Preserving History • Engaging Minds • Connecting Maine MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2015 Meredith StrangBurgess 2 2 MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Larissa ViguePicard Kathleen Neumann Kathleen Amoroso Holly Hurd-Forsyth Horace W.Horton Stephen Bromage Laurie McQuarrie MAINE HISTORICALSOCIETY Richard E.Barnes William D.Barry Patrick T.Jackson Eleanor G.Ames Nicholas Noyes Candace Kanes Steven Atripaldi Elizabeth Nash DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT Joseph E.Gray,2ndVicePresident Nan Cumming Preston R.Miller,1stVicePresident Melissa Spoerl Malorie Pastor Cindy Murphy Thomas Cattell Nancy Noble Sofia Yalouris Kate McBrien Robert Kemp John Doughty Kathy Finnell Laura Webb David Lakari INCORPORATED 1822 Patrick Ford Tyler Judkins John Mayer Jon Jennings Bob Greene Tilly Laskey Tiffany Link John Babin Dani Fazio ADMINISTRATION Jamie Rice Eric Baxter Carl L. Chatto, Treasurer Carl L.Chatto,Treasurer Jean Gulliver,Secretary Lendall L.Smith,Chair EDUCATION MUSEUM TRUSTEES OFFICERS LIBRARY STAFF Visitor ServicesManager Manager ofEducation&InterpretivePrograms Director ofEducation Retail Associate Museum StoreManager Curator oftheMuseum Chief Curator Assistant ProjectArchivist Project Archivist Research Librarian Collections Manager&Registrar Archivist &Cataloger Reference Historian Curator ofLibraryCollections Director ofLibraryServices Maine Memory NetworkContent Assistant Image Services Coordinator Maine MemoryNetwork Curator Director ofDigitalEngagement Facilities Manager Creative Manager Communications Manager Donor RelationsManager Advancement Coordinator Director ofInstitutionalAdvancement Business Manager Director ofFinance Executive Director Charles D. Whittier Charles D.Whittier Lee D.Webb Andy Verzosa Jotham A.Trafton Alan B.Stearns Charles V.Stanhope Kathryn SchneiderSmith Eileen Skinner Betsy Pelikan Theodore L.Oldham Thomas P.Noyes Peter Merrill 6-7 5 4 3 TABLE OFCONTENTS 195 YearsandCounting Collections ofMaineHistoricalSociety. from 1936-1955.HewasresponsibleforcapturingMaine’seconomic andrecreationalscenes. beach inOgunquit.FrenchworkedasaphotographerfortheMaine DevelopmentCommission ABOUT THECOVER: Executive life andissuesinourgreatstate. Director of ourworkistotakethelongview,andprovideperspectiveforcontemporary MHS ispoisedandexcitedtohelpleadtheBicentennialeffort.Animportantpart State Archives. through apartnershipwiththeMaineSecretaryofState’sofficeand commemorates the800thanniversaryofMagnaCarta.Thelatterwillbe host atravelingexhibitiondevelopedbytheAmericanBarAssociationthat our FoggAutographCollection.ForthefirsttwoweeksofJuly,MHSwill of Independence,aswelltheoriginalsignatureseachsignersfrom opportunity toseeMHS’scopyoftheDunlapBroadsideDeclaration of democracyandthenation—theprecursorstostatehood.Youwillhave and Julywewillhostseveralconnectedexhibitionsthatlookatthefoundations Our considerationoftheBicentennialwillgetunderwaythissummer.InJune history thatshapetheMaineweliveintoday. trajectory, andtohelpvariousaudiencesexploretopicsthemesinMaine school activities—willbedesignedtofosterbroadconversationsaboutMaine’s initiatives thatwedevelopwithourcommunitypartners,topublicprogramsand programs—ranging fromthescholarshipwepromote,exhibitionsandonline through MaineHistoricalSociety’sown200thbirthdayin2022.Manyofour underway thissummerandextendbeyondtheBicentennialofstatehood At MHS,wearebeginningtomapoutamulti-yearinitiativethatwillget be acalltoactionthatbeginsnow. The Bicentennialshouldn’tjustbeacommemorativemomentin2020.Itshould vibrant future. the challengesweface,andtodevelopvisionthatwillleadMaineintoa
New LongfellowHouse Programs MAINE MEMORY NETWORK: NEW COLLECTIONS: HISTORY DETECTIVES MHS MUSEUM: Expedition toQuahog Bay,1869 The PiercesofPortlandandHoulton Meet Kate,OurNewChiefCurator celebrate whatweloveaboutthisspecialplace,toattack together, tolookbackandconsiderhowwegothere, It providesachanceforallwhocareaboutthestatetocome opportunities toexploreallaspectsoftheMaineexperience. The Bicentennial(March15,2020)providesremarkable upon us! Which meansthattheBicentennialofMainestatehoodis As Iwritethis,Mainehasjustcelebratedits195thbirthday.
