Columbia and Columbia Falls Separate 

 

Prior to March 23, 1863 Columbia Falls and Columbia were one town, the former being at that date incorporated by Legislative enactment.  Columbia was first settled soon after the Revolutionary War and was the 104th incorporated town February 8. 1796.

Since the incorporation of Columbia Falls the business of the “new town” has seemed to receive a new impulse.  Within half a dozen or so years several young men of enterprise and good business ability have introduced themselves with success.

John II Crandon Esquire is engaged in shipbuilding, which gives employment to a large number of people.  He is the son of Joseph Crandon, Esquire, who followed trade and ship building for a long time, but has nearly retired from active business except what lumbering and vessel building he is interested in at Jonesboro.

Mr. Jerome P. Wass is another of the young active and enterprising men of the town.  He is engaged in trade and transactions in real estate that has given increased value to such property.  About a year ago, he sold the Crandon Store stock of goods to L. Leighton 2^nd and son and bought the homestead, several acres of land and the stock of goods of George Harris, Esquire. His speculative turn makes business and creates trade and brings prosperity to himself.  Mr. Harris is about to remove to Machias; when Mr. Wass will occupy the Harris homestead.

L. Leighton and son are doing quite an extensive trade, keeping a well-stocked variety store.  Messrs. T Wilson and son with the two before named are the principal traders in town.

Mr. B. Farrell keeps a clothing store and cuts and makes garments to order.

            Mr. Otis S. Tibbetts is the principal lumber dealer.  Has purchased the mills, timberlands etc, a few years ago of George Harris and Company, for $100,000.  This was the largest purchase of this kind of property ever made by one person in this county.  Mr. Tibbetts has been engaged in lumbering; for many years and has been prosperous.  Messrs. J. H. Crandon, Hillman Allen, Richard Allen and some others do some business in lumber.

            Since the retirement of Hon. J. Lippincott from active business on account of impaired health one Law Firm VIZ: F.C. & E. H. Nash, attended to the business and supply the demand on the legal profession.  They appear to be successful and are probably the only instance in this country where husband and wife constitute a Law firm.  Mr. Nash was admitted to the bar six or seven years ago and Mrs. Nash in October last year.  Mr. Nash is a graduate from Tufts College and has the reputation of being a rising young lawyer.  Mrs. Nash is a woman of superior education, excellent culture, with a keen since of modesty and propriety and at no time has been unmindful of what she assumed when she chose law for a profession.  The public mind was not prepared for such an “innovation” a woman a lawyer!  Hence the prejudice of members of the bar, the prejudice of the people, the “horror” of a woman out of her sphere, had to be lived against, lived above and outlived, calling for patience, forbearance and charity.  Mrs. Nash had a purpose.  She cherished no wrong intent. She felt the criticism, in some cases acrimonious, but she retorted not.  Now, she is in the profession for which she had desired in girlhood, and her prospects of gaining the members of the profession and credit for individual merit, are in no wise questioned.

            The townspeople no longer see Dr. A.S. Chandler, the old doctor and his old white horse, performing the duties of daily calls upon him.  For half a century the Doctor (took care of the town), and its not strange that his face of good cheer is greatly missed.  His son, Dr. C. P. Chandler, at Addison is an extensive practitioner and Dr. Harding, formerly of Ellsworth, is now located at Columbia Falls.

            New houses have been built, and old ones repaired showing that the town recently is now prosperous.  One of the best hotels is located here, viz: The Columbia House, by G. Wilson Jr.

            It is said that one of the objects of dividing the town was that the old town was getting too Democratic for some of the Republican leaders, hence the desire for a new town so that a Republican majority should prevail.

            Weather true or not the results rather checks human calculations, or recent elections show Columbia Falls to be largely democratic, while Columbia is in danger of becoming a Republican Town.

            When the railroad is built, with the waterpower and general opportunities for developing business, controlled by the young, energetic men, time is not for off when Columbia Falls for life, growth and prosperity will take rank as a flourishing town.

Leonard Tibbetts gave this information (Copied as written from the Machias Union dated 1873) to Ronie Strout in 2005 and she passed it on to me.

