A blood drive hosted by American Legion Tardiff-Belanger Post #39, 20 S. Maple Street, Madison, will take place on Thursday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up at redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767 or contact Richard at drwho57_57@yahoo.com for your appointment. The time to give blood is NOW!! FMI: contact Richard at drwho57_57@yahoo.com.
Present day Clinton
The town of Clinton, Benton’s ancestor and northern neighbor, is the northernmost Kennebec County town on the east bank of the Kennebec River. Historian Carleton Edward Fisher wrote that Clinton’s first white settler was probably Ezekiel Chase, Jr., who might have arrived by 1761, before the Kennebec Proprietors claimed the area.
Fisher called the first settlers “poor but industrious and daring.” They were homesteading in a wilderness “beyond the protection of Fort Halifax”; he said they did not feel totally “safe from Indian threats” until after the War of 1812.
Fisher wrote that by the end of 1781, 25 families plus about a dozen single men had lived in the area long enough to leave a record. Areas where they homesteaded extended up the Kennebec River to the town’s western boundary, up the Sebasticook River only to Benton Falls.
Henry Kingsbury, in his Kennebec County history, dated the first settlers at around 1775, after the area became part of the Plymouth Patent. By the time it (including both Benton and Clinton) was incorporated as Hancock Plantation “in or before 1790,” the population was 278, he said.
Fisher wrote that Hancock Plantation was never officially incorporated – at least, he could find no Massachusetts legislative record of the action. Nor could he find any plantation records.
No one your writer found explained the choice of the name “Hancock.” The present town of Hancock, Maine, in Hancock County, was reportedly named after John Hancock, a signer of the Declaration of Independence – as was Hancock County.
On Feb. 27, 1795, the Massachusetts legislature incorporated Hancock Plantation as the Town of Clinton. Fisher wrote that “a highly respected citizen,” Captain Samuel Grant, chose the name to honor Revolutionary War General Clinton, under whom he had served and “whom he deeply admired.”
Gen. George Clinton
Wikipedia identifies this general as George Clinton (July 26, 1739 – April 20, 1812), governor of New York from 1777 to 1795 and (partly at the same time) a brigadier general, first in the state militia and later in the Continental Army.
Clinton’s military service started in the French and Indian War (1754-1763), Wikipedia says. He served on a privateer operating in the Caribbean before joining the New York militia, where his father was a colonel and he became a lieutenant.
Elected to the provincial assembly in 1768, Clinton opposed British taxation publicly enough to be chosen a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, serving from mid-May 1775 to July 8, 1776.
On Dec. 19, 1775, New York’s Provincial Congress (the interim government that convened May 22, 1775) made Clinton a brigadier general in the state militia. The Wikipedia writer says he was by then strongly pro-independence, “even suggesting in one speech to Congress that a reward should be offered for the assassination of King George III.”
On March 25, 1777, Clinton became a brigadier general in the Continental Army, where he served until Nov. 3, 1783. In June 1777 he was elected both governor and lieutenant governor of New York; he accepted the governorship and served from July 30, 1777, to June 1795.
Clinton remained active in politics into the next century. He served as vice-president in Thomas Jefferson’s second term (1805-1809) and in James Madison’s first (1809 – 1813), during which he died of a heart attack on April 20, 1812.
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Kingsbury’s early history of the Town of Clinton references the part that became Benton frequently, and Fisher wrote that the southern part of town played a “dominant role” in early days. The majority of the population lived there in 1795, and the first town meeting was held there, at Captain Jonathan Philbrook’s house on April 20, 1795.
At a March 1797 meeting, Kingsbury wrote, voters appropriated $300 for eight school districts (with 166 students), “nearly all of which lay in what is now Benton.”
Fisher provided clarification about the Flagg family, mentioned last week. According to his history, the Gershom Flagg who came to Clinton was Gershom Flagg, Jr., son of the early Augusta settler.
The younger Gershom Flagg was born Sept. 1, 1743, Fisher said. He married twice, on Feb. 10, 1773, to Sally Pond, of Dedham, Massachusetts, and after her death, to Abigail Bigelow of Waltham, Massachusetts (no date given). His two wives gave birth to four daughters and four sons between 1773 and July 1800; Sally’s first son was the third Gershom in the family.
In September 1798, Fisher wrote, Gershom Flagg, Jr., and Joseph North, from Augusta, signed an agreement under which they built a double sawmill (presumably on the Sebasticook). Here Flagg was killed “by logs rolling on him” on May 6, 1802.
Fisher wrote that Flagg held “a number of town offices, including town clerk from 1796 to his death.” His son, the third Gershom, succeeded him as town clerk from 1802 through 1806.
Town meetings were held in school houses until the spring of 1833, Fisher wrote. By around 1815, settlers on the Kennebec and those on the Sebasticook were disagreeing about which community should host each meeting. The first discussion of building a town hall was in 1816.
In November 1831, Fisher said, voters approved building their town hall on Town House Hill, on what he said was then the Morrison Corner Road, “near Abiathar Woodsum’s store.” The location in southern Clinton, west of Clinton Village, was close to population concentrations at Morrison’s and Decker’s corners but still a distance from Pishon’s Ferry on the Kennebec.
The building was used until 1898, Fisher said, “when the present [1970] town hall was built.” In 1905, he found, the old town house was moved to an adjacent farm and made a barn, which was torn down in the spring of 1968.
As described in last week’s article, on March 16, 1842, the Maine legislature made the southern part of Clinton, almost half its about 75 square miles, a separate town that was first Sebasticook and soon afterwards Benton.
Present-day Clinton is bounded on the west by the Kennebec River. The Sebasticook River loops north, south, east and north again in its southeastern corner.
