USA > Maine > York County > Buxton > One hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Buxton, Maine : held at Buxton lower corner, August 16, 1922 : with additional history > Part 10
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The account books of Samuel Edgerly show that from 1820 to 1840 were the years in which the best business was done.
In 1850 Samuel Edgerly died, and at that time the business was taken up by a son, Oren Edgerly, who carried it on in the same way until about 1870 when, on account of sickness and in- firmity, the business was gradually given up by him. Just before this date, or in the late 60's, a new industry started in the Edgerly shop, namely the making of women's footwear in serge or cloth tops with leather soles. These were known as turns, the soles being sewn on and then turned right side out, and the heels being nailed on to complete the shoe.
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Work was shipped here from Massachusetts, and the last lot from Rochester, N. H. This work was also done by members of the Edgerly family, namely, Samuel and Frank, sons of Oren Edgerly. After a few years this line of work was also given up.
The Edgerly Tannery was not the only tannery in town but is given as a fair sample of others. One was located at Kimball's Corner, so-called, one at Buxton Center, one on the farm occu- pied by H. H. Locke, one at Salmon Falls, and possibly others.
The tannery on the farm now owned by H. H. Locke was for years operated by Mr. Chase Parker who married the first white girl born in Narragansett, now the town of Buxton.
HOMESPUN
Long before any mill for the manufacture of woolen cloth for men's wear, or any other wear, was installed in Buxton, almost every neighborhood had its local Spinner and Weaver who used to operate the old-fashioned home made looms. The writer can well remember one of those good old souls who oper- ated one of them; can in fancy see with what dexterity she would throw the shuttle first with one hand and then the other as it passed from right to left through the warp filling in thread by thread of the filling.
These looms, clumsy as they were, were capable of producing a great variety of goods, not only the heavy filled cloth for men's wear, but shawls, counterpanes, fancy bedspreads, and fancy goods for the gentlefolk.
This heavy woolen cloth for men's wear, after it was woven and before it was fit to wear, had to be shrunk and fulled, as it was called. At Bar Mills, and possibly other places in town, was a plant known as a Fulling Mill where this could be done.
The site of this old mill cannot be found, but the deed of the old yard where the old "Warping Bars" were located can still be pointed out.
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One Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary POTTERIES IN BUXTON
It must have been in the year 1825 or earlier, at least one hun- dred years ago, that the pottery on Haines' Meadow was first operated. This pottery was operated in the 60's by two brothers by the name of Bickford and the writer can well recall when, as a boy, fishing in the brooks nearby, he had called and seen an old man who no doubt was one of the "Bickford boys" at work at the potter's wheel, moulding flowerpots.
He also moulded a small jug and asked me which side to put the handle on, and as I was in doubt myself, he told me that they usually put it on the outside.
This pottery turned out milk pans, bean pots, bowls and various other shaped dishes used in the housekeeping arts. These milk pans as well as other dishes were glazed on the inside, were burned a dull red and before the tin became common were in general use.
After this pottery was given up by the Bickfords, Clarence S. Bradbury operated it for a short time, but it is now deserted. The buildings are torn down, or moved away, and a small clay pit with a few broken fragments of pottery are the only things that mark the location of the old industry, once so prosperous.
FURNITURE MILLS AND FACTORIES IN BUXTON AT BAR MILLS
Some time prior to 1868 Goodwin Bradbury and Edwin Brad- bury came to Buxton and operated a factory at Bar Mills for mak- ing chamber furniture and furniture in general. This was carried on until the factory was burned.
This plant laid idle until 1881 when Woodman, Shepard and Wing erected a building on the same spot and established the Maine Furniture Company. This company made all kinds of chamber furniture, both hard and soft wood, also finished it ready to be installed in any home. This was operated until 1900 when the whole power plant including the factory, a building 60 feet by
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I 24 feet two stories in height, also a sawmill connected, were sold to the Leatherboard Company.
The buildings being changed and new machinery being added, the manufacture of leatherboard from soleleather scraps was be- gun and continued until March, 1907, when the whole plant was destroyed by fire.
This plant was rebuilt the same season and in September of that season the first board was made in the new mill.
This company meeting financial difficulties sold to the Rogers Fibre Company.
THE ROGERS FIBRE COMPANY
This company makes fibreboard from all sorts of vegetable fibre, including some wood, but the majority of the stock is strings, old ropes, old sails and various other fibres of the same kind and quality.
