davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
DOVER-FOXCROFT
Population, 1850 Estates, S2,7o6, 1870

Population, 1850 Estates, S2,IO6, 1SU
Dover Foxcroft, the shire town Of
Piscataquis county, is the result Of
the union Of the once separate. towns
of Dover and Foxcroft, and also a
section OF land north Of the Piscata-
quis River once a part Of the town
OF Sangerville.
This union is contrary to the pro-
cedure followed by many early Maine
towns. wherein a town was set off
from the mother town and incorpor-
ated In its own right and under an
other name.
Dover, the southern section Of the
town, was originally named as Plan
tation No. 8 in the Sixth Range, and
was organized as such in 1912. AL
though Eli Towne of Temple, N. H.
is said to be the first permanent
settler, there were others who pre-
coded him. The name of Abel Blood
stands out as being one Of the pio-
neers of the county. exploring the
region before 1899. 1t was with this
man that the father Of Eli Towne
bargained for a part Of his land.
Trees were felled in 1901 and q crop
was raised in the summer of 1902.
Foxcroft, the northern section, was
explored in October. 1900, by Col. ].
e. Foxcroft and Thomas johnson of
New Gloucester and as a result of
the exploration Col. Foxcroft pur-
chased the township, paying s7,94o,
or about As cents per acre. This was
one of the six townships conveyed
by Massachusetts to Bowdoin Col
lege in 1894. and it was the college
committee which sold the land to Col.
Foxcroft.
The first settlers were slow to
come in and 1t was not until 1906
that the Spaulding family Of Nor
ridgewock moved in and became the
first permanent settlers of Foxcroft.
The year 1910 showed q population
Of IS people in the town.
The union Of the towns OF Dover
and Foxcroft was authorized by act
OF the Maine legislature approved
March %, 1915, and became affective
under the provisions of the act in
March. 1922.
Dover Foxcroft is So miles by road
and So by rail from Bangor on the
B. & A. r. r. and is the terminus of
the Dover and FoXcroft branch of
the M. c. r. r. There are ample
school facilities and the religious
spirit is shown by the presence Of
several churches.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
MADISON

Population, 500 Estates, $685., s41
Named after a president Of the
United States, the town Of Madison
was Incorporated the 151st town on
March Z. 1904.
The town is situated on the east
bank of the Kennebec River. The
original township Is north Of the
Kennebec Patent and was once own
ed by three men, the principal owner
being named Barnard, and thus the
plantations name came to be Barn
ards Town. There was strip OF
land IL miles wide lying between
the south line Of this town and the
north line Of the town of Norrtdge-
wock. This piece Of land belonged
to the Kennebec Patent. and was
lef. after the northern tier Of towns
was laid out by the proprietors OF
tho Kennebec Purchase. Upon this
strip was the sacred vale Of the Nor
ridgewogs, called "Old Point" There
was a settlement made on this strip
Of land and in the northwest corner
OF Madison about the same time.
The first settlers on the IN mile
strip were Major Joseph Moore.
DOugal Mcpherson, Isaac McKen-
ney, Thomas Whitcomb, Cyrus Well
ington. Jonathan Russell, Andrew
Russell. Magnus Beckey and Joseph
Nutting.
These persons were nearly all in
the Revolutionary War. and came to
this section soon after its close.
David Danforth, David Young, and
Eben and John Hilton came from
Wiscasset in 1875. The Hiltons set
tied upon the west bank Of the river
just north Of Patterson's Bridge in
the town Of Arson.
Danforth and Young settled upon
the east bank of the river. opposite
the Hiltons. Danforth and Young
were in the northwestern part OF the
town Of Madison. The nearest mill
for grinding corn at that time was at
Gardiner; the journey had to be
made in canoe. The nearest store
was at Gatchelrs Corner, which was
about 40 miles by way Of the river.
Farming and the manufacturing OF
wooden goods Is extensively carried
on in the town at the present time,
there being three large wooden mills
located there. Lumber. lumber pro-
ducts and papermaking are included
In the industries. There Is q fine
high school and excellent primary
system and several churches attest
to the standing of the community.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
VASSALBORO
Population, 1886 Estates, $685. ECO