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 Addison Observer, June 24, 1931: The Tibbetts Town Union Grange, No. 326 has taken on a new lease of life. The Chapter has been reorganized and under a band of capable officers it this end of the town of Columbia Falls. For many years it has been the custom of the grange to have a Children’s Day program, and so on Thursday last, over a hundred people gathered at the Union Grange Hall, and strangely enough, nearly seventy of them were children – where a free dinner was served. A very fine program was given by the children in the afternoon, including songs, recitations and dances. Children Day of 1931 will long be remembered by the little ones. Mr. Lester Look is the able master of this grange. Thanks to Ronald Gray for submitting this clipping.

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 “The Lost Nation” from the Machias Union March 29, 1881. “Mr. Ed: A queer episode occurred at our Annual Meeting. Many persons have said and many declared that they know it to be so, that three residents in town did not pay so much taxes as they ought to by 100 to 400 percent: that the said trio were very rich men, and if they didn’t pay all the taxes in town they ought to be made to pay quite the whole! Our assessors heretofore have been considered sharp, clear-headed men. They were thought to be careful in ascertaining amount of taxable property each resident had to be taxed for, no one allowed to escape knowingly or willingly! This spring the ‘complainants’ resolved within their own breasts that they would have a change, the old Assessors should go out and a new Board go in who would assess taxes on Gov’t bonds and every mill of value possessed by each one April 1^st!  So wrapped in furs and flannels they visited the “Lost Nations” at the North, the valley, Acadia, Jerusalem, Corsica, and other points and districts East and South and pledged every voter to Come to Town meeting and vote right for assessors. The voters came according to promise; the old board was deposed, a new board chosen so quietly that the village people, especially the non-assessed ‘millionaires’ know nothing of the move until the Moderator announced the results! There is rejoicing now! The taxes are going to be exactly equal in 1881! Columbia Falls, March 22 (1881).” Thanks to Ronald Gray for submitting this newspaper clipping. 

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 Machias Union 27 June 1876: “J. Crandon, Esq., and Capt. G. Colson of Boston, owners of Dyer’s Island, at the mouth of Pleasant River, are stocking it with sheep. They have about 300 now and expect to put on 1000 in all. The island contains nearly one thousand acres. Capt. Colson is putting up a building intended to accommodate shepherd and visitors to the island, a kind of summer house. G. Wilson, Esq., of Columbia House, is putting up or finishing a building near the east end of the bridge for a drug store in the lower story and a telegraph office on the second floor. The telegraph office will be in working order in July and will be a great convenience to this village and neighborhood. A post office has been established at Columbia Branch District, Wm. H. Allen postmaster. This will accommodate the Branch, also the north part of town very well, as well, as much of the business, drawing lumber, shingles, &c, is to Addison Point via the Branch.”

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A Civil War Spy from Columbia Falls. This narrative originally appeared in the Lewiston Journal Illustrated Magazine on June 29, 1918 and has reappeared in A Distant War Comes Home, Maine in the Civil War Era by Donald Beattie, Rodney M. Cole and Charles G. Waugh. Briefly this is how the story goes. There is no evidence that a Winchester family ever lived in Columbia Falls so it is believed that the family name is fictitious but there are clues to who this family might be. Mrs. William Winchester of Columbia Falls was the mother of girls and boys. The oldest son, Will Jr. decided to serve the Union effort to keep the country together. Mrs. Winchester had a dear friend, Mrs. Hollbrook in the south below the Mason Dixon line who was also from Columbia Falls. Her heart was with the North but she had married a man from the South. Mrs. Hollbrook had two sons that went away to fight the Yanks. The two friends had schemed to make a handsome suit of gray that would allow Will to slip behind Confederate lines and carry out his self imposed duties as a spy for the Union. Will new nothing of the southern ways so was planning to act as a deaf mute. He stopped at Mrs. Hollbrook’s home for advice and the two of them decided that playing a fool was the easiest disguise of all. Will told folks at home many years later that playing a fool came natural to him. He used Mrs. Hollbrook’s home as sort of headquarters, and came and went generally after dark. He loitered around town and eventually soldiers took him in. He practiced letting his jaw droop and let his mouth hang open to emphasize the simple look. He acquired an offensive snore. He found that being a nuisance and an annoyance to be helpful to his cause. He drooled and stuttered. He occasionally threw a “fit” – rolled over and over, coughed, turned red in the face, appeared to be strangling, and became rigid. He played silly tricks on the soldiers and told harmless lies. His child like capers misled the southern boys into believing that he was a half-witted tramp. He was able to move freely about several rebel camps. They called him “Bandy-legged Bob” because of a hitch in his walk, also “Stuttering Steve” and “Foolish Freddy”. He fetched water and split wood for them and all the while reporting movements and details to the Union soldiers. He sometimes changed his disguise from camp to camp, even dyed his hair. There were close calls that required him to run away. He found the Negroes to be his best allies. One black matron even hid him for days in her cabin after he became a suspect with a price on his head. He came back to Maine with malaria, a bullet in his leg and a cache of stories to entertain his friends. Will never applied for a pension nor received any Federal aid stating “the fun he derived from the experience more than compensated him for the trifling injuries sustained”. Thanks to Ronie Strout for loaning me this material.