Kingsbury, writing in 1892, identified six population centers: Clinton Village, in the southeastern part of town on the northern curve of the Sebasticook; two villages near ferries on the Kennebec, Noble’s Ferry and about two miles farther up river Pishon’s Ferry; and three corners, Morrison’s, Decker’s, and Woodsum’s.
Clinton Village on the Sebasticook, is now downtown Clinton. Kingsbury counted its first settlers as Jonathan Brown, Asa Brown and “a Mr. Grant.” The last two began farming on the Sebasticook within a mile of the village before 1798, he said. An on-line genealogy adds Jesse Baker and “Mr. Michels” before 1800, and James and Charles Brown by 1812.
Kingsbury dated the first mills in the village, on a dam, to the mid-1830s. They were built by members of the Brown and Hunter families. Kingsbury and an on-line source disagree on some of the Hunters’ first names, but agree that one was named David and was known locally as “King David,” the on-line site says “because of his masterful ways.”
The downriver Kennebec ferry, Fisher wrote, was started by Benjamin Noble, who lived on the west (Fairfield) side of the Kennebec in 1770, in Clinton in 1787 and in Fairfield in 1790. Dean Wyman probably took over the service in 1791; Fisher found a 1797 reference to Wyman’s Ferry. Kingsbury, writing in 1892, said the ferry was “abandoned about twenty years ago.”
Pishon’s Ferry was started by Charles Pishon (originally Pichon, a family who settled in Dresden, Maine), probably around 1790 when he moved to Clinton. Pishon died around 1830 (Fisher) or 1840 (Kingsbury), but the ferry continued until the river was bridged there in 1910.
The 1856 and 1879 Kennebec County atlases show a significant settlement – 10 or so houses in 1856, half again as many in 1879 – at the Clinton end of Pishon’s Ferry, but no such concentration at the Noble’s Ferry landing.
At Pishon’s Ferry, Kingsbury listed farmers; the first tavernkeeper, before 1815; a doctor who set up his practice about 1815; several men who established mills on Carrabassett Stream, which flows into the Kennebec there, from 1815; and storekeepers from 1832.
Morrison’s Corner, where Hinckley Road is intersected by Peavey and Battle Ridge roads, appears on many maps. Kingsbury wrote that the first settler there was Mordecai Moers, who reportedly lived to be 105. The first Morrison, James, came about 1820; the 1856 map shows a J. Morrison on the northwest side of the intersection.
Decker or Decker’s Corner is shown on the 1879 map northeast of Morrison’s Corner; a J. Decker lived there. Kingsbury wrote that Joshua Decker and family settled near the corner about 1797; Joshua’s son Stephen (1780-1873) ran a store in the 1820s; and in 1892 at least two Decker families lived near the corner.
Woodsum’s Corner Fisher identified with Town House Hill. Kingsbury said Abiather (Kingsbury’s minority spelling; other sources say Abiathar) Woodsum (1786-1847) came there before 1820; Daniel Holt and Grandnief Goodwin had stores nearby.
Here, Fisher wrote, was one of Clinton’s six post offices, the North Clinton one. It opened June 10, 1825, in Woodsum’s store, and Woodsum was postmaster until Oct. 13, 1842.
The other five post offices Fisher listed as:
— Clinton, opened July 29, 1811, on the west side of the Sebasticook in what became Benton, with Gershom Flagg, Jr., the first postmaster;
— West Clinton, which ran only from March 2, 1833, to Aug. 21, 1834, maybe at Brown’s Corner on the Kennebec, which was also included in Benton;
— East Clinton, opened June 13, 1836, in Clinton Village on the Sebasticook and renamed Clinton on July 2, 1842, as part of the division;
— Pishon’s Ferry, on the Kennebec, from Feb. 6, 1844, to Nov. 11, 1903; and
— Morrison’s Corner, Nov. 24, 1891, to June 25, 1903. Kingsbury said in 1892 that post office was in Martin Jewell’s store, one of several stores at the corner since James Morrison opened the first one “in his house” about 1832.
(Kingsbury listed only three post offices: East Clinton in 1836, becoming Clinton in 1842; North Clinton in 1825, becoming Pishon’s Ferry in 1844; and Morrison’s Corner, established in 1891.)
Clinton’s ferries across the Kennebec
Rope Ferry
According to Major General Carleton Edward Fisher’s history of Clinton (cited repeatedly in last week’s article), at least at Pishon’s Ferry and perhaps at Noble’s Ferry, too, the ferryboats that crossed the Kennebec River were at first propelled by oars, and were later converted to cable ferries, also known as rope ferries or chain ferries.
A cable ferry is propelled by the river current. It is therefore practical only in stretches of river where the current is steady and strong. Here is how it works, according to Fisher.
A cable is stretched across the river and the ferryboat is attached to it at each end by a tether whose upper fastening can slide along the cable. The end of the boat pointing to the far shore is on a short tether, so it is under the cable. The boat’s other end is on a longer tether so it can drift downstream, putting the boat at an angle to the current.
The ferryman drops a board down the side of the boat to form a version of a keel, against which the current pushes. With the boat and board held at an angle to the current, the current pushes the boat across the river.
At the far bank, it is unloaded; the shorter tether is lengthened and the longer one shortened to reverse the angle; and the current carries the boat back across. Fisher did not say whether the board is on the upstream or downstream side, or whether the ferryman needs to switch sides for the return trip.
The picture of a ferry on the Kennebec in Alma Pierce Robbins’ history of Vassalboro shows a flat boat with two square ends. On it stand two horses pulling a wagon, with someone at the horses’ heads and at least one person in the wagon. This ferryboat has a stubby mast with a small triangular sail.
