2022 Buxton Sestercentennial Planning Has Begun!
Buxton’s planning for the Town’s “Sestercentennial”--that is, it’s 250th Celebration of Incorporation is in its initial stages! Interim Chair is Buxton Selectman Chad Poitras.
Organizations, businesses, and individuals in Town are asked to be thinking of ways they may celebrate the event. The committee is looking for individuals and representatives from groups in Buxton to participate and volunteer to help plan a variety of activities—hoping there will be something for everyone!
To tickle your creativity, here are a few ideas from 1972 that the Town and citizens initiated for Bicentennial activities!
A Re-dedication of the Old Buxton Powder House--Shown right is (1960-63) Selectman and speaker for the event, Eugene L. Hebert, opening the door to the freshly restored historic building for Chairman of the Powder House event, Charlotte B. Peabody.
Organizations, businesses, and individuals in Town are asked to be thinking of ways they may celebrate the event. The committee is looking for individuals and representatives from groups in Buxton to participate and volunteer to help plan a variety of activities—hoping there will be something for everyone!
To tickle your creativity, here are a few ideas from 1972 that the Town and citizens initiated for Bicentennial activities!
A Re-dedication of the Old Buxton Powder House--Shown right is (1960-63) Selectman and speaker for the event, Eugene L. Hebert, opening the door to the freshly restored historic building for Chairman of the Powder House event, Charlotte B. Peabody.
It is hoped that many groups in Town will create a float for a Big Parade! Here is an example of a float from the 1972 Bicentennial parade! Can you identify any of the lovely “Miss Maids of Buxton” on the float? (The sign of the Buxton Bicentennial Seal shown in the photo has been stored by the historical society over the years, and now resides at society headquarters, perhaps just waiting for an opportunity to be rehabilitated and re-purposed!?!)
Daniel Collomy was Chairman of the “Musket Shoot” held at the present Hannaford site at the corner of Rt. 202 and Portland Rd.
Finally, here is a photo of Harold Smith (Right) accepting first prize from Barry Plummer, Master of Ceremonies in the “Brothers of the Brush Mustache Contest”, chaired by Sharon L. Elwell, at “Awards and Contest Night”. Sharing Master of Ceremony duties was Louis H. Emery (standing background right). Awards & Contest Night was held in the S. D. Hanson Gym where we are told there was a big crowd. Among other awards given were those for the Miss Maid of Buxton Contest, Senior Citizens, Longest Married Couple, and First Baby of the Bicentennial Year.
Four full days of scheduled activities culminated with a Water Carnival on the Saco River at West Buxton, an unveiling of a plaque at Pleasant Point Cemetery with speaker Rev. David Smith, and in the evening an outdoor Band Concert by Chandler Band of Portland at Weymouth Park.
Four full days of scheduled activities culminated with a Water Carnival on the Saco River at West Buxton, an unveiling of a plaque at Pleasant Point Cemetery with speaker Rev. David Smith, and in the evening an outdoor Band Concert by Chandler Band of Portland at Weymouth Park.
It is fascinating to note all the creative activities listed in the Buxton Bicentennial 1772 – 1972 Souvenir Book and to imagine how much fun citizens had in planning and celebrating the milestone. Buxton citizens are invited to step forward once again to help plan together the up-coming 2022 Sestercentennial! Please contact BHHS member and Selectman Chad Poitras at 929-5191 if you have ideas and/or would like to be part of the fun!