 

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John Bucknam (1746 – 1792), who was born in Falmouth, ME, was at Pleasant River by 1762, established a wharf, a store, a lumber mill and a shipyard.  Later his son William Bucknam built ships in his father’s yard.  This was located on the eastern bank of the Basin. In 1802, James Bailey moved to Columbia Falls and built a fulling mill on the old dam site.  He ran this until his death in 1822.  After that it was run by Jotham Lippincott and Henry Bailey. Fulling is a step in woolen cloth making which involves the cleansing of wool to eliminate oils, dirt, and other impurities, and making it thicker. A carding mill was located on the west side of the river.  It was built by Dr. Caleb Haskell who was at Columbia Falls by about 1800.  Samuel Bucknam owned it for many years.  It was the first mill of its kind built in this section of the country.

- Excerpts from Town Historian, Gloria Hayward’s soon to be released history book of Columbia Falls.

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History Snippet- The United Methodist Church received its bell from the Knights of Pythias with the following agreement: “Agreement dated this 18^th day of November, A.D. 1963 by and between Halcyon Lodge No. 107, Knights of Pythias, Columbia Falls, Maine and the Trustees of The Methodist Church of Columbia Falls, Maine. It is hereby agreed that the Trustees of the Methodist Church Columbia Falls, Maine, may have the use of the School Bell now in the Knights of Pythias Hall (formally known as the Hamlin Hall School), under the following conditions:

            That the bell will be installed in the belfry of the Methodist Church in Columbia Falls within a reasonable length of time, and remain in their possession as long as they are active as a Board of Trustees for the above mentioned Church.

            If at any time they fail to meet the above qualifications, ownership of the Bell shall revert to Halcyon Lodge No. 107, Knights of Pythias, Columbia Falls, Maine.

            If for any reason Halcyon Lodge No. 107, Knights of Pythias, Columbia Falls is in-active, ownership of the Bell shall revert to the inhabitants of the Town of Columbia Falls, Maine. Halcyon Lodge No. 107 Columbia Falls Maine [signed] ‘M. D. Tibbetts’ Chancellor Commander; Trustees, Methodist Church Columbia Falls, Maine [signed] Albert H. Richard, Harold W. Allen, Dorothy Lord, Laurence M. Drisko, Reginald Hathaway”.

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Record of Town Meeting 1863. Columbia Falls was incorporated March 25, 1863 (separating from the town of Columbia). The first Town Meeting was held April 6, 1863 at 10 am in the forenoon at the Hamlin Hall. Elected officials: Moderator- George Ruggles; Clerk- Charles A Wilson; Selectmen- Joseph Crandon, Rufus Tabbutt, John Bucknam; Assessors- Daniel Carlton, Richard Allen, William Allen; Treasurer- Henry Bailey; Agent- Charles Wilson; S.S. Committee- Henry Bailey, James L. Bucknam, J. W. Farnsworth; Auditor- Gowen Wilson; Fence Viewers- William Bucknam, John Magee, Jr.; Constable- Alfred A Lippincott; Pound Keepers- Gilbert L. Tibbetts, Gilbert L. Bucknam; Surveyors of Wood- John J. Bucknam, John Magee, Jr., J. M. Dunphe,

