China Days Local History Quiz 2017

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China Days 2017

LOCAL HISTORY QUIZ (answers at the bottom)

  1. What word did Rufus say that made his father angry?
  2. What is the official name of the memorial park in South China village?
  3. Who bought the China poor farm?
  4. What did the first causeway bridge cost?
  5. Other than Erskine, what other high schools were built in China?
  6. Eli Jones was elected to State House. What did he refused to do?
  7. Who was the first Master of Masonic lodge in Weeks Mills?
  8. How deep is the water under the Clarks brook peat bog?
  9. In what year did the town property tax almost triple?
  10. What was the cost of school lunch in 1950?
  11. How much did an issue of “The China Egg” cost?
  12. Who wrote a poem for Eli and Sybil?
  13. Who was William Crane?
  14. What was the nickname given to the WW&F?
  15. What did the first Erskine Academy building cost?
  16. What year did the last GAR veteran die in South China?
  17. Where is the word “Loupcorvirs” found?
  18. Who was Eli Jones foster father?
  19. What killed James Parnell Jones?
  20. How long of a walk did Rufus take to attend high school?
  21. How long did it take the stage coach to go from Augusta to Bangor?
  22. When did Miss Doris Young start teaching?
  23. What was her weekly salary?
  24. In 1945 how may children went to the one room school house in Weeks Mills?
  25. Where was General Marshalls House?
  26. How old is the Weeks Mills water district?
  27. What did the Quakers pay to the Baptist for the South China church?
  28. Where was district 21 school house located?
  29. How old was James Parnell Jones when he joined the Union army?
  30. What year did China selectmen change from 3 to 5 members?
  31. How many chickens were commercial raised in 1960?
  32. How did Yorktown road get its name?
  33. What year was our population larger than Waterville?
  34. What year was Harlem incorporated and where did the name come from?
  35. Where was the boundary set between Harlem and China?
  36. Where did Mr. Shuman get his cider barrels?
  37. What year did Weeks Mills have it worse record flood?
  38. What year did the gore move to China?
  39. What mountain range was called The Kennebago mountain range?
  40. Which island had a dining hall and bowling alley?
  41. In 1960’s which two business men built stores on the Rt 3 bypass?
  42. Where was the town dump prior to its current location?
  43. What did Eli do when he was selected to become the state’s Major General?
  44. What was the only year that the town meeting was held at Erskine?
  45. What was the current building used for prior to becoming China Village fire department?
  46. Where can you find a picture of a 3 dollar note?
  47. What 2 building survived the great fire in South China in 1872?
  48. Who did the Weeks Mills fire department buy their first truck from?
  49. Who was the towns first manager?
  50. Where was the Pond road?

 

Answers

(referenced page numbers are from the History of China, available on the China Town Office website)

  1. pg 26 stb Devil
  2. pg 188 bic Stuart Park
  3. pg 85 bic Carroll Jones
  4. pg 30 bic $375
  5. pg 141 bic Branch Mills Dirigo China Academy
  6. pg 151 eli Would not take the oath of office
  7. pg 182 bic James Parnell Jones
  8. pg 9 stb 40 feet
  9. pg 57 bic 1877
  10. pg 139 bic 15 cents
  11. pg 140 bic 10 cents
  12. pg 190 eli John G Whitter
  13. pg 137 stb Oldest man in China (shingled his barn at 92)
  14. pg 39 bic little wiggler
  15. pg 146 bic 50 dollars
  16. pg 188 bic 1941
  17. pg 20 stb
  18. pg 20 eli Moses Brown
  19. pg 171 eli bullet from a sniper ricocheted of a tree
  20. pg 85 stb 3 miles each way
  21. pg 37 bic 12 hours
  22. pg 123 bic 1920
  23. pg 123 bic 11 dollars
  24. pg 127 bic 39
  25. pg 202 bic corner of village street and causeway
  26. pg 224 bic 101 years
  27. pg 150 bic 1 dollar
  28. pg 113 bic corner of Hanson and Cross road
  29. pg 257 bic 23
  30. pg 53 bic 1966
  31. pg 244 bic 214,567
  32. pg 244 bic From the non-farming families of York
  33. pg 174 bic 1920’s
  34. pg 14 bic 1796
  35. pg 26 bic split the lake in half east to west
  36. pg 215 bic Togus VA hospital
  37. pg 219 bic 1901
  38. pg map 4 bic 1830
  39. pg 4 stb White mountains
  40. pg 31 bic Bradley’s
  41. pg 208 & 211 Reed’s Store and Dowe’s diner
  42. pg 97 bic rt 3 next to fairpoint building
  43. pg 163 eli He refused because of Quaker religion
  44. pg 83 bic 1963
  45. bic pg 205 bic Adams gas station
  46. plate 15
  47. pg 206 bic The brick house and the Rufus Jones house
  48. pg 225 bic China Fire department
  49. pg 54 bic Earl A. White
  50. pg 32 bic Lakeview drive

