USA > Maine > York County > Kennebunk > Kennebunk history : not a history of Kennebunk but a few items in addition to and a sequel to "The village of Kennebunk, Maine" (revised to 1939) : a description of a few more old homes, a few biographical sketches > Part 12
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In 1890 the Bank lost its aged and respected cashier, Mr. Christopher Littlefield, who though not a town officer, still the soundness of his financial advice and the integrity of his charac- ter was relied upon by many of his fellow citizens. From the same building in 1894, the one at the beginning and the latter towards its close, were missed the faces of Dr. E. W. Morton and of Mr. E. E. Bourne, the then treasurer of the Kennebunk Sav- ings Bank.
Reading Room
On the evening of the 19th of December, 1881, a number of ladies and gentlemen, at the call of the late Rev. Edmund Worth, formed themselves into an association for the purpose of collect- ing books in connection with a reading room that had previously been provided. This led to the establishing of the Kennebunk Free Library Association, an institution which has continued to the present time. It was at first located in one of the upper rooms of Ross and Sargent black (2nd story), Main street, which
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was afterwards destroyed by fire. Previous to this catastrophy, however, a building had been presented to the Association by one of our esteemed citizens Mr. Andrew Walker, as a memorial of his daughter Lucy. Dedicatory services were held at Mousam Hall of a literary character, at which the keys were given over to the care of the treasurer in the year 1888. Although a private institution, it has become connected with the history of the town from the fact that the town at its last meeting, March 7th, 1898, voted to contribute towards its expenses in order that it might be- come fully free as regards to the loan of books. At the present time it contains 3050 books, not: enumerating many official docu- ments that have been presented to it.
Introduction of Water
After considerable discussion on the street, in the stores and in the homes, by vote of the town a contract was signed July 29, 1895, for the introduction of water, for fire and drinking pur- purposes, from Branch Book into the town with the Mousam Water Co.
As usual parties were divided; some thought that if it was necessary the town should put it in, others didn't; some thought it wouldn't be fit to drink if it was brought in, but many knew that their wells were not what they should be, and that in a dry time water was scarce, which in case of fire might prove a ca- lamity; and as many husbands were tired of lugging water on wash days, and many preferred the luxury of a bath tub to walk- ing miles in a hot sun for a dip in the upper parts of the Mou- sam-these and other arguments finally carried the day.
We doubt whether those families who have introduced water into their houses would go back to the old way of wells, cisterns and pumping. The pressure of the water is such that a full stream has readily covered the house occupying the highest site on Zion's Hill.
THE FIRST PARISH
The history of the Unitarian Church and Society is closely connected with the history of the early settlement of the town. In 1750 the people inhabiting that portion of Wells called Ken- nebunk were incorporated as a religious society by the name of
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the Second Congregational Society in Wells. They built their first meeting house at the Landing near the house of Adam Mc- Colloch. In January, 1774, a new meeting house was so far com- pleted that it was occupied on the first Sunday of that year by the Society for the first time. It is an essential part of the edi- fice now used by the Society. So many alterations and improve- ments have, however, been made from time to time, that the meeting house of today with its grand proportions and its belfry bears little or no resemblance to the original one.
From the time of Rev. Mr. Little, the first pastor, to the present year (1898) the Society has had seven ministers. Rev. Daniel Little was ordained March 24, 1751. His ministry con- tinued nearly fifty years. He died December 5, 1801. Rev. N. H. Fletcher was settled in colleague with Mr. Little, Sept. 3, 1800, and continued his active ministry until October 24, 1827, when Rev. George W. Wells was ordained. On account of ill health he resigned October 21, 1838, after a pastorate of 11 years. Rev. E. H. Edes was ordained as the fourth pastor October 23, 1830, and continued until his death May 30, 1845. Rev. W. C. Tenney was ordained October 7, 1845, and dismissed January 17, 1848. On Feb. 6, 1850, Rev. J. A. Swan was ordained. After a min- istry of nearly nineteen years, he was compelled by reason of ill health to resign. Rev. C. C. Vinal, having received ordination at North Andover, Mass., was installed April 27, 1870.
Ladies' Sewing Circle
The Ladies Sewing Circle, called the "Sunday School Soci- ety," has had an existence of more than seventy years. In that time it has accomplished a great amount of good by a benevolent use of the money it has earned. The general Charitable Society connected with the Parish is not unmindful of the want of the poor who may apply for help whether they belong to the Parish or not.