J. H. Crandon, Jas. Bucknam, S. B. Lothrop; Surveyor of Piles- John H. Crandon; Fish Committee- James Bailey, Gowen Wilson, F. H. Peterson; Tything Men- J. Magee, Jr., William Bucknam; Field Drivers- Andrew J. Kingsley, George Bowels, Samuel G. Worster, R. W. Bucknam. Money raised in 1863: Support of schools- $300.00; Town debts- $1,400.00; Repairs of bridges- $50.00; Town poor- $200.00; Miscellaneous- $150.00. Information provided by Gloria Hayward, Town Historian.

 

A look back at C.F. Town meeting 1928. At the annual town meeting held in Union Hall at Columbia Falls, the following officers were elected and the following sums of money raised: W.H. Allen, moderator; Frank Tabbut, town clerk and treasurer; S.H. Allen, George W. Bucknam and D.W. Hartford, selectmen, assessors and overseers of the poor; Josephine Allen as a member of superintending school committee for three years; S.H. Higgins as a member for one year; Lester Look, road commissioner; C.F. Wilson, auditor; Clayton Grant, tax collector, rate of commission (.009) nine mills on the dollar; E.I. Drisco, fire warden; all other officers to be appointed by the selectmen. Money appropriated: Roads, bridges and sidewalks, $2000; officers’ fees, $950; support of poor, $1400; snow breaking, $50; abatements, $25; interest on town debt, $375; town debt, $1280; miscellaneous account, $500; interest on school fund,$30; high school and common schools, $3600; janitor and fuel for high school,  $200; text books, $250; supplies and incidentals, $410;  repairs on school buildings, $250; Insurance on school buildings, $225; high school library, $25; fire warden, $2.50;  state aid road, $533; Anti-Tuberculosis Association, $25; lighting streets, $450. Voted to revise the jury box, and the name Wellington Rockwell to be placed therein. Voted that taxes shall become due July 1, 1928, and that the tax collector shall settle with the town Feb. 15, 1929. - News clipping from Ronie Strout collection.

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 The 1927-28 Columbia Falls girls basketball season. The C.F. high school girls basketball team has been very unfortunate this season in many ways, namely: 1- When the basketball season began only eight girls went out for basketball and before any games were played, one from this small number left, leaving only seven; 2- Only three of these seven had any experience before in playing; 3- After three games had been played another player was forced to leave because of sickness, leaving only six players and no substitute to complete the schedule; 4- Five of the players lived out of the village at a considerable distance, and for this reason were not able to get as much practice as needed. They were finally forced to cancel remaining dates because of lack of players. If their sir regular players had continued they would undoubtedly have been champions of West Washington County. Never the less they are proud to own the following schedule consisting of four victories and only two defeats: C.F.H. 57, Alumni 7; C.F.H. 69 , Cherryfield 2; C.F.H 19, Harrington 21; C.F.H. 18, Harrington 24; C.F.H. 22, Jonesport 10; C.F.H. 44, Jonesport 10; C.F.F. 229, Opponents 74. The line up: Alvina Libby, rf; Mary Grant, lf; Eva Libby, c; Edna Worcester, lf; Hazel Look, rb; Elva Worcester, sc. The team loses Elva Worcester at graduation. She is the strongest guard on the C.F. team and is considered one of the best guards and a match for any forward in Washington County. Whenever the teams heard of an excellent guard on the opponent’s team, they would place Elva against her, then the greatest trouble was over. Captain Eva Libby will be with the team next year and if she exhibits such excellent playing as she has in the past the team should [not] worry about getting baskets. She has been known to shoot 29 baskets in one night. Who can beat that? She is considered to be as good a shot as there is in Eastern Maine. Mary Grant and Alvina Libby are the other two forwards, although not very good shots they have done some excellent passing and transferring the ball to Capt Libby. Edna Worcester and Hazel Look are strong guards and quick on their feet – no forward on the opponent’s team had the chance to ask, “Where are the guards?” The team wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the townspeople and the coach, M. Addington for the fine support that they have given them through this season, also to their manager Syldania Young. The girls team has been honored by an offer to play the following teams: Washington Normal; Brownville H.S.; Shead Memorial H.S., Eastport; and Woodland H.S. Those who were awarded letters for this and last season were: Elva Worcester; Hazel Look; Mary Grant; Marjorie Morris; and Mary Richards. – From a 1928 newspaper clipping provided by Ronie Worcester Strout.