An explanation of Clifton’s, not Clinton’s name
The red dot indicates the location of Clifton, Maine. The green square is Baxter State Park.
While researching the Town of Clinton’s name for this article, your writer came across a reference that did not fit with other sources. The on-line Maine an Encyclopedia says the town of Clinton was separated from Jarvis Gore on Aug. 7, 1848, and incorporated as a town named Maine.
The article continues, “The following year, the confusing address ‘Maine, Maine’ was changed apparently in honor of DeWitt Clinton, builder of the Eire [Erie] Canal and New York U.S. Senator, Governor, and Mayor of New York City.”
Wikipedia says explicitly that “the town [of Clinton] is not named for DeWitt Clinton.”
(DeWitt Clinton was a nephew of George Clinton, for whom the Town of Clinton is indeed named, as reported above.)
Your writer found on line a reference to Clifton, Maine, in Penobscot County, set off from Jarvis Gore or “The Gore East of Brewer” and incorporated as the town of Maine on Aug. 7, 1848. The name was changed to Clifton on June 9, 1849.
Fisher, Major General Carleton Edward History of Clinton, Maine (1970).
Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892).
Websites, miscellaneous.
(NAPSI)—Incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service employees rose to more than 5,800 cases last year—but you can help get those numbers down and keep your own mail delivery up.
As part of the USPS 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, the organization offers crucial information for dog owners on how to be good stewards for safe mail delivery and protect both their pets and their postal delivery person.
“Letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, none more prevalent than a canine encounter. All it takes is one interaction for a letter carrier to possibly suffer an injury,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS Manager, Employee Safety and Health Awareness. “The U.S. Postal Service consistently encourages responsible pet ownership. The national dog bite campaign is an effort to promote dog bite awareness to keep our customers, their dogs, and letter carriers safe while delivering the mail.”
Letter carriers know all dogs can bite, even those perceived as nonaggressive. Dogs are generally protective of their turf and dog owners have an important responsibility to control them to ensure safe mail delivery.
Most people know the approximate time their letter carrier arrives every day. Securing your dog before the carrier approaches your property will minimize any potentially dangerous interactions.
When a letter carrier comes to your home, keep dogs inside the house or behind a fence, aAway from the door or in another room; or on a leash.
Pet owners also should remind children not to take mail directly from a letter carrier as the dog may view the carrier as a threat to the child.
By using Informed Delivery, a free USPS service, customers can digitally preview incoming mail and packages from a computer, tablet or mobile device. More than 52 million customers have enrolled since the service was launched in 2017. Sign-up is at informeddelivery.usps.com. This service can help dog owners anticipate when their carrier will arrive.
According to the most recent information available from the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is $64,555. When a postal worker suffers an injury, the owner could be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering for the employee.
Letter carriers are trained to observe an area where they know dogs may be present. They are taught to be alert for potentially dangerous conditions and to respect a dog’s territory.
If a dog attacks, carriers are also trained to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something – such as a mail satchel – between them and the dog and to use dog repellent, if necessary.
Even though a customer’s dog is friendly to most people, it can always have a bad day.
Letter carriers have tools to alert them to dogs on their routes. A dog alert feature on carriers’ handheld scanners can remind them of a possible dog hazard, and dog warning cards must be used during mail sorting to alert carriers to addresses where a dog may interfere with delivery.
When a carrier feels unsafe, mail service can be stopped. Until the carrier feels safe enough to restart delivery, the mail will have to be picked up at the dog owner’s local Post Office. If a carrier feels a house or neighborhood is unsafe to deliver the mail and there is no way to inform residents their mail service has been suspended, the residents would have to contact the supervisor at their local Post Office for more information. The residents would also have to pick up their mail at the Post Office until it is safe to resume delivery. If a dangerous dog issue is not resolved, owners can be required to rent a Post Office box to receive mail.
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 167 million addresses six, and often, seven days a week.
For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com/dogbiteawareness.
Seniors of the trimester, from left to right, Aaralyn Gagnon, Simon Clark, Noah Crummett, and Brody Loiko. (contributed photo)
On Friday, June 7, Erskine Academy students and staff, in South China, attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards.
Recognition awards were presented to the following students Katie Shaw, Connor Alcott, Lucas Berto, Lacey Arp, Tristan Anderson, and Stephanie Kumnick.
In addition to recognition awards, Senior of the Trimester Awards were also presented to four members of the senior class: Brody Loiko, son of Ben and Libby Loiko, of Vassalboro, and Mindy and Mike Mathieu, of Augusta; Noah Crummett, son of Monique and Justin Crummet, of Windsor; Simon Clark, son of Stacy and Christopher Clark, of China; and Aaralyn Gagnon, daughter of Todd and Lauren Gagnon, of Vassalboro. Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.
In appreciation of their dedication and service to Erskine Academy, Faculty of the Trimester awards were also presented to Dean McCaslin, bus driver; and Heather Shute, mathematics instructor.
Faculty of the trimester, Heather Shute, left, and Dean McCaslin. (contributed photo)
Albion town office. Photo source: Town of Albion Facebook page
Albion bicentennial photo contest is open to anyone, but photos must be taken in Albion.
There are four categories: people, animals, still life and landscape in three age groups, 12 years old and under, 13-20, and over 20.
All submitted photos must be in printed form and matted. Photos no larger than 5×7. Mat will be pinned up so when it is returned the mat may be damaged. Pictures may be in color or black and white. The photos must be taken by the entrant, and entries are limited to one entry per category.
Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and place place in each age group and each category. All first place winners will be entered in a grand prize contest with the winner’s photo to appear on the front cover of the 2025 town report.