We cannot record events of momentous importance in the past eighteen years, yet there are to be noted many happenings of great interest. Thus in 1881 the society acknowledged a handsome bequest from one of its former friends. In the year following we find that the library which had been steadily in- creasing was given enlarged accommodations. And in 1883 the old town clock, which had faithfully tolled forth the hours since
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1859, was replaced by another of improved make.
The Society has ever striven to avoid debt, but in the above year, finding itself encumbered with unpaid obligations exceeding $200, a committee of its business men was appointed to extin- guish this, which was done. In April of this year also the ladies were first present in Parish meeting, and took part in the delib- erations.
In former days services had been held in the morning and afternoon. This was followed by a service in the morning from May to November, and in the afternoon to May again; but in 1889 the morning service was continued throughout the year, and supplemented by an evening service.
Gift of a Parsonage
The year 1890 will be remembered for the receipt of the handsome gift of a Parsonage house from Mrs. S. H. Swan in memory of her husband, Rev. J. A. Swan. This commodious dwelling, although built at about the close of the Revolution, had been much improved and modernized. It has proved most serviceable.
Up to this period a moderate outlay for music had been thought sufficient by all persons, but presently the increased de- sires of the times began to make themselves known, and ere long, treble the sum was thought necessary to fairly represent that department. This work is under efficient supervision, and gives good satisfaction. In 1894 the organ which had, indeed, ably done its work since 1850, was renovated at considerable expense, and strange to say, one of the craftsmen who first placed it in position did this work. A short time previous the Society was again called upon to acknowledge its obligation for a small be- quest, and has since done so on one or two occasions.
At about this time a commencement was made toward the establishment of a parsonage fund. This season also saw very considerable improvements in the Sunday School room. Hand- some new settees were provided by the young people and other members of the Society and friends at a cost of about $100. One gentleman donor, non-resident, remarked that he gladly gave, having used the previous seats quite 50 years since, and knowing only too well how quickly they overturned. A large, and practically new, piano was also presented for the Sunday
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School room by the Ladies' Society, young people and several gen- erous friends.
In May, 1892, Rev. E. J. Prescott was invited to the pastor- ate of the First Parish, succeeding Rev. C. C. Vinal, who had faithfully labored for its welfare for more than 20 years.
In 1896 the custom of the Lord's Supper, which had previ- ously been observed every month, was changed to once in three months.
Of late the social phase of Church life has become more ap- parent, and a long felt want was anticipated in 1892 by the gift of a commodious kitchen, with all needed conveniences, by a generous member of the Society. To make the service complete, water has since been introduced.
Former Vice President of U. S. Attends Conference
Perhaps one may be excused if his thoughts partook of pride in seeing a former Vice President of the United States climbing upon a pew seat to draw down a curtain in the old meeting house, but this occurrence we were able to note when the late Hon. Hannibal Hamlin visited the town on the occasion of a church conference some years since.
In 1896 modern ways in finance were introduced in the sub- stitution of the envelope system for the old method of assessment. And the old bell rope, also, which had dangled in the vestibule for many years, a ready messenger in the event of a fire, and equally so for any youth who was disposed to pull it inordinately on the Fourth of July evening, was pulled out of reach for all time.
The following year our faithful sexton, who had been in the church service at times during a period of more than 40 years, received assistance in a colleague, who has indeed proved an aid.
When all goes well in society work one does not consider the care necessary to provide payment for bills, or to see that the steeple clock truthfully doles forth its hours, or to oversee neces- sary repairs. These departments are in the same efficient hands in which they have been for many yars past.
Within a year the accounts of the First Parish, before its organization, and beginning as early as 1744, have been made known to society members. They were among the effects of one Mr. John Mitchell, who became resident of this town in 1740.
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They will be copied and placed with the file. All that pertains to the social welfare of the church, and indeed, its existence, largely, must be accredited to the ladies of the Parish.
Within the period of which we treat the Sunday School has met with a great loss in the decease of its former friend, and its superintendent for fully 21 years. The absence of Mr. Bourne is greatly felt.
The scholars of the Sunday School are commendable for their attendance, their good behavior, and alertness to forward every movement for the general welfare.
Rev. E. J. Prescott having in Feb., 1897, resigned his active pastorate to accept a call from Salem, Mass., Rev. J. D. O. Powers of Battle Creek, Mich., was installed the following Sep- tember as pastor of the First Parish. He has since done cred- itable work for the religious and social life of the church, and has made many friends.