Sporting Tips Column of the Bangor Daily News- 1927- 1928, Columbia Falls and Jonesport Games

“Twas December 16, 1927,
A cold and snowy night
That Jonesport came to Columbia falls
For a basketball fight.

This game had aroused the interest
Of people near and far.
And many towns were represented
By basketball fans and stars.

The door was opened at six o'clock,
The slow ones chances were slim--
For long before eight 'clock
The hall was filled to its brim.

Long before the players came
Their crowd did cheer and sing;
And when the girls took their places
The old town hall did ring.

The referee blew the whistle
The ball was put in play
Jonesport worked with might and main--
But C. F. led all the way.

And when the game was over,
Hushed were the voice of women and men.
For the referee announced that awful score
C. F. 44 and Jonesport 10. - Also supplied by Ronie Strout

 

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History Snippet – 1928 Minstrel Show a Big Success . The local Dixie minstrels gave their first performance, Monday April 2nd at 8 P.M. The ladies were arrayed in yellow Pierrot -style costumes and cone hats, exquisitely decorated with black pom-poms. The men wore derby hats, flashy brilliants and gaudily made-up suits, and of course every-one looked their parts with ebony-black faces and distended red lips. The interlocutor wore the conventional Prince Albert. The Dixie minstrels were: Mrs. Lillian Ramsdell; Mrs. Amy Bailey; Mrs. Bernie Ross; Mrs. Wakefield; Mrs. Carrie Norton; Mrs. A.V. Houghton; Mrs. Hattie Morris; and Gertrude Allen; with Fred Champion; Frank Allen; Otis Tibbetts; Percy Ingersoll; Frank Allen Sr; and Reginald Hathaway as end men. The  interlocutor was Rev. A.V. Houghton. The programme opened with Bohemia Opening Chorus as the curtain lifted. Fred Champion sang: “Lets get together” after introductory jokes between each end-man and the interlocutor. The song Program included the following: “My Mary” by H.V. Houghton; “In Wrong, So Long by Percy Ingersoll; “Old Fashioned Rose” by Fred Champion; “Look Out Below” by Percy Ingersoll;” Then They Start all Over Again” duet, Gertrude and Frank Allen Jr.; “Orange Blossom Moon” by Mrs. A.V. Houghton; “De Wes’ Wind Blows from De Wes’”, Fred Champion; “Down Along some Shady Lane” duet, Mrs. Carrie Norton and Mrs. Amy Bailey; “Pat Casey’s Runabout” Frank Allen Jr.; and Finale by entire company. The chorus of most of the songs were repeated by the minstrels with patter dances by Fred Champion, Otis Tibbetts, and Frank Allen Jr. Many stunts were put on to cure the gambling tendencies of the end-men and to prove that “You can beat a man at his own game”. It was a continual programme of good humor. An unusual large crowd went away thoroughly satisfied that their local talent gave them their money’s worth. The Church funds were increased by $33.60, although the total receipts were $43.60. Play books, music tamborines and clappers and the town hall were among the expenses. Mrs. Eva Bucknam has been the loyal standby through thick and thin. She has given many evenings and the use of her home for three weeks, and led the instrumental and musical part of the programme with other valuable suggestions. This snippet is from a 1928 newspaper clipping provided by Ronie Strout. Unfortunately the clipping does not identify the newspaper. It was however a statewide paper as evidenced by the other news.