Beach-goers, ca.1955.ThiscoupleposedforGeorgeW.French ata
Camps 11 10 9 8
Stephen Bromage Junior Docentand JuniorHistorian Spring andSummerPrograms THE MAGICALHISTORYTOUR CONTRIBUTING PARTNER: at MHS Princeton PublicLibrary
3
Collections of Maine Historical Society. Historical Maine of Collections
Medical recipe, Maine, ca. 1790. 1790. ca. Maine, recipe, Medical
h h Chief Curator Chief
Kate McBrien Kate
by Rabelais – Fine Books on Food and Drink. and Food on Books Fine – Rabelais by
Kingman Rice, Director of Library Services, and sponsored sponsored and Services, Library of Director Rice, Kingman
at MHS until May 31, 2015. It was curated by Jamie Jamie by curated was It 2015. 31, May until MHS at
schedule. It’ll be fun! be It’ll schedule.
This show can be viewed in the Shettleworth Lecture Hall Hall Lecture Shettleworth the in viewed be can show This
to working with the community to develop a dynamic and engaging exhibition exhibition engaging and dynamic a develop to community the with working to
sure. I’m excited to jump right in. For the immediate future, I’m looking forward forward looking I’m future, immediate the For in. right jump to excited I’m sure. even calf’s foot jelly. foot calf’s even
concoctions, curious libations, and and libations, curious concoctions, There are so many wonderful projects coming up and more that I’ll discover, I’m I’m discover, I’ll that more and up coming projects wonderful many so are There
treats, savory snacks, medicinal medicinal snacks, savory treats, “
1950s, and include sweet sweet include and 1950s, that and to help shepherd MHS into the next stage of its growth. its of stage next the into MHS shepherd help to and that
century to the the to century leadership throughout the state has long impressed me. I’m excited to be a part of of part a be to excited I’m me. impressed long has state the throughout leadership
from the 18th 18th the from is such a dynamic and engaging institution. The organization’s energy and its its and energy organization’s The institution. engaging and dynamic a such is
these recipes date date recipes these
I have dreamed of working with the Maine Historical Society for years. It It years. for Society Historical Maine the with working of dreamed have I
homeopathic culture, culture, homeopathic
eccentric culinary and and culinary eccentric
to also strengthen and support history throughout our region. our throughout history support and strengthen also to
Highlighting Maine’s Maine’s Highlighting
of Maine. MHS can build on that to not only strengthen the organization but but organization the strengthen only not to that on build can MHS Maine. of
Maine Historical Society. Society. Historical Maine
impressed by the brilliant, creative, and caring people I meet throughout the state state the throughout meet I people caring and creative, brilliant, the by impressed
from the collections of the the of collections the from
as members, and unrecognized audiences throughout the state. I’m constantly constantly I’m state. the throughout audiences unrecognized and members, as
showcases historic recipes recipes historic showcases
By far, MHS’s biggest un-tapped asset is the people: both on staff, participating participating staff, on both people: the is asset un-tapped biggest MHS’s far, By promotional, this exhibition exhibition this promotional,
From the handwritten to the the to handwritten the From
audiences. new
Sugar and Spice: Our Vintage Recipes Vintage Our Spice: and Sugar participants. It’s those voices and perspectives that will help any story connect to to connect story any help will that perspectives and voices those It’s participants.
reflect the voices of our members and the communities in which they are active active are they which in communities the and members our of voices the reflect
are only as strong as the people who participate. I want to create exhibits that that exhibits create to want I participate. who people the as strong as only are
and fall. See the back cover for hours. for cover back the See fall. and
Exhibitions are a great way to reach our members and new audiences. But they they But audiences. new and members our reach to way great a are Exhibitions
will be on view through the summer summer the through view on be will Portland of Emergence
Home: The Longfellow House & the the & House Longfellow The Home: chance! a have still that path. that
If you have not stopped by to see this exhibition, you you exhibition, this see to by stopped not have you If
confident that the creative and dedicated MHS team will continue along along continue will team MHS dedicated and creative the that confident
programs that have served as models for other museums to follow. I am am I follow. to museums other for models as served have that programs
desire to think creatively and to try new things. These are highly successful successful highly are These things. new try to and creatively think to desire
collaborative Collections Management Center, MHS has proven its ability and and ability its proven has MHS Center, Management Collections collaborative
Through successful programs like the Maine Memory Network and the new new the and Network Memory Maine the like programs successful Through As Chief Curator, I’ll be able to strengthen that. strengthen to able be I’ll Curator, Chief As
programs are typically the most visible portion of any museum’s activities. activities. museum’s any of portion visible most the typically are programs “
within the organization and throughout the state. Exhibitions and museum museum and Exhibitions state. the throughout and organization the within
program. As Chief Curator I’ll be able to strongly advocate for the museum museum the for advocate strongly to able be I’ll Curator Chief As program.
exciting chapter for the organization and marks a new direction for its museum museum its for direction new a marks and organization the for chapter exciting
I am humbled and thrilled to be MHS’ first Chief Curator. It’s an an It’s Curator. Chief first MHS’ be to thrilled and humbled am I
members. members.
