IF WALLS COULD TALK: East Madison Historical Society on the move

by Katie Ouilette

WALLS, did you realize that East Madison is on the move? I attended the East Madison Historical Society meeting yesterday and, WOW, I was surprised about what had happened while I was away.

The meeting had President Gary Malbon at the helm and also attending were Lena Arno (Treasurer) and Katherine Edgerly (Secretary). Other members present were Eric and Sue Lahti, Alfred Jackson, Patty Clement, our faithful plow-man for Laney Road Arthur Mcmannus and Laura, plus Lew and I.

Did you faithful readers know that we are just a few of East Madisonites who are proud of our little community. You do remember WALLS telling you that East Madison was the first Madison and it had seven manufacturers, prior to the paper mill’s having been located in what is now Madison. Yes, the Cummings Mill is still operating, but in Guilford. And speaking of the Cummings family, King was the one who started the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. The ‘late King’ is surely missed by all who have an interest in the arts, but his dream of the art school is still alive and well with students in summer.

O.K. faithful readers, WALLS will tell you about the East Madison Historical Society’s being on the move. You must came to see our Museum which is next to the East Madison Fire Hall and the new farm museum that is next to it. As a matter of fact, the East Madison Historical Society just received a Grant from Stephen and Tabatha King! Wow! The membership has also received 501(c) (3) status. And, we of this little community sponsor so many things throughout the year, making us money to do good deeds with.

True, we used to have a grocery store and the location has become a Memorial Park, but there is much history here! Yes, we hope tourists and all local folks will come to our wonderful town of East Madison. Yes, it will be a “learning experience.” Remember, faithful readers, that WALLS told you that history is not a science, but a story that happened.