China Lake Association meeting focuses on alewives, LakeSmart progress

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The 2016 annual China Lake Association meeting, held on July 23, was another great meeting, attended by over 70 people.  What a fantastic turnout….

Frank Rich­ards, of Vassalboro, was the guest speaker.  Frank is a retiree who has served as the president of the Webber Pond Association

Frank Richards

Webber Pond Association president Frank Richards gives presentation on alewive restoration at China Lake Association annual meeting.

since 2001, and he has dedicated many years toward the improvement of water quality on Webber Pond.  He is a steadfast supporter of the Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI), and has written two books: A Guide to Wilderness Canoe Fishing and An Introduction to Ice Fishing.  Frank spoke to the assembly and provided a general education on lake water quality, with specifics on Webber Pond and the introduction of alewives and improved water quality experienced by that water body.  He eloquently energized the attendees and gave encouragement about the potential positive effects of the introduction of alewives into China Lake through the Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI).  Both Nate Gray (Maine Department of Marine Resources) and Landis Hudson (Maine Rivers) also spoke on behalf of the ARI and answered questions raised by the audience.

Marie Michaud reported on the winners of the annual poster contest; prizes were awarded.  Elaine Philbrook, the newest China Lake Association board of directors member, assisted her in the presentation of awards.

Bob O’Connor Scott Pierz

Bob O’Connor, left, was presented with a gold watch by China Lake Association President Scott Pierz for his 25 years of volunteer service to the organization.

Bob O’Connor gave his annual loon count, reporting that the loon counters observed 38 adult loons and three chicks this year.  On behalf of the association, Bob was awarded with a gold watch for over 25 years of service, involvement, and dedication as the longest-standing association member and loon count coordinator.

Maggie Shannon, Maine Lakes Society’s LakeSmart director, spoke on the benefits of LakeSmart and presented a video on the LakeSmart Program.  She also recognized and applauded our local LakeSmart program coordinator Marie Michaud for Marie’s high-energy and commitment to LakeSmart.  Marie and her LakeSmart team have had a successful summer, and she reported on specific LakeSmart awards (including Ray and Joanne Kelsey’s recent award seen in The Town Line’s edition of July 21, 2016).  For a peek at the Maine Lakes Society’s great video please go to this link: http://mainelakessociety.org/lakesmart-2/lakesmart-video-2/.

Also, Jim Hart, president of the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA), spoke about the CRLA’s Courtesy Boat Inspection and Youth Conservation Programs operating here in China and in the region.

Thanks go to all those who contributed to the annual newsletter, including Nate Gray (Maine Department of Marine Resources), Landis Hudson (Maine Rivers), Jennifer Irving (Sebasticook Regional Land Trust), Marie Michaud and Maggie Shannon (LakeSmart), Jim Hart (China Region Lakes Alliance), Matt Zetterman (Kennebec Water District), Bob O’Connor (Loon Count Coordinator), and especially Frank Richards (Webber Pond Association).  Appreciation also goes to Tim Axelson for his financial report and to Jamie Pitney for conducting the election of directors and the association’s officers.  Special thanks to Tom Michaud for all his help along the way….

China Lake Association

Approximately 70 lake association members attended the China Lake Association annual meeting on June 23.
Photos courtesy of Scott Pierz

The China Lake Association will continue to advocate for the Alewife Restoration Initiative; promote environmental education in our school system; and seek an increase to the association’s membership through awareness and involvement of the community and our constituents.  For additional info go to our website (http://chinalakeassociation.org/) and check out our Facebook by typing: China Lake Association Facebook into your favorite browser.

Finally thanks also to the board of directors, RSU #18 for the venue at the China Primary School, the Green Bean Cafe for refreshments, the town of China for its support, along with all who attended and our general membership.

Have a great summer and I hope to see you next year….

Submitted by Scott Pierz,  President China Lake Association

Dry conditions continue to plague central Maine lakes

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by Roland D. Hallee

Dry conditions throughout the state have brought on low water levels in central Maine lakes.

Webber Pond, in Vassalboro, has experienced water levels twice as low as is normal for this time of year. The water remains four inches below the spillway at the dam off the Webber Pond Road, when normally, it is kept at two inches during summer months.