 

Windsor Fair 2017 – Program of Events

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Windsor Fair 2017

Sunday, August 27 through Labor Day, September 4

GATES OPEN 9 a.m. DAILY

Highlights

Sunday, August 27, “Get Acquainted Day”

• Harness Horse Racing – Post Time: 1 p.m.
• Giant Midway Opens 1:30 p.m.
• Gladiolus Show (Exhibition Hall) 2 p.m.

Monday, August 28 “Woodsmen’s & Senior Citizens Day”

• Admission Senior Citizens (60+) $4
• Harness Horse Racing – Post time 3 p.m.
• Giant Midway Opens 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 29 “Horsemen’s Day”

• Harness Horse Racing – Post time 3 p.m.
• Giant Midway Opens 1 pm

Wednesday, Aug. 30, “Vendor Appreciation Day”

• Harness Horse Racing – Post time 3 p.m.
• Giant Midway Opens 1 p.m.
• Elvis Tribute w/John Burroughs, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 31 “Senior Citizens’ Day” (60+) $4 and Veterans Day

• Harness Horse Racing – Post time 3 pm
• Giant Midway Opens 1pm
• Veterans Day Ceremony (Entertainment Area) 10:30 am

Friday, Sept. 1 “Livestock Appreciation Day”

• Harness Horse Racing – Post time 3 pm
• Giant Midway Open Noon
• N.E. Jumpers Assn. horse show 9 a.m. outside ring
• Horse pulling 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 2 “4-H Day”

• Harness Horse Racing – Post time 1 pm
• Giant Midway Open Noon
• 4-H Dairy, Sheep, Steers, 9:30 am; Rabbit show, 10 a.m.
• Antique Tractor Show 10 a.m.
• Ladies fry pan throwing, 1 p.m. (Memorial Park)

Sunday, Sept. 3 “Museum” and “Childrens Day”

• Harness Horse Racing – Post time 1 pm
• Giant Midway Open Noon
• Kiddie Tractor Pull, register at information booth, 9 – 11 a.m.
• Monster Truck Show, 7 p.m., $5 admission

Monday, Sept. 4 “Labor Day”

• Harness Horse Racing – Post time 1 pm
• Giant Midway Open Noon
• Antique Car Show and Parade (Race Track) 11 am

Daily Entertainment

• Demolition Derby – 7 pm, Sunday,

August 27 (Sign up 4 p.m. at Gate #5)

• Bob Marley, Admission $5 (grandstand),

Fri., Sept. 1, followed by fireworks

• Monster Truck Show, Sat., Sept. 2, and

Sun., Sept. 3, 7:30 pm, Admission $5

• Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game Everyday Beginning at 2 p.m.

2017 Entertainment Headliners

Walter Weymouth: Sun., August 27, 1 – 3 pm
Working Class: Tues., Aug. 29, 5 – 7 p.m.
Frye Mountain Band: Wed., Aug. 30, 3 – 5 p.m.
The Flashbacks: Fri., Sept. 1, 2 – 4 p.m.
The Hyssongs: Thurs. Aug. 31, 12:30 – 2 pm
Barry Wood: Sat., Sept. 2, noon – 2 p.m.
Rockit Band: Sat., Sept. 2, 3 – 5 p.m.
Simon & Goodwin: Sat., Sept. 2, 3 – 5 p.m.

Admission: Aug. 27 – Aug. 31: $9 • Sept. 1 – Sept. 3: $10 • Sept. 4 (Labor Day): $9

Historical Society Museum Open Daily (Free Admission)

Gate Opens 9 am Every Day

Free Parking Every Day!

All Rides Have Height Requirements

Horse, Oxen, Steer and Tractor Pulls – Daily

207-549-7911 • 207-549-5249

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO

www.windsorfair.com

I’m Just Curious: Likely events

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by Debbie Walker

Tonight on the evening news, as has been other times, part of their chat was about “Distracted Driving.” Recently most folks hear those two words and their first thought goes right to cell phone use.

