USA > Maine > Oxford County > Porter > History of Porter > Part 6
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HISTORY OF PORTER
The tourist trend towards Porter began about the year, 1845, when the stagecoach route between Porter and Saco was established. Peleg W. Gerrish (1823-1902) of Hiram was the coachman. His marriage to Lydia P. Chase of Parsonsfield, by Rev. Amariah Joy, took place on March 16, 1848, as recorded by John M. Libby, the Town Clerk of Porter. This coach carried both passengers and mail and was a boon to all the communities it served; Porter in particular. This stagecoach service continued regularly until 1871, when the White Mountains Line of the Portland-Ogdensburg Railroad -- now the Maine Central, was completed as far as to the White Mountains. It was originally intended to extend the railway up the Ossipee Val- ley, but some "lobbyist" decided the issue in favor of the latter route. The "iron horse" sounded the death knell to stagecoach travel!
It has been conjectured by many a wit of the "old school" that the innumerable stone fences crisscrossing New England could not have been built without the aid of intoxicants, such as rum or hard cider. That Porter had many a thirsty soul in the good, old days is evidenced by the fact that at the town meeting held on September 13, 1824, it was voted, among other things, to "give Nath'l Fox license for one year to retail strong liquors.
Give Sam'l Taylor license for one year to Do.
Give David Towle license for one year Ditto.
Give John Roberts license for one year do.
Attest, Hanson Libby, T. Clerk."
Again, at the town meeting held on April 7, 1845, the following article was discussed: "Article 34. To see if the town will instruct the selectmen (George Stacy, Joshua S. Roberts, Meshach Pike) to grant licenses to retailers of ardent spirits - voted that the selectmen grant licenses to all that may make application to them to sell spirit- uous liquors the year ensuing."
The "ardent spirits" consumed in the town of Porter subsequent to 1851 -- the Maine Liquor Law was enacted in 1851 -- must have been responsible for the ardent rebuke an elder pronounced at a "re- vival hour" in a nearby town. This ludicrous pronouncement is reported to have been phrased as follows:
"Dear Brothers and Sisters:
A few days ago I went to the land of Porter where there is no
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Sabbath Day and no Jesus -- where all you can hear is the flap of a pickerel's tail on one side of the river, and the crack of a rifle on the other!"
Rum was regarded as a "standby" to the tired person in the good, old days. At loggings, huskings, raisings and raftings its presence was thought indispensable. Even at funerals, mugs of rum helped to assuage the grieving heart. Sometimes, however, overindulgence produced ebulliency amongst the mourners, and the disturbers of the peace were promptly brought before the Justice of the Peace to ex- plain the cause of their ill-timed hilarity!
Several decades ago, an ingenious trader conceived the idea that he could help the people of Porter to increase the number of stone fences, as well as augment the contents of his purse, by selling rum and hard cider to the good citizens of that town without a license. Well, for some time his new commodities brought him closer and closer to fortune, but one day, alas, the keen scent of a revenue of- ficer got wind of the illicit affair, and our man of "good intentions" was caught and fined one hundred dollars. Later, when one of his former customers begged him for some of his thirst-quenching wares, he sadly replied: "No, my good man, I can't afford to give away my money!"
Home-made cider was once a common beverage, but the passing of the cider-mill has thrown hard cider into discard, and few lament its demise. No refreshment can equal or surpass a glass of Porter's pure spring water!
Foot-paths are useful thoroughfares in any community, especially if there are scenic or historic places of outstanding interest within reach of the average walker. One of the first things is an itinerant tourist enquires about in any region he happens to be visiting is, "How do I get to the summit of yonder height?" Our answer must invariably be, "Sorry to say, there's no human foot-path that will take you there -- you have to make your own way!" "But, what about Whale's Back, Bald Ledge, Devil's Den, Pine Hill, Libby Hill - all excellent observation points?" With anguish we have to reply, "There's no trail!"
To the hunter, the trapper, the woodsman and the naturalist, trails are not necessary nor desirable -- they love the trackless forests,
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the impenetrable bogs and swamps! The average tourist is, however, not particularly fond of jeopardizing himself in order to reach a cer- tain place off the beaten path. And to get to the most impressive points of observation in Porter today you have to force your way through dense woods and tangled undergrowth!
Once you have acquired the knack of building trails, there are few pastimes more delightful and remunerative. That the work of build- ing a foot-path requires both inspiration and perspiration is self- evident, but nothing worthwhile is ever acquired without diligent effort! Again, the monetary value of building foot-paths lies in the fact that such a construction invites tourists - and tourists spend money!
