Sketches of Brooks history, Part 19

Author: Norwood, Seth W. (Seth Wademere), 1884- compiler
Publication date: 1935
Publisher: [Dover, N.H.] [J.B. Page Print. Co.]
Number of Pages: 938


USA > Maine > Waldo County > Brooks > Sketches of Brooks history > Part 19


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37


These officials continued to function as occasion required until the annual meeting in 1916.


Dr. Norman R. Cook served as secretary until 1922, when, upon his removal to Newport, Maine, he was succeeded by Charles O. Var- ney. At the annual meeting of the Brooks Board of Trade, 1916, the following officers were elected. Ezra A. Carpenter, President, Dr. Albert E. Kilgore and Clarence F. Spaulding, Vice-Presidents, Nor- man R. Cook, Secretary, A. R. Pilley, Treasurer, Charles O. Varney, Assistant-Secretary, Ezra A. Carpenter, A. E. Chase, Frank R. York, Thaddeus I. Huxford, G. C. Goddard, Fred H. Brown, Directors. E. C. Holbrook, Auditor.


Committee on Streets and Sidewalks, S. J. Roberts, Henry Cunning- ham, H. E. Jenkins. Committee on Publicity, Albert E. Kilgore, Walter H. Young, Daniel B. Plummer. Committee on Village Im- provements, John W. Hobbs, William C. Austin, Guy A. Prime. Com- mittee on Entertainment, F. H. Brown, J. E. Ellis, Thaddeus I. Hux-


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SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY


ford. Committee on Manufacturing and New Industries, Ezra A. Carpenter, Seth W. Norwood, G. C. Goddard, Charles O. Varney, and Alfred E. Chase.


About seventy-five members were present.


At a meeting of the Board of Trade held in May, 1916, Mr. W. G. Hunton, a travelling industrial agent for the Maine Central Railroad Company, lectured at Crocketts' Hall. Ezra A. Carpenter presiding. Rev. F. H. Martin, assisted by Mrs. Willard S. Jones at the piano, rendered several selections that were much enjoyed.


On June 2, 1916, the Brooks Board of Trade enjoyed a banquet at Union Hall. Seth W. Norwood, Esq., officiating as toast-master. The list of local speakers included Messrs. E. C. Holbrook, Lester H. Shibles, Walter H. Young, R. E. Webber, Isaac Leathers, Albert B. Payson, Daniel B. Plummer, Fred H. Brown and Ezra A. Carpenter. Edwin M. Blanding, Secretary of the Maine State Board of Trade and editor of the Industrial Journal, was the concluding speaker. A most interesting feature of the occasion was the inspiring music by the Brooks Band.


Among the activities of the Brooks Board of Trade is the efforts of its members to help make possible the new high school building and the raising of $20,000 to induce the Central Maine Power Com- pany to extend its lines to Brooks. The efforts of its members in having clothing manufacturers locate at Brooks, and while the records of the organization to give it credit for its entire activities is not available, everything of a civic nature and betterment to the com- munity has had the indorsement of the Board of Trade since its or- ganization and from time to time the leading citizens have served the Board of Trade in an official capacity and as members of ac- tive committees.


The annual meeting, 1917, following officials were elected: Presi- dent. Ezra A. Carpenter; Vice-Presidents. Dr. Albert E. Kilgore, Clarence F. Spaulding; Treasurer, A. R. Pilley; Clerk, Dr. Norman R. Cook; Asst. Clerk, Charles. O. Varney; Trustees, Clarence F. Spaulding. Frank R. York, Thaddeus I. Huxford. Dr. Albert E. Kil- gore, Fred H. Brown.


There was no election for a period of years until 1926, at the an- mal meeting the following officers were elected: "President, Everett Brown; Vice-Presidents. Albert E. Kilgore, George F. Lord; Trea- surer, A. R. Pilley: Clerk. Charles O. Varney; Trustees, Albert E. Kil- gore. Albert B. Payson. Harry Gordon. Frank R. York, Fred H. Brown.