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History Snippet: In 1903 before electricity came to Columbia Falls modern acetylene gas lighting was installed in the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church. It was a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling in the center of the church. The source of the gas came from a generator which was inside a small building located on the east side of church and behind the Chandler house. The original chandelier is still there but it has been electrified. There was also gas lighting in Union Hall. Its generator was located across the street near what is now the post office. By the 1860s gas lighting was being widely used through the United States. In the cities natural gas was piped in and provided fuel for lighting the streets, homes and businesses, but for farms and homes in the country and small towns the fuel for gas lighting was acetylene which could easily be generated on site. Acetylene gas provided an extremely bright, white light. The amazing thing about acetylene is that it can be created by adding water to calcium carbide which is a manmade compound (looks like small rocks). In the early 1890s a new process with electricity made it commercially viable to manufacture calcium carbide (carbide for short). All one had to do was set up a gas plant and pipe it to the lights, except that you had to feed it water and carbide regularly and then there was that awful white lime mess that was left over from the carbide which had to be cleaned up. It smelled bad too. The instant water (even a thimbleful) touches a piece of the carbide, crude gas arises ready for a match. This made it possible to have carbide gas lighting for small hand held lamps, even early bicycle, motorcycle and automobile headlights used carbide gas. A single pound of carbide that you can hold in your hand like a piece of coal, contains five cubic feet of acetylene gas (to be released by water), the equivalent of two quarts of  kerosene, sixty-two cubic feet of natural gas or one hundred and fifty cubic feet of propane.

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History Snippet: The Billy Bridge was a wooden bridge that crossed Sherb Brook on the “New Road” also called the “Central District Road”.  This is the same road that goes from the village to Tibbettstown. “New Road” was being used on mailing addresses as late as 1971. As a result of the law in 1988 when Maine voters approved the statewide deployment of Enhanced 9-1-1 service, this road was officially named the Tibbettstown Road in the late 1990s. At some time prior to 1917 a new concrete bridge was built over Sherb Brook downstream of the old bridge. This new bridge was also called the Billy Bridge. The remains of the old wooden bridge could still be seen in the 1970s. There is no bridge at all now. Sherb Brook flows under Tibbettstown Road through a culvert. If anyone knows the origin of the name Billy Bridge please email me at c.f.record-editor@roadrunner.com.

Photo from Roberta Hammond collection

Brothers Dan (left) and Horace (right) Look (Circa 1917) standing on the concrete “Billy” bridge which crossed Sherb Brook on the “New Road”. The original wooden “Billy” bridge was located a few hundred feet upstream. The New Road was officially named “Tibbettstown Road” in the late 1990s after the statewide deployment of Enhanced 9-1-1 service.

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History Snippet: Sleigh Ride to Columbia  (Before Columbia Falls separated from Columbia) – The Machias Union Tuesday, February 15, 1859: “On Tuesday last, about 50 persons, ladies and gentlemen, including the Machias Cornet Band, went to Columbia on a sleigh ride. The Band was advertised to give a ‘Promenade Concert’ in Hamlin’s Hall; a dance was also contemplated, to succeed the Concert, and all hands promised themselves supper at the Columbia House (the home is now owned by Chuck and Roberta Hammond). The exit of such a large party from the town, made some difficulty, for those, who at a late hour concluded to join, to procure suitable teams, but all were fortunately well provided for. We are indebted to Matthew for a good team for the occasion, who just in the niche of time politely informed us, that he had ‘just one more left.’ The weather was just warm enough and traveling excellent. The party left at one o’clock and arrived at Columbia at half past three P.M. The sudden immigration filled the Hotel exactly. – One could hardly turn around without jostling his neighbor, but as each one naturally possessed a pretty good disposition, and being on a ‘time,’ too, as well as being in the presence of an accommodating landlord and an agreeable landlady, (Gowin Wilson Jr. and his wife, Eliza (Wass)) there were few or none who made wry faces, or who did not contrive to enjoy it. Supper was all ready at six o’clock, which, as regards the hour, we approve of and commend it as an example to hearty eaters and dyspeptics. With the quantity, quality and variety with which the tables were provided we heard no one complain. Neatness and order prevailed. Judging of the comparative quiet which occurred during supper-eating, we conclude that the demands of the inner man were uppermost, soliciting, and receiving undivided attention. After supper the Company repaired to the Hall, where the ‘Promenade Concert’ was to be. The Band did their part well, but the promenaders were few and fearful, only a few of the ‘pooty’ lads and lasses venturing to march to music. Those who were not dancers commenced ordering their teams at half past eight, and nearly half the party were homeward bound by nine. The Band and those participating in the dance, did not leave till two or three in the morning. All arrived home safely, satisfied with the excursion, its events and happy termination.” This would have been quite an adventure. The trip each way was two and one half hours long in the winter.  They would likely have had a bear skin lap robe and a foot warmer with live coals. Ladies would have worn a hood and scarf, and a muff for their hands.