Photos must include name of entrant, phone number, address and location of photo taken. The town of Albion reserves the right to use the photos on their website.
Entries must be submitted by Thursday, July 18. Entries may be dropped at the town office or with Pam Wallace and Miranda Perkins at the Besse Building on a designated date to be announced later. Questions may be emailed to pllwallace@gmail.com or acbmperkins@gmail.com with subject “photo contest”.
Good Will-Hinckley’s L.C. Bates Natural History Museum (photo credit: https://www.gwh.org/)
The following programs will be presented at L.C. Bates Museum, on the campus of the Goodwill-Hinckley School, on Rte. 201, in Hinckley.
photo source: JMG.org
As we all know, history cannot be changed and, sometimes unfortunately, it can be repeated in a negative sense. But most important of all, it must never be forgotten. This is one of the primary goals of our now, solidly in place, China Historical Society, and to follow that path we are going to coordinate an event with our annual meeting on Thursday, July 18. Since this is the 75th anniversary of the opening of the consolidated China School, we intend to hold our meeting at the present Middle School, on Lakeview Drive, and follow that event with a reunion of China students who attended the school from as far back as we can find them up to and including the present day.
While some of the fine points of this plan still need to be worked out, it is receiving strong support from RSU #18. While we realize that folks who switched to the school when it opened in 1949, from the numerous “neighborhood” facilities, are pretty well along in years, we hope there are a few who might be willing to share their memories of this change, which must have been dramatic to say the least.
Even though my personal ties to China only go back 42 years, I know several folks who started their education, as did most of us, at age 5 or 6, here in town in the early 1950s. Richard Dillenbeck, of the first class, is one of those and he has agreed to be the featured speaker for the discussion. If you readers have knowledge of other individuals who might be willing to share their memories and experiences in the new building, please inform them of our plan and have them reserve the date and a time frame of 6 to 6:30 p.m. We also would like to do a tour of the Middle School to allow those earlier “residents” who haven’t been inside for a while and all others to see the huge changes that have occurred in the five room original structure with a kitchen in the basement.
So, in conclusion, we will use The Town Line and social media sites related to China to keep everyone up to date and work to make this a memorable activity; stay tuned!
Winslow Majors Orange baseball team: Front row, left to right, Gabe Loubier, Ayson Marshall , Rusty Vigue, Isaac Pepin, and Vinny Morin. Middle row, Matthew Harrington, Brice Moody, Chase Rancourt, Jace Poulin, Cameron Beaster, Bronsen Nelson, and Boston Blaney. Back, coaches Jordan Vigue, Mike Loubier, Jared Poulin, Mathew Beaster, and Richard Blaney. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)
WATERVILLE – Frank Alan Preo, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024, due to health complications and early onset dementia.
He spent his childhood in Augusta, and attended Augusta schools. He was involved with sports and drumming, “The Sharpies,” and was gifted musically. He could play the drums, flute, guitar and piano.
Frank married his first wife Karen, had two children and raised them in Vassalboro. Karen died tragically in 1994 leaving Frank to raise them with the help of family. He took up gardening and cooking after Karen’s death and excelled at both.
Frank spent most of his career as a sales person and a reset specialist in the grocery field. He was always close to his children, but was especially close to his son Chad, who helped him tremendously in the last years of his life.
Frank was predeceased by his father Charles Preo; his mother, Lorette Lajoie and her husband Wilfred; his brothers-in-law, Bob Rancourt and Ronald Breton; and his first wife Karen Preo.
Frank is survived by his daughter Jaime Pooler, her husband Mark and their children, Bentley and Bianca; and his son Chad Preo; his brother, Fred Preo and his wife Rachael; sister, Charlene Breton, and many nieces and nephews; his ex-wife and longtime companion Jackie Preo.
A burial service will be determined at a later date.
HARPSWELL – Barry William Dolley, 84, died peacefully at home in South Harpswell on Friday, May 31, 2024, following a long battle with cancer. He lived most of his life in Winslow, before retiring to South Harpswell in 2005, with his wife Sandy.
Born prematurely at three pounds two ounces on November 8, 1939, Barry defied expectations from the beginning. During his early school years, the teachers, try as they might, were not able to cure him of either his left-handedness nor his colorblindness. Later in life, his grandchildren would take up the latter challenge, with the same result.
At Winslow High School, Barry played football and track, and excelled in industrial arts. He would sneak into school early mornings to work on projects in the shop. Barry won first place nationally for a desk he made. He was voted most likely to succeed in his class.
Following high school, against his guidance counselor’s advice, Barry went to college. It was during his senior year of college that he met the love of his life, Sandra Adrienne Paradis. Although he believed he had no chance with her, they began dating, got married, and eventually settled in Winslow, where they raised their five children.
Following graduation from Gorham State Teacher’s College, Barry began working as an industrial arts teacher at Messalonskee High School, in Oakland. He had a lifelong love for building, and eventually left teaching to start building houses. He ventured into solar energy; and designed and built energy-efficient homes in central Maine during the 1970s and 1980s. He was ahead of his time.
People who knew Barry found him highly knowledgeable on a number of topics, particularly World War II and college football. And he could really tell a story. He had a rare talent for building furniture and cabinetry, and built many pieces that he gave to his children and loved ones. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and Vince Lombardi. He taught his children the value of hard work – all five of them went on to operate their own businesses.
Barry was a self-made man, an innovator. He was intelligent, witty, compassionate to others and always willing to share. He was a fantastic cook, a gifted teacher and a great example in life. He will be dearly missed. The boy from Winslow did good. Barry was predeceased by his parents, Donovan “Duke” and Rollande “Jackie” (Pelletier) Dolley; and by his wife, Sandy.