Population, 1886 Estates, $1,355,2co
Hardy settlers from far off Cape
Cod were the first to brave the Wild
erness from which was to emerge
one of the most fertile communities
in the Kennebec Valley. Settlement
commenced here as early as 1850 but
for eight years only 10 families had
become residents. On April 26, III
1t was incorporated a town and on
January 80, 1892, Sidney was set off
as separate town.
For over 20 years the town meet
ings were held in various inns but
in 1895 it was voted to build a town
house. Later in the year two pounds
were built. At the beginning Of the
10Th century there was marked in
crease in the population, the figures
in 1900 being 1888 and in 1910 had
jumped to 20G3. LAUNDERING and
farming were the principal occupa-
lions in the early days. Later the
herring industry proved profitable,
the fish swarming up the Kennebec
river to Seven mile brook and onto
the pond. In 1906 the privilege of the
free holder what he might want if he
Welt Ill Tic ScdSOu Puiu Nv IStto
per barrel. Nathaniel Lovejoy pur-
chased the monopoly Of seven mile
brook in 1911 for s1S5.
Early efforts were made to foster
the Word of God. The first Baptist
church was organized June 3. 1888
and other faiths followed later.
Schools also We're established early
and adequate funds raised for their
maintenance. Here in 1s4S was
founded Oak Grove Seminary. fos-
tered by the society Of Quakers. 1t
is recognized as one OF the leading
fitting and preparatory schools Of
the State.
Vassalboro IS IL miles north north
east of Augusta on the Maine Gen.
trail Railroad. The Androscoggin and
Kennebec electric railroad 'also runs
through part of the town which is
composed Of several communities in
Guiding North, East and South Vas
salboro and Riverside. The main
industry of the town Is a big wooden
mill at North Vassalboro. q branch
Of the American Wooden company.
There Is also a canning factory ami
grist and saw mills. Many we'll kept
farms are to be seen including a
large stock farm.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
YA Thumbnail Sketches of Kennebec Valley owns
READFIELD
Estates $593,898
Population 911

Population gil Estates $593,898
The high moral quality and relig-
ious tendency of Maine pioneers IS
particularly emphasized In the early
history of Readfield which was In
| corporated as town March II, 1871.
Here was built in 1898 one OF the
earliest Baptist meeting houses in
| the Kennebec Valley and here also
at the same time fourished Meth
odist society that marches in the
van of it's denouination, as having
built their oldest house of worship
| in the state. .
Adding to the moral, intellectual
and social development Of Readfield
was the establishment of Maine
Wesleyan Seminary in 1924. The
movement which resulted In the
founding Of the seminary was due
to the efforts. at first unconsciously
divided. Of two men. Elihu Robin
son, a Methodist class leader of Au-
gusta, and Luther Sampson, farm
er of Kent's Hill. a locality In the
town Of Readfeld. In 1920 the form
err established a boarding school at
his home in Augusta, and in 1921 the
latter was one of five incorporators
of the Readfield Religious and Char
the sum Of $4,000. In 1923 1t was
specified that part Of this gift should
be appropriated to the purpose of a
school at Kents Hill, and in 1924, at
the urgent solicitation of Mr.. Samp-
son, Mr.. Robinson removed his school
thither, into a boarding house that
had been erected and assumed gen.
eral management of the institution.
The hundredth anniversary of the
school was observed the past year
with appropriate exercises.
Readfeld Is IL miles west Of Au-
gusta on the Maine Central railroad.
| Stages are operated to Fayette,
North Wayne and Mt. Vernon. The
town has three times been visited by
disastrous fires but Phoenix like 1T
has arisen from the ashes every time.
Particularly hard hit was the
town few years ago when the
greater part of the places of business
on the main street were destroyed.
As on the occasion Of the two previ-
GUS fires the people exhibited a Won
derful degree of fortitude and before
the ashes were cold plans were being
made for a newer and better Read
field.
One Of the recognized institutions
Of the Kennebec Valley is the annual
Readfield fair which dates back over
century. Here yearly the farmers
Of the region vie with each other in
the display of products, both of the
farm and home. In addition to the
| trade activities in the town proper,
the main industry Is farming with
many fine orchards.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
TOPSHAM
Population 2102 Estates, etjI|

Population 2102 Estates, On
Originally part Of the Oh n
scot Purchase, Topsham n
settled about 1880. Il q -
that in 1871 quite a numbw Il
settlers took up claims at tkh 7
and between this date and l7H1
Ii families were located thela
In 1746 there were only q q
The settlement had been mud|
posed to the incursions Of III
dams, having few garriStm d
river. Many Of the falmilIu't|
town at this date were drivea 4
killed by the later Indian nllk|
1850 there were but 10. famlnal
it Is said that descendant n
more than 10 or IL Of thsn
families remained as permanlsl
tiers.
According to a map of tn 1
mouth Company. there werA hf
only IL dwellings in Topshan |
The town of Topsham M 4
porated as a town in rS4. A
Gated nine miles northwest 4
In Sagadahoc county.
Mills for the manufacture 4
and paper. a feldspar QusxfI
the manufacturing Of concreie
are among the industries n
town.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
NORRIDGEWOCK
Estates, $3.50, 1923