In an emergency, like a forest fire, for instance, a practical trail might become very useful as it enables the fire-fighter to reach the scene of the conflagration in the shortest possible time and in a fit shape for immediate action. In short, the practicality of the thing is too obvious to call for any further elaboration!
In conclusion, here are a few facts about maps. The most accur- ate map of Porter is to be found in the "Kezar Falls Quadrangle" (Edition of 1911, reprinted in 1947) where culture, relief and water are correctly delineated. Old maps might be interesting to look at, but utterly fail as guides! With a modern topographic map and a native "old-timer", the town of Porter becomes an open book; full of human interest, beauty and irresistible charm!
Until trails become available in Porter, let us make frequent use of the already existing highways and byways; not neglecting the in- triguingly fascinating lure of the abandoned roads along which your venerable forebears traveled!
Every foot of ground we tread has a story to tell - some true, others fictitious; all conducive to either tears or laughter. Several such anecdotes have already appeared on these pages; more will fol- low. No person is exempt from incidents, both humorous and tragic; hence they are intrinsic factors in everybody's life.
Most people are interested in the ponds and brooks of Porter; the former on account of their ideal locations for summer camps; the latter because of their trout. Both pond and streams, however, are equally admired by the enthusiastic angler. Seven ponds have al-
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ready been mentioned, but there are several others, both small and large. Trafton Pond and Stanley Pond are outstanding; the latter known throughout the nation because of its girls' camp, "Camp Hiawatha," situated on its sandy shore. The camp has been in exis- tence for 37 years and during that time has enjoyed the highest reputation.
Besides campers and fishermen, we have a third class of enthus- iasts; namely, naturalists. This latter "clan" is more exclusive, yet, it contributes yearly to the well-being of the human race. We have already touched upon the subjects dealing with minerals and the animal kingdom, but have said little about plants, especially rare plants. Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) is a rare plant in Porter. The only place where it has been reported to occur is on the south shore of Hubbard Pond. The root of this plant possesses aromatic and stimulant properties and is valued, especially in China, as a medicine. Pipsissewa (Chimaphilla corymbosa) is an evergreen herb with astringent leaves that is used as a tonic and diuretic. The American Indian had great faith in its curative property. The plant grows amongst the trees in several places. The Sundew, an insect- ivorous plant of the genus Drosera, is a very interesting plant. In- sects are caught by the viscid secretions that exude from the tips of the hairs of the leaves. The present writer has found it growing at only one place in Porter - above a spring close to the highway (No. 160) near the Porter-Brownfield boundary. The Pitcher Plant or Huntsman's Cup, of several species, has been found in the bog at the source of the West Branch of Ten Mile River. The only other place the writer has seen it is in the bog surrounding Spruce Pond in the town of Parsonsfield.
The Hop (Humulus lupulus), a perennial climbing herb, was found growing beside a cellar in the northernmost section of the town prior to the forest fire of 1947. This, together with many other species of herbs, was extensively cultivated a century ago. When are the "herb gardens" of Porter coming back?
Again we have the pleasure of mentioning stone fences. They are almost indestructible-not so the stump fence and the rail fence; they vanished long ago. If all the stone fences in Porter could be laid end to end the structure would extend across the State of Maine!
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One of the widest and longest stone fences in the state is to be found in the town of Porter. It is six feet wide and crosses the ridge east of Pine Hill. What human strength and perseverance this huge stone fence represents! No greater tribute to the builders of this fence could be made than Isabel McArthur's tribute: "The Old Stone Fence of Maine":
"Shall I pay a tribute here at home, To the Old Steone Fence of Maine? It was here when you were born, And here it will remain, Stone monuments, to grand old sires, Who, with a good right arm, Solved problems little known to you, E're their "clearing," was your farm.
When you see an Old Stone Fence, Weed grown and black with age, Let your mind's eye travel backward And read its written page. And, as Moses left us words in stone, That live with us today, Almost, with reverence, let us read What these Stone Fences say.
They tell of those who "blazed the trail," We are walking in today; Those who truly "bore the burdens In the heat of the day," For every stone was laid by hand, First taken from the soil Where giant trees were cut and felled, Bare handed -- honest toil.
The Stone Fence marked the boundary line Whereby a home was known; Gave them dignity as masters
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Of that spot, they called their own.