He leaves behind his five children, Michelle Dolley and husband Gilles Langlois, Barry Dolley II, Jeffrey Dolley and wife Jessica, Shawn Dolley, and Reneé Dolley and her friend Jim Sloan; seven grandchildren, Adrienne Dolley and her fiancée Kristen Thompson, J. Luke Dolley, Adeline Dolley, William J. Dolley, Dylan Dolley, Liam Dolley and Luke Dolley; his brother, William Dolley and wife, Bonnie; a sister-in-law, Jolyne Paradis; Nieves Lanoy and son Lance; many nieces and nephews, and cousins.
The family will host a celebration of life for Barry at the Village Inn, in Belgrade, on Saturday, June 29, from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be plenty of food and all are welcome.
WATERVILLE – Sean Alan Rancourt, 39, of Waterville, passed away on Friday May 31, 2024, doing what he loved, welding at Rockport Steel, In Rockport. Sean was born in Waterville, December 31, 1984, to Bernard Rancourt and Michele Rancourt.
Sean attended high school at Waterville Senior High, he completed his Welding Certification at Lyman Morse Fabrication, of Rockland. Sean could master many trades and never stopped learning. He excelled in welding and looked forward to opening his own fabrication and welding shop. Sean was on a path to a bright future. His future was bright, and he had his goals set, Sean was ready for life. Sean will always be remembered for his kind heart, his loving soul and his devotion to his family, and his signature grin, that he always shared.
Sean is survived by his father, Bernard Rancourt, of Waterville; his mother, Michele Rancourt (Don Agee), of Sebastian, Florida; his son, Darius Ladainan Rancourt, of Bangor; his brother Adam Rancourt (Leeanne), of Windsor; his sister, Amanda Deroche Rancourt (Marjorie); nephew, Levi; his sister, Katelyn Rancourt (Jaime Dawe); his nieces Audrianna, Adielynne and future baby to be named; his uncle, Reggie and aunt, Marie Rancourt; his aunt Betty and uncle Dan McCaslin, his aunt Roslind and uncle Lewis Smith, and his uncle Ricky Welch.
Sean‘s life recently was brightened by the addition of his love for Jessica Grierson, of Rockland. They shared many positive goals and were on the path to a bright and lasting future.
Sean was previously deceased by his paternal grandparents Francis and Regina Rancourt, of Waterville, maternal grandparents Clifford Welch (Jean), of Wilton, and Phyllis Woods (Leonard), of Waterville; his aunt, Jean Rancourt, Accomac, Virginia, his aunt, Sherry Rancourt, Waterville, uncle, Micheal and aunt, Denise Welch, Nashua, New Hampshire.
Service for Sean will be held at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove St., Waterville on Thursday, June 13, at 11:30 a.m.
The family will be doing the traditional welders send off. Each person can put their thoughts, jokes, or pictures on a welding rod. These will be placed with Sean.
TRUMBULL, Connecticut – Peter Gaug Jr., 94, of Trumbull, Connecticut, and formerly of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was the husband of 72 years to Evelyn (Speicher) Gaug. Born in the Bronx, New York, on June 1, 1930, he was the son of the late Peter and Katie (Jeck) Gaug Sr., and was a resident of Waterville for over 43 years before moving to Trumbull, Connecticut, three years ago.
Peter joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and his master’s degree from Rutgers University. His career took him to banking where he retired after many years an assistant vice president.
In addition to his wife Evelyn, survivors include his four children, Jeanne Steffens, JoAnne Gaug, Peter E. Gaug and Matthew Gaug and five grandchildren, Katherine and Andrew Steffens, Kristy, Nicholas and Scott Gaug.
He was predeceased by a son-in-law, Scott Steffens.
All funeral services will be private.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, Conn. To leave an online condolence, visit us at http://www.abriola.com.
WATERVILLE – Beatrice Marie Giroux , 92, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Mount Joseph, in Waterville, in the early morning. Beatrice was born in Waterville on April 6, 1932, the daughter of Louis and Eva Gauthier.
She attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, in Waterville. She worked various jobs in the area and later took care of many children in her home. She was an immaculate homemaker who also loved to cook for her family. She was always ready to help a friend in need. Beatrice loved spending time with her family playing cards and listening to French music and dancing the French jig. She was also an avid walker.
She was predeceased by her husband Leland Giroux; her parents, Louis and Eva Gauthier, brothers, Larry, Alphie, Norman and Bill Gauthier; sisters, Jeannette Veilleux and Lucille Lagasse, son-in-law, David Althenn and her first husband Renald Lachance.
Beatrice is survived by her daughters, Terri Althenn, Linda Hamlin and husband Larry; sisters Arlene Brownd and Doris Main and husband Bert; grandchildren, Jason Evans and wife Samantha, Jamie Evans and partner Jessica Wittnebert, Holly Hamlin and partner Paul Kinsey, Darcy Sears and husband Chris; great-grandchildren, Michael Evans, Alysa Evans, Connor Evans, Jordan Gurney and partner Desiree Keyser, and Jayden Gurney. Also, stepchildren, stepgrandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, June 18, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville, followed by a committal service at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the deceased’s name to:
Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US-1 #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074, (207-772-0115).
AUGUSTA – Maria Yotides, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Born in Winslow, on May 8, 1931, Maria was the only daughter and last surviving child of James and Olga (Boodry) Yotides, of the first Greek pioneers to settle permanently in the Winslow/Waterville area in 1907.
Maria made her family extremely proud, graduating with honors from Winslow High School, class of 1949. She continued her pursuit of higher education at Westbrook College, in Portland, becoming the first member of the Yotides family to obtain a collegiate degree in 1951. Following her schooling, she worked alongside her parents and brothers in the family business, City Cab, on Siver Street, in Waterville, serving their local community and visiting guests for decades.