England Museum Association. Below she shares some words of greeting for our our for greeting of words some shares she Below Association. Museum England
and Strawbery Banke Museum. Kate currently serves on the Board of the New New the of Board the on serves currently Kate Museum. Banke Strawbery and
worked at the Pejepscot Historical Society, American Independence Museum, Museum, Independence American Society, Historical Pejepscot the at worked
similar to those held by MHS. Prior to her time at the Maine State Museum, she she Museum, State Maine the at time her to Prior MHS. by held those to similar
center and was responsible for developing and caring for artifact collections collections artifact for caring and developing for responsible was and center
emergency response plans. She has experience managing an offsite collections collections offsite an managing experience has She plans. response emergency
Coalition of Maine, which is helping organizations, including MHS, develop develop MHS, including organizations, helping is which Maine, of Coalition
. She created the Cultural Emergency Resource Resource Emergency Cultural the created She . Lives Fragmented Island, Malaga
since 2008. There she curated successful exhibits including the award-winning award-winning the including exhibits successful curated she There 2008. since
Kate has served as Curator of Historic Collections at the Maine State Museum Museum State Maine the at Collections Historic of Curator as served has Kate
Longfellow House. House. Longfellow
management, and development of its artifact collections, including the the including collections, artifact its of development and management,
vision and leadership for the MHS exhibition program, and for the care, care, the for and program, exhibition MHS the for leadership and vision
role of Chief Curator. As Chief Curator Kate will be responsible for providing providing for responsible be will Kate Curator Chief As Curator. Chief of role MHS is pleased to announce that we have hired Kate McBrien for the new new the for McBrien Kate hired have we that announce to pleased is MHS
MHS MUSEUM MHS
New Chief Curator Chief New Meet Kate, Our Our Kate, Meet 4 4 she mayhaveseenfromherwindowduring was like,imaginingandillustratingtheviews Longfellow Pierce’slifeinthehouse them. ThestudentsalsodiscussedwhatAnne to andwhatthoseartifactscouldtellusabout which familymembertheartifactsbelonged families andworkedasdetectivestodecide belonged totheWadsworthandLongfellow students examinedphotographsofartifactsthat change overtime.Workingingroupsthe our neighborhoods,communities—can how theplaceswecallhome—ourhouses, We alsodiscussedtheideaof“home”and MHS usethatinformationtoteachhistory. past, andhoworganizationsmuseumslike and documentstolearnaboutdailylifeinthe to studyhistory,howhistoriansuseartifacts classrooms; wediscussedwhyitisimportant I firstencounteredthestudentsintheir over thecourseofseveralweeks. hundred third,forth,andfifthgradestudents had theopportunitytoworkwithovertwo- partnership, theEducationDepartmentandI History, LocalSchoolsprogram.Throughthe classrooms intwolocalschoolsforourLocal nered withteachersandstudentsintendifferent T LOCAL HISTORY, LOCAL SCHOOLS his winter,MaineHistoricalSocietypart or callourOffice ofInstitutionalAdvancement at(207)774-1822 x216. You cangive totheAnnualFundquickly andsecurelyonline atwww.mainehistory.org/annual fund History Detectives Local History,Schools: to theircommunities andtoeachother. lectures, andeducationalprograms forstudents.Throughhistoryweareconnecting people Brown LibraryandontheMaine MemoryNetwork,andthroughexhibitions,publications, artifacts thatdocumentMaine’s historyandsharingthemwithchildrenadults atour Maine HistoricalSocietyis thekeeperofMaine’sstories,preservingmanuscripts and What doyoulove aboutMaine? - class triedtheirhandsatmakingsilhouettes, the Wadsworth-LongfellowHouse.One directly inspiredbyartifactsondisplay and imaginethefuture.Someprojectswere we learnaboutthepast,liveinpresent, the uniqueandcreativewaystoexplorehow how muchthestudentshadlearned,butalso in nature,theprojectsexpressednotonly the generalpublic.Bothartisticandhistoric they hadaccomplishedwiththeirfamiliesand offering thestudentsachancetoshareallthat hosted specialopeningnightsforeachexhibit, To celebratetheworkofthesestudents,MHS recently repurposedasstudentexhibitspace. the WilliamKingConferenceRoomatMHS, created originalprojectstoputondisplayin To sharewhattheylearnedthestudents their ownhomes. nity HenryLongfellowoncecalledhomewith and differencesbetweenthehousecommu museum gallery.Theyexploredthesimilarities some timetouringtheLongfellowHouseand students cametotheMHScampusspend Following myvisitstotheirclassroom,the activity inspiredbyJeanineBaker’sHome. the differentperiodsofherlifeinPortland,an - their classmates,thesestudentsputamodern modern projectorstotracetheprofilesof classroom visitsandontheirhousetour;using a typeofartworktheylearnedaboutinthe to havemuchcelebrateandshare. season movesforwardwearesuretocontinue too!” AsourLocalHistory,Schools project workattheMaineHistoricalSociety, our state’shistory.Weareexcitedtoshow famous Mainepeopleandtheircontributionsto this explorationhasguidedourownstudyof the artifactsthathavebeenleftinhishome,and sworth Longfellow’slifeinPortlandthrough this year!WehavelearnedaboutHenryWad dents “…havegreatlyenjoyedthepartnership participating intheprogram,saysthathisstu Elementary SchoolinSouthPortlandwhois Brem Stoner,afourthgradeteacheratSmall featuring scenesfromPortland. equivalent inamodernhome)andpostcards comparisons ofroomsinthehouseto House (someofwhichofferedside-by-side included modelsoftheWadsworth-Longfellow spin onanhistoricartform.Otherprojects Interpretative Programs Manager ofEducation& Kathleen Neumann Historical Society. Gallery atMaine Student Exhibition (Portland) inthe Elementary School from studentsatHall exhibit ofprojects R: Visitorsenjoyan exhibit. the openingnightoftheir (Portland) celebrateat Elementary School parents fromHall L: Students,teachers,and - - NEW COLLECTIONS 5 - - Nancy Noble The Pierces as adults, left to right: Benjamin, Lucia, The Pierces as adults, left to right: Benjamin, Leonard, Jane, Francis, Alice Mary, and Jotham. Jotham Donnell (1814-1889) was a surgeon in the 15th Maine during the Civil War.