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BROOKS BANDS


About 1893 Brooks enjoyed a Uniformed Band which played on local occasions and its services were in demand throughout the County of Waldo, on holidays and occasions for celebrations. The available list has been furnished by Otis W. Lane: Edward B. Edwards, Leader; Cornets, Edward B. Edwards, Everett C. Tasker, F. W. Pingree; Bass, R. G. Edwards, F. Tasker; Tenor, F. L. Emmons, Albert R. Pilley; Baritone, Willard S. Jones; Alto, Eben W. Miller, Charles Albert Lane, Gilbert L. Morrill, Blinn F. Stantial; Bass-Drum, Rob- ert McTaggart; Snare Drum, Otis W. Lane; Cymballs, Frank H. Lane; Trombone, Harry M. Brown; Piccolo, Frank Holbrook; Drum Major, John H. Gordon. This Band developed into a musical organ- ization of considerable ability, but with several of its members mov- ing to other places, it was unable to maintain its membership and after a time it was found necessary to disband.


About 1914 through the efforts of several of the members of the organization of 1893, interests in a musical organization was revived and with Harry F. Drew of Waterville as instructor and leader, an organization was perfected and existed until 1918 when several of the younger members entered the services of the World War. Since that date Brooks has not had any Band. The members of the organiza- tion of 1914 were: Leader, Harry F. Drew; Cornets, Harry F. Drew, Clarence F. Spaulding, Everett G. Cilley; Baritone, Hollis Jones, Trombone, Albert R. Pilley, Herbert C. Ellis; Bass Drum, Willard S. Jones; Snare Drum, Otis W. Lane; Clarinet, Lee Kenney, H. H. Pea- vey; Bass, Everett E. Brown; Alto, Leroy I. Staples, Elbert G. Moul- ton, Bernard F. Ellis; other members were: Everett C. Tasker, Mar- shall Ellis, Harry M. Brown, Donald Hogan, William F. Emmons.


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BROOKS FIRE DEPARTMENT


Following the fire of 1908 at a special town meeting held May 21, 1908, it was voted to purchase fire apparatus and the sum of twelve hundred dollars ($1200) was raised to pay for the same.


' The committee to be in charge of the purchase of the fire engine was Dr. Albert E. Kilgore, William H. Rolfe, Edwin C. Holbrook, Roscoe A. Jones, Riley B. Prime. At the same meeting it was also voted to raise the sum of one thousand dollars ($1000) for a fire house, the Selectmen and Fire Chief to constitute the building committee.


Following the fire in 1918 at a special town meeting held May 20, 1918, it was voted to raise a sum not to exceed one thousand and fifty dollars ($1,050) and the old hand engine in exchange for a steam fire engine.


In addition thereto there was about six hundred dollars ($600) con- tributed by the citizens of the Town.


The fire of January 9, 1925 destroyed the fire house and at the annual town meeting in March, 1925, there was appropriated the sum of one thousand dollars to build a new engine house. In May, 1925, Fred L. Emmons commenced construction of the new building. E. C. Boody was the first Chief of the fire department, which was a volun- tary organization. He took a very active interest in the affairs of the company, and by the assistance of public subscriptions added to the fire equipment from time to time.


Albert B. Payson is the present chief of the fire department.


A room in the engine house was for a time used as the selectmens office, for monthly meetings for the Board of Trade and for band rehearsals.


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BROOKS THREE-QUARTER CENTURY CLUB


MEMBERS OF THE THREE-QUARTER CENTURY CLUB


The following is a list of the men and women of the town of Brooks who were over seventy-five years of age, August, 1927 :- Francis M. Forbes, 91, born November 1, 1833; William C. Rowe, 90, born Jan- uary 12, 1835; O'Shea W. Sylvester, 88, April 27, 1837; Samuel A. Payson, 87, born May 31, 1838; Mary J. Johnson, 87, born in 1838; Charles E. Peabody, 84, born February 7, 1841; Abbie J. Cilley, 83, born July 7, 1841; Stanley A. Perkins, 82, born August 23, 1843; S. B. Patterson, 81, born March 6, 1844; M. S. Stiles, 80, born May 26, 1845; Sophie Rowe, 80, born May 3, 1845; Susan F. Lord, 80, born February 19, 1845; Hannah E. Small, 80, born November 18, 1844; Eliza Hutch- inson, 80, born December 6, 1844; Rose E. Perkins, 79, born July 8, 1846; Mary A. Lancaster, 78, born May 15, 1847; Electus Oakes, 78, born May 9, 1847; George Ladner, 78, born 1847; Fannie R. Bailey, 78, born August 6, 1847; Louise M. Peavey, 77, born May 31, 1848; Almeda Chase, 77, born April 1, 1848; Margaret Cilley, 77, born Nov- ember 30, 1847; John Cilley, 76, born November 25, 1848; Jesse C. Forbes, 76, born November 16, 1848; Charles E. Bowen, 76, born March 25, 1849; Maria R. Bailey, 75, born February 7, 1850; Horatio L. El- well, 75, born April 27, 1850; Isaac Leathers, 75, born August 24, 1850; Hattie P. Clifford, 75, born August 23, 1850; Charles H. Forbes, 75, born July 10, 1850; Leona Bowen, 75, born February 17, 1850; George W. Peavey, 75, born October 4, 1849; Abbie E. Dow, born March 7, 1848; Mahlon Curtis, John D. Gibbs, and Otis W. Lane, Mar. 2, 1850.


