Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-12-07
STANDS ON ROAD
TO SKOWHEGAN
Great Changes to be Made
in District by the Intro
duction Of Up-to-Date
Business Enterprises--May
Become Recreation Spot

The oldest wood frame building
standing today in Fairfield. Somerset
county. is the Emery House, situated
one and a half miles northeast of the
village on the bank OF the Kennebec
river, on the State road to Skowhegan-
Special interest centers around this
homestead and vicinity, because of the
fact that the house was the first frame
house built in the town and that the
first white child was born on Taylor
Point. On the exact spot where the
large, new steam sawmill is being
erected by two Of Fairfield's enterpris-
ing and prominent business men, {.
Guy Hume and Henry c. Newhall.
At the present time the historical in
terest is keen here. All are recalling
whatever stories and traditions they
nave heard in connection with the
place, having been handed down from
generation to generation. The older
residents wax warm i'll recitirS the
stories and in describing the incidents
Of the early days. This animation and
intense interest is brought about by
the announcement of Hon. Amos r.
Gerald. the present owner of the prop
! erty. that great changes are in store.
AThe plans under consideration will af
feet the entire district, when carried
hut. The place will be changed from
formerly quiet condition to one of
kivity, as q place of amusement and
reation. of business and business en-
rises.
e founder of this district and the
er of this historic house came +"
ownship with a large party from
chusetts. and as q man OF some
ion and ability he was recog-
Is the leader and so obeycd, As
.ouence, his home became the
arters for the section. Many
e matters of vital Importance
around his fireside. These
rs resulted in the laying of Il
n for the prosperity and de-
of Fairfield, as well as
comfort and protection to the
that time David Emery was
strong temperament, sturdy
and of an indomitable Will.
(r he was reverenced, his adj
tounsel being eagerly sought
Indian chiefs called him "a
palcfacc." At the time of
outbreak and consequent
the followers of Emery were
bed.
young man he took unto
wife, whose name cannot be
lille residing at Newbury.
brieS having reached his
circuit riders, that there
things in store for those
Earts and strong determine
wilds of the East, he be-
ssed with 4 migratory spirit.
persua sion and agitation on
he succeeded i'll gathering
a party of kindred spirits,
ations were made for the
then unknown land. The
activity had everything to
future of this now prosper
erprising town Of 1000 pop
the year of 1870 the expedi-
III on their journey. Many
tere made on the Kennebec
iSfdctory location was seen.
" hardships and privations,
was effected at TaylOr'S
he place seemed an ideal spot
the place which they had been
for. A clearing was made and
(tionS begun for the building of
cabin. The process was slow, -
Implements required for that work
conspicuous by their absence.
cabin was the first abode built In
field by white men. A large tract
about 400 acres was staked off by
Ahe party Some land was cleared.
crops planted and a prosperous COM
lhunity commenced. Communication
was opened with Waterville by bride
paths by land and by the canoes by
water. Two years after the landing an
important historical event occurred.
there being born to the wife of David
Emery, a son. The event of his ar
rival was welcomed by the people by
celebration. The youngster was chris
tened Samuel.
The year following a dam was built
on the west side of the State road. 4
sawmill was erected, there being a
beautiful spot and abundant head of
water This mill for many years fur
.hshed the lumber used in the build
ins OF many of the houses now stand
Jug. AS David was captain and owner,
nc prepared to build himself a frame
.ouse He did so, the same being the
atst one to be built here. At present
islands practically the same as when
instructed. the original material be-
"s used as far as possible in whatever
'''slrs have been made.