Overall, this collection tells the story of an amazing family, who not only were movers and shakers in the history of Maine, but whose love and affection for each other are in great evidence throughout the collection. For more on Alice Mary Pierce’s collection (Coll. 2703) search Minerva: http://minerva.maine.edu. The finding aid to the collection is attached to the cataloging record. Archivist/Cataloger Also of interest is Leonard Pierce Jr. (1828-1872) who served as Also of interest is Leonard Pierce Jr. (1828-1872) United States Consul at Matamoros, Mexico. His granddaugh ter, Alma Allerton Pierce, was an educator who lived in Laredo, Texas. An elementary school is named after her. In addition to the 68 boxes of primary documents telling the story of this family, there are 15 boxes of genealogical sources compiled by Alice Mary Pierce. Her passion for her family’s his tory is compelling and visible in her writings, research notes, and documents.
- - - Leonard, Jane, Lucia, Jotham, Alice Mary, Francis, and Benjamin. The Pierce children, left to right:
a ship builder and the collection includes records from his shipping business to England and the West Indies. His home can still be found in Damariscotta. An interesting segment of the family’s history can be found in the Cottrill branch— Irish Catholics in Newcastle and Damariscotta. Mathew Cottrill (1764-1828) was Regiment). The collection contains his correspondence, as well as his Civil War Regiment). The collection contains his correspondence, overcoat. Alice Mary Pierce’s great-grandfather, was a surgeon in the Civil War (15th Maine Alice Mary Pierce’s great-grandfather, was postmaster and justice of the peace, in addition to being a lawyer, so there are many postmaster and justice of the peace, in addition collection. Jotham Donnell (1814-1889), town, business, and legal documents in the and physicians, the Pierces, Putnams, Madigans, Kendalls, and Donnells, were im and physicians, the Pierces, Putnams, Madigans, Leonard Pierce Sr. (1793-1873) served as portant players in the history of Houlton. the bulk of the family’s history is centered. Prominent businessmen, civic leaders, the bulk of the family’s history is centered. of what is now Pierce Atwood, the Portland law firm. Prior to moving to Portland of what is now Pierce Atwood, the Portland (1886-1980) lived in Houlton, where in 1919, he and his wife Anna Putnam Pierce Alice Mary’s father, Leonard Augustus Pierce (1885-1960), was one of the founders Alice Mary’s father, Leonard Augustus Pierce Maine Historical Society. the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard, she returned to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and for many organizations, including Maine and immersed herself into volunteering of the U.S. Army. When she retired as the Assistant Director for Administration at of the U.S. Army. When she retired as the Vassar, Bowdoin, and Harvard, and served in World War II. Alice Mary herself Vassar, Bowdoin, and Harvard, and served in the Displaced Persons Branch attended Smith, and after World War II worked ments to obituaries. The Pierce children grew up in Portland’s West End near the ments to obituaries. The Pierce children grew them, they attended Waynflete, Smith, Western Cemetery. Between the seven of humorous letters to each other, as well as documents ranging from birth announce other, as well as documents ranging humorous letters to each Starting with Alice Mary and her siblings, Leonard, Jotham, Francis, Benjamin, and her siblings, Leonard, Jotham, Francis, Starting with Alice Mary their warm and learn about a Portland family through Jane, and Lucia, we can The Pierce family has long been prominent in the history of the state of Maine. long been prominent in the history of the The Pierce family has that all 83 boxes are now available for researchers to explore. that all 83 boxes are years, receiving the Elizabeth Ring Award for Volunteer Service in 1998. When Ring Award for Volunteer Service years, receiving the Elizabeth pleased to announce entire collection came to MHS. We are Pierce died in 2011, her throughout the generations. She was a friend of Maine Historical Society for many She was a friend of Maine Historical throughout the generations. letters, diaries, photographs, and documents. She was an avid genealogist, gather and documents. She was an avid letters, diaries, photographs, the family back her family and its many branches, tracing ing information about Alice Mary Pierce (1925-2011) was the keeper of her family history, including family history, including was the keeper of her Pierce (1925-2011) Alice Mary
Doctors, Lawyers, and Keepers of the Family History the Family Keepers of Lawyers, and Doctors, The Pierces of Portland and Houlton: and of Portland Pierces The Expedition to
MAINE MEMORY NETWORK Quahog Bay, 1869