The Stone Fence, guarded church and school And the spots more sacred far, The silent spots, in memory kept For those who've "crossed the bar."
Then, treasure this inheritance, Handed down from sire to son,
Not for its worth, to you, today, But for when, and why, begun, For with it comes a heritage Of manly brawn and brain,
That is yours today, from the builders Of the Old Stone Fence of Maine."
The numerous stone-lined wells found throughout the country- side are entitled to a similar tribute - I urge it upon the reader to read Samuel Woodworth's immortal poem, "The Bucket." Let no one charge the person with unjustified sentimentality who is lost in meditation before one of these cherished objects of yesteryear!
That those who built these walls were men of fortitude, is evi- denced by the following incident - the excerpt is taken from the Oxford County Record of Sept. 20, 1884:
"Mr. Abner MacDonald of. Porter -- a man in his 76th year, was at work a few days ago stoning a. well for a neighbor. The well was twenty feet deep; he had got the stone placed up about four feet. There were two men on the ground at the top, lowering the stone down to him as he wanted to use them with a "tackle-fall" in a plank box about three feet square, mounted with heavy irons. The box had just been let down; he took the rock out, and they drew the box up, and, as he thought, landed it above. One of the men let go of the rope to adjust the plank, thinking the other one would hold it securely; but he let go at the same time, and when he saw the box going he was so startled he did not have the pres- ence of mind enough to grasp the rope and stop it. The man in the well was placing the stone, when he heard a scream and the noise of the box coming down. He raised his head just in time to re-
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ceive the blow on his forehead, tearing off a piece of skin from his face. He seemed dazed for a few minutes, but managed to get out of the well. After bleeding profusely from the nose for a while, he was all right, except for bruises and a stiff neck. Had he failed to raise his head the instant he did, he would have received the full blow of the box on top of his head and instantly killed."
Abner MacDonald (1808-1898) -- the man who so narrowly es- caped from death, was born in Standish; married in Porter (1828) to Naomi Durgin of Hiram by Elder James Fly. They had 10 child- ren. On your way to and from Porterfield you pass by the caved- in cellar and "open" well of what once formed the homestead of Abner and Naomi MacDonald and their ten children!
Thus our "walks and talks" could be continued indefinitely. Every place our eyes rest upon is apt to elicit some nostalgic occur- ence. "O, call back yesterday, bid time return!"
XIV
THE CHURCH
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
-- Mathew 5:16
Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, wrote a few years ago that "Christian healing has passed beyond the stage of experiment, and its value cannot be questioned. Spiritual healing is no longer the hope of a few, but the belief and practice of a large and rapidly increasing number of persons."
In view of the foregoing facts, the Church is the greatest insti- tution of healing; a preparatory school qualifying one for a higher existence. "There is really no insurmountable barrier save your own inherent weakness of purpose," says Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Riverside Methodist Church
The first Methodist services held in Porter were in 1833, when a class was formed by Rev. David Copeland and Rev. George D. Strout of the Baldwin Circuit. Porter became a separate charge in 1839, with Rev. Freeman Yates as the pastor. Original members were John Moulton and wife Jane, Oliver Stacy and wife Apphia, Lydia Stacy, Mary A. Stanley, Jacob French and wife Sally, Thomas E. Fox, John Durgin and wife Julia, Charles Wadsworth.
A parsonage was erected in 1843-1844; this was the Herbert Rid- lon farm between the Spectacle Ponds. In 1866, it was sold and the house where Clarence Sawyer now lives was purchased. Later, the house where Paul Stacy lives was used as a parsonage until 1911, when the present one was built.
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A controversy among the various local denominations about 1845, reduced the Methodist membership to such an extent that no regu- lar services were held from 1850 to 1866. At the 1866 conference, Rev. Kinsman Atkinson was appointed to Porter. He remained for 3 years, and during this period many new members were added.
Rev. John Mitchell, who was the pastor from 1871 to 1874, in- creased the membership to 117; about 40 persons uniting with this church during that time. The present membership is 219.
The present church building was erected in 1883, and the dedi- cation was held on Nov. 26, 1884. Improvements have been made from time to time. In 1925, the auditorium was entirely redecorated and Memorial windows were installed.
Among the many faithful workers in this church, mention should be made of Mrs. Mary D. Garner who was President of the Ladies' Society for more than 25 years. Herman J. Fox served as class lead- er for 21 years. William T. Norton was choir leader and treasurer of both church and Sunday School for many years. Sidney B. Stanley was Superintendent of the Sunday School for over 45 years, Florence Garner Norton was the church organist for many years until about 1935, and since that time Mrs. Bernice Huber has been the organist. Mrs. Flora Ridlon Carpenter has been the choir director for about 20 years.