Population, 1882 Estates, $3.50, 1923
Norridgewock. signifying smooth
water. was after the famous Indian
chief. Norridgewog. t.-.
The town is 50 miles from the sea
and Is the northern town in the Ken
nebec Patent. In the year 1859. the
Kennebec Company advertised to
give away some land on the north
side Of the river in this town, as the
town was divided into two sections
by the Kennebec River. The rule
adopted by the company was to give
away two lots containing 100 acres
each, and reserve two, thus hoping
to induce persons to settle in this
vicinity and thereby increase the val
ue Of the lots that were reserved.
William Fletcher Of Concord, Mass.
with his family, came to this town
In 1878. At the beginning Of the
Revolutionary war all the settlers
north Of Fort Halifax became alarm
ed for their safety and left with the
exception of Fletcher and two or
three families that had settled
around him. Fletcher Is said to have
been the first permanent settler IN
Somerset County.
From the surrounding forest this
small band cut trees that were ABOUT
eight inches in diameter which they
set in an upright position around
Fletcher's house. thus forming a fort.
the walls being about 20 feet high.
Within these walls to Fletcher's log
cabin they retired at night, and In
times of danger until the close OF the
war, when there was no need OF such
precautions. After peace had been
restored many of the settlers return
ed, and the wilderness in the town
of Norridgewock began to blossom
with many productive farms.
Prominent among the early settlers
in the town were William Warren.
John Clark, Abel Harrington and
Joel Crosby. Nathan Parlin. another
early iinhabitant, enlisted with Arm
old al a boatman and went through
to Canada on the Inflated expedi-
ton. a.
The leading industry in the town
in 1889 was the manufacture of pot
ash which the inhabitants carried to
Hallowell in canoes. Farming is one
of the principal industries today IN
the town. There are several church,
es with large congregations and
fine school system.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
RANDOLPH
Population, Has Estates, $3eo,31s

A destructive fire was the immed-
late reason for the Incorporation Of
what is now the town Of Randolph,
March 4, 1887. Following a bad
blaze In what was known as the
village, the citizens asked for an ex-
tension Of the Gardiner Water works
TO insure adequate fire protection,
but the people outside Of the village
voted against the project. This led
30 a bitter dispute and eventual sep
iration from the town Of Pittston.
The new town was first Incorporated
under the name of West Pittston but
on March II. 1887 1t was changed to
Randolph. The early history of the
town is necessarily the same as that
Of the parent town, Pittston. Early
industries were ship-building, saw
mills and later ice harvesting plants.
Farming Is now the main industry.
The town proper has many modern
improvements in keeping with its
close proximity to Gardiner, across
the river and connected by long
bridge. A narrow guage railroad
runs to the Soldiers Home at Togus.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
WINSTON,
Population, $3.50 E,t.s.. -.

op'".'' '~o' Essassa INA
Winslow is one Of Il.
spots marked by the comirs J.
man to the Province Of M,
tory records the presence =
in the region about the MAJ.
18th century. The Indian ss,.t
nebis In 1649 conveyed r. -
topher Lawson, land on IN ~
up to Ticonic Falls. Trsai.
built in 1875 were seized - {
dams and the owners k,ii.a
was during King Philnns
the buildings were used for -
of war. ~
For the next quarter az .
little was heard Of this tery,t.0 j
during the Spanish war ~
in 174S the English ana Frs.I Il
a close eye on the strates;s
On the kennebec. The A.
ment for the erection Of Fo,t ! NJ
a lone block house Of whies i 4
standing in the town, wa ~
1851. by the Plymouth comns. h
petition to the general COM, !. n
move Fort Richmond farthar
kennebec. When, shortly ~
events pointed with certaintr !.
war Of 1855, both nations ~.
to the necessity Of possessins !
ic.
Information that the Fren.A Il
building a fort at the hssd
of the Kennebec aroused -
Shirley early in 1854 to ins.aI
action, with the backing q a. ,
eral court the governor autS,!
General John Winslow to hu,E
all possible dispatch a strons
This was accomplished Ii ~ n
mer and fall Of 1854. The ~. II
given In honor of the Earl 3 y
fax. then secretary Of stan I II
Kingdom of Great Britain
First known by the Indian ~.
Ticonic it was later called nm
plantation. 1t had the honor MI
ing one of the first four tor!
corporated In Kennebec counH N
occurred April rs. It'll, the tsra|
then including what Is nov M
vile and Oakland.
Winslow is II miles north y
east Of Augusta on the Main
trail railroad and the AndforsI
and Kennebec electric road. MI
paper mill is the leading induh,||
the town. There are an apsrS1|
number Of merchants ana i NJ
school system. Religious acf1||
are mainly merged with -
Waterville across the bridh I'll
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
FARMINGDALB
Population, e19 Estates