On Tuesday, August 17, 1869, four intrepid cian and a founder and long-time president of the PSNH, was a science enthusiasts and friends embarked on fungi man and also had an interest in minerals. Charles B. Fuller, “Special Duty connected with the Portland long-time keeper of the cabinets at the PSNH, was a marine zoology Society of Natural History” to explore the enthusiast and an expert on microscopes. area of Quahog Bay in Harpswell. “Amateur” science and exploration were all the rage in the They sailed with six crew members, Capt. Nathaniel P. Bibber, cook nineteenth century. The relatively new country, and steward Silvanus Baker, and hands Isaac Farr, John Edwin Bib- Top: Ernest Long- combined with improvements in transportation, ber, N. Clarinton Bibber, and Asa Baker, the latter two identified as fellow painted this prompted expeditions both brief and extensive to “boys.” portrait of his uncle chart the lands and waters, and to identify of all Alexander W. Long- types of plants and trees, birds, shells, and other Bolles’ journal referred to Wood as “medical director.” Fuller— fellow in 1880. species—to account for one’s surroundings. whose initials and collecting interests gave him the nickname Below: A specimen “Casco Bay”—was the trip’s curator and “U.G.” or “Universal the group collected In the era before individual science disciplines Genius.” Bolles was the “Chaplain.” He kept track, in rather wry is pasted into the became “professions,” enthusiasts formed or- fashion, of what each man took aboard, when they went to bed, journal. ganizations like the Portland Society of Natural what and when they ate, and how they behaved on the exploratory History (PSNH), which encouraged exploration, identification, and trips to islands and the shore at Harpswell. He also recorded—using cataloging of the natural world. The organization, founded in 1843 Latin names—what they observed and collected. and incorporated in 1850, had cabinets full of the collected trea- sures. Members also presented papers on their activities. Although After dinner each night, the four engaged in scientific work and several fires destroyed many of the early collections, the PSNH conversation. One evening, Bolles noted, “The Med. Director with remained active until 1971. Natural history museums, including his Fungi, the Chaplain with his Journal, the Curator with his Mi- the Smithsonian, have relied on the collections and work of early croscope, the Commodore with pencil, paper, & book, presented an “amateurs” who made forays into the natural world. appearance of friendship & enjoyment worthy the eye of an enlight- ened world.” Another night their scientific work included “chemical The 1869 adventure is but one example of the collecting and experiments on influence of Oil of Sassafras on Nicotine.” They identifying fervor of the mid nineteenth century. The Rev. Edwin C. marveled at the images under the microscope, and the heavens they Bolles, secretary of the PSNH and minister of the First Universalist observed with a telescope. Church, captured the spirit of the expedition in a journal that de- tails the science and also the camaraderie and humor of the group. Bolles was serious in his reporting of the items the various members The journal contains a few hand-drawn maps, illustrations of some found and collected and studied at night. They sought to identify of the scenery, and several plant specimens. new species and confirm the existence of others. But the minister, known for the “power of his oratory” according to a newspaper The explorers all were well-known Portland men. Bolles, the min- article, used every opportunity to describe the expedition members’ ister, was interested in shells as well as insects and spiders, among foibles and add humor into his account of the trip. other species. Alexander W. Longfellow, a cartographer for the United States Coast Survey, which was then exploring and mapping One day, the group was delighted to see how Longfellow’s plane ta- the coast of Maine, served as “commodore and provided the sailing ble worked as he mapped the coastline. Having noted that members vessel, the Coast Survey’s schooner Meredith.” Longfellow worked of the group frequently got separated and sometimes lost, Bolles on his mapping projects during the trip. Dr. William Wood, a physi- wrote that they decided each person should have a plane table “so
6 f Alexander W. Longfellow’s sketch map shows the areas of exploration.
$ Alexander Longfel- Expedition to low sketched the plane table he used in his coast Quahog Bay, 1869 survey work.
h The first page of the Rev. Edwin C. Bolles’ journal of the 1869 expedition.
g The sketch of Quahog Bay may have been made by Charles B. Fuller.
that, when starting in separate directions or parted from each other the area, including the flowers, birds, fish, and other animals on the march, they might infallibly reach the same point of reunion he studied. without the distressing bewilderments to which the chaplain in particular was so liable.” He added that they wanted surveying The same group took other trips together. Their gatherings MAINE MEMORY NETWORK tools that could see over hills or around corners “to keep the agile added to the PSNH collections and to the knowledge of the & eccentric Curator within the cross wires of the field.” Casco Bay region and beyond. In addition, the outings pro- vided a social connection that the men clearly valued. That curator, Charles Fuller (1821-1893), is an especially interesting example of the nineteenth century amateur scientist whose seri- When William Wood (1810-1899) died, his obituary noted: ous interests expanded the knowledge of the local natural world. “the investigation of natural science in its varied branches, has Trained as a wheelwright and painter, Fuller joined the Coast been to Dr. Wood the chief employment of his life, outside of Survey, where he met Alexander Longfellow (1814-1901). He also his profession, and the chief enjoyment, outside of his family.” became interested in marine zoology. Fuller’s expertise with a micro- scope and a camera led him to travel with and provide lantern slide illustrations for Bolles (1836-1920), who lectured frequently on his Candace Kanes scientific work. And, he mounted and classified many of the PSNH Maine Memory Network Curator/Historian collections—arranging specimens in evolutionary order. He was said