THE POST OFFICE
According to local historians the first post office in Maine was established at Kennebunk, then a part of Wells, in 1775. The first postmaster was Nathaniel Kimball, proprietor of Kimball's Tavern, whom Sayward calls "The Father of Kennebunk." . The office was at Kimball's Tavern on the eastern side of Wells, near the 'Kennebunk River close to Littlefield's Mills, and from 1731 to the Revolutionary War was the theater of business in what is now the Town of Kennebunk. The exact spot of the first post office is said to have been at the corner of Route 1. and the Ross road. The Government's post office records (first returns) credits Joseph Storer with being the first postmaster and that the office was established April 1, 1800. Since that time the post office has traveled all around town. Succeeding postmasters, according to a list furnished by the Government and the time of their appointments follow:
Stephen Thacher, March 19, 1810; Barnabas Palmer, April 9, 1818; James Osborn, Jr., May 13, 1829; Samuel Mendum, May 24, 1841; Abel M. Bryant, May 2, 1843; William. L. Thompson, May 24, 1845; George W. Hardey, June 12, 1849; Evat Willard, May 26, 1853; William Fairfield, March 24, 1858; Alexander W. Mendum, July 9, 1861; James A. Fairfield, Nov. 22, 1866; Alex- ander W. Mendum, April 24, 1867; George 'R. Smith, Feb. 9;
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1888; Charles F. Warren, Feb. 8, 1892; George R. Smith, Feb. 11, 1896; Eugene A. Fairfield, March 2, 1900; John H. Cooper, Jan. 5, 1916; Roy A. Evans (Acting), April 17, 1924; Roy A. Evans, May 5, 1924; Wm. D. Hay (Acting), Jan. 15, 1935; Wm. D. Hay, June 26, 1935.
First Letter from Portland
Shortly after the post office was established in Kennebunk in 1775, another was opened at Georgetown, and a third at Port- land. The first letter from Portland was sent to Kennebunk, June 4, 1775. In winter time, when storms were severe the mail sack was brought by messenger on snow shoes to Barnard's Inn, who forwarded it in the same way to the next public house. Joseph Barnard, mail carrier, carried the mail in his saddle bags until 1787 when, as Smith and Dean's Journal relates, he began carrying passengers in a carriage from Boston to Portland.
The driver of the first mail wagon did not have the best of roads to travel over. William Barry, Kennebunk historian, tells us that he might stop over night by the ferry and wait for the tide, and sit with blankets wrapped around him for warmth while he had a dish of coffee made of dried sweet corn parched in the oven, then ground, and that he might have with him a bit of Johnny cake that had butter enough on it to make it go down. Travel in early days was dependent upon the tide, for one must wait until the stream was right before crossing. At the fords the stream had a cobbled pavement which let horses and oxen pass without getting stuck in the mud. There were stepping stones farther up for foot passengers.
Early Routes
The routes used by early mail stage companies jogged along by Little River road, which is about the coastal center of Wells, climbed Cole's Corner, passed Jefferd's Tavern, faring east through Harrisicket by the Saco path. Soon after 1800 came the turnpike.
Stage coach days were lively ones in Kennebunk, for the town. was halfway between Portland and Portsmouth, and the east and west bound coaches crossed here, and stopped at Jefferd's Tavern to change horses. There were 12 stages running from
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Portland by different routes, and of these five arrived and de- parted each day, and the other three times a week. Seven of these carried mails.
Growth and Changes
The growth and changes of the system which Benjamin Franklin established can be studied from data in books of the early postmasters, some of them prized possessions of local citi- zens. By 1798, a rate was established for every single letter that was sent by land. In that day a person could send one page six miles for six cents, 60 miles for eight cents, 100 miles for ten cents, 150 miles for a shilling, 200 miles for fifteen cents, 250 miles for seventeen cents, 350 for twenty cents, 450 for twenty-two cents, and for a greater distance, twenty-five cents. There was no allowance for intermediate distances. Every double letter paid the said rates, every triple letter, triple, every packet weighing one ounce paid at the rate of four single letters or one ounce.
It is a far cry from the rates and service of those early days to standard rates and fast railroad and air mail service. The post office is even in the banking business, commodities of all kinds are forwarded by mail and it is not uncommon in the spring to hear the faint peeps of little chickens in the work room of the office, thousands of them being shipped by mail every year.
