History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 47

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co.
Number of Pages: 1100

USA > Maine > Penobscot County > History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 47

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The North Penobscot show of this year, held Septem- ber 23 and 24 at Lee village, was almost a total failure by reason of rainy and cold weather. Arrangements had been made for a full and interesting show, but they were quite defeated by the adverse effects of the storm-king. Premiums advertised, $384; awarded, $175.

The West Penobscot was highly favored this year in point of temperature and other conditions,-the weather being fine and cool, and the attendance and interest of the people large. Six hundred and eighteen entries were made ; $723.75 offered in premiums, and $397.25 awarded-on horses, $60.50 ; oxen and steers, $42; cows and heifers, $45; bulls, $24.50; sheep, $21.25; poultry, $2; drawing, $6; butter and cheese, $17.25; fruit, $20.85 ; honey, etc., $6.75; implements, etc., $11.75; manufactures, $48.10; crops, $91.30. The first day was specially devoted to cattle, sheep and poultry, the second day to horses, and the third to the exhibitions of speed by trotting horses. For the first time in the history of the society, no swine were shown. The fair was held September 29 and 30, and October 1, upon the grounds of the society in Exeter, where all its displays since have been made.

THE WALDO AND PENOBSCOT.

In the winter of 1868-69 a new society was formed by the farmers of the south part of Penobscot, in conjunction with parts of Waldo, and called the Waldo and Penobscot Agricultural Society. We have no particulars of its first fair.

THE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

appears again in the reports in 1869, when it held its an- nual exhibition-called "the second" in the agricultural report of the year-at Bangor, September 20-22. A large amount, $1,480, was offered in premiums,-of which, however, only $686 were awarded.

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

The North Penobscot met at Lincoln October 6 and 7, with a successful show. Premiums announced, $350; awarded, $191.

Five hundred and ninety-two entries were made at the West Penobscot fair, held September 28-30. More than usual interest and attendance were manifest-" the horse department was never better." Address by President Crane, who then resigned his office, which he had held with much acceptance for ten years.

The Penobscot and Aroostook Union held its fair at Patten, October 14. Some fine stock were shown. Amount of premiums offered, $150; awarded, $95.

FARMERS' CLUBS.

Five farmers' clubs were formed during this year in the district covered by the operations of the county society, and were reported as "doing a good work." As many were organized within the field of the West Penobscot Society, four of which were visited and addressed by the Hon. Samuel Wasson, of Hancock county. The next year seven clubs, all "well sustained," were reported by the county society. In 1872 the formation of such guilds was stimulated by the order of the State Board of Agri- culture that the several agricultural societies in the State should be required to expend during that year, for the formation and support of the clubs, a sum not less than one-fourth the amount the societies received as bounty from the State. A similar sum was also to be offered in premiums for farm improvements, to be awarded in the autumn of 1874.

THE LAST DECADE.

In 1870 the interest in agriculture was reported as "much increased in this county during the year past." Premiums were offered by the County Society to the amount of $1,600, of which $916 were awarded.

Of the fair of the North Penobscot Society for this year, Secretary Clark says :

The leading features of the exhibition of this society for the year 1870 were the unusual degree of interest manifested by the leading farmers, many coming ten, twenty, and even thirty miles to attend, bringing with them produce, stock, etc., and remaining throughout the two days of the exhibition, and the excellent character of the produce and stock exhibited, clearly indicating an effort and determination to produce something worthy of exhibition. The trustees, at their annual meeting, invited proposals from the various towns for contributions to the society, agreeing to have the fair held in that town which would give the most. Over $100 were raised in this way, and paid out in premiums. The efforts of the trustees, together with the co-operation of the best farmers, made this the most interesting and profitable ex- hibition ever held by the society.

The exhibition of the West Penobscot, held Septem- ber 27-9, 1870, had 630 entries : "The several depart- ments were well represented, some of which excelled any former show." The display of fruit was especially beau- tiful, "well representing the largest crop for many years." The exhibition in the halls was in advance of that of the previous year, and received particular commendation. Premiums advertised, $775; awarded, $420. As during the preceeding three years, the third day was set apart for trotting matches, not for premiums offered by the society, but for prizes obtained from the gate-money, of which the profits ($300 this year) went into the treasury of the society.

The Penobscot and Aroostook Union gave its annual exhibition at Patten, October 6. Several farmers' clubs had been organized within the bounds of this society.