to know more than anyone in Portland about the natural history of ALL IMAGES FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
7 8 8 CONTRIBUTING PARTNERS help forestsandcommunities,butalsoprovidededucational,social, Not onlydidtheprogramputyoungmenandveteranstowork Princeton. CCC crewsextendedWestStreetonwhatlaterbecameStudMillRoadin slash disposal,timberstandimprovement,andplantingopenareas.The areas, afiretower—anddidforestryworksuchasroadsideclearing, They builtroads,telephonelines,firebreaks,reservoirs,recreational librarian when needed. remaining membercontinues tosubstitute forthe their checkingaccount tothetown,althoughone rial. In2014,the lastclubmemberssignedover part-time librarian, utilities,andreadingmate library openuntilthetownbegan fundinga Volunteers fromtheWomen’sClub keptthe Street. TheLibraryhasmovedseveral times. about amilefromthepresentsite onMain engine/chain sawrepairshopon WestStreet The firstlocationwasClaudeChambers’small founded thePrincetonPublicLibraryin1944. FOUNDED: Maine. InJune1936,agroupfromMassachusettsjoinedthecamp. camp inIndianTownshipnorthofPrincetoninitiallyallwerefrom “The FarEast.”MenassignedtotheCivilianConservationCorps June 15,1933.OneofeightcampsinMaine,itwasknownas Company 192ofRoosevelt’s“TreeArmy”cametoPrincetonon air andgivingfreshstrengthtoourpeople.” Roosevelt argued:“Forestsarethelungsofourland,purifying work doingusefulforestry-relatedprojects,PresidentFranklin (CCC), aDepression-eraprogramintendedtoputyoungmen When urgingCongresstoapprovetheCivilianConservationCorps
PARTNER, PRINCETONPUBLICLIBRARY SPOTLIGHT ONMAINEMEMORYNETWORKCONTRIBUTING Princeton CCCCamp The Far East:
The PrincetonWomen’sClub - library materials. information, inaddition toitsbooksandother has albumsofhistorical andgenealogical cal photographs and relatedcollections.Italso COLLECTIONS: entertainment, research,andinformation. modern librarymustbeaplaceof education, verse tastescanfindthebooksthey desire.Our and aplacewherereadersofall levelsanddi reliable informationonawiderangeofsubjects the community.Wewillstrivetobeacenterof MISSION:
Our foremostpurposeistoserve
The libraryhassomehistori in additiontocoaltheboilerroomandkitchen.FarEasthadan burning stoves.Thecampused500to700cordsofwoodawinter, The participantslivedinoneoffourbarracks,eachheatedbywood- recruit was$30amonth,with$25ofthatsenttotherecruit’sfamily. of sixmonthsandamaximumtwoyears.Thestartingpayfor training, recruitsweresenttoaCCCcampworkforminimum and recreationalopportunitiesfortheCCCmembers.Afterphysical ALL IMAGESFROMTHECOLLECTIONSOFPRINCETONPUBLICLIBRARY the localpapermill. German prisonersofwar.Thecutpulpwoodfor fence, otherfences,andfourguardtowers—founduseasacampfor World WarII.Thebuildings—withtheadditionofabarbedwire The campclosedinJune1941themonthsbeforeU.S.entered woods…The rosebushbyNumberThreeBarracks.” team. Theyleadtheleague…Thoseblackfliesandmosquitoesin that therehavebeennoforestfirestodate…ThatPersonnelbaseball 1936 entitled“ThingsWeNotice”included:“Weappreciatethefact er, whichincludedseveralpagesof“CampGossip.”AcolumninJune swim. Theymightwriteforthecampnewsletter,TheFarEastForest CCC workerscouldjoinbaseballorvolleyballteams,playgolf, supported educationalprogrammingandrecreationalreading. pool tables,gameandareadingtable.Acamplibrary infirmary withafireplaceandsixpatientbeds,recreationhall The CCCworkerswouldbecomeinstrumentalinexpandingWestStreet. h as “TheFarEast.” recreation hallatright.ThecampnearPrincetonwasknown Conservation Corpswiththefourbarracksatleftand ! The intersectionofMainandWestStreetsinPrinceton,ca.1910. The woodpileisattheforegroundofCo.192Civilian - - 207-796-5333 /[email protected] Princeton, ME04668 P.O. Box408,40 MainStreet CONTACT: VISITING: swells inthesummerwithmanyvacationers. from asfar50milesawayand thepatronage to usetheirlaptopsanddoresearch. Patronscome dition tothebuilding.Patronswillnowhavespace Tabitha KingFoundationprovidedfundsforanad FACILITIES: Mon-Tues 10-2:00,Wed-Fri12-4:00