The doors of the new post office on Summer Street were opened for business on Monday, March 11, 1938, and the first post office in Maine had a permanent home after wandering about town 163 years.
STORER MANSION
Any description of Kennebunk Village would be incomplete without a somewhat extended account of Col. Joseph Storer and his family. He was the son of John Storer, descended from one of the early settlers of Wells, born May 17, 1725, married in 1753 to Hannah Murch of Greenland, N. H. He came to Kennebunk to make it a permanent home in 1757, built the small one-story house which stood on the lot now occupied by the residence of the late Paul I. Andrews who built in 1894. It was then moved to
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Hovey Street where it now stands. About or a little before 1760 he built the Mansion now standing, although many changes have been made inside and outside. There used to be a long roof at the back as was the style in many of the old houses of that date.
There is a picture of the house on the York County map of 1856 showing how it looked then. The front part of the barn with the tree through the roof was built a little later. It was the first house in town to be painted. He owned all the land on the northwest side of Main Street from the river to the entrance of the present cemetery and a large tract below by the side of the river known to later generations as the old Factory pasture. Also a mile square of woodland near the Village on the road to Alfred and nearly or all of the mill privileges. He commanded a regiment in the Revolutionary Army and died at Albany, N. Y., in 1777. His widow died in 1790. Her body was the first inter- ment in the graveyard near the church of the First Parish.
At the time of Col. Storer's death the only lot that had been sold on Main Street was that on which the First Parish Church now stands. He left two sons, Clement and Joseph. Clement married and settled in Portsmouth, N. H. He was a physician. Joseph married in 1808 Miss Priscilla Cutts of Portsmouth, N. H., and brought his bride to the family mansion. He was at that time considered the most wealthy man in town. The prop- erty was never divided, but as lots were sold they divided the proceeds. Soon after the death of Col. Storer, his sons commenced selling the estate.
Joseph probably operated or leased to others the saw mill. He built, 1783-85 a large two-story store on the western end of the triangle in which he traded. He also kept the post office (succeeding Barnard) which he kept until 1810, when he was ap- pointed Collector of Customs, which office he held sixteen years (George Wheelwright, Deputy). This store was purchased about 1833 by Isaac Lord and moved to High Street nearly opposite Friend Street. Lord sold to Capt. Joseph Hatch, Jr. Hatch's heirs to A. M. Reed.
Joseph Storer died in 1832 aged 76 years. Mrs. Storer was distinguished for the ease and grace of her manners and her residence was formerly considered the most genteel in the Vil- lage. President Munroe honored her by a call while on his cast- ern tour in 1817, and here in 1825 General Lafayette while on
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his visit to the U. S. was introduced to the ladies of Kennebunk. This visit named the elm tree. Mrs. Storer died at Prospect Hill, Fairfax Co., Va., Feb. 4, 1860, aged 86. As neither of the brothers had children, this branch of the Storer family is extinct.
In November, 1844, Capt. Wm. Lord, Jr., purchased of the widow of Joseph Storer the homestead estate of about 20 acres. At that time the field on the western side of Storer Street ex- tending from the bridge to the Parson Fletcher farm belonged to the estate. This was sold in lots by Capt. Lord. He also made many improvements in the buildings and' fences. In April, 1869, his son, Chas. W. Lord, sold the old Storer house with the resi- dence and about 11 acres of land to Chas. Parsons. In October, 1870, Mr. Parsons had the large stones in front of the house hauled from Alfred and placed as a front fence. One is 29x3x1 ft. and the other 30x3x1 feet. In the fall of 1891 he had the land surveyed and divided into lots; Parsons Street laid out, Bourne Street extended and most of the lots were sold at public auction. The homestead was sold to Owen Berry. His son, W. C. Berry, had a paint shop at the corner of Storer and Garden Streets. The house is now owned by Mrs. Chas. H. Brown, bought in 1908.
The barn with the tree growing through the roof formerly attracted much attention. That part of the barn was built by Capt. Lord about 1858. The barn has recently been razed.
The Lafayette Elm and lot surrounding it was deeded to the town bv the heirs of Charles Parsons, Jan. 3, 1916. The tree in 1921, five ft. above the ground was 17 ft. 3 in. girth; spread, 137 ft. It is now a part of the park system.
