Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-01-14
HUNTINGTON CLUB
HEARS PACKARD ON
~ PIONEER HISTORY

early History Of Kennebec and
Augusta" was the theme discussed
most Interestingly by Bertram E.
Packard, deputy State commissioner
Of education, on Sunday evening at
meeting of the Huntington Club of
All Souls Unitarian Church held in
the church parlors.
The young people thoroughly ap-
preciated the opportunity to learn Of
the early progress in this section Of
the State from q man who has made
special study of history from its
sources. Mr.. Packard first spoke OF
the early explorations along the
Maine coast Following is an out
line Of hts address:
Weymouth at Monhegan and Aliens
Island in 1905 in ship Archangel. Ro-
zier records that they planted peas
and beans which grew Iuxuriantly
They explored the Georges river as
far as Warren and planted a cross
at Thomaston and Aliens Island.
taking possession Of the country In
the name Of the King. This was not
a permanent settlement. but they
captured five Indians whom they took
home to England, who were Of great
assistance to Sir Ferdinand Gorges
in his subsequent expeditions.
Captain George Popham was at
the mouth, OF the Kennebec in 1907
in the ship Gyfte OF God. Erected
fort. rude cabins and a chapel. Rich
ard Seymour OF the Establish Church
was their chaplain and conducted the
Church on New England shores.
They explored the Kennebec nearly
to Winslow and encamped probably
at what is now Randolph and possi-
bly, Augusta. Their settlement was
unsuccessful and they returned to
England in the spring Of the follow
Father Pierre Biard with Bien-
court. vice admiral OF New France.
was here in 1911. He undoubtedly
conducted the first Catholic services
along the river.
Captain John Smith here at Ken:
nebec In 1914.
Edward Winslow. Isaac Allerton
and others of the Pilgrim Colony
came to ancient Koussinoc in 1925
with a boat load of corn which they
exchanged for beaver and other pei
try. They received in 1929 a grant
of land from where the Cobbossee-
contee enters the Kennebec at Gar
diner to the Ticonic Falls at Wat
the Kennebec river in the center. In
1928 they built trading post not far
from the present site OF Fort Wes-
tern and for more than thirty years
they carried on a successful busi-
ness with~the Indians.
In 1s47 Father Gabrielle Druillet-
ties, who came from Quebec as
missionary to the Indians built
rude chapel about mile above the
present site OF Fort Western. He
was entertained frequently at the
Pilgrim trading post and was prob
ably the first white man to approach
Kcnnebec from the north. He ac-
complished a valuable work among
the Indians OF this locality whom
he found receptive to the principles
Of Christianity.
In 1861 the Pilgrims sold their
Kennebec grant to Antipas Boies ana
others. No settlements were made
for nearly a century due to the
French and Indian Wars. in 1853 the
Projectors of the Kennebec Pur-
chase formed n new company for
the purpose Of settling the Kennebec
lands. In 1854 thew built Fort Yves
torn "a n house OF defense against
the Indians and from this period the
settlements along the river grew
RAPIDLY.
augusta. HallcweIl. Chelsea and q
large portion of Farmingdale and
Manchester were all originally an
cient Fallowell.
Arnold's Expedition in IT'S. with
him were Aaron Burr. Henry Dear
horn and 100 men. Jacatauua the
indian maid from Swar Island, and
hcr romantic attachment for Burr.
Early families Of Augueta--Hownr ira
Corv. North, Lithgow, Bridge. Will
liams. etc.
Fairly social customs along Eenne-
hoe. FREQUENT visits among leading
families Of rownalhoro, Swan Island.
Gardiner. Hallowell. Augusta and
Monmouth.