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Elizabeth Mitchell, Director - - MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR 9 The Magical HistoryMagical The is your ticket to 12 fascinating is your The Magical History Tour HistoryMagical The starts at 10:00am at Maine Historical Society’s Brown Library at Brown Society’s Historical starts at 10:00am at Maine on Saturday, May 9, 2015! May on Saturday, The Magical History Tour HistoryMagical The The tour will end at 4:00pm. Portland. Street, 485 Congress Tour is guaranteed not usually open to the public. This event that are historical places in Portland speed on this own at your Portland around Travel both adults and children. to amaze Cocktail Longfellow’s them at Mr. we unveil until The sites will be secret self-guided tour. call to be added to the waiting list). 8 (sold out, but May on Friday, Party Join Maine Historical Society for our biggest event of the year – of the year for our biggest event Society Historical Maine Join Nancy Herter, Meredith S.S. Smith, Charles V. Stanhope, Holmes & Didi Stockly, Meredith Strang Burgess, Fred & Bibi Thompson, Jotham & Adelaide Jotham & Thompson, & Bibi Fred Burgess, Strang Meredith Stockly, & Didi Holmes Stanhope, V. Charles S.S. Smith, Meredith Herter, Nancy Wescott. and Peggy Petersmeyer, & Susan Webb Lee Waldron, Ann S. Trafton, Paul & Mimi Aldrich, Charlton & Noni Ames, Elizabeth Astor, Stephen & Jacqueline Bromage, Nancy Cline, Richard & Bonnie D’Abate, Mrs. & Bonnie D’Abate, Cline, Richard Nancy Bromage, & Jacqueline Stephen Astor, Ames, Elizabeth Aldrich, Charlton & Noni & Mimi Paul Sandi Gilbane, Cate & Richard Ferry, Eakins & John Jan Aynne Doil, Doucette, & Priscilla Dale Marylee & Charles Dodge, H. Detmer, Josephine Klingenstein, Harry & Mrs. John Mr. & Cheryl George Higgins, G. Henry, Merton Healy, Mrs. Michael Gulliver, & John Jean Bob Greene, Goolden, Morse, MartaMirza, Taj Zareen Miss Miller, & Jeff Carol A. McLellan, Elizabeth Lakari, Alison Leavitt, Candice Lee, Cindy Lord, David Konkel, W. Sally S. Reed, & Chris Harte, Deborah Katherine Pope Denekas, & Craig Pelikan Betsy Oldham, & Sally Ted Noyes, Ted Ann & Murray, Carolyn & Lendall L. Smith Kathy Smith, Skinner, & John Eileen Serrage, & Elizabeth John A. Schaefer, Imelda Sawyer, Jane Cornelia Robinson, Richardson, Thank you to our patrons: you to our patrons: Thank Spring & Summer Spring and Summer Sneak Peek from the Education Department
PROGRAMS Just as the Longfellow Garden is sprouting new growth, so too are great new programs and tours popping up at MHS. Below are a few highlights for spring and summer. Be sure to follow the MHS e-Connection and visit www.mainehistory.org/programs for the full calen-
dar of events, as well as cost and registration details.
April 21, 12PM: The Court Martial of Paul Revere. Longfellow mythologized Paul Revere and his “midnight ride” and now author Michael Greenburg brings Revere back down to size by examining his conduct before, during, and after the failed Penobscot Expedition in Maine, where he served less than heroically as artillery commander.
April 22-25, 2PM: Children’s Hour in the House. This family friendly event during school vacation week starts with a story on the Longfellow House stairs, followed by a short tour focusing on Henry’s boyhood in Portland. All ages are welcome. Children also have h Author Michael Greenburg speaks the opportunity to do a simple craft, and enjoy snacks. Pre-registration required. in April about his new book, The Court-Martial of Paul Revere: A Son April 30, 7PM: Skylands: Restoration of a Jens Jensen Landscape. For the of Liberty and America’s Forgotten annual Olmsted Lecture, landscape architect Patrick Chassé shares his experience restoring Military Disaster. Skylands, once the home of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, now, famously, Martha Stewart’s Maine digs. Pre-registration required.
May 1, 10AM: 2015 Season Opening of the Longfellow House. In addition to our traditional guided tour, this season we unveil new themed tours throughout the spring, summer, and fall, based on the overwhelming success of our October “Haunted Houses” and February “Love” tours. A Revolutionary War theme is slated for select dates in June and July; other topics under consideration include Henry’s poetry, Furniture and Furnishings, and 19th Century Foodways. House is open through October.
May 7, 7PM, Portland Public Library: Commemorating the Civil War, with David Blight. The nationally-known Civil War historian, author of Race and Reunion, provides an “endnote” talk to the sesquicentennial and our three-year Local & Legendary: Maine in the Civil War project with Maine Humanities Council. Pre-registration required.
May 9, 9AM-12PM: Preparing Collections for Exhibits. Presented in partner- ship with Northeast Document Conservation Center and Maine Archives and Museums. This three-hour workshop introduces safe ways of exhibiting books, manuscripts, and documents. Pre-regis- tration required. h Knot-tying will be one of the “Lost Date TBA: Stories of Home: A Public Reading by Telling Room Students. Skills” workshops offered at MHS this Writing workshop students present their reflections about MHS’s “Home” exhibition, the summer. This book is published by City of Portland, and their own homes and families. In collaboration with the Telling Room Mystic Seaport and is available at the MHS museum store. and Portland Public Library.
10 PROGRAMS 11 Yale professor of history David Blight of history David Blight Yale professor ca. 1925. Skylands, Seal Harbor, h at Portland will provide a major address 7 to wrap up MHS Public Library on May Council’s three-year and Maine Humanities in the Civil War Local & Legendary: Maine project. i Edsel and Eleanor Skylands was built for in 1923 Ford; construction began naturalistic and finished in 1925. The by Jens Jensen landscaping was designed is presently owned of Chicago. The home is the subject of a by Martha Stewart, and architect Patrick talk in April by landscape Chasse, who restored the grounds according to Jensen’s original plans.