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SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY


PERSONS OVER 70 YEARS OF AGE IN TOWN OF BROOKS, WALDO COUNTY, MAINE, DEC. 31, 1928


Maria Bailey


James F. Jewell


Martha Baddershall


Willard S. Jones


*Charles Bessey


George Ladner


E. C. Boody


Otis W. Lane


Elnora Boody


*Enoch Leathers


Susanna Brown


*Isaac Leathers Milton Leonard


Joel Cilley


*Susan Lord


*Margaret Cilley Hattie Clifford


Rose Perkins


Affie Crockett


Stanley Perkins


Abbie Dow


Alphonso Randall


Anna Elwell


*Abbie Roberts


*Horatio Elwell


*Charles Roberts Emma Roberts


Samuel Elwell


*Charles Forbes


Julia Roberts


Josephine Fogg


Sophia Rowe


*John Gibbs


Sarah Sayward


Joseph Ginn Ella Gordon


Elizabeth Stiles


*John W. Hobbs


*Eliza Hutchinson


Emma Huxford


H. C. Stover


Frank Swett


Hollis Tibbetts


Abbie Tibbetts


Hannah Small


*Llewellyn Stimpson Jeannette Stone


*Deceased since Dec. 31. 1928, verified April 14, 1931.


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*Abbie Cilley


George Peavey


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HOTELS


Brooks has always been fortunate even in its pioneer days in having as proprietors of its Taverns, Inns, and Hotels, men and women who prided themselves in catering to the traveling public. The hospitality, the warmth, and greetings always apparent have made Brooks always popular. Prior to 1855, homes were opened to entertain the traveling public, but not until James O. Nesmith opened the "Nesmith House", what is now known as "Brooks Inn." This house was maintained by the Nesmiths until the early part of 1874. In 1870 Nathan Hills pur- chased the "Boynington House" situated on the corner now occupied by the residence of Elmer G. Roberts. This house known as the "Rail- road House" and later "Our House" enjoyed a very liberal patronage for several years. It was of the type of the old time Inns and Taverns.


Daniel Jones in 1871 moved to Brooks Village from South Brooks and in 1873 or 1874 opened the "Station House" opposite the Railroad Station on the lot of land now occupied by Isaac Leathers as a resi-


Brooks Square, 1877, Hill Tavern on left corner; Man- ter House on right corner; A. R. Pilley's House in the Distance.


LISTON


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SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY


dence. About 1880 he changed the name to "Travelers' Home" and this was operated as such until about 1884.


From 1875 to 1887 Loring Rose and his son, Albert H. Rose opened the "Rose House" being situated on the opposite side of the road from the house owned by Daniel Jones and known as the "Traveler's Home". The "Rose Home" is now occupied by Hale Rose, grandson and son of Loring and Albert H. Rose. Political speakers and Grand Army Vet- erans were ofttimes entertained at the "Rose House'. It ceased to operate as the "Rose House" about 1887. Until recently . the present occupants have entertained a few boarders.


In 1888 George Briggs took over the "Nesmith House" and conducted it as a Hotel known as "Briggs House" until 1896, when he sold it to Frank R. York of Monroe. Mr. York continued it as a hotel under the name of "York Hotel". In 1921 he sold the hotel and stable to Her- bert Hamlin and Leland Young. In 1922 Mr. Young sold his interest to Albert B. Payson. Mr. Payson later purchasing the interest of Mr. Hamlin, and since 1921 it has been known as "Brooks Inn" and at the present time it is conducted by Albert B. and Marie York Payson, his wife.