Similar conditions exist on China Lake, according to lake association president Scott Pierz. He deferred to Matt Zetterman, of the Kennebec Water District, which monitors water quality on China Lake and maintains the water levels based on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s lake level order. It is all part of KWD’s mission of improving water quality for China Lake.

Zetterman said that China Lake is experiencing a similar situation as Webber Pond.

“We started the year with a low amount of snowfall which led to a low volume of spring runoff,” he said. Continuing, Zetterman emphasized, “we had planned for it so we actually started the summer with a surplus of water in the lake.

“Fast forward to today, and we’re now an inch or so below our summer target, and without rain, the lake will continue to drop.”

Zetterman went on to point out the lake experienced a similar situation last summer and ended up six inches below the target by Labor Day.

Zetterman concluded with, “As much as rain ruins plans for the summer time, we desperately could use the rain to help build up the lake level.”

Open auditions for Titus Andronicus

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Recycled Shakespeare Company is holding open auditions for Titus Andronicus on August 1 and 3 from 5pm-7pm both days. Auditions will be held in Fairfield Memorial Park, rain or shine.

Co-directors, Emily Rowden Fournier and Jakob Sutton, will be casting all roles, and, as is Recycled Shakespeare Company tradition, any who audition will receive a part. Any level of acting experience will be accepted. Although the directors plan to take an artistic approach to this Shakespearean tragedy, due to the graphic content of the script children under 12 years of age will not be accepted for auditions and minors will need parental consent to participate.

Recycled Shakespeare Company is a not-for-profit community theater troupe that specializes in Shakespearean theater while using recycled materials to create theater on a minimal budget. There is no cost to join the company.

Anyone who wishes to participate should be familiar with the script but need not prepare anything. Auditions will consist of cold readings in groups or alone. The performance date for this show is October 15, 2016. The rehearsal schedule will be available at auditions.

For more information, contact Emily Rowden Fournier at 207-314-8607 or email recycledshakespeare@gmail.com.

Albion Neighbhood News, Week of July 28, 2016

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by Mary Lee Rounds

There are probably less than 10 pharses in the U.S. that will turn your blood cold. “I want a divorce….,” “You are pregnant”…  and “You have shingles…”  The dreaded diagnosis most of us have heard of and know someone with them.  I must be falling into that age group where it becomes more prevalent. I heard that exact diagnosis this week.  Yes, there is pain and disgusting looking skin, but the itching is what I can’t deal with.  And as with all itches the orders are “Don’t Scratch!”

I came down with this on Tuesday so have not paid much attention to town. Field Day is May 28-30. That I do know.

Have a great week.

Obituaries, Week of July 28, 2016

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CHARLENE E. MATHIEU

OAKLAND––Charlene Eva Scott Mathieu, 86, of Hobe Sound, Florida, and Oakland, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016. Charlene was born in Wytopitlock on January 11, 1930, the daughter of Walter and Eva Scott.

She graduated from Clinton High School in 1948, and the Sisters School of nursing in 1951. She spent the next 37 years working in her chosen profession before retiring in 1988.

In 1951 she married,Roger Mathieu. Charlene and Roger were married for 57 years until his passing in 2008. Their married life was filled with many happy years, sharing their love of dancing, skiing, travel, playing cards and socializing with friends and family. After retirement they greatly enjoyed spending winters in Florida and summers in Maine.

Charlene was a very loving and caring person, and was always there to help family and friends. She was a great storyteller, had a wonderful sense of humor, a hearty and infectious laugh, and always had a twinkle in her eye. She was zestful, enjoyed life, and was delightful to be around.

She was predeceased by her nephew, Kevin Scott.

Charlene is survived by her brothers Earl Scott and Walter Scott; brother-in-law Armand Mathieu and wife Bonnie; nieces, Becky Klaiber, Debbie Jensen, Melisa Silva, Lisa Scott, Julie Mathieu, Linda Nelson, and Rose Lovecchio; and her nephews, Bruce Mast and Michael Mathieu.

Memorial services will be held on August 8 at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame Church on Silver Street in Waterville, followed by a burial at St. Francis Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held afterwards at the Mathieu residence on Messalonskee Lake in Oakland.

KATHLEEN  WALTZ

JEFFERSON––Kathleen “Kathy” Waltz, 77, of Jefferson, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, following a lengthy illness. The youngest of eight children, Kathy was born on September 25, 1938, in Jefferson, a daughter of Lydia Sprague and Albert Weaver.