This board is used in shoe counters, shoe forms, suitcases, trunks, and in various electrical appliances, also in many other arts and trades too numerous to mention.
In 1916 an addition to the plant was made increasing the output of the mill, when running full time, to 300 tons per month.
This industry, when on full time, employs from 70 to 75 men, and as much of its output is sent across the water to various parts of Europe, it means much to the inhabitants of the town.
LUMBER BUSINESS AT WEST BUXTON
While the lumber business at West Buxton had been conducted from the earliest settlement of the town, it remained for George Lord to enter into it extensively and at his death, his son, A. K. P. Lord, developed it to the extent that with modern machinery, in- cluding a gang sawmill, he was able to cut out and put on the market more than three million feet of long lumber a year, be- sides sugar-box shook and heads for hogsheads in great quantities.
This lumber was shipped down the river to Bar Mills on a flat
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bottomed boat, the "Minnehaha," operated by Mr. Lord, where it was reloaded on the cars of the Portland & Rochester, now the Boston & Maine Railroad, and shipped to Portland on its way to Cuba and the West India trade.
THE WOOLEN MILL AT WEST BUXTON
The first Woolen Mill at West Buxton was built so long ago that the exact date is hard to determine, but we know that it was an old building at the time it was burned in 1865. At the time it was destroyed it was owned by George Hall and operated by Aaron Clark. After the old mill was burned the plant remained idle for several years, but in 1881 a larger and better one was erected on the same site.
This mill was operated by John Berryman for a time and then laid idle until the Portland Electric Company came into possession of the entire water power at this place in 1907. This mill since then has been operated by several different people, power being supplied by electricity.
At the present time, 1925, Illingsworth and Rowe are putting out a first class quality of men's wear.
GEORGE G. PAGE BOX MILL
In 1892 the George G. Page Box business was established at Bar Mills on the line of the Boston & Maine Railroad and is still in operation.
This concern makes dry box shook in all sizes, kinds and shapes, ships them by carload to all parts of the country and in a good business year cuts up at least three million feet of lumber, employ- ing 50 men or more. In addition to this the company in 1909 installed machinery to manufacture corrugated paper boxes, being the only corrugated box made in the State of Maine.
In this branch of the business twelve people, both male and female, are employed, using paper by the carload. The boxes,
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being extra strong, are used to pack all kinds of heavy merchandise including hardware and groceries as well as lighter weight goods.
BUXTON STATION
The Buxton Milling Company do a large grain and feed busi- ness at this point. The mill was built in 1888 by Elwin A. Soule and E. C. Carll. It was first operated by E. C. Carll & Co., and later by Soule Bros., who also carried on a box and lumber busi- ness. The gristmill was built as a steam plant, changed to gaso- line power, and now uses electric power.
CARLL CANNING COMPANY
At Duck Pond, at the shop that was formerly the Carll pickle factory, the canning of golden bantam corn was started by E. C. Carll in 1913. At first golden bantam corn on the cob and cut golden bantam corn were packed. In 1916 the Carll Canning Company was incorporated, the packing of cut corn moved to Gorham, and the Buxton shop used in the corn season for golden bantam corn on the cob only. String beans and blueberries have been packed also, with 75 to 90 names on the payroll in the busy season.
The canning of golden bantam on the cob originated here. White corn on the cob had been packed years before in Maine without much success in quality.
The canning of cut golden bantam corn in Maine was also started here at the Carll shop. George C. Shaw & Co., of Port- land, were the first to offer it from any store. Possibly the product may have been previously experimented with in other states, but the beginning in Maine was here and it was its success in Maine that caused it to develop into its present great nation-wide con- sumption.
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One Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary AMERICAN RED CROSS OF BUXTON AND HOLLIS
This was a branch of the York County Chapter of Saco, Maine, and was composed of units from all parts of these two towns, viz .: Bar Mills, West Buxton, Groveville, Silver Lake, Salmon Falls, Buxton Center, Hollis Center, Clark's Mills and River Road.
It was organized May 24, 1917, and shows the work done dur- ing the World War.
The President's Christmas Message to the Nation:
"Our consciences will not let us enjoy the Christmas season if this pledge of support to our cause and the world's weal is left un- fulfilled. Red Cross membership is the Christmas spirit in terms of action."
WOODROW WILSON, President of the American Red Cross.