For a few years, about 1888 to 1890, Jacob Webster maintained a Boarding house on Main Street West, called Central House.


Robert Thompson formerly lived on the H. D. Roberts place and Michael Chase purchased the Isaac Roberts' place now occupied by James F. Jewell, and a Mr. Bolter who for a time lived in the place now occupied by Albert R. Pilley, and Hugh M. Boynton lived in a house on the lot now occupied by Elmer G. Roberts. The little place or the barn as situated went with the stand and at one time Henry Rich lived there and was engaged in trade. It was occupied for a time by Nathan Hills and known as the Hills House. The records show that this was a tavern well patronized and tradition is that he was occa- sionally arraigned in court for selling liquor. Later the house was oc- cupied by John Garland and the House known as the Rose House was occupied at one time by Benjamin Farris. He sold to Dr. Noah Gil- man who came to Brooks about 1823. When Farris sold, he pur- chased the lot of land formerly occupied by Lot Jones, now known as the "Bowen House" and occupied by Bert F. Wentworth. Dr. Gilman sold to Jacob Havener who had a blacksmith shop across the street almost opposite the original location of the Union Church. Havener sold to Loring Rose and removed to Belfast.


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له المحدد مدزاف


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HOTELS


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Daniel Jones


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Frank R. York


DANIEL JONES


DANIEL JONES, son of Samuel and Nancy Sherman Jones, was born in Camden, Maine, July 23, 1809; died June 21, 1886; Samuel Jones came to Brooks from Camden when Daniel was about nine years of age; having purchased land of Thorndike, Presscott, and Sears, the proprietors, and erected a house; Daniel lived at South Brooks until 1871, when he removed to Brooks Village; about 1873 or 1874 he ob- tained a hotel known as the "Station House", which is located on a lot of land now occupied as the residence of Isaac Leathers, opposite the railroad station; Daniel married first Sarah Ann Austin, January 28, 1841, who died September 17, 1852; children, Charles L. Jones born January 10, 1842, died September, 1901; married Harriet Damon of Brooks; one child, C. A. Jones of Wakefield, Mass .; Harriet R. Jones born October 23, 1843, died December 24, 1894; William A. Jones, born September 30, 1845, died March 19, 1899; married May Damon of Brooks; two children, Lillian and Ralph of Brockton, Mass .; Oliver W., born January 17, 1846, died March 13, 1866; Horace B. Jones, born November 23, 1848, died July 3, 1918, married Mabel Ballou. March 13, 1878; two children, Clara, deceased, and Helen Jones Tay- lor of Reading. Mass .; Sarah A. Jones, born January 9, 1851, died No- vember 18, 1853.


Married second Margaret R. Johnson, March 6, 1856; children: Eveline Jones, born January 5. 1857, married Charles Colson, June 10, 1882, lives in Winterport, Maine, has four children; Della A. Jones,


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SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY


born March 31, 1860, married John McTaggart of Belfast, Maine, Dec- ember 24, 1881, died September 4, 1900; children: Hazel M. and James Jones McTaggart; Herbert Jones, born March, 1863, and died Dec. 24, 1894; Emery W. Jones, born August 13, 1868, died March 2, 1871; Ber- tha Jones, born October 13, 1870, died March 11, 1871.


Daniel Jenes occupied many positions of trust and was most active in. his opposition to the Town assuming financial responsibility in re- gard to financing the railroad. His Hotel early established a reputa- tion for hospitality to travelers. That his guests might be comfortable in addition to warming the rooms, a late arrival from Dixmont or over the mountains found his bed extra warm by a nice hot brick, soap- stone, or a large piece of hard wood, well wrapped. His table was the subject of favorable comment among those who were entertained at his hotel.


Lines Suggested on the Death of Little SARAH ANN JONES, Daughter of Daniel Jones


We miss thee! We miss thee! But we cannot mourn


Thy spirit is joyous in its blissful home,


We saw thy lovely smile, thy rose blushed cheek,


And thy pretty lips; all told us not to weep.


The angel messenger in his touch of death


Has bid thee come away from the things of earth,


To dwell in fairer realms in the land of rest;


And we feel indeed that "Thou are early blest."