She attended local schools and proudly earned her GED later in life.

Her hobbies and interests were many. She enjoyed collecting knick-knacks, crafting, decorating for the holidays, baking and coffee and conversations with friends and relatives. The pure enjoyment of eating her minced deer meat pie and fudge will be longed for by many.

Kathy especially delighted in spending time with friends and family. She enjoyed traveling to Maui, playing cribbage and other card games, and numerous long chats with her close friend, Donna Williams. Kathy had an open and welcoming door to all, but an even larger open and welcoming heart to so many.

She was predeceased by siblings, Dot Gautreau, Maxine McKay, Esther Cheney, Ruth Peaslee, Bernice Morais, and Donald Weaver.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Frank Waltz Sr.; sons, Arthur, Frank Jr., Ira, Dana and Harlow; grandchildren, Shawna, Breanna, Frank III, Nancy, Donald, Dana Jr., Alexis, Elliott, Ruth Anne, and Harlow Jr.; and two great-grandchildren; and sister, Shirley Peaslee.

Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock. com.

TIMOTHY E. QUIRION

JEFFERSON––Timothy “Tim” E. Quirion, 61, of Jefferson, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2016, following a 15-year battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease and MS. Tim was born in Augusta on January 25, 1955, the son of Romeo O. and Vivian May (York) Quirion.

Tim grew up in Augusta and attended local schools. After school Tim went to work for a family-owned taxi company, Romeo’s Taxi. Tim went on to open his own automotive business at his home in Jefferson for many years. Tim also worked as a security officer of which he was very proud.

Tim was predeceased by his parents, Romeo and Vivian Quirion; and siblings, Bruce, Shelia, Badelia, and Daniel Quirion.

He is survived by his significant other of 43 years, Diana Hinckley, of Jefferson; son Timothy Hinckley and wife Kala, of Augusta; daughters, Angel Labelle and husband James, of Washington, and Tammy Brann and husband Wayne, of Jefferson; granddaughters, Kaitlyn Kelley, Nicole Hinckley, Ashley Conklin, Melissa Brann, Miranda Brann, Danielle Brann, Amanda Brann, and Melaney Labellle; grandsons, Timothy Hinckley Jr., Camron Hinckley, and Alexander Labelle; and great-grandchildren, Kaiden Knox, Isaac and Noah Kelley, Hunter Knox, and Leland Brann; siblings, Brenda Bartlett, of Windham, Janice Quirion, of Waterville, and Linda Banks, of South Carolina.

SANDRA L. HANN

FAIRFIELD – Sandra L. Hann, 60, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2016, at her home in Fair­field. She was born Novem­ber 23, 1955 in Water­ville.

SANDRA L. HANN

SANDRA L. HANN

She attended Waterville area schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1974. On June 16, 2001, she married Danny Hann at the Shawmut Chapel. Sandra was employed as a scheduler and medical technician at Mount St. Joseph’s, in Waterville.

Sandra was a member of the Shawmut Chapel, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sewing, but most of all spending time with her family and husband.

She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Danny J. Hann Sr., of Fairfield; two daughters, Angelina Chapman and significant other Arturo, of Summerfield, Florida, Michelle McAlpine, of Fairfield; son Heith Hann, of Fairfield; three step-daughters, Dawn Hann and Jennifer Hann, of China, Jennifer Hann Welch and husband Alfred, of St Albans, Tia Hann and significant other Marc Bolduc, of Fairfield; two step-sons, Danny Hann and significant other Cheryl Palmer, of Sidney, Michael Hann and fiancée Sherrie Tucker, of Waterville; three sisters, Cheryl Yale and husband Paul, of Parkman, Wanda Eldridge and significant other Doug Hawk, of New Smyrna, Florida, Linda Richards, of Vassalboro; brother Don Goodale and wife Betty, of East Benton; mother-in-law, Barbara Cook, of Waterville; 26 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; three step-sisters; one step-brother.

She was predeceased by her mother, Mavice B. King; foster parents, Lindley and Celia Littlefield; and brother, Billy Goodale.

Memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Health Office of Philanthropy, PO Box 828, Waterville, ME 04901.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.