The Centennial Celebration was fittingly observed in 1933, under the direction of the following committee: Rev. Arthur A. Gallaghan, Sidney B. Stanley, Mrs. Ina Emery, Mrs. Florence G. Norton, Mrs. Lida Elliott and Myron H. Ridlon.
During the pastorate of Rev. Chester F. Butterfield, in 1938, a new memorial pipe organ was installed and dedicated.
The oldest member of the church is Mrs. Jennie Spring who joined in 1874.
The present pastor is Rev. H. O. Megert.
An outline of the church activities (1833-1933), in greater detail, will be found in Mrs. Ina Stanley Emery's "Centennial Anniversary Program and Historical Sketch" - pub. in 1933.
Porter Village Union Church
The Union Church of Porter was built in 1909 and dedicated in
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THE CHURCH
1912. The Union Church Society was incorporated on Dec. 18, 1909, and a lot was purchased from Mrs. Matilda Bowden for $25.00. Through the efforts of Harry Pratt, the Advent Chapel at East Free- dom, N. H., was given to the Union Church Society. Funds and labor were solicited from the people in Porter and surrounding com- munities to take the building down, move to the present lot and re- build. Since sufficient funds were not available to complete the work, a number of ladies in the village began contributing toward the project by serving baked-bean suppers. These were held in the homes of the community, and box-suppers in the schoolhouse. The first supper was served on Oct. 11, 1911, at the home of Mrs. Lena Giles.
In October, 1913, a number of women met and decided to organ- ize a church club to be called "The Union Workers." Nine women met, and on this occasion by-laws were drawn up and officers elected - these were: President, Mrs. Minnie Trueworthy; Vice President, Mrs. Carrie Wentworth, Secretary, Mrs. Margaret Blazo; Treasurer, Mrs. Mary Day; Chaplain, Mrs. Lena Giles. Other charter members were Mrs. Ada Blazo, Mrs. Susan Sawyer, Mrs. Jane Libby and Mrs. Lestina Garland. Through the efforts of these ladies the debts were paid and unfinished business completed.
On May 22, 1914, three pews, No. 11, 19, 29, and a pulpit set were purchased; curtains for the windows, and a furnace installed. Later, five stained glass windows were bought.
For a number of years, this church played an active part in the life of the village. Although there was never any settled pastor, min- isters from nearby communities held services here, as Rev. Cymbrid Hughes of the Kezar Falls Methodist Church, and Elder William Cotton of Waterboro.
After a period of time, the congregation had diminished to such an extent that the church could no longer function. Fortunately, the Union Workers have kept the little church in good repair, and in 1953 had charge of completely refinishing the church's interior.
Mrs. Samuel Blazo was one of the most active workers in this church and was a Sunday School teacher for 12 years.
The first wedding to be held in this church was on May 1, 1954, when Miss Joanne C. MacDonald, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Porter Old Meeting House-its construction began in 1819; completed in 1827. Photo made in 1956 by O. B. Denison, Jr.
Porter Old Meeting House (Interior).
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THE CHURCH
E. MacDonald, Sr., became the bride of Lawrence E. Cook, son of Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy E. Cook of Portland. The minister who per- formed the marriage ceremony was Rev. Henry O. Megert, pastor of the Riverside Methodist Church at Kezar Falls.
Pentecostal Church
The first services were held in Norton Hall, in November, 1935, by Misses Virginia Avery and Dagmar Lindberg. The following June, a gospel tent was put up. In 1937, plans were made to erect a chapel and organize a permanent Pentecostal Church in the town. A lot on Mountainview Avenue was purchased, and the building erected by interested members. It was dedicated on Sunday, May 29, 1938, and an ordination service was held the following day with visiting ministers and delegates from neighboring States attending. Services are held on Sunday at 3 P. M. and 7:30 P. M. Work on the new church, on Federal Road, in the town of Parsonsfield, was begun in 1953, completed in 1955. A beautiful and commodious house of worship. It is called "Kezar Falls Assembly of God."
The Old Porter Meeting House (continued)
125th Anniversary and Rededication Sunday, September 6, 1953
"This is none other than the house of God. Christ is the door, and love is the only key. May you enter in the spirit of reverence, worship in the spirit of humility, share in the fellowship of love, and leave with the desire to serve."