Thou hast gone to meet with thy beloved mother,


But Ah! behind thee is left a lonely father


Whose aching heart, and oft, silent falling tear


Will breathe fond remembrance of his child so dear.


Thy innocent prattle no more fills his ears;


His child has been taken in its infant years.


But thou art saying in all the language given,


Come now dear father, come join us in Heaven.


Composed November 20, 1853 by SAMUEL H. JONES and presented to Daniel Jones


FRANK R. YORK


FRANK R. YORK was the son of Gardiner and Lydia Rich York, born in Monroe, Maine, November 23, 1860. Married Jennie E. Colson, March 3, 1884. Children: Marian E. born December 3, 1884, died June 6, 1913, married Alfred R. Huxford; Marie A. born November 23, 1889, married Charles A. Goodwin, then Albert B. Payson; children: Frank R. Goodwin, born March 3, 1908, graduate of Brooks High


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243


HOTELS


School, student of University of Maine; Marion Y. Goodwin, born March 27, 1911.


Mr. York removed to Brooks, Maine, January 4, 1895. He has been active in Hotel management, farming and milling. In 1903 he pur- chased the "Briggs House" so-called and renamed it "York's Hotel" and continued the management until 1920. He started the movement for the erection of Union Hall in 1903 and it was completed in 1904 and has been its manager since that date.


He became associated with the Waldo and Penobscot Telephone Company at the time of its incorporation in 1902 and has been local manager since that date.


In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Marsh River Lodge of F. & A. M., Golden Crown Lodge 108 Knights of Pythias, and the Pythian Sisters of Brooks.


He retired from active business since 1920. Since retiring from the Hotel business he has been engaged in certain real estate interests which he has been developing.


HOTELS


Year


1855


James O. Nesmith-"Nesmith House"


1870


James O. Nesmith-"Nesmith House"


1871


Nathan Hills-"Hills House"


S. E. Nesmith


1872-1873


Nathan Hills-"Railroad House"


1874


Nathan Hills-"Our House"


Daniel Jones-"Station House"


1875-1879


Daniel Jones-"Station House"


Loren and Albert H. Rose-"Rose House"


1880-1884


Loren and Albert H. Rose-"Rose House"


1885-1887


Loren and Albert H. Rose-"Rose House"


1888


1889


George Briggs-"Briggs House" Jacob Webster-"Central House" George Briggs-"Briggs House" Jacob Webster-"Central House" George Briggs -- "Briggs House"


1890-1895


Frank R. York-"Briggs House"


1896-1897


Frank R. York-"York's Hotel"


1898-1920


1921 Hamlin and Young-"York's Hotel"


1922


Hamlin & Payson-"York's Hotel"


Daniel Jones-"Travelers' Home"


In


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SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY


Year 1923-1926 1927-1930


"Brooks Inn"-Jennie Colson Hamlin, Prop.


"Brooks Inn"-Marie Y. Payson, Prop.


1928-1930


"Rose House"-Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Rose RESTAURANT


.


1923


H. J. Grant


HOTEL REGISTER


ROSE HOUSE


A. Rose, Prop.


First name registered in 1875. "The Great Pavilion Show" regis- tered May 27th, 1878. Two shows, afternoon 21/2 o'clock; evening 8 o'clock. Alf Martz and 10 other actors.


Monroe Cornet Band registered September 15, 1886.


Last name registered December 19, 1887.


The original Rose House sign that was suspended from a pole near the Southwest corner of Rose House is in service at the present time. The sign was placed in 1875 or '76.


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HALLS


As early as 1846 letters in the possession of the older residents of the Community of Brooks shows that the citizens gathered at the home of Phineas Ashmun. A large unfinished room being used as a Hall. Later school buildings in the various school ricks and districts were used for Community gatherings. The Union Church at a very early date was used for church entertainments and at Christmas time. The Boyning- ton House, later known as the Hills House, as early as 1862 was used for entertainments. From 1882 to 1895 Hiram Pattee maintained a Public Hall.


KILGORE HALL


The building known as Kilgore Hall was used for Band Meetings and by the Knights of Pythias from 1896-1904. The building is sit- uated on the right hand side of the road from Brooks Square to Monroe.