Driving distractions have probably been going on longer than I can remember. Were you ever one of the parents with your auto’s back seat full of children? How many times did you hear “He touched me!,” “She’s looking at me!,” “Ouch, you hurt me!?” So how many times did you have your right arm and hand over the back of that front seat trying to referee a fight? Now remember, no seat belts either so the kids can move all over the place. Is this a memory for you? Oh yeah, driving distractions have been around for a long time.

Okay, this “pot” thing is rather interesting. I think most of us knew when the government figured out a way to get a cut of the money, it would be legalized. Still there are some real issues involved, such as the states and the feds not agreeing on the subject, that’s quite a joke. (Sarcasm here!)

I realize pot use has changed over the years and there are medical reasons for the use. My mind goes back to the times when it was either smoked or eaten in brownies.

I think it’s interesting about what is acceptable in our culture. I have written before about lighting up a cigarette in a restaurant and “Oh my word” a ruckus would follow. However, at the next table over may be Joe and he is drunk and a bit obnoxious, but that’s okay, they (?) know him. Oh yeah, did I tell you he is his own driver?

A doctor friend of mine laid out some of the medical problems created from pot use. He put together quite a list of proven problems. It’s harsh to say the least, and serious.

I smoked cigarettes for years. Ken and I both quit about three years ago. There is, I am sure, a harsh list of problems that follow smoking. COPD seems to be one. It affects your breathing easily or not breathing at all.

So we go back to Joe who was drinking at the restaurant. Those people are disgusted with my cigarettes because they say it affects them with second hand smoke. Those same people know Joe and that he is driving himself home, but, oh well, they are driving, too. Accidents happen every day; they are called “accidents” but are they? If you get behind the wheel impaired, is it really an “accident”?

I remember a phrase used at school, “cause and effect.” I suppose that would fit here, too. I guess people have to study, ask questions of each other and make decisions for themselves.

As usual I’M JUST CURIOUS what your thoughts are. I’d love the questions and comments sent to dwdaffy@yahoo.com. Sub line: Events. Thanks again for reading and remember we are online, too.

Legal notices, Week of August 24, 2017

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
Rockland, Maine
KNOX, SS.

PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates. These matters will be heard at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as they may be, on the thirteenth day of September, 2017. The requested appointments may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-A MRSA § 3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

Jeffrey Allen LaGasse of New Portland. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) to Jeffrey Allen Taylor. Presented for allowance by Jeffrey Allen LaGasse.

Dated: August 11, 2017
/s/ Elaine D. Hallett
Register of Probate
(8/24)

Steward named to dean’s list

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Matthew Steward, a freshman criminal justice major, from Skowhegan, was among approximately 860 Bob Jones University students named to the Spring 2017 dean’s list, in Greenville South Carolina.

Serbent inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

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Mark Serbent, of Waterville, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Serbent was initiated at United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland.

 

REVIEWS: Singer: Gloria Gaynor; Composer: Rachmaninoff; Singer: Perry Como

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Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates

Gloria Gaynor

I Will Survive
Substitute; Polydor PD 14508, stereo seven-inch vinyl 45, released 1978.

Gloria Gaynor

Born in 1949, Gloria Gaynor grew up in Newark, New Jersey, living in poverty but commenting in her memoirs about a happy childhood with food on the table, lots of laughter and music emanating from the radio and phonograph. She mentioned Nat King Cole and Sarah Vaughan as her favorite singers, while acknowledging her father’s example as a guitarist and ukulele player in local clubs.

Gaynor and the late Donna Summers are two disco singers I enjoy a lot from the disco era, one I otherwise avoid and the 45 for this week contains two superb hits. A great one from the ‘70s.

Rachmaninoff

2nd Piano Concerto
Franck Symphonic Variations – Alexis Weissenberg, pianist, with Herbert von Karajan conducting the Berlin Philharmonic; Angel S 36905, 12-inch stereo vinyl LP, recorded 1973.

Sergei Rachmaninoff

For anyone trying to pick just one recording of the Concerto or Symphonic Variations that would stand repeated hearings and give consistent satisfaction in the long run, this pairing, which is currently also available in CD or streaming format, is totally recommended. The late pianist Alexis Weissenberg (1929-2012) played with a refined, exquisite and powerful level of excellence while Herbert von Karajan’s conducting achieved depths of beauty beyond even his own usual level of excellence.

The Rach 2nd does not seem to be available presently in CD form but it might be found by scouring various CD websites. And, both it and the Franck can be heard via YouTube !

Perry Como

You Alone; Pa-paya Mama;
RCA Victor, 20-5447, 10-inch shellac 78 record, recorded 1953.

