne Longfellow Pierce Society and Annual Report, or Hall in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts new $504 million dollar to learn more about making a planned gift, please call the Art of the Americas wing. The museum commissioned stained glass conservator Robin Neely to recreate leaded glass windows for the Development Office at (207) 774-1822. colonial era period room originally from the Boxford, MA home of farmer Cornelius and Susannah Brown. The room represents domestic life in America’s founding years and displays the MFA’s unparalleled collection of 17th and early 18th century silver, por- traits, textiles, and furniture.

To reproduce the windows Neely contacted MHS Registrar Holly Hurd-Forsyth seeking examples of antique glass. “My research revealed the need to have glass custom blown to replicate the colonial crown glass. Modern glass cannot match the intricate appearance of antique glass,” Neely commented. Neely and Portland glassblower Ben Coombs visited MHS to view a glass pane originally from the Woolwich Maine home of Reverend H. O. Thayer. The pane served as a model for Coombs to reproduce the crown glass that was to be included in the room’s leaded windows. Crown glass, the glass commonly available in 1700, was spun while still molten into large round platters up to 48” in diameter. The centrifugal force of the spinning left distinctive curved striations in the glass. Neely then cut Coomb’s glass platters into small diamond shapes and fabricated the windows to accurately reproduce the three hundred year old originals. “The glass, the lead, and even the nails that held the leaded glass panels into the wooden frames, were all custom made for this project. No detail was too small,” Neely reflected.

Neely, as well as glassblower Ben Coombs, Berwick timber framer Portrait of Anne Longfellow Pierce, (1810-1901) benefactress Aaron Sturgis, and Lebanon blacksmith Norm Faucher, were of the Maine Historical Society. She bequeathed the recently awarded Maine Preservation’s 2011 Honor Award for Wadsworth-Longfellow House and the property for the Research Library to the Maine Historical Society in her will. Excellence in Preservation Trades for their conservation work in the She was sister to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. MFA’s Brown Pearl Hall. n

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Robyn of French Kara of proposal The Lisa etwork. Network. Nicholas Alida England ollege of William and William of College ibrary is a member of the of member a is Library hilip’s War.” War.” Philip’s rooks of Brooks Burgess Litalien. picture before.Mom andDadhavebeengoneformany years.”Debbie search. IamClyde’s daughter,Deborah,3rdchild. Ihaveneverseenthis “Imagine mysurprisewhenIput “Burgess LeedsMaine”intheGoogle W. Burgess. at H.F.Webbcanningcompany LeedsCenter.Theyhadoneson,Clyde g LizzieFitchandWillBurgess, Leeds.Wilburworkedformanyyears American A will host three winners three host will MHS olitics of Politics illin of the of Mcillin of arroll and John and Carroll chool of Fashion and Fashion of School Library Noyes egional Fellowship Regional hastity in Chastity iberty and Liberty arvard has as her as has Harvard tyle, 1680- Style, inerva, these Minerva, Sexual Looking Services he marked The niversity of University Restraint: America, Marshall People.” lass on Glass Maine Mary It hasnowjoinedphotosofotherexhibit drop intheexhibitande-mailedittous. photo infrontofthephotographer’sback- Teacher InstituteonJuly12,tooktheir hibit aspartoftheKnoxMuseumSummer teachers (aboveright)whovisitedtheex- opportunities forfeedback.You,likethese Up, StandingOut,FittingInalsooffers The currentmuseumexhibit,Dressing hearing fromyou. is aformaskingforfeedback.Welike At thebottomofeveryMMNpagethere owners ofthehotel. comments alsoprovidedthenamesof the historyitemsrepresent.Ms.Reidy’s the website.Thecommentsoftenhumanize additions, andquestionsaboutitemson ous letterslikehers,alongwithcorrections, Maine MemoryNetworkreceivesnumer- “Great memories.” where mymomanddadmet,”shewrote. and thathermotherworkedthere.“It’s father hadownedthehotelin1950s write tousthathergrandfather,uncleand Memory Network.Itpromptedherto Falmouth Hotel(shownbelow)onMaine Pamela Reidyfoundapictureofthe Talk tous! So, talktous.n cell phone. and youcanleaveyourcommentsforusonthe have tosayaboutsomeofthefeaturedpieces– exhibit tohearwhatvariousstaffmembers You alsocanuseourcellphonetourofthe in theexhibit. visitors andsomehistoricimagesinslideshow tos senttoMHSareaddedtheexhibit’sslideshow. the currentexhibitande-mailedittous.Visitors’pho- their photoinfrontofthephotographer’sbackdrop Museum SummerTeacherInstituteonJuly12,took h Teachers,whovisitedMHSaspartoftheKnox ! FalmouthHotel, Portland, ca.1900.