MEMORIAL HALL


The Grand Army or Memorial Hall was built in 1891, due to the ef- forts of the members of George E. Davis Post, G. A. R., and was oc- cupied by them until its membership was so decreased by death that it was not to their advantage to continue the occupation of the same. It was also occupied and used as a public hall, and for the meetings of the Grange and other lodges. In 1911 the G. A. R. sold the building to Thaddeus I. Huxford, who remodeled it for use as a grist mill, using gasoline as power at first and later electricity. Mr. Huxford built a large addition on the east side of the building. He later sold the build- ing and business to Clarence F. Spaulding, who conducted a grain and feed store for several years. He sold out to Merrill and Mayo from Waterville who operated a grain store until 1928, when they sold to the A. E. Chase Company to be used as a store house.


YANKEE BLADE HALL


A building opposite the Railroad Station formerly owned by the late Charles E. Lane and known as the Yankee Blade Hall, because the paper known as the Yankee Blade was published there. This building was used for public purposes from 1872-1914. The building is now owned by the A. E. Chase Company as a ware house.


Thải &


لغة الكريـ


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246


SKETCHES OF BROOKS HISTORY


UNION HALL


In 1903 Frank R. York interested himself in a movement which re- sulted in the erection and completion in January, 1904, of Union Hall at a cost of five thousand dollars.


In addition to subscription to stock by the citizens of Brooks, Marsh River Lodge F. & A. M. and Golden Crown Lodge No. 108, Knights of Pythias became very substantial owners.


For over 25 years Mr. York has acted as manager of Union Hall. With the completion of Union Hall in 1904 this building with its large dining room and kitchen in the basement, auditorium on the second floor, and third floor occupied by the Fraternities of the Town was the center of public entertainment and remains so at this time.


CROCKETT'S THEATRE


In 1916 Mr. Pearl Crockett purchased of the John H. Gordon Estate the building used by him as a pants factory and originally erected as a cheese factory, was reconstructed by Mr. Crockett into an up-to-date picture theatre. In 1919 Crockett's Hall was destroyed by fire. A pub- lic response to the needs of the Community for a moving picture the- atre resulted in a Corporation being formed and the subscription to stock was soon equal the requirements for the new building. Since that date the building has been used as a picture theatre with the ex- ceptions of a brief period following the fire of 1925 when it was used as a factory for the manufacture of clothing, and used for a time as a skating rink. The Theatre is now owned and managed by Mrs. Ham- ilton E. Jenkins and is equipped with a modern Movietone machine.


PEARL CROCKETT


Pearl Crockett, the son of Charles and Ada Day Crockett, born at Springfield, Maine, August 23, 1875. Married first, Vine Dorsey, Jan- uary 26, 1897. Married second, Ara Murray, March 13, 1920.


One child, by first marriage, Helen Crockett, born February 23, 1901 and married Clarence Wilcox.


Mr. Crockett is actively engaged as an Artesian Well driller and re- cently purchased and re-constructed a building which is now located near the Marsh River Bridge and conducts a general dry goods store. Is a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, a Methodist, a Republican.


GRANGE HALL


In 1924 Harvest Home Grange of Brooks purchased of the Friend's Monthly Meeting the Friends' Church and this building has been used for Grange purposes since that time.


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HALLS


HALLS


Masonic Hall


The Masonic Hall which was situated at Brooks Square, on a lot of land now occupied by the southern section of the Albert B. Payson block, was occupied as a lodge room by Marsh River Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, No. 102 for about forty years. The Post-Office was located in this building for several years. It appears from records on file in the office of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Maine at Portland, Maine, that at a meeting of Marsh River Lodge, held in December, 1860, it was voted to hire the A. D. Bean Hall at a rental of $12.00 per month. A report of a committee previously ap- pointed was accepted. In 1862 a report of a committee was accepted in regard to removing to the Nesmith Hall located in the Nesmith House on the location now occupied by Brooks Inn. In 1864 a committee of the lodge was appointed to report in regard to the advisability of build- ing a hall. In 1865 records show that the lodge voted not to build a hall, but in 1866 the Grand Lodge records show that a permanent hall was completed. In 1904 the lodge acquired a substantial interest in and removed the lodge rooms to Union Hall. The old Masonic Hall was then sold to W. A. Winchester who remodeled the building for commercial purposes. It was destroyed in the fire of 1908. Prior to the occupancy of the Bean Hall the lodge occupied temporary quarters in a large room in the house now owned and occupied by Albert R. Pilley.


Year




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