Known for her wit, vibrant personality, and spunky sense of style, Maria’s energy was contagious and brought to life any room she entered. Her memory will live on through photos and family stories of her adventurous spirit and passion for good fun, not the least of which included her love of an Elvis Presley sing-a-long!
In her niece’s book Don’t Worry About a Thing – Growing Up in Maine, Katherine Yotides Sullivan wrote of her Aunt Maria: “Maria may not have looked like the movie stars on the pages of the magazines she kept in the waiting room (of the taxi stand), but she had an outgoing personality and many friends, and she was so much fun…People she knew stopped in to chat even when they didn’t need a cab. I never heard her complain…”
Maria was predeceased by her parents and siblings: George, Konstantina, Thomas, Spiro (Spike) and Antonios.
She is survived by her nieces, nephews and their growing families along the East Coast.
There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Pine Grove Cemetery, Grove Street, in Waterville.
WATERVILLE – Mackenzie Marie Strickland, 27, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at her home. Mackenzie was born in Augusta on October 16, 1996, the daughter of Kevin and Nancy (Brawn) Strickland. Later Mackenzie happily welcomed her brother Patrick.
On Valentine’s Day 2000, Mackenzie was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Throughout her life she needed support, and we met many special people along the way to help her.
In 2004, Mackenzie received a pool from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She was gifted a party at our home and the entertainment was provided by her favorite singer, Rick Charrett.
Mackenzie attended Waterville public schools and she graduated in 2016. Mackenzie participated in Brownies, Girl Scouts, Go Girls, and enjoyed having fun with her friends.
Mackenzie attended Pine Tree Camp where they had some of her favorite activities like swimming, boating, canoeing, dancing, sitting around the campfire, and watching fireworks. She had the time of her life!
Mackenzie attended “Night to Shine”, a dance in honor of special needs adults. She would proudly take her tiara and walk down the red carpet, with a ginormous smile as she danced the night away!
Mackenzie also attended Goodwill Lifeworks, an adult day program. They took her bowling, shopping, and other fun activities, but her favorite activity was swimming.
Visitation will be held June 30, 2024, at 2 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 3 p.m., at CenterPoint Community Church, 155 West River, Waterville. A reception will follow.
Please visit Mackenzie’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/mackenzie-strickland where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.
WINSLOW – Andrew Robert Perry, 67, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024. Andy was born in the city of Portland, to parents Robert Perry and Norma (Emerson) Perry on November 24, 1956.
Andy graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1975 and graduated from the University of Maine-Orono in 1979 with a bachelor of science degree in finance.
The profound impact he made in his 67 years is evident in the myriad of lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind.
Andrew owned and operated Allstate Insurance Company, in Augusta, for over 20 years and sold the agency in 2010. He then worked for the Bureau of Insurance for a number of years until his retirement in 2021. He was known for his unwavering dedication and loyalty. As an insurance agent, he found joy in providing security and peace of mind to countless families. His charismatic personality, coupled with his expertise, made him a cherished figure in the industry. His work was not just a job, but a manifestation of his innate desire to care for others. The ripple effect of his work will continue to be felt by those he served.
Andy had many interests. He loved music, cars, motorcycles and all New England sports. He was an active member of Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville. He was a cantor and choir member at St. John the Baptist church, in Winslow. He played trumpet and read and wrote music often creating harmonies for other choir members. He sang a cappella with three friends and often performed for church functions. Andy also had a flair for the corny and collected bad jokes as a hobby.
Andy was a fantastic husband, loving family man, and a great friend and neighbor. He always joked, “ Never let it be said I didn’t do the least I could do.” But he was always “doing something” for someone. He was the epitome of a caregiver.
As we mourn the loss of Andrew, we also celebrate his remarkable life. We remember him not only for his accomplishments but for the man he was – a beacon of integrity, resilience, and love. Andrew will continue to live in our hearts and memories. So, let us not just grieve his passing but also cherish the times we spent with him.
He is survived by his wife, Beth Perry, who was his rock and guiding star. Their love story, like a well-woven tapestry, was filled with shared dreams, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to each other. Andy is also survived by his children, son James Perry and wife Jennifer and their children, Theodore and Sullivan; his daughters Alison Hopcraft and husband Charles, and Andrea Perry and fiancé Alex Batey; his brother John Perry and wife Margaret; and his Uncle Charles and Aunt Nancy Perry.
Andy was preceded in death by his father, Robert Perry, and his mother, Norma Perry. Their love and teachings were the foundation upon which Andrew built his life. He carried their wisdom and love in his heart, and it was reflected in the way he lived. He was also predeceased by his brother Peter Perry.
We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Andrew on the memorial page. Each story and picture will help keep his spirit alive and remind us of the beautiful life he lived.
There was a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow, on June 20, 2024, with the burial following at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.
Services are in the care of Veilleux Funeral Home Waterville Maine.
Any donations in Andy’s memory should be made to your favorite charity.
PALERMO – Nancy G. York, 81, died Monday, June 10, 2024, following a long illness. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 10, 1943, a daughter of the late Alan and Shirley (Gould) Chesebro.
Ms. York was educated at Vermont College, earning her associates degree. She had been employed for many years at the Kennebec Valley Medical Center, now the Alfond Center for Health, and was employed as the Director of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review. She then worked at Falmouth Hospital, in Falmouth, Massachusetts, retiring in 2012.
Nancy enjoyed the times she spent at the family cottage in East Boothbay, rowing the Nina around the bay and sitting on the porch, watching the sunset over the ocean with her golden retrievers, Zoe, Frances and Sooner, who all had predeceased her.