Perry Como

I have written about the great Perry Como (1911-2001) previously in this column, I find the two selections above very captivating novelty songs that were justifiably hits, and I wish also to cite the gifted arranger, Hugo Winterhalter (1909-1973); his charts for Como, the Ames Brothers, Buddy Clark, Jaye P. Morgan, Eddie Fisher, etc., gave these artists a quality of beauty, excitement and class that was priceless.

All of the above recordings can be heard on YouTube!

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of August 24, 2017

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, WALLS, WALLS! You have said with almost every issue of The Town Line that Maine is the very best to live in, but surely our faithful readers are agreeing with you BIG TIME now! True, we live in an ugly world, but surely our little corner called Maine is truly a wonderful place to call home in August 2017!

Surely we all have our ideas of ‘why,’ but, frankly, after living in places that are having so many problems, I am happy that my family has come back to Maine twice. Oh, surely East Madison has lost much. This very small community used to have seven industries from Cumming’s Woolen Mill to skate making and lots of employment opportunities in between. Yes, we had Perkins’ Store, too, plus boat rentals and swimming beaches. Yes, before the days of Madison’s, now gone, paper mill, East Madison had it all, including writer Florence Burrill Jacobs.

Now, the wonderful thing about East Madison is that folks here have kept hope alive with smiles and busy thoughts of making East Madison and Lake Wesserunsett the best it can be. We all are proud that young folks who went to Madison schools and graduated from Madison High School, have
returned to East Madison and ‘home.’

Today, TV has been the swamp that we were promised would be cleaned-up, but, instead, our world has shown how truly ugly people who live in some parts of our U.S.A. have grown to be full of hate, instead to being grateful for our land of the free.

Well, one thing I am sure of. You won’t find ugliness in The Town Line. Maybe our TV and news and programs and movies and, yes, even advertising has too much ugliness any more! We, who live in Maine, are truly fortunate and we have our parents or our employers to thank for our environment. True, we may not have everything that we want, but we have the love of people. People that we meet, on the whole, have ‘happiness’ in their walk or smiles on their faces. We are truly fortunate, faithful readers. Surely you agree.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of August 24, 2017

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

There is a bag sale ($1 regular size and $2 for larger bag) ‘til August 26 at the Embden Community Center Thrift Shop. The Thrift Shop is open: Wed., Fri. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Lending library is open when the Thrift Shop is open. There have been over 35 books donated to the Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Shop to be sold at a very modest price. There are a few that are first edition and are signed. They are almost all hard cover with dust jackets; many on the Best Seller’s list. Many of the books for example are by a familiar author, Nicholas Sparks. The Embden Thrift Shop is open Wed., Fri. and Sat. from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Lending Library is also open when the Thrift Shop is open.

Just to let you know that dues are due in August. Dues are $3 per person payable to the Embden Historical Society. You may mail your check to Brainard Tripp, Treasurer, 445 East Shore Road, Embden, ME 04958 (566-7384

Was also very pleased to receive the letter from Charlotte Withee, of Anson, about the 67th Smith Family Reunion. The family of the late Henry and Gertrude (McLaughlin) Smith held their 67th reunion on July 30, 2017, at Lake George in Canaan. The descendants of Clarissa (Smith) Paine were the host.

There were 69 members and three guests present. Elmer’s family: Bert and Eileen (Weston) Cyr. Robb and Stefanie (Cyr) Wainwright. Harry’s family: Lester and Gail Smith, Sylvia Brennau, AmyBrennau, Madeline Therault and Jackson Theriault.

Agnes’ family: No one attended. Oliver’s family: David Smith, Judy Smith, Craig Smith, Anthony Laney, Chris Laney, Rachel Laney, Nick Krajewski, Arianna Krajewski, Chris Gorman, Beth Gorman, Tyler Badershall and guests : Rebekah Powell, Jacob Trauy, Linda Smith.

Gertrude’s family: Ethan, Emily, June and Sam Knox, Diana Michaud (Merry) , Rosemary Merry, Sharon Mellow, JohnZiacoma, Jennifer Withee, Andrea Smith,Nathan Merry, Monica (Atwood) and James Wetzel, Shirley Mellows, Dillinger Mellows, Mary Mellows Marin Celmer, Charlotte (Mellows) and Ralph Withee, Jessica Merry, Brooklyn Johnson and Ava Merry (Michelle,s Daughter.) Cecil’s family: None attended.