On November 13, 1917, there were 45 Christmas packages sent to our soldier boys in home camps or "over there." Each package contained: one checker board, box nice candy, pound cake, chocolate, gum, salted nuts, Prince Albert tobacco, Camel ciga- rettes, nice cob pipe, cigarette papers, pipe cleaners, envelopes and writing tablet, lead pencil, postal cards, safety pins, needles, pins, buttons, soap and face cloth.
In 1918 there were 673 names enrolled for membership. There was nearly $2,000 in money collected.
Mrs. Ambrose N. Weeks did good service in the Bar Mills Red Cross and went as a war nurse to the training camps in Vir- ginia.
In 1918 there was sent to the Red Cross Headquarters in Boston 17 cases of goods which contained: 362 sweaters, 432 pairs socks; 231 mufflers, 125 helmets, 437 wristlets, 35 wash cloths, 208 pairs pajamas, 164 convalescent gowns, 225 surgical shirts, 38 pillows, 7 bed spreads, and 3 sweeping caps.
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Money was sent to the European Children's Fund and a large quantity of clothing was sent to the refugees. Every school had its organization of the Junior Red Cross. All the committees who helped on the grand work demonstrated once more that this town is never lacking when it comes to patriotism and doing worldly good.
Officers Mrs. Andrew L. Berry, President. Mrs. James W. Meserve, Secretary. James W. Meserve, Treasurer.
BUXTON'S SHARE IN THE WORLD WAR LIBERTY LOANS BY F. H. HARGRAVES
In a history of Buxton, no record can do justice to its patriotism and generous response to the National call for help to meet the expense incident to the Country's entry to the World War.
FIRST LIBERTY LOAN
For two and one half years the Allied Armies had been fight- ing the German Offensive. Life and treasure had been lavishly sacrificed for the saving of homes and the preservation of liberty.
It became evident to our government, when almost too late, that their powerful antagonist was forcing them back and the German objective was assuming a certainty.
To assist the hard pressed line across the sea and for the pro- tection of our own land Congress on April 2, 1917, declared war on the German nation, and this country at once passed from a state of anxious quietude to one of intense preparatory activity.
The demand upon the resources of the Country was bound to be of great volume, and on April 24, 1917, by an Act of Congress,
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the First Liberty Loan was authorized, and two billions of dollars, in 31/2% bonds, were issued and placed before the people.
The appeal for subscriptions was sent out from the U. S. Treasury at Washington. Large blocks of the bonds were taken by banks, trust companies, corporations and individuals of large means. At an early stage, however, it became apparent that more intimate measures must be taken for the people generally to par- ticipate. A call was sent from Washington to the country banks to assist.
In this section the Buxton and Hollis Savings Bank and the Limerick National Bank were taken as representing financial cen- ters, and their Presidents, Frank H. Hargraves and Charles G. Moulton, were urged into acting as chairmen for subscription ac- tivities.
Buxton and Hollis, and Limerick were assigned bond allot- ments. If other towns were to be included the limited time hard- ly allowed for canvassing, and they received but little attention.
Committees were appointed in Buxton and Hollis; get-together meetings were held for familiarization; a house-to-house canvass was made and the phases of the situation dwelt upon, all of which, aided by the inherent patriotism, met with a ready response.
The records for locality credits at this stage of affairs were in- complete. Many bonds were taken directly, at convenient banks, with no town credit. As near as could be arrived at, the subscrip- tions for the two towns were between seventeen and eighteen thousand dollars. Of that sum it would appear to be right to ap- portion one-half to Buxton.
SECOND LIBERTY LOAN
On September 24, 1917, a second Liberty Loan of three bil- lions of dollars in 4% bonds was authorized by an Act of Con- gress. This loan, following closely that of the first, proved the urgency of the situation.
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The first detachment of troops had sailed for France in June and were already at the front. The call for equipment, ammuni- tion, transportation and housing, and a multitude of other items had keyed the Country up to a high state of preparation and made apparent the need of funds.
Then, too, interest had deepened in the events across the sea. The presence of our men in France and their daring courage had given new life to the sorely pressed Allies and turned the retreat- ing line into an advancing force. Illustrative was the answer of the American commander who was besought to turn back by the disheartened and retreating French -that to go forward was im- possible. "Go back," he said, "why h- we've just gotten here, my orders are to go forward," and they went forward and the Germans went back, and back, from that time.
