President's Message
by Jan Hill
Where to begin? So much has been happening on so many different levels! We have been very busy this summer with hosting visitors to our library, answering requests for genealogical and historic house information, indexing records, trying to get caught up on accessioning numerous donations, preparing for programs, as well as enjoying our major fund raising event--the successful, lively and very entertaining Box Lunch Auction held in July. For views of BHHS event photos at no cost, go to http://petermillsphotography.zenfolio.com/boxlunch2015. THANK YOU, Peter!!!
Our Eagle Scout project volunteers, Daniel Smith and helpers, have completed patching and painting one of the left side second floor rooms. It looks awesome! Thank you, Dan and crew! Dan is also planning to replace the decking of the handicap entrance this fall as part of his project. Once the weather cools we will continue work on the second floor where our first exhibits are being planned. We also have a committed crew of library volunteers who assist patrons in our research library and office and a wonderful new student volunteer, Lily Carter, who has been of great assistance this summer on special projects. Many thanks to ALL our volunteers for contributing their time and talents to enliven and enrich your BHHS!
Recent exciting donations of note include an early circa 1750 Thomas Dormer "TD" clay pipe and photo of Martha Abby Littlefield of Hollis who frequently was seen smoking it in and around 1935 by Rita Anderson. Another very noteworthy donation is a framed 1868 State of Maine Testimonial for Jonathan "John" Martin of Buxton for his service in the 27th Maine, for "maintaining the integrity of the Union", "the liberties and peace of the people", for his "patriotism, fidelity, courage and suffering in the common cause" signed by highly acclaimed Civil War Brigadier General and 32nd governor of Maine, Joshua L. Chamberlain. We are deeply honored by the trust of those who have donated these and other precious artifacts to our collection.
Where to begin? So much has been happening on so many different levels! We have been very busy this summer with hosting visitors to our library, answering requests for genealogical and historic house information, indexing records, trying to get caught up on accessioning numerous donations, preparing for programs, as well as enjoying our major fund raising event--the successful, lively and very entertaining Box Lunch Auction held in July. For views of BHHS event photos at no cost, go to http://petermillsphotography.zenfolio.com/boxlunch2015. THANK YOU, Peter!!!
Our Eagle Scout project volunteers, Daniel Smith and helpers, have completed patching and painting one of the left side second floor rooms. It looks awesome! Thank you, Dan and crew! Dan is also planning to replace the decking of the handicap entrance this fall as part of his project. Once the weather cools we will continue work on the second floor where our first exhibits are being planned. We also have a committed crew of library volunteers who assist patrons in our research library and office and a wonderful new student volunteer, Lily Carter, who has been of great assistance this summer on special projects. Many thanks to ALL our volunteers for contributing their time and talents to enliven and enrich your BHHS!
Recent exciting donations of note include an early circa 1750 Thomas Dormer "TD" clay pipe and photo of Martha Abby Littlefield of Hollis who frequently was seen smoking it in and around 1935 by Rita Anderson. Another very noteworthy donation is a framed 1868 State of Maine Testimonial for Jonathan "John" Martin of Buxton for his service in the 27th Maine, for "maintaining the integrity of the Union", "the liberties and peace of the people", for his "patriotism, fidelity, courage and suffering in the common cause" signed by highly acclaimed Civil War Brigadier General and 32nd governor of Maine, Joshua L. Chamberlain. We are deeply honored by the trust of those who have donated these and other precious artifacts to our collection.
BHHS is planning dedications of Buxton Center sites this fall on Saturday, September 12, including memorial landscaping at the National Register 1802 Elden Store AND a new sign at the N.C. Watson One Room School Museum. (See details on upcoming events page.) We hope to see you there! Following the dedications, perhaps you would like to join us at the regularly scheduled drop-in bean supper from 4:30 to 6:00 P.M. at the adjacent Buxton Centre Baptist Church!
We also hope you will attend our October program on architectural salvage, particularly given its relevance to the needless waste and destruction of significant area historic landmarks and community assets, most notably the looming demolition of Hanson School in Buxton Center. You won't want to miss the November 7th BHHS Annual Meeting Dinner Meeting with speaker Brent Hill who will present an excellent program on the State's Bar Mills Bridge Report. (See info inside.) For the potluck dinner that evening, you will be using for the first time our recent donation from Silvex, Inc.— 72 5-piece place settings of gorgeous Oneida "Michelangelo" stainless flatware! We are overwhelmed with the generosity and support of Silvex!
Our first comprehensive museum display, the Bar Mills Exhibit, is shaping up well. We will have exhibits for Saco River Telegraph and Telephone Company, Roger's Fiber Mill, local stores and blacksmiths, as well as other mills and local people. If you have very interesting items that you might be willing to loan pertaining to Bar Mills Village, either the Buxton or Hollis side of the Saco, please let us know.
We also hope you will attend our October program on architectural salvage, particularly given its relevance to the needless waste and destruction of significant area historic landmarks and community assets, most notably the looming demolition of Hanson School in Buxton Center. You won't want to miss the November 7th BHHS Annual Meeting Dinner Meeting with speaker Brent Hill who will present an excellent program on the State's Bar Mills Bridge Report. (See info inside.) For the potluck dinner that evening, you will be using for the first time our recent donation from Silvex, Inc.— 72 5-piece place settings of gorgeous Oneida "Michelangelo" stainless flatware! We are overwhelmed with the generosity and support of Silvex!
Our first comprehensive museum display, the Bar Mills Exhibit, is shaping up well. We will have exhibits for Saco River Telegraph and Telephone Company, Roger's Fiber Mill, local stores and blacksmiths, as well as other mills and local people. If you have very interesting items that you might be willing to loan pertaining to Bar Mills Village, either the Buxton or Hollis side of the Saco, please let us know.