Morning Service
Organ Prelude ELWIN WATSON, Cleveland, Ohio
Call to Worship and Invocation
REV. HENRY O. MEGERT
Hymn "All Hail the Power"
Responsive Service of Rededication
Minister: To the glory of God our Father; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Savior; to the praise of the Holy Spirit our guide;
People: We rededicate this Church.
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Minister: To the everlasting remembrance of those of the house- hold of faith who worshipped here, who have entered into thy presence and peace;
People: We, the people of this congregation, rededicate to their memory this place of worship, praying as their good works remain upon the earth, may we follow them, with the blessed hope of a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, in the name of our master. Amen.
Quartette "Bless This House" Brahe
Dedicatory Prayer
REV. HARRY COTTON
Solo "How Beautiful Upon the Mountains" MRS. EDWIN CHAPMAN Harker
Offertory
Hymn "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord"
Scripture Lesson
Sermon "God's Great Service Station"
REV. CURTIS L. STANLEY, Fitchburg, Mass.
Hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers"
Benediction
Organ Postlude
Unveiling and Presentation of Plaque, By Mrs. Ina N. Emery, President, Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society
Afternoon Service
Organ Prelude
Old-fashioned Hymn Sing
Prayer
Solo Musical Saw
MR. R. V. SMITH
History of Porter Old Meeting House,
read by Mrs. Raymond Garland
Scripture Lesson
Solo Musical Saw
MR. R. V. SMITH
Offertory
Hymn
Sermon "The Church Militant and Triumphant" REV. EDWIN P. CHAPMAN, Dayville, Conn.
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THE CHURCH
Hymn "God Be With Us" Benediction
Organ Postlude
Quartette
Orion R. Stanley
Gordon West
Mrs. Dorothy Chellis Mrs. Ina Emery
Ushers Chairman: Harry A. Merrifield
Preston J. Stanley John Greenan Allen M. Chellis
Committee in Charge of Arrangements
Mrs. Muriel Weeks
Rev. Henry O. Megert
Mrs. Margaret Tucker George French
VISITORS: We welcome you to our Services of Worship. Please make yourself known to us and take time to sign the Guest Book. We would like a record of your visit with us.
Moved into a reverential repose by the rededication ceremonies we feel inclined to tarry here awhile. Our eyes first scan the faces of those who worshipped in this meeting house over a century ago - these men and women, in solemn silence, sit before us - they were the pillars of the Church: Rev. John Stanley (1830-1911), Deacon Jonas Spring (1829-1911), Deacon Samuel Boothby (1826-1918), Rev. Thomas Strout ( ), Mrs. Sarah Spring (1833-1896), Martha Stanley (1832-1913). We finally find ourselves gazing into space - our minds are far, far away; in that dim and distant past, when this meeting house underwent its first dedication in 1820. Through the eyes of an old timer, we meet some interesting persons intimately associated with the building of the house and its mainte- nance. The work of finishing and completing was superintended by William Parker, who was assisted by his brother, Caleb, as a "second" hand. The workmanship displayed in the interior finish is sufficient evidence that each was master of his trade. In the earlier days of the meeting house, a "sounding board" - the appropriate
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companion-piece to the high pulpit was suspended overhead, that is, fastened to the ceiling above the pulpit by a slender metal rod, but it was removed at least a decade prior to the removal of the pulpit in 1881.
There was no means whatever provided for heating the meeting house during the first few years of its existence, but women and children usually carried foot-stoves - small metal boxes that stood on wooden legs and held hot charcoal. A few years later, however, a chimney was built and a stove installed.
The tithing man was an important person in the good old days - he was a town officer whose duty it was to keep order within the town. His authority was far-reaching - inside our meeting house, for example, his business was to correct unruly and noisy boys. He carried a long stick with a knob at one end and a dangling fox-tail at the other. Tapping the boys on the head with the knobby end would bring about an immediate obedience, whereas tickling the face of the sleeping church attendants with the fox-tail had a some- what similar quieting effect!
Concerning church bells and music our informant has this to say: "Never yet has the silence for a quiet Sabbath morning been broken by the deep reverbrating tones of a church bell here, for its origi- nators did not believe it was necessary for Christians to be notified when it was time to assemble for divine service, even if their finan- cial condition had been such that they could have availed themselves of this brazen herald. Never yet have these sacred walls echoed to the melodeous vibrations of an organ's peal, for the old time custom of congregational singing was, and always has been, strictly adhered to!"
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