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Crowd Cycles in for John Calvin Stevens and Bicycle History Talk and Ride, led by Sam Shupe, July 14, 2011.

MHS Proudly Presents Annual Awards June 4, 2011 MHS Annual Meeting

The Neal Woodside Allen Jr., The Elizabeth Ring Service History Award, recognizing and Award, recognizing outstand- honoring outstanding contribu- ing volunteer service was pre- tions to Maine history, was given sented to Charlie Lane. In Richard to Charles Calhoun. Among D’Abate’s words, “the happiness many others, his most important of many a researcher can be traced contribution came in 2004, with back to Charlie’s orderly habits his biography, Longfellow, A in the face of chaos and complex- Rediscovered Life, published ity, whether among photographs, by Beacon Press. It was the first manuscripts, maps, or architec- serious, full-length reappraisal of the poet in 40 years, and in tural drawings. In all of these collections he has done outstanding the words of presenter Richard D’Abate, it “began a rebirth of work: organizing, researching, cleaning, flattening, re-housing. It scholarly and public interest that continues to this day. Charles is is important to be reminded how much work it really takes, but an intellectual guide of extraordinary range and subtlety.” even more important to know that the work is being done well: by people who care deeply about history and its documentation.”

The Distinguished Trustee The James Phinney Baxter Award Award, established by the MHS is a prize given each year for the board to recognize the extraor- best article published in Maine dinary service of one of its own, History. Christopher Volpe was given to Charles D. received this award for his article Whittier II. In Richard’s words, “Maria J.C. a’Becket: Rediscov- “His gifts have been substantial ering an American Artist” – a and strategic. Drawing on his fascinating cultural story depicting retail experience, Charlie also an independent, self-assured 19th taught us to think about and century artist. Christopher is an count our “customers” more carefully, and we have become award winning landscape painter, a better, more goal-driven organization for it. Like the good as well as a poet, writer, and scholar. He teaches at the New skipper he is, Charlie has encouraged us to be unafraid of open Hampshire Institute for Art, in Manchester, and lives with his wife water: to take on and champion the creation of a new museum and son in Newmarket, New Hampshire. and all that it implies.”

11 maine h is torical society Non-Profit Org. Museum & STORE U.S. Postage Brown Library PAID Portland, ME Longfellow House & garden Permit No. 1054 Maine Memory Network

489 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04101-3498 t 207- 774-1822 F 207- 775-4301 maine historical society

FALL Hours

MHS Brown Library SUPPORT THE MHS ANNUAL FUND Tues-Sat 10-4 BEFORE FISCAL YEAR END Closed Sat Sept. 3, Oct 8 Closed Thurs-Sat. Nov 24, 25, 26 Despite challenging economic times, MHS Longfellow House and Garden has remained strong, thanks to generous Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 friends who value and support the work we (Last tour at 4:00) do. The Annual Fund is an essential part of Closed Mon Sept. 5 this support—it provides approximately 20% Closes for season Oct 31 of the MHS budget and supports core Open Saturdays in Nov activities across the organization.

Museum Exhibit Our Annual Fund goal for this fiscal year is Sept – Oct $260,000—a 15% increase over last year. Same Hours as the House Ambitious, but critical to maintaining our Nov Mon-Sat 10-5 programs and ensuring they reach and serve One of the many great programs your gifts as wide an audience as possible. Our fiscal have supported this year – The Dave Astor Museum STORE year ends September 30 and we need your Reunion Show, June 4th, 2011. l-r, Tony Boffa, Dave Astor, and Steve Romanoff. Sept – Oct participation. Same Hours as the House Nov Mon-Sat 10-5 Please take this moment and support the MHS Annual Fund with a gift online. It’s easy to do—just go to www.mainehistory.org/support. Our sincere thanks in advance for MHS Administrative Offices recognizing the importance of our work. n Mon-Fri 9-5 Closed Holidays Tel: (207) 774-1822 Fax: (207) 775-4301 [email protected] FOOD, Don’t Waste It!

Call ahead for holiday hours Take it to the Farmer’s Market, take

Mailing Address: it to the Library, take it to the MHS Maine Historical Society Museum Store and fill it up! Our sturdy canvas tote bag has a variety 489 Congress St. of uses. Image created by the U.S. Portland, ME 04101 Food Administration during World

Websites: War I to address the issue of civilian .mainehistory.org www.mainehistory.org food supply. Circa 1917. – $20 www.mainememory.net www.mainehistory.org

www.vintagemaineimages.com www www.hwlongfellow.org FOOD Don’t Waste It – Newsletter design: Elizabeth Margolis-Pineo still good advice! 12