July 27-31, for students entering 6th-8th grades July
July 6-10, for students entering 3rd-5th grades 6-10, for students entering 3rd-5th July
Over the summer and fall, Ever wanted to learn how to tie knots? Dry herbs for a variety how to tie knots? Dry herbs for a variety Ever wanted to learn What better location to listen to June and July will feature a series of programs and activities related June and July will feature … Book talks, Student Spotlight lectures, the … Book talks, Student Spotlight lectures, $100 for children of MHS members and $125 for non-members. of MHS members and $125 for non-members. $100 for children x214. or call (207) 774-1822 at [email protected] Contact Kathleen Neumann historical research and publish an original informative article. At the end of the week campers will share campers will share article. the end of the week and publish an original informative At historical research in a public presentation. their research JUNIOR HISTORIAN CAMP with museum both independently and collaboratively on the MHS campus working Campers spend a week primary to use to conduct and material culture of historians and how sources staff to learn about the work games, crafts, cooking, and storytelling. At the end of week campers take on the roles of docents and host games, crafts, cooking, and storytelling. of docents roles campers take on the the end of week At House. an open-house at the Longfellow JUNIOR DOCENT CAMP life in the Longfellow’s Wadsworth on the MHS campus learning about Henry Campers spend a week and participating in indoor and outdoor activities that include 18th and 19th century House Longfellow MHS SUMMER CAMP
www.mainehistory.org/programs_podcasts.shtml today! www.mainehistory.org/programs_podcasts.shtml get to our public programs, many of them are audio- get to our public programs, many of them Visit recorded and uploaded to our podcast page. Remember, if you live well outside of Portland and can’t Remember, if you live well outside of Portland coming. Portland Schooner trip, and other traditional events are Portland Schooner trip, and other traditional And more inspiring poetry than the sublime and splendid Longfellow inspiring poetry than the sublime and splendid Garden? Stay tuned for the line-up! Poetry in the Garden. over time. Look for a special lecture on the subject. over time. Look for a special lecture on the and exhibitions will feature highlights of “yankee ingenuity” and exhibitions will feature highlights of MHS is participating in a new statewide collaboration MHS is participating in a new statewide collaboration House tours among 12 museums on this timeless theme. Yankee Ingenuity Trail. old-time how-to sessions, complete with adult beverages and snacks. Pre-registration required. complete with adult beverages and snacks. old-time how-to sessions, Lost Skills Workshops. Lost Skills Workshops. August for these fun and casual soap or candles? Join us in July and of uses? Make homemade Herb Adams will again read the Declaration from start to finish at noon on July 4. We will read the Declaration from start to finish Herb Adams will again dates in June and July. Longfellow House tour on selected offer Revolutionary-themed Declaration of Independence, one of only 27 copies in existence, will be on display for a couple one of only 27 copies in existence, Declaration of Independence, Former Representative exhibition on the signers of the Declaration. of weeks as part of an to the July Fourth holiday. Back by popular demand, MHS’s Dunlap Broadside of the Back by popular demand, MHS’s to the July Fourth holiday. Focus on Freedom. And on tap for the summer… on tap And Sneak Peek Sneak 12 12 ELIZABETH MARGOLIS-PINEO NEWSLETTER DESIGN: LAURA WEBB MANAGING EDITOR: www.hwlongfellow.org www.vintagemaineimages.com www.mainememory.net www.mainehistory.org WEBSITES: Portland, ME04101 489 CongressSt. Maine HistoricalSociety Mailing Address: E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (207)775-4301 Tel: (207)774-1822 Mon-Fri 9-5:00 MHS ADMINISTRATIVEOFFICES Sun –12-5:00 Mon-Sat 10-5:00 May 1–Oct31 Tues-Sat 10-5:00 Portland of April 1–30 Emergence the and EXHIBITION: MUSEUM ANDSHOP (Last tourat4:00) Sun –12-5:00 Mon-Sat 10-5:00 May1 –May31FirstTourat12 May 1–Oct31:Opentopublic LONGFELLOW HOUSEANDGARDEN Closed TuesdaysinApril May –Oct31:Tues-Sat10-4:00 BROWN RESEARCHLIBRARY Call aheadforholidayhours SPRING/SUMMER HOURS F T Portland, Maine 489
20 20 CongressStreet 7 7 - - 77 77 4 5 MAINE MEMORYNETWORK LONGFELLOW HOUSE&GARDEN BROWN LIBRARY MUSEUM &STORE M - - Home: The Longfellow House House Longfellow The Home: 1822 4301 A I NE 0410 HI S 1 - T 3498 ORICAL S O CIETY www.VintageMaineImages.com history hometoday. or digitalfiles and bringapieceof Purchase high-qualityreproduction prints taxable propertyinthecityat thattime. appearance andconditionof every extraordinary documentation of the black andwhitephotographs provide reevaluation. The2 were createdaspartofacity-widetax Maine Imageswebsite.TheTaxRecords are nowavailableontheVintage The 1924PortlandTaxRecordimages matter howyoushop! and rememberthatyour10%memberdiscountappliesno Visit usinpersonoronlineatwww.mainehistorystore.com We haveagreatselectionofbooksforchildrenallages! Children’s Hour.” lower, comesapauseintheday’soccupation’sthatisknownas “Between thedarkanddaylight,whenlightisbeginningto People” $6.95ages6+ “HWL PoetryforYoung – 1863 “TheChildren’sHour”byLongfellow 3/4 ” x4”original $18.95 ages8+ “The SecretGarden” . Development Image 38468. Collections ofCityPortland, Planning& “Flashlight” $16.99–ages2+ $16.95 ages10+ “Walden ThenandNow” Permit No.1054 Non-Profit Org. Portland, ME U.S. Postage PAID
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