On condition that each 90
family within one year unlM
vented by war. DIR. Sylvest1 Y
liner, Benjamin Halloween and
Pitts were on December u
granted lots in the territm1
now forms the heart of the "
Farmingdale. These settler u
a nucleus of a community nHI
to grow and flourish. i
Farmingdale, Incorporates !!
1852 was formerly a part 81
towns of Hallowell and Piftan
its early history was marked
shipbuilding activities. Hbm
on the Kennebec river betwea
lowell and Gardiner and ~
easy grades to the highest nn9I
the old post road over which
pioneers travelled. The sou
and as one historian puts
strength of the town Is In 10
and farmers"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
CLINTON
Population, 1890
Estates, $6s7,662

Population, 1890 Estates, $685., 66e
Clinton was one of the first towns
in the Kennebec Valley to stress the
need Of education and its initial and
as well as subsequent appropriations
yearly were of liberal size. 1t was
incorporated q town Feb. 81, 1896
and two years later tax Of $500 was
voted for schools, a large sum in
those days.
Clinton is % miles north northeast
of Augusta on the main line Of the
Maine Central railroad. Several mills
for the manufacture of various kinds
of wooden articles form the main in
dustry Of the town. Farming opera
tons are also carried on quite ex-
tensively.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
Kennebec Valley, One of Names Most Favored
Commercial and RecreatiOnal Regions

rceahaa
havo in practically
ahhooh thriving
Maine nns
Is ksd
nthav hbauhes dEpd
eou
number
anpa the
laid SmMhesd today n
and Colby
aan
Gent md mod
o
rsf He MIA
The b.
observations
reha
not
him
sdoen nmnnt fKeneecg r
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
BENTON
Population, 1908

Population, 1903 Estates "
The territory embraced v
town was part Of the Plymou',,
ent and was first settled apol Y
It's early history is that o.
from which it was set on any,
porated as a town Marcn
being named after Thomas
ton. a noted Democrat OF tne
Benton is % miles nortn -
of Augusta and Is connecs
Fairfield by trolley. a %
mill is the principal tnow
general farming is carried -
school facilities are exce IN
due attention is given to nv"
life.
SEE SECTION 3 FOR o'01
TOWN SkETCHes
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
ATHENS
Population 766
Estates, $379,057

Population 766 Estates, 1919,
Athens was first settled about 1882
and on March Z, 1904, was incorpor-
ated as town. 1t is SO miles from
Augusta and IL miles northeast of
Skowhegan on the Skowhegan and
Athens stage line.
In 1850 its population reached the
highest mark. 1850 people. Since
that census the population has de-
creased gradually until the present
figures prevail.
Somerset Academy. it's school, was
incorporated June 20, 1886.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08

SEE SECTION 3 FOR q
TOWN SkETCHss
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1925-09-17
Mr.. Froelich, Factory
Expert, at Our Store

Mr.. III. E. Froelich from the FavOrite factory
will demonstrate Favorite Ranges and Heaters
on the above dates. Mr.. Froelich is a real stove
man, he knows the stove business, he can tell
you just what range you need for your kitchen,
what heater will best heat your home and do it
economically. You are passing up a big Op-
portunity if you miss meeting Mr. Froelich.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1925-09-17
What 1T Does

Heating by circulation, like warm air
furnace and by radiation, the Favorite
Parlor Furnace will heat the average four
to seven room house to 20 degrees in zero
weather, with a coal consumption unbe-
lievably small! 1t has Hot Blast Tube
which makes possible the burning of
smoke and gases arising from soft coal.
and milled base SO tightly fitted, that
fire can be held for so hours without at
tention! Heated air is circulated through
this furnace to every room in the house
the healthiest way TO heat-and twice i'm
"a hours is all the attention required.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1925-09-17

The FavOrite ParlOr Furnace is heating
system for homes of from four to seven
rooms of average size. 1t is not large
stove with a casing around it. 1t is a Fur
nace-made entirely Of cast iron with
an outer casing of such beautiful design
and finish that it harmOnizes with the
furnishings Of the finest homes. 1t is un-
equalled as home heating appliance and
as fuel saver.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1925-09-17
F R E E :!