The Waldo and Penobscot Society had its second an- nual cattle show, exhibition, and fair at Monroe, Septem- ber 28 -- 29, and was successful in all respects. Two hun- dred and sixteen entries were made. Premiums offered, $419; awarded, $297.75. Only about one half the amount was given for trials of speed as at the former fair.

For the year 1872 we have mainly statistics from the societies to present. None are reported by the County Society, as it had united,-the Bangor Horticultural So- ciety also-with the State Fair of the year, held at Ban- gor. The entries for this fair were very large and other- wise excellent, but the inclement weather somewhat interfered with success.

The West Penobscot received this year $121.62 from the State, and raised of itself $966.16. It awarded $441.05 in premiums, besides $50 on farm improve- ments, and expended $5 for the benefit of the farmers' clubs. Two hundred and thirty dollars and twenty-five cents were given for live stock premiums; $68.10 for grain and root crops; $16.40 for other cultivated crops; $29.25, fruits and flowers; $3.25, sugar, honey, and syrup; $17.25, butter and cheese; $19.25, agricultural implements ; $29.05, household manufactures and needlework; $8.75, manufacturers of wood, iron and leather; and $4.50 for other articles.

The North Penobscot, held at Lee, October 2 and 3, raised $72.22 from its own resources, and awarded $125.50 in premiums-$82.25 for live stock, and the balance to other departments.

The Penobscot and Aroostook Union met at Patten, October 3d. It had $roo from the State, and raised $125.50 otherwise. It awarded $86.75 in premiums- $25 for farm improvements, $25 in aid of farmers' clubs, $47-75 for live stock, and $13.50 for grain and root crops.

The Waldo and Penobscot Society received from the State $130, and raised the handsome sum of $429.26 from other sources. Five hundred and fifty-nine dollars and twenty-six cents were granted in premiums-$36 for farm improvements, $33 to farmers' clubs, $123 for live stock, $34 for grain and root crops, and $15.50 for other crops.

In 1873 the Bangor Horticultural Society gave a notably fine exhibition of fruits and flowers at the City Hall, September 16-19, in union with the State Pomo- logical Society, which had been organized in 1847, and chartered in 1854 ; had held a very successful exhibition at Gardiner the next year, and sometime after ceased to exist. In 1873 it was revived and re-incorporated, and an arrangement made by its Executive Committee, at Bangor, in June, to hold the fall exhibition jointly with the local society, with premiums amounting to $598, of which $516 were finally awarded. The display was pronounced the best of the kind ever given in the State. About 1,500 dishes of fruit were shown, with as many bottles of cut flowers and other exhibits. A large col-

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

lection of fruit, obtained from the recent American Pom- ological Society's fair in Boston, made a most attractive feature of the show. Addresses were made by the President of the State Society, Mr. Z. A. Gilbert, of East Miner, and the Hon. John E. Godfrey, of Bangor, with remarks in discussion by several others. The Ban- gor Society, however, feeling that they had lost ground within the preceding two years, determined thereafter to hold their exhibitions independent of any other organi- zation.

The North Penobscot Society had its fair of 1874 at Lincoln village, October 8 and 9. It had been voted at the last annual meeting to locate the exhibitions at this place for the next twenty years, in consideration of which the people of the village prepared a trotting park for it. The sum of $233.87 was offered in premiums and $82.50 awarded.

The nineteenth annual show of the West Penobscot was held September 30th and October 1 and 2 - "very successful in good weather, a good exhibition, and good attendance." $800 were offered in premiums; $343.05 awarded. $47.50 were given for farm improve- ments, and as much for farmers' clubs. The Society held $5,000 worth of property, and had $1,857.50 lia- bilities.

The Penobscot and Aroostook Union met as usual at Patten, October 8, with unfavorable weather and a light attendance. $125 were advertised as premiums; $59.50 were given. $25 each were granted for farm improve- ments and farmers' clubs.

The Waldo and Penobscot Society had its fifth annual show at the Monroe Trotting Park October 1 and 2, with usual success. Horse-trotting remained a promi- nent feature of the fair, occupying the second day almost exclusively. Time was taken, however, for an address by the Rev. S. Wentworth, of Monroe. Premiums of- fered, $507.50 ; awarded, $464. $36 were given for farm improvements and $33 to farmers' clubs. The So- ciety had property valued at $300 and no liabilities re- ported.

THE PENOBSCOT CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

appears in the reports for 1875, as having its annual ex- hibition, that year at East Corinth September 15 and 16. Premiums offered, $453; paid, $268.75. Many members of the society are remarked as turning their premiums back into the treasury, as was doubtless the case with other societies, showing a large discrepancy between pre- miums offered and those paid. $22 were given for pre- mium orchards.