Ms. York was predeceased by her twin, Gordon Chesebro.
She is survived by her daughter, Allison Y. Aley, of Concord, Massachusetts; her son, Andrew A. York and his wife Cheryl, of Palermo; two brothers, John and Robert Chesebro, both of Westbrook; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
At her request there will be no public visiting hours or funeral services. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Route 32, Windsor. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.
BANGOR – Phillip Henry, 86, of Waterville, passed away at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor, on Monday June 10, 2024. Phil was born on January 19, 1938, in Burnham to Aden and Lina Henry (Frost).
In 1975 Phil married Charlene Loisel, of Waterville, where they lived and raised their five children.
Phil started out working for a construction as a mason in his earlier years as well as various jobs. He later went to work at Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki) company as a machine operator for 28 years where he retired,
After retirement Phil spent time helping his children with building their houses and helping with other projects. He loved hunting, fishing, biking, walking, and animals, especially his beagles. (He was the guy who would stop and remove a turtle from the road for fear of it being run over).
Phil was predeceased by his wife Charlene Henry of 64 years.
Phil is survived by his children, Raymond Henry and partner Glenda Amburg, Gail Young and husband Scott, Lisa Carter and husband Mike Inman, Randy Henry and wife Debbie, and Robert Henry; grandchildren: Michelle Von Bernewitz, Kevin Young, Andrew Young, Joseph Henry, Bethany Gade, and Jason Carter; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Geraldine Brooks, Cheryl Basford, Barbara Drake, Doris Hinds, Phyllis Later; and a brother Aiden Henry.
A graveside committal service will be held at 11:15 a.m., on Wednesday, June 26, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.
Following the committal service the family would like to invite everyone to a Celebration of Life at the Forrest J. Pare VFW Post #1285, 51 Water Street, Waterville.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Phillip to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd,. Waterville, ME 04901.
OAKLAND – Dawn Marie Vasvary, 63, of Oakland, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Dawn fought courageously against cancer.
Dawn’s favorite pastime was fishing and being in the outdoors with the love of her life Lou. Dawn and Lou met in their hometown of Spotswood, New Jersey, as teens and were married on September 30, 1979, they had 44 years of marriage as best friends.
They moved to Oakland in August 1994 with their three sons and opened their business, D&L Country Store. Dawn and Lou had many happy years raising their family and running their business always together. Dawn’s greatest joy were her children and her grandchildren who she loved dearly.
Dawn was predeceased by her mother, Helen Willett (2018) stepfather, Leroy Willett Sr. (2002).
She is survived by her husband, Lou Vasvary, of Oakland; sons, Louie Vasvary Jr. his wife Amanda and their children Hunter and Corinne, of Gardiner, Bruce Vasvary and his daughter Kaya, of Sidney, Kenny Vasvary his wife Christy and their children Tucker and Katarina, of Mercer; brother, Wayne Willett and his wife Diane, of Florida, their children Lisa and Kim; her sisters, Wanda Adro and family, of Florida, Stacey Barnhart and family, of Florida; and her stepbrother, Leroy Willett Jr. and his wife Anita of North Carolina; along with many extended family members.
Please join the family for a celebration of life on Saturday, June 29, at their family home, on 81 North Pond Rd., Rome, ME 04963, at 2 p.m.
The family encourages donations to those care facilities in her name to support other families battling cancer.
WATERVILLE – Margaret M. Thompson, 97, affectionately known as Peg or Peggy, peacefully passed away at her daughter’s home in Boylston, Massachusetts, on April 4, 2024.
Peggy will be remembered as Mom, Grandmama and Gigi. Peggy’s warm and vibrant personality showed through in everything she did. Though she may have left this world physically, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Peggy was born on May 18, 1926, in Arlington, Massachusetts. She lived a life filled with love, kindness, and laughter. Peggy graduated from Jamaica Plain High School and then worked at Boston Gas and Worcester Gas during the 1950s.
On the weekends, Peggy loved to go dancing at Moseley’s on the Charles. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bob Thompson, whom she married on September 22, 1951. Their honeymoon was the start of adventurous traveling around the world. Peggy and Bob started their family, in Natick, Massachusetts, and so began the most rewarding job of her life, a devoted stay-at-home mom to her four children and her beloved Dino, a black male Standard Poodle. In 1968, Peggy loaded up their four children, family pets and moved to Waterville, where Bob had begun his career as the owner of Thompson Volkswagen, Inc. At Bob’s passing, Peggy then became the president and owner of the business that had grown into Thompson Volkswagen, Audi, Mazda, Inc.
Peggy was loving, kind, full of life, funny, generous, and a devoted friend to many. Her hobbies included knitting, playing bridge, porcelain doll making, golfing, cross-country skiing, gardening, and indulging in any craft class that was available. Peggy was also an avid reader.
Memories of Peggy will forever be cherished by all who knew her. She loved spending time with family and friends at the family’s camp on Snow Pond, in Oakland. On summer days, she enjoyed boat rides, cookouts, playing cards with her family, sitting on the deck watching all the activity, and listening to the loons. Her homemade lemon chiffon pies, brownies, and peanut butter cookies were always waiting for her children after school and on special holidays. Her home was a haven filled with love and warmth.
Peggy shared a special bond and love of family with her late husband Robert (Bob) Thompson, who passed away on August 23, 2004. She was also predeceased by her parents, Sarah and Timothy Buckley; and two brothers Jack and William Buckley.