Clarissa’s family: Susan Paine, Joan Steele, Darrell Gerrard, Nancy Smellie, Danielle, Jake, Alli, Krish, and Jaxson Gerrard, Daniel and Robin Gerrard, Rebecca Pessy-Weeks, Melissa Perry, Becka Coryell, Caleb, Caitlyn, and Lienna Vinson. Deana Tardiff, Troy Beane, Erik Vinson, Darcie Verrill, Kelli and Christopher Coares, Indie and River, Diana Gerrard Tardiff, and Norma Gerrard. Vincent’s family: None attended.

The oldest member was Rosemary (Mellows) Merry, age 84. Youngest Was Marin Celmer, age 1 month; daughter of Mary Mellows and Brian Celmer.

The weather was blue skies, white clouds and at times a little chilly, a beautiful day.

Somerset Woods Trustees 2017 North Country Challenge will take place September 30. Walk, Run, Canoe, Kayak, or Bike the Bingham to Solon Trail. Rain or shine. Discover the beauty of Maine’s North Country along the Kennebec River and along the future Maine Long Trail.

Challenge begins at North Country Rivers, in Bingham, (7 – 10 a.m.; Breakfast at North Country Rivers (optional).

If you register by September 13, the 2017 North Country Challenge T-shirts will be available for only $14 each. You can register between September 14 – 30, but T-shirt supplies will be very limited or not available.

Registration forms available on SWT’s website: or if you don’t have a computer you can reach them at Somerset Woods Trustees P.O. Box 833 Skowhegan, ME 04976.

And now for Percy’s memoir entitled A Smile… “A smile can mean fulfillment Through most any stage of life Or finding peace with nature Far away from crowds and strife. A smile may be approval Or a hint that one may care; A smile may be the start of Two lives that want to share. A smile can be just passive Or a pleasantness self-styled; A smile can show contentment In both mother and her child. In taking on life’s hurdles, There’s strength for every mile In the hope of each tomorrow And another chance to smile.” (words by Irwin William Kaiser.)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Why don’t deer and moose get their antlers caught in trees?

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Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee

Last week, I received an email from a colleague, and follower of this column, asking the question, “Why don’t deer and moose get their antlers caught in trees?” Well, it isn’t uncommon to find deer with their antlers caught in trees. But it usually occurs following adverse conditions, especially from flooding or being frightened into a desperate retreat.

Well, actually, that was a question I always wondered myself. I always thought that maybe their antlers were like whiskers on a cat, using them as feelers to determine whether they can pass through an opening.

Moose antlers in velvet.

It turns out I probably wasn’t far off with my assessment.

I turned to my contacts at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for an answer. According to the state moose biologist Lee Kantar, “As the moose antlers grow, the moose ‘develop’ a sense of their width.” I can only deduce that the same holds true for deer.

Following the fall rut, male deer and moose will shed their antlers. In spring or early summer, March or April, the new antlers begin to form, growing out from a pedicel bone, a bony stalk situated on the frontal bone of the skull. The antlers begin to grow at a rapid pace. During growth, they are covered with a skin, called the velvet, a living tissue, which contains many blood vessels for the nourishment of the growing bone tissue.

“During antler growth,” said Kantar, “the antlers are highly vascularized and the moose can feel where those antlers are, touching other surfaces during the growth phase.”

When the antlers have reached the size and shape characteristic for the particular species, the blood circulation in the velvet is stopped, the velvet dies, and the buck or bull then rubs off the dead skin against branches,

In the case of moose, “During antler growth this velvet layer of hair that covers the antlers are the ‘feelers’ for the antlers,” the biologist continued.

“At the end of August into September the antlers essentially harden into bone and the velvet is rubbed and sloughed off as the bull thrashes and rubs against vegetation. By this time, the bull has essentially ‘learned’ the dimensions of his new antlers for his travels.”

Deer and moose have played a very important role in the history of our country, especially deer. The American Indians and European settlers depended on deer for food clothing, implements, ornaments, ceremonial items, tools and weapons. The hides provided shelter and protection from the weather.

Did you know the term “bucks” when referring to money comes from the American Indians. Deerskins were considered valuable for clothing and the skins were called “bucks.” They were traded for various other articles.

Lewis and Clark might never have been able to finish their journey from St. Louis to Oregon if the hunters they took along had not furnished them with deer meat along the way. For the four months they wintered in Oregon, they had little to eat other than deer meat.

Have you ever seen a set of deformed moose antlers on a mount, and wondered why? Well, if a bull moose is castrated, either by accident or chemical means, he will quickly shed his current set of antlers and then immediately begin to grow a new set of mishapen and deformed antlers that he will wear the rest of his life without ever shedding again.

I know I wandered off the initial subject, but I found all this information fascinating. I hope you did, too.