The West Penobscot had its fair September 28 and 29, with cold and disagreeable weather both days, and consequently a partial failure of the exhibit. The "agri- cultural horse-trot," advertised for the second day, was totally ruined by the rain. Premiums offered, $735; paid, $300.80; $24 offered for premium orchards; value of property, $5,000; liabilities, $1,500.

The North Penobscot had $237.25 on its announce- ment of premiums for this year. We have no report of its fair.

The Penobscot and Aroostook Union had a two days' fair this year at Patten, September 22-23. The stock exhibit was larger and better than usual. Premiums of- fered and paid, $125 and $88.14, respectively; for or- chards, $25 offered.

The Waldo and Penobscot met at the former Monroe Trotting Park, now their fair grounds, October 8 and . 9-"success was the reward in all their departments." A hall had just been built upon the grounds, and in it "was the best show ever witnessed at our fairs.

The display in this interesting department is de- cidedly better each year." Premiums offered and awarded, $467 and $510-facts specially notable from the superiority of the latter figure. $33 were expended for the benefit of the farmers' clubs. Value of the society's property, $1,600; liabilities, $300.

The Penobscot Central Society met in East Corinth September 23 and 24, 1876, a postponement from two earlier days in the week having been compelled by storm.

"If it be true," says the official report, "that we have at previous shows had as many cattle upon our grounds, it is certainly true that never have we had cattle of so good quality. The show of horses excelled all previous shows. Never before have our tables been so bountifully loaded with choice fruit. . · The address of Rev. Mr. Pitts, of East Corinth, was an able and timely production, listened to by a large con- course of people, and duly appreciated."

The West Penobscot held its twenty-second annual show September 26-28. "The attendance was large, and the receipts very satisfactory. The show in the hall was a fair average of former years. The show of neat stock, horses, sheep, swine, and poultry was hardly up to former years, although many fine specimens were on the ground, more especially in young stock." Address by Mr. George S. Hill, president of the society.

The North Penobscot met at Lincoln, September 28-29, "and was a decided. success." The number of cattle was not so large as formerly, but was superior in quality. The show of fruit and vegetables was never surpassed by any former show, and could hardly be ex- celled even in older agricultural districts. Address by the Hon. A. M. Robinson, of Dover.

The Penobscot and Aroostook Union met for its an- nual fair at Patten, September 28-29. The society exhibited its own full-blood short-horn bull. Rev. Mr. Kinney "delivered an excellent address, which was well received. . On the whole, the fair was a good success, productive of kind feeling and social intercourse."

The Waldo and Penobscot met for its eighth annual display upon its grounds at Monroe, October 4 and 7. The intervening days being stormy, the trials of speed, exhibition, matched and other horses, etc., were postponed to the last day of the week. "The show was attended with good success in each department." The number of entries was more than 200.

For 1877 the Penobscot County Agricultural show and fair was held in Orono, September 18-20, the cattle show at the Trotting Park, adjoining the State Col- lege farm. The old sheds and buildings erected at

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

Bangor, for the State Fair, had been purchased, taken down, and re-erected at Orono, where they served as good purpose as ever. Rain somewhat dampened the prospects the first day, but the show was a fair success. "An unusual number of fine horses were entered, and on the whole the patrons were well pleased with the ex- hibition. . The exhibition of fruit was a credit to the society and exhibitors. The exhibition of corn was never before equalled in this vicinity. .

. The re- ceipts of the three days were as much as, if not more than could reasonably have been expected." Address on "The Margin of Profit," by Professor M. C. Fernald, of the State College.

The Penobscot Central held its eleventh annual exhibi- tion at East Corinth, September 12 and 13, with a good display. The show of stock and farm products was es- pecially large.

The West Penobscot met September 25-27. Weather warm and pleasant, attendance large, and receipts very satisfactory. "Show of live stock, full aver- age"-"neat stock department was very full "-"sheep, swine, and poultry were well represented "-"horse de- partment well filled, and made a fine show"-"domestic manufactures, fancy articles, needlework, etc., made a very fair display"-"display of dairy products was very good, and the show of fruit was exceedingly good, con- sidering that the crop was almost a total failure"-"the specimens of crops were very large and fine."

The Aroostook and Penobscot Union had its fair September 20-21. "Show of cattle small"- "the ladies' fair was very good, reflecting great credit on the committee of ladies who had it in charge"-"the second day of the fair partook of the nature of a farmers' holi- day." Address by the Rev. E. Skinner.