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History Snippet Winter in the 1930-50s: Town roads were not regularly plowed and there were no school buses so several families moved to the village for the winter making it easier for their kids to attend school. Rosa Morris Dykes remembers skating at night on Pleasant River behind the house now owned by Philip and Valerie Worcester. Of course Pleasant River had a dam at that time. Dykes particularly recalls the time Ansel Rockwell saved Geraldine Ramsdell’s life when she skated into an open water where local men had been cutting ice that day. Dykes also remembers sliding on Point Street from the Everett Allen house on the second hill all the way down town. One time Stanley Look and Everett Allen were sliding double, pancake style one on top of the other on the same sled. They lost control and went into a snow bank, Stanley was OK but poor Everett was buried and had to be dug out. Dick Grant recollects “you could often slide all the way to the fire station it was slow at first but you picked up speed at the next steeper hill. I had a sled with metal runners which was fast, Mother wanted to go down town. I talked her into riding with me on the sled. She was wearing a fur coat. It was icy. We got going at a pretty good speed and Mother said she didn’t like it much and was going to get off. I said I don’t think so!” John Tibbetts reminisces “Generations of young people (from my father's & mother's time at least) skated on the Pin Head which wouldn't have been too far from your house [Chuck and Roberta Hammond’s] and on that side of the river.  I suspect the new Rt #1 destroyed it but maybe not. I skated there many winters.  Folks would bring wood and a fire would be built to keep us warm.  One could skate up river to the "iron bridge" (railroad bridge, still there) but not down river very much at all due the rips and faster water which kept the ice thin at best.  One reached the Pin Head by going down the road across from and opposite the front corner of Dr. White's house [now Charley and Nancy Herr’s].  One would travel the road a short distance then turn into and cross a field on the left to the river. I suppose it was called the "Pin Head" because it was a small and round sort of cove in the river.” Roberta Hammond has fond memories of skating on the Pin Head with friends, Lois Hurlbert, Jane Tibbetts, Jimmy Bucknam, Jane and Mary Hathaway, Winston Grant, Merton Allen Jr., Wayne and Janice Merritt and many others. The boys would have a bonfire. Wayne Merritt recalls skating on the Pin Head “every time we formed one of those ‘whip’ lines where everyone held hands and whipped around faster and faster in a circle I’d be the one on the end and would get cast off into a snow bank”.

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 History Snippet Christmas in 1894

Store Keeper, Levi Leighton’s diary – “Dec. 20^th, 1894: One of the finest days ever known in the month of December, yet trade was awful dull. I got a bottle of Kendal’s Kidney Cure and took two doses which made me feel better. I must take it according to directions and must be carefull in diet. I have become convinced that my liver is out of order. Doct. White was telephoned for to come immediately to Jonesport and he took one of our teams as it was a difficult midwife case. Horace (Levi’s son) worked all day on town books, and Ell (Bowles) was out in the morning. Christmas trade was dull. The boys are skating on the river in the evenings. Should be made to study some. Dec. 21^st: Almost a summer day. Although so pleasant and the traveling not bad very few out for Christmas goods. No money must be the cause. The dullest day we have had for the winter. Had the blues all day. The deer hunters are coming out and make an addition to the already big crowd of loafers. Lucy (Horace’s daughter) sent by mail to Obediah Allen a pair of homemade mittens knit by herself, as a Christmas present. A few more days and this year will be connected with the past, but will be remembered as one of the hardest years for business that we have had for a long time. Many have died on that account. Dec. 22^nd: So warm that the roads got muddy again. About all day settling with Capt Cole and Capt. Perry. Both have hauled up their vessels for the winter. Also settled with Wilson Leighton. Frank (Horace’s son) went down to his grandfather’s and stopped all day. Finished the new school house in the Pineo District