It is history that wherever they were in the trenches or "Over the top," the courage and the will of the American boys carried all before them. It could not be and was not thought to be, a sacrifice to buy an interest-bearing bond from one's government to sustain such heroism.
In the name of the God of our Fathers keep faith as we fight today. Pour forth your treasure and spare not! Bend to your toil, nor stay !
The time for subscriptions to the second loan was limited and canvassing was at once begun, and meetings were appointed. One at Bar Mills was most eloquently addressed by the Rev. Charles Sargent, pastor of the Buxton Lower Corner Church, and else- where, others lent a hand.
Among those who especially interested themselves for the early success of the loan were James W. Meserve, Herman H. Locke, Dr. H. A. Owen, Edward W. Bodge and Rankin Bartlett. Earl L. Milliken gave liberally of his time and service with most valu- able results. He was especially helpful in the house-to-house can- vassing, which proved to be a necessary preparation for each of the loans.
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At Buxton Center Clarence S. Bradbury, Walter Perry, Dr. Zenas Hanson and J. E. Leavitt were interested and subscribers. At Salmon Falls Miss Georgia Darrah was an interested worker and subscriber, as well as J. Frank Leavitt and Sarah D. Moulton.
At Groveville and vicinity Wilbur C. Waterman, Samuel B. Shepard, Charles Webster, Edwin Hill and many others sensed the situation and lent their influences with subscriptions.
Along the River Road and at West Buxton George L. Davis, James Sands, Elmer Eastman, Everett Boulter, John Haley, Charles Hobson, Fred W. McCorrison, Joseph Sands, Howard M. Davis and others purchased liberally of the bonds.
The outcome of the interest and activity was a bond subscrip- tion to the amount of $19,250. This was further increased some three thousand dollars and over by Buxton people, here and else- where through the bank reports, and the total to the second Lib- erty Loan was safely reckoned at $22,500. It may not be an in- trusion in this history, but of interest, that Hollis was still classed with Buxton, and did even better.
THIRD LIBERTY LOAN
The Third Liberty Loan was a call from the Government for three billion dollars in 414% interest bearing bonds. The al- lotment to Buxton was $27,300 and the collection dates April 17 to May 4, 1918.
The organization for subscriptions to the loan was much more complete than in the other two. A State Chairman had been ap- pointed, Harry A. Rounds of Portland, and one for the County, W. J. Gilpatrick of Biddeford, upon whose retirement, Eugene M. Hewett of Sanford was appointed, who gave the position prominent and efficient service.
A Woman's National Liberty Loan committee had been cre- ated, of which Mrs. John F. Hill of Augusta was chosen as head of the State Committee. Mrs. James W. Meserve was appointed head of the Buxton Committee, which was made up from the Red
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Cross organization and the following members were assigned to assist in the canvass of their localities and credited with the re- turns: Mrs. Herman Locke, Mrs. H. A. Owen, Mrs. Clarence S. Bradbury, Mrs. James W. Meserve, Mrs. Arthur F. Elwell, Mrs. Frank J. Leavitt, Miss Bessie Milliken, Mrs. Edward W. Bodge, Miss Ethel Porter, Miss Eliza Libby, Mrs. Arthur G. Wiley, and Mrs. Fred Benson.
Their interest and effective service was shown by having to their credit the sum of $23,1 50 out of $32,600, the town's sub- scription to the loan, and could well be called a splendid service rendered by the women of Buxton. Congratulations were for- warded from the National and State Chairmen, and honor flags and emblems of victory were received.
Among those who were generous purchasers of the Third Loan were George E. Sawyer, Hall L. Staples Est., by particular care of Isaac A. Clough, Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Pike, Groveville Cemetery Association, Dr. Zenas Hanson again bought, as did Buxton Grange; William Merrill and sister were also subscribers in considerable amount.
FOURTH LIBERTY LOAN
The stress and responsibility for the success of the Fighting Fourth Liberty Loan of six billion dollars were very great.
The German Offensive was at its height. The American boys were in the trenches. Their sufferings and sacrifices were beyond description. They must be upheld by the faith and strength of the home land or their hearts would fail them. Over two mil- lion of our soldiers were across the sea. Thirty divisions were at the front. A million and a half were in the home camps, and thousands were in the hospitals with the dreaded "flu."