The Waldo and Penobscot Society made its exhibition October 2 and 3. "Entries in the stock department large, and of a superior quality" -"show of fat cattle good"- "in draft oxen there was a larger show than in any previous year" - "the horse department was better filled than at any of our previous fairs" - "display of sheep, swine, and fowls not quite as good as in former years, but of superior quality" - "the show in the halls was much too large for the building; . . Many more entries made in this department this year than ever before." The report further says: "By judicious management of their officers all outstanding debts have been paid, and there is a fund in the treasury which the company intend to expend upon their grounds the coming season, erecting buildings, etc., which, when completed, will make it one of the very finest show-grounds in this part of the State."

For 1880 we have only financial statistics again from the societies. The Central Penobscot had $90 from the State, $88.66 from its own treasury ; and awarded $194.14 in premiums and gratuities - $17.30 special premiums on wheat and corn, and $9.25 for the encouragement of draining, both under direction of the State Board of Ag- riculture. The North Penobscot reported only $75 receipts, raised altogether by itself; and awarded $60 in premiums for live stock, $20 for Indian corn, $12.25 for

other cultivated crops, $19.15 for fruits and flowers, etc. The West Penobscot had the large sum of $234.68 from the State, and more than twice as much ($563.44) from its own resources. It awarded $274.35 in premiums and gratuities, with $21 special for dairy products. The value of its property was reported at $3,000, with $1,200 liabilities. The Penobscot and Aroostook had $78 and $73 respectively from the State and its own funds; gave $81.75 in gratuities and premiums, $5 special for wheat and corn, $23 special for encouragement of dairying, $31.75 for live stock, $15 for fruits and flowers, $17 for bread, butter, and cheese, and usual premiums for other displays. The Waldo and Penobscot had a good sub- dsiy from the State, $130, but reported the surprising sum of $1,099. 14 as raised by its own exertions, making a total receipt for the year of $1, 229.14. Of this $585.90 were expended in premiums and gratuities, $30 in aid of county farmers' institutes, $326 for live stock premiums, $3.75 for Indian corn, nothing in special premiums, under order of the State Board, for wheat and corn, but $267 for trials of speed, and $159.50 otherwise for horses.

THE GOOD DONE.

Some of the benefits of the local agricultural societies and clubs were well presented by Mr. D. M. Dunham, of Bangor, in a brief paper read at the semi-annual meeting of the State Board of Agriculture, at Presque Isle, September 25-26, 1878. It said :

Twelve years ago, when our Penobscot Agricultural Society was formed, in the twenty-one towns included in the limits, not a single half-acre of wheat was sown. The society offered, by the direction of. this Board, $50 in premiums for wheat-culture, which brought out quite a good competition. The reports were 78 bushels upon two acres, 40 bushels upon I acre, and several others averaging 33 bushels to the acre ; and to-day I think I am safe in saying, outside of the city and villages, those towns have this year raised their own bread. .

I believe that it is quite a general feeling in this place that corn can- not be raised here. We used to think so in Penobscot county, but when this Board discussed the corn question at Newport, and our county clubs took it up and offered a premium in gold for its culture, it was wonderful to see how many planted a piece of corn, and how generally successful was the result. I never saw better corn, either on the Kennebec or Connecticut rivers, and it was a little curious that at the huskings there was no lack of red ears.

LEADING AGRICULTURALISTS.

The following-named gentlemen at present (1881) rep resent in this county the interests of the agricultural societies and kindred organizations:

H. K. Robinson, Bangor, President of the Penobscot County Agricultural Society ; B. A. Burr, Bangor, Sec- retary. North Penobscot Agricultural Society-A. O. Ingersoll, of Lincoln, President ; W. B. Pinkham, Lin- coln, Secretary. West Penobscot-George S. Hill, of Exeter, President ; T. B. Bachelder, Kenduskeag, Secre- tary. Penobscot Central-Thomas J. Peakes, Charles- ton, President ; Mason S. Palmer, Corinth, Secretary. Penobscot and Aroostook Union-Samuel L. Kimball, of Patten, President. Waldo and Penobscot-J. W. Wallace, of Jackson, President ; E. H. Nealley, Monroe, Secretary. Trustee in Penobscot County of the Maine State Agricultural Society-D. M. Dunham, of Bangor. Trustees of the Maine Pomological Society-Henry Mclaughlin and S. C. Harlow, of Bangor. Trustee

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

of the Maine Dairymen's Association-H. M. Smith, of East Orrington. Vice-Presidents of the Maine Poultry Association-J. P. Walker, Bangor, and G. D. Stock- well, East Orrington.