Peggy is survived by her three sons, Robert and wife Kim Thompson, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Timothy Thompson, of Oakland, Mark and wife Karen Thompson, of Waterville; a daughter Theresa Redgate and her husband Laurence Redgate, of Boylston, Massachusetts; sister-in-law Sr. Anita Thompson, of Convent Station, New Jersey; grandchildren, Heather Redgate and spouse James Guaragna, Julia Redgate and spouse Thomas McHenry, Courtney, Mackenzie, and Tyler Thompson, Katie and Jack Thompson; along with great-granddaughter, Sophia Guaragna.
There will be a private burial at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, Maine.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Silver Street Tavern, Waterville, Maine, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donations may be made in memory of Margaret to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, or The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation or The Jewish Healthcare Hospice Center, Worcester, MA, or Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, Waterville, ME.
For anyone wishing to honor Richard Harrington, who passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, his daughters will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 30, from 2 – 4 p.m., at the Sheepscot Fish and Game Clubhouse, Route 3, Palermo.
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by The Town Line staffAt the May 21, 2024 meeting of the Windsor Select Board, Road supervisor Keith Hall reported on several repairs being done to town equipment. Also select board member Tom McNaughton asked Keith for an update on the Amish signs. Keith said he had gotten prices on the signs and that is as far as he had gone with the project. Keith said he had not gotten the final answer to order signs. Moira Teekema added she had conversations with the Amish, they were happy with the selected locations discussed for placement for the signs. After some discussion, Thomas McNaughton made a motion to purchase five Amish signs and Chevron signs for the corner on Coopers Mills Road by Piper Road, seconded by Chester D. Barnes and approved 5-0-0.
From the transfer station, Keith reported the following:
a.) Freon units have been picked up from the Transfer Station.
b.) Maine Scale LLC will be coming to calibrate the scales at the Transfer Station on 5/30/24.
c.) Transfer Station employees Hunter, Allison, Dan, and Amelia, who covers for the transfer station, completed Core 1 training virtually. Core 1 training helps employees gain a better understanding of department regulations and concerns, learn methods of operation that achieve compliance and improve efficiency.
On behalf of animal control office Ryan Carver, town manager Theresa Haskell reported there is an issue on Rte. 105 of cows getting out. Ryan has been to the residences four times in 15 days. One time the cows made it all the way to Wingood Road. There were reports of the cows going head on with cars on Rte. 105. The owner says the deer keeps knocking his fence over. The town ordinance is a fine up to $500 payable to the town per call. Carver would like to know the select boards suggestion to enforce this. The select board will ask Carver to be available at a future meeting for more discussion.
In other business, Haskell reported the following.
– Theresa has a Certificate of Appointment for Greg Feltis for the position of E-911 Alternate Addressing Officer, to be effective until a new Alternate Addressing Officer is appointed. Chester D. Barnes Jr. made a motion to sign the Certificate of Appointment for Greg Feltis appointed as E-911 Alternate Addressing Officer effective until a new Alternate Addressing officer is appointed, seconded by Thomas McNaughton and approved 5-0-0.
– Ray Bates reviewed the Town Hall’s water results received by Water Quality & Compliance Inc. The water test results were normal.
– Theresa read aloud a letter from Lake Stewards of Maine requesting $500 in funds from the town to support water testing. Theresa will send back a response to the request.
– The Safety Grant Press Release will be posted on the website for the town to view.
– Friday June 28, 2024, is the last day of FY 2024. The town office will be closing at noon to get all reports and books closed for FY 2024. Andrew Ballantyne made a motion to close the town office at noon on June 28, 2024, for office staff to get all reporting and books closed by the end of day for FY year 2024.
– A handout was given to the Select Board regarding the Ridge Road property. There will be discussion at a later date when the select board has time to look over what the town’s attorney has drafted. There is currently no other information to give on the property.
– The Kennebec County budget began at 44.1 percent and after several meetings and discussion about the final budget it is now down to 28.9 percent.
– The select board was handed a copy of the Public Works monthly 4-day work week schedule. It was noted that public works will swap their day off if their day off falls on a holiday so they can still get paid for that holiday.
Tim had questions about signing the smoking policy. He asked for clarification before he signed anything. He would like to see it amended. The select board assured Tim that there was zero finger pointing intended when the memo and the smoking policy were sent to be signed by all employees.
The memo was initiated from a letter that was left anonymously by a resident. The select board thought at the time it was an opportunity to remind all employees of the smoking policy. Allison Wynot wanted to comment that confidentiality should not be broken. With no details, she said she believes that confidentiality has been broken to her in public.
Chester D. Barnes Sr. would like to arrange a Conservation Committee meeting sooner than later. Haskell and Chester looked at the calendar and a date of June 17, 2024, at 6 p.m. was set. They will reach out to other committee members with the date and time.
Haskell received a resignation letter from Moria Teekema, resigning from both the transfer station committee as secretary and resigning from the Conservation Committee. Chester D. Barnes Jr. made a motion to accept Moria Teekema’s resignation from both the transfer station committee as secretary and from the Conservation Committee, seconded by Andrew Ballantyne and accepted 5-0-0.
Tom Reed noted the walls upstairs at the town hall looked a mess. Discussion about town hall use and the cost it would take to keep fixing and painting the walls because residents put holes and peel the paint, also the cost of tables and chairs that get broken and need to be replaced. More discussion will follow at a future meeting about the town hall use policy and if that should be updated.
Tom McNaughton updated he has not seen a new contract come through from Delta Ambulance Service. He has also not heard any response regarding being on the board for Delta.
Andrew Ballantyne gave a brief update about the power line restarting their engine on Renewable Wind Energy. The best advice that is being passed around to towns is to be sure your ordinances are in place, and you have a strong comprehensive plan. William Appel Jr. said we will need to devote time to the comprehensive plan.