Two hundred and fifty to three hundred thousand men were being sent across each month. Locomotives, cars and railroad equipment were also being shipped. Cold storage plants and warehouses were being erected in France, with thousands of frame
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buildings for housing and hospital service. Ambulances, motor trucks, horses and mules were sent over, and millions of pounds of amunition.
Unpreparedness was proved to have been a crime and pacifist talk a myth, for with all the magnitude of effort, the men could not be adequately equipped and much had to be purchased from the French and the British. These expenditures required vast sums of money and the seriousness of the call for the Fighting Fourth Loan was apparent.
The allotment for Buxton was the largest which had been made, but it was met with a determination to join with the boys over sea and go "Over the Top."
The time was short, September 28 to October 19, 1918, for its accomplishment, but the canvassing was accordingly active. The response was liberal. One hundred and eighty-five home resi- dents participated at an average of two hundred dollars and over in the total of $37,450 subscribed. This amount was further in- creased by outside bank credits to a grand total of $45,150.
Among those purchasing liberally were Ezra Berry, Dr. Zenas Hanson, Walter Perry and sister, Hall Staples Est., Rogers Fibre Co., Fanny Waterman, J. W. Meserve, Clarence Bradbury, Edward W. Bodge, Herman H. Locke, I.O.R.M. by Rankin Bartlett, Daniel Palmer, S. W. Scribner, A. W. Soule, Charles Hobson, Thomas Owen, Wilbur C. Waterman, Fred W. McCor- rison, Frank M. Elwell, and many others in very considerable amounts. With these were those of smaller amounts, but whose subscriptions were deserving of even greater credit for the effort and patriotism involved.
If it were possible to record the many such cases of loyalty and - active patriotism in the purchase of bonds of small amounts, when the rate of interest was not attractive and the outcome of the war doubtful, of which intimate knowledge was afforded the chairman or solicitor, Buxton would have further reason to feel proud of its citizenship.
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FOLLOWING THE FOURTH LIBERTY LOAN
When the war was at its height came the call of November 1 I, 1918, for a nation-wide contribution for the thousands of Ameri- can boys, blinded, wounded and dying in the hospitals in France from the terribly intensive German warfare.
Men and women of the Red Cross, Y. M. C.A., Y. W. C. A., the Salvation Army and other organizations, without regard to creed, were nobly assisting surgeons and physicians in their over- extended work and giving comfort and a sympathetic hand grip to many a dying boy.
The burden and expense of this necessary and merciful work became too great to be borne by these organizations, apart from the Red Cross. The sympathy of the Nation was at once enlisted, and by the request of President Wilson, the United War Work Campaign was organized, for assistance and cooperation.
Buxton's share in the allotment was most willingly met with a full belief in its worthiness, and interest and sympathy led to the circulation of petitions by Mrs. George Banks, Mrs. Clarence Bradbury, Mrs. Elmer Eastman, Mrs. Albert T. Elwell, Mrs. Herman H. Locke, Mrs. Joseph Martin, Mrs. J. W. Meserve, Miss Bessie Milliken, Mrs. H. A. Owen, and Mrs. Charles H. Webster.
The star contributors, however, were the Victory boys and girls of the town schools, under the guidance of Mrs. Lida E. Elwell. Community entertainments were given by them, and their in- terest and enthusiasm to do their best was a tribute to their sym- pathy and understanding of what it meant to maintain the liberty and the honor of the Stars and Stripes.
Buxton's allotment was for $600, but J. W. Meserve, treasurer for the campaign, forwarded to County Chairman, E. M. Hew- ett of Sanford, the sum of $1,217.36, and of this, the Victory boys and girls contributed upwards of $ 300.
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One Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary FIFTH LIBERTY LOAN
The Armistice of November 11, 1918, ended the clash of arms in the World War, but the cost entailed by the tremendous efforts of the year and a half could not be as quickly ended. Two mil- lion American boys were in France to be maintained until their home-coming could be accomplished.
Government authorizations could not be terminated without great losses to be made good. Vast quantities of supplies and war equipment were in the process of making. Maimed and crippled soldiers were being cared for at home and abroad. These and countless other expenditures must be provided for.
To meet this aftermath of expense, the Victory Loan of four and a half billion dollars was authorized. While this loan lacked the impetus of former ones, in a possible coming horror such as had befallen Belgium and France, it had in it a spirit of thank- fulness and an appreciation of the obligation to make good to the end, as had sixty thousand American boys who made the supreme sacrifice of life and all that it held for them, to make victory possible.
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