THE COUNTY GRANGE.

We are indebted to Mrs. M. L. Crawford, of Carmel, Secretary of the County Grange, for the following state- ment :-

Penobscot County Grange was organized at Bangor, April 23, 1881, with the following-named charter mem- bers :- Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Gregory, Mr. and Mrs. Al- bert Hall, Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Carter, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Freeman, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Johnson, William Patten, and Joseph Clement.

The following-named were the officers elect :- E. H. Gregory, Master; C. M. Freeman, Overseer ; William Pattten, Steward ; Allen Carter, Assistant Steward ; Joseph Clements, Chaplain ; Nathan Johnson, Treas- urer ; M. L. Croxford, Secretary ; J. M. Robinson, Gate-Keeper ; Mrs. E. H. Gregory Ceres ; Mrs. C. M. Freeman, Pomona; Mrs. Allen Carter, Flora ; Mrs. J. M. Robinson, Lady Assistant Steward.

Members from the following Subordinate Granges com- pose the County Grange at the present time : - Eastern Star, Hampden (Patrons of Husbandry, No. I) ; Union, Hermon, No. 26; Queen City, Bangor, No. 30; Golden Harvest, Carmel, No. 33; Mt. Etna, Etna, No. 36 ; Mystic Tie, Kenduskeag, No. 58; Orient, Corinth, No. 60 ; Garland, Garland, No. 76; Rural, Veazie, No. 207; Pine Grove, Brewer, No. 233 ; Stetson, Stetson, No. 234.

OLDER SOCIETIES.

The Penobscot Medical Association was organized February 15, 1854. Hosea Rich was the first President, and William H. Brown, Secretary.

The Bangor Medical Association organized January 16, 1829, with the same President (Dr. Rich), and Dr. John P. Dickinson, Secretary. The last recorded meeting was in 1843, March 8.

The Penobscot Musical Association was organized October 9, 1848, and incorporated November 16, 1860. Its first President was William H. Mills ; Secretary, E. F. Duren. It maintains its organization to the present time, meeting annually in the autumn, and holding a ses- sion of four days.

CHAPTER XI.

THE MAINE STATE COLLEGE.

The Foundation Provided by the General Government-A Board of Regents-The College Legislated into Being-A Board of Trustees -Settling a Site-Other Preliminaries-The Site Settled, the Build- ing Built, and the College Opened-Some More Legislation-History of the College to 1876-The Workshop Instruction-Present Organi- zation of the College-The Coburn Cadets-The Coburn Prizes- Full List of Alumni-The Associate Alumni-The State Board of Agriculture and the State College-Good Words for the School.

THE FOUNDATION.

The act of Congress approved July 2, 1862, entitled "An Act donating lands to the several States and Terri- tories which may provide colleges for the benefit of agri- culture and the mechanic arts," upon which agricultural and technical schools have been founded or enlarged in many States, gave to the State of Maine 210,000 acres of the public lands, conditioned upon acceptance of the grant within two years from the date of the act. The re- quired acceptance was signified by resolution of the Leg- islature, approved March 25, 1863, and scrip for the amount of the donation was duly issued by the General Land Office and forwarded to the Governor of Maine. During that year the project of the new college came quite generally under discussion by the press and people of the State, as well as by the Board of Agriculture and the Legislature. The Board passed resolutions declaring it advisable and expedient to establish an institution in- dependent of and on a different basis from any existing college; and-partly in consequence of this, perhaps- the Legislature declined a proposal to connect the school with Waterville college.

A BOARD OF REGENTS.

At the same date the resolution of the State Legisla- ture accepting the grant was approved, another was passed providing for the election by that body of a Board of Regents of the coming college, to consist of thirteen per- sons. The session was concluded, however, without mak- ing the nominations, and the resolution consequently failed of effect. At the next session the resolution was renewed in substance, but provided for a commission of three, instead of thirteen, and Messrs. the Hon. W. G. Cros- by, Joseph Eaton, and Samuel F. Peasley were appointed commissioners to receive proposals for the location of the college, and benefactions in aid thereof. About the same time the Governor was authorized to dispose of the land scrip, acting "in concert with the Governors of the other States."

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History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 47

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co. Number of Pages: 1100

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co.
Number of Pages: 1100