With every Favorite Coal Range sold during
this sale we will present absolutely free these
two pieces of Favorite Porcelain HollOw-Ware
"a Miami Skillet and French bowl There is
nothing like cast ware for cooking as food will
not stick, scorch or burn in it, Retail value OF
these pieces, $3.50.
Or if you prefer we will give you this Favorite
cooking guide containing over 100 tried rec
ipes for use with the Favorite Oven Heat Indi-
Gator. All contained i'm a handsome hardwood
box with complete card index SO that each
recipe is readily available. 1t is an invaluable
aid with the Favorite Oven Heat Indicator.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1925-09-17

At Malta, O., Sept "a, 25, 26, we will dis
play at our store the biggest assortment
of stoves and ranges ever shown in Malta
or vicinity. There is complete assOrt-
ment in variety or styles, sizes and fin
ishes and at prices to meet every require
ment. Don't miss seeing this exhibit.
Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1925-09-17
Special Prices and Terms

DP1I1UI TO e1''e1 o'"'o
During this special event only, we are offering
Favorite Ranges and Heaters at specially re-
duced prices and on most convenient terms
Can you afford to pass up this opportunity?
Remember the days
September "a, Is and 20
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1925-06-03

yes. you" nodded Her Royal
HIghness. II overheard you say
that you liked flowers better than
anything in the world and stories
next is that true7"
yes, It is said the children
quickly. Did you hear us talking
about III"
Yes. and the funny part OF II is,
that just when ] happened 10 hear
you talking about It, / was reading
n letter from the story Teller Man,
saying that he had learned n lot Of
new storlcs," said the Fairy Queen.
THE Story Teller Mann said
Nick. Where does he liyc2"
I'm another part OF Fairyland,"
said the Fairy Queen "In ono OF
my 900 kingdoms. He has a funny
house with nll sorts OF interesting
things In IT, Tho windows arc
made OF barley sugar from the
w'tchs house, the roof vs. made OF
precious stones brought back by
5lnbad the Sailor, tho walls arc Of
boards That strong Arm saved Prom
the Giants house when he knocked
II over tho trees arc from thcfkar.
den OF the Sleeping Princess, the
fountain is The ono IN which the
FROG Prince lived when no rescued
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1925-06-03

tho golden bali, nnd--but there
Wouldn't You Ike TO 500 for your.
sclvcs2 Here nre tho magic green
shoes that can take you any.
where"
Tho green shoes had been there
all tho time, standing right In the
May apple patch. but they 30 OK.
notly matched tho grnss and leaves
about them that nobody except q
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1925-06-03

for her Kindness and to say good.
bye" an
But 10 and behold Tho May ap.
plc patch was gone, the woods and
meadow were gono-and gone was
the Fairy Quoenl
Instead, there stood queer house
covered with curlIccws- different
from amy house they had ever seen.
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1925-06-03
BY BLOSSER

pearcd. He bcckoncd TO inc" ,, s
a little stick which tlns'cu VA and
II moved. His eyes were n'ns ,hsy
the children knew at once '"s'
should like him. i. saId
'Nyelcome. my dears ~ ,r.llov
with a bow. IL am the S'o''
Man." ,.,A
,e,opvrlrht 1855. N. ". A. ssrss
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1925-06-03

for shelter. IT looks so much like
an umbrella"
rs this part OF Fairyland?" asked
MEX.
"Ccrtanly" answered the Fairy
Queen. Wherever you see flowers
1t Is always Fairyland. / always
come this way when 1 have n jour.
ney TO make. IL is so convenient
to have all these umbrellas handy
In case Of n shower"
Are you on Journey7" asked
Nancy.
yes, ] was coming TO see YOU"
the Fairy Queen answered with a
laugh.
US" cried the Twins in surprise
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1925-06-03

The Fairy Queen appeared TO
Nancy and Nick. the Twins, as
they were playing in the meadow
one day.
THE Wild flowers were out, and
Nancy was Just about to pick a
May apple blossom, when her eyes
feIl upon the dainty little lady.
Z "Oh, dear! Excuse mew she
cried, pulling her hand away. II
yiidn't know you we're here"
3 Tic Fairy Queen laughed. at
looked like rain" said she. "and I
-ftopped under this May apple leaf