PORTLAND, SACO AND PORTSMOUTH RAILROAD
The October number of the magazine published in the inter- ests of the Boston & Maine railroad and its employees, carries' an article on the official opening of the Portland, Saco and Ports- mouth railroad (now the Eastern division). It is not only of historical valne. but of decided interest locally because of the rumored abandonment of this pioneer road. The article, written by A. Harry Chick, follows: .
In September, 1842, there was opened for public travel a railroad 52 miles in length, running from Portland, Maine to Portsmouth, N. H., This, one of the pioneer roads of the East, was known as the Portland, Saco and Portsmouth Railroad and
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formed an important connecting link in the great chain of rail- roads that now make up our Boston and Maine system.
"When the road was completed from Portland to Portsmouth, a special train ran over its length for the accommodation of invited guests. This train left Portland on the morning of Sep- tember 13, 1842, picking up the invited passengers at the va- rious points along the way. Arriving in Portsmouth around noon, dinner was served, at the road's expense, at one of the public houses or inns."
Accompanying Mr. Chick's article is a reproduction of an early railroad pass, and a ticket to a ball, which were the prized possessions of the author's grandparents. The ball was held on' March 4, 1842, in the Mousam House, Kennebunk, in celebration of the completion of the railroad to that point. The ball ticket reads as follows:
Portland, Saco and Portsmouth RAILROAD BALL
No.
The Company of Joshua Chick, Jr., and lady is respectfully requested at the Mousam House, Kennebunk,
on the Evening of March 4, 1842
Augustus E. Hale Albert Taunt
Arthur Beede
Managers
Dancing commences at half past six o'clock Following is the invitation issued : Mr. Joshua Chick, Jr.
Sir: The President and Directors of the P. S. & P Rail Road Co. invite you and your Lady to take a ride in their cars, Sept. 13 if fair weather, otherwise, on the first fair week-day thereafter.
The cars will stop at Branch Road- crossing.
Please hand this to the conductor.
Cars leave Portland at 63 o'clock A. M. Respectfully, Joshua Calef.
The author of the article says that his grandmother has re-
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lated to him that the train was made up of a small cabless en- gine and several flat cars, with rough board seats. On the re- turn trip the engine got off the iron near the station now called Agamenticus, and that several yoke of oxen were required to haul it on the rails again.
ORIGINAL HYMNS SUNG AT CENTENARY
Kennebunk's observance of the 100th anniversary of the na- tion's birth, well remembered by some of our citizens, has brought to light some interesting details that are not mentioned in Remich's History. One of the features of the procession un- der the command of Col. James M. Stone, chief marshal of the day, was a group of thirteen girls representing the thirteen orig- inal states. Each girl wore a sash made of the national colors and bearing the name of the state she represented. Mrs. Carrie (Hall) Emmons represented Delaware and she still has the sash she wore that day, a prized possession. Another one of the group was Mrs. Mary (Meserve) Ross, librarian, who also has the sash she wore in the parade.
Miss Elizabeth Hatch, who lived in a house on the site now occupied by the residence of Charles W. Goodnow, composed the words of a hymn that was sung on that occasion. Another original hymn was composed by Mrs. O. M. P. Lord, mother of Mrs. George F. Robinson of Summer Street. Copies of these hymns, in excellent condition, are owned by Mrs. George W. Bourne of Summer Street. They follow:
HYMN By Mrs. O. M. P. Lord THE CENTENNIAL TREE Tune: Uxbridge It stands before our eyes today So slight, so full of youthful grace; Yet added years of storm and wind Will find it in this chosen place.
With goodly shade and free to all, The smallest bird that needs a nest, And straying from some far off clime The weariest foot that seeks for rest.
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So, in that pledge our fathers gave The feeblest hope assurance found, And 'neath its sheltering arms, our race Rose with new vigor from the ground.
That we their vows will ne'er forsake Nor let this trusting hope decline, But bear it up through weal and woe We make this tree an outward sign. Kennebunk, July 4, 1876.
HYMN By Miss E. W. Hatch Tune: Hebron
With a strong arm and outstretched hand, O God of nations! Thou didst wrest Thine ancient people from the land, 1 Where long in bonds they were oppress'd. 1 So, when our fathers felt the yoke A foreign power sought to impose, Thy gracious hand each fetter broke, And lo! a nation,-free,-uprose.
When treacherous sons essayed to rend The Union thus divinely plan'd,
Thy powerful arm again didst send Salvation to our stricken land.
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