OTHERS DEPARTED

CHARLES B. ANDREWS, 59, of Augusta, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016, at Gray Birch Nursing Home, in Augusta, due to complications from diabetes. Locally, she is survived a a niece, Kristen Andrews, of Jefferson.

WALTER W. HILTON, 67, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 20, 2016. Locally, he is survived by a daughter Heidi Clark and husband Jigger, of Jefferson; and brother Michael McLoon and wife Peggy, of Jefferson.

DAVID A. OBER, 80, of Savannah, Georgia, died on Friday, June 24, 2016, in Savannah, Georgia. Locally, he is survived by granddaughter Kaitlin Cosgrove and great-granddaughter Makenzie Cummings, both of Whitefield.

BARBARA L. YORK, 53, of Waterville passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 30, 2016. Locally, she is survived by her daughter, Tisha York and partner Jacob Oyler, of South China; and sister Cathy M. Nguyen, of Winslow.

LENORE V. GALLAGHER, 95, of Augusta, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2016, at her daughter’s home. Locally, she is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Mainville, of Coopers Mills, sons David Gallagher, of Whitefield, and Earl Gallagher and wife Debbie, of Somerville.

RAYMOND A. RAWLEY, 84, of Rockport, passed away at the Sussman House on the Pen Bay Campus, in Rockport, on Sunday, July 3, 2016. Locally, he is survived by a son, Timothy Rawley and wife Lynn, of Washington; granddaughter Amy Rife and husband James, of Jefferson; and sister Dot Means and husband Charlie, of Winslow.

JEANNETTE BEAUDOIN, 97, of Augusta, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center at Glenridge, following an extended illness. Locally, she is survived by a step-daughter Lucille Suitter, of Palermo.

ROBERT L. BOWMAN, 80, of Mount Vernon, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by a daughter Cindy Beach and husband Howard, of Vassalboro; and a sister, Donna Bowman, of Fairfield.

EDWIN R. LIBBY JR., 73, of Wiscasset, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016, at a Portland hospital following a period of ill health. Locally, he is survived by a sister, Jaye Libby and husband Bill Staples, of Waterville.

LORRAINE R. SIROIS, 86, of Waterville, died on Sunday, July 24, 2016, at Woodlands Assisted Living Center, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by her children, James R. Sirois, of Sidney, Linda Bouchard and husband Leo, of Oakland, Stephanie Reardon and husband Korey, of Benton, Danielle Buebank and husband Dan, of Belgrade, and James Sirois and wife Cassey, of Winslow.

Letters to the editor, Week of July 28, 2016

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Never trust again

To the editor:

My husband and I own the Locust Grove, in Albion. We have a U-Pick raspberry and blueberry operation.

Last Friday, an elderly lady came to pick blueberries. She filled some containers with blueberries and left them with her prescription sunglasses and went to pick in another section of the field. When she came back her berries and glasses were gone. She and I assisted her as she looked but no berries or glasses were to be found. Why would anyone steal her berries and sunglasses?  This lady was so distraught, and she had to drive home without her glasses. If you are out there and have this lady’s glasses please return them; you can leave them anywhere we can find them.

Most people we deal with are honest, but what happened to this lady is sad and what is saddest, is this elderly lady will never trust anyone again.

Marilyn C. Kenyon
the Locust Grove
Albion

Poster contest winners announced

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winners of the 2016 China Lake Association’s annual poster contest

The winners of the 2016 China Lake Association’s annual poster contest were announced at the membership meeting on July 23. They are, from left to right, Lauren Tyler, Alexis Rancourt, Reiana Gonzalez, Madison Lully, Emily Clark, Alonzo Michaud and Cameron Speck.
Photo courtesy of Scott Pierz

I’m Just Curious: Words, words, and more words

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by Debbie Walker

Last week I shared some southern sayings with you so…… this week I have collected northeastern sayings. I got some from friends, family and of course odd sites on the internet. I’ve been chuckling all week with all kinds of sayings and terms. Such as, “whole 9 yards” and “pleased as punch” that I will share with you another week. (I just love words!!) And remember some of this came from “Outa Staters”! Let me ask for forgiveness now, I never want to insult or embarrass you.

Here is what I believe are New England (?) words:

Leaf Peepers – people who come to New England to see fall foliage and are usually found driving 20 MPH when you are in a hurry.

Outa staters – anyone who wasn’t born here (probably the same in every state, just that some states are adamant about it).

Parlor – older term for living room.

Butts – cigarettes, especially what’s left thrown on the ground.

Clicker – remote control of TV,( usually controlled by male of home.)

Down cella – where the freezer is, otherwise known as basement.

Draw – it’s supposed to be pronounced “drawer” as in “It’s the top drawer of my dresser.”

“No-suh” – “I don’t believe it” or “No”

“Nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rockers” – can’t blame them!!!

“Cruisin’ for a brusin’- looking for trouble.

Right now I am wondering how many of you are wondering where I am really from, so I might have some you don’t recognize hopefully they are fun to read anyway!!!

“Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey” – from the practice of piling cannon balls on a brass triangle (monkey) on a ship’s deck, if it’s cold enough the brass shrinks a bit and the balls roll off.

“Hoity-toity” – having or showing the insulting attitude of people who think they are better, smarter or more important than other people. (ya, right. NOT)

“The pot calling the kettle black” – a situation in which one person criticizes another for a fault they have themselves. (But never see it in themselves!!)

“Lie like a rug” – to lie constantly- dishonest.

“A day late and a dollar short” – missed an opportunity and been inexcusably unprepared for it or “too little, too late!”

“Piss-ah” – awesome, very good, used by one with small vocabulary!!

“Tin foil”- aluminum foil   At one time tin was involved but that was a long time ago.

“Wicked” – equivalent to ‘very’, only stronger.

“Soda” – Pop is your father, not a drink.

I have heard “Screwed, Blued and Tattooed” for years, I kind of thought it would turn out to be something harmless like freezing the balls off the brass monkey, well, sort of, kind of, NOT. Okay, here we go:

“Screwed”, yup it’s sexual intercourse

“Blued” means the blue tablet containing Mercury, treatment for syphilis (I really don’t think sex was very safe way back then. And that syphilis could be passed on by blood.)

“Tattooed” refers to the fact sailors were often marked as property of “their” Navy. (tattooing with same needles passed on syphilis). A well-used saying was “you’re one of us now you scurvy dog. No woman will have you, there’s no life left but the sea. You are screwed, blued and tattooed.

There is a machinist version for this saying also, I will add that another night. I am always open to sayings I may not have heard or read, if you have some pass them along!

Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com, sub. line: Words   So for now : “Tootle-loo” (That’s a new one for me!!)

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Band leader Guy Lombardo Author Joan Sansom Composer Carl Neilsen

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PlatterPerspective
by  Peter Cates


Guy Lombardo: Enjoy Yourself; MCA, MCAD-11501, CD, recorded between late 1930s and mid ‘50s.

Guy Lombardo

Guy Lombardo

Guy Lombardo (1902-1977) led a band that consisted of talented musicians whose professionalism was at the highest spit-polished level. They recorded for four major labels that, for better or worse, dominated the industry for several decades – Columbia, RCA Vic­tor, Decca and Cap­itol, achieving sales of over 300 million records.

This CD has 16 of their most well known hits from the group’s Decca catalog, MCA having bought the label during the late ‘60′. Examples – Red Sails in the Sunset, Stars Fell on Alabama, Seems Like Old Times, The Third Man Theme and, of course, the title song invoking the urgency of having fun now before you are “six feet underground.”

Much of the credit should be given to their very popular lead singer Kenny Gardner, a perfectly smooth baritone who was married to one of Lombardo’s sisters.

The arrangements were heavily criticized for (to some ears) a certain corniness and sameness but one of the band’s biggest and most loyal fans was the immortal Satch­mo.

As a sideline interest, Lom­bardo was an accomplished hydroplane speedboat racer and won several prizes; however, he was testing one boat, fitted with a jet engine enabling speeds of 250 miles per hour. The boat exploded and he decided to call it quits.

For those who  like 78s, as opposed to other formats, the original Deccas are very easy to find in thrift stores, yard sales, etc. Otherwise this CD was very well mastered with clean, clear fidelity. One could check local outlets but Amazon prices begin at a penny yet range as high as 63 bucks.

Joan Sansom: The Auctioneer; novel, 1976.

Joan Sansom

Joan Sansom

This book deals with a small New Hampshire village, mainly agricultural, and a nice quiet place for families. An auctioneer, Perley Dinsmore moves into town and holds an auction to raise much-needed funds for the police department. And he builds some good will among the citizens.

Soon, however, ominous events occur. He, with the help of the police, begins soliciting belongings, valuables and money, even deeded property, with the police providing pickup service, and folks lack the will to say no, those few with any backbone suffering mysterious accidents. Events spiral out of control as just about everybody is stripped of everything while Dinsmore profits extensively.

The story was an extremely compelling reading experience but readers who like the traditional ending should be forewarned.

The author Sansom died of cancer at 39 in 1976 shortly after the novel was published.

 

Carl Nielsen

Carl Nielsen

Carl Nielsen: Symphony No. 5; Paul Kletzki conducting the Suisse Romande Orchestra; London, CS 6699, stereo lp, recorded 1971.

Right at this moment in time, this Symphony by the Danish composer Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) is the one I return to the most for listening both in the car and at home. Like Mahler’s 5th, it too has power, intense beauty and a joyous, life-enriching optimism. Some have considered it Nielsen finest work; others have considered it the finest Symphony of the 20th century; while a few have called it the greatest Symphony since those of Beethoven. I have seen several music lovers, even those outside the classical fold, become engrossed when hearing a recording of it on a decent stereo system or in concert.

Paul Kletzki

Paul Kletzki

 

Paul Kletzki (1900-1973) conducted a beautiful performance. Unfortunately, a CD re-issue from 25 years ago is no longer in print and only two copies of this LP are available from vendors at $40 for one and $80 for the other. However, I have heard a number of other recordings, each of which are good, and would recommend any of those listed on Amazon and elsewhere because this work has consistently inspired the best efforts of those who have chosen to record it.

 

Useful Citizens Tour: Guided walking tour of Skowhegan’s North Cemetery

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Pages In Time

by Melvin Burnham

Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center will be hosting a tour of the historic North Cemetery off Madison Avenue on July 29th at 10 AM. During this guided walking tour participants will visit with some notable citizens that proved to be useful in developing country, community, and business.   In her two volume history of Skowhegan, Skowhegan on the Kennebec, Louise Helen Coburn selected a few useful citizens that “may be regarded as representative of the human stream, which during the late 18th century and early 19th flowed eastward and northward to come to rest beside the Kennebec near Skowhegan Falls, and here to pause for a generation before flowing outward to the ends of the known world.” Many of these notable souls rest in the North Cemetery.

This tour visits many prominent citizens of early Skowhegan including Amos Mann and Asa Dyer.  Dr. Amos

Dr. Amos A. Mann

Dr. Amos A. Mann

Angier Mann practiced medicine in Skowhegan for many years preceding 1882. He evidently didn’t go to school until he was 15, attended Lancaster (NH) for one term and served as assistant teacher in that institute.  Being an unusual doctor, he was sometimes summoned as a last resort because he did things that no other practitioner would dare attempt. In some cases of indigestion he would prescribe “plenty of pork and beans and stuff the potatoes right to her.” Dr. Mann was interested in politics and did not hesitate to share his opinion in his newspaper entitled “Mann’s Family Physician and Down East Screamer.”  His home was located on the corner of the Dr. Mann and the Athens’ road.

Many of the homes and businesses in Skowhegan are constructed of brick.  Most of those bricks were manufactured by two firms in Skowhegan, one being owned by Asa Dyer.  Louise Coburn notes that Asa was the first settler on his considerable farm of 85 acres which ran eastward across the plains on what was considered upper Madison Street known as Dyer Hill. Mr. Dyer ran a brick-yard just behind his home and the business was later carried on by his sons, Chandler and Isaac.  Isaac Dyer, notable Civil War General, is also at rest in the North Cemetery along with his servant slave Morgan Ellis.

Ellis Morgan Freed Man

Ellis Morgan Freed Man

Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center strives to bring local history alive through guided tours and research assistance at the museum, history related presentations, and by hosting tours featuring historic Skowhegan. After the Useful Citizens Tour, there is one remaining tour

Gen. Asa Dyer

Gen. Asa Dyer

scheduled for this season and it is new.  Early Bloomfield Settlers, Tour of the Bloomfield Cemetery on August 12th at 10 AM.

Participants will meet tour guide Melvin Burnham at the cemetery gate and a donation of $5 per person is suggested. For more information: info@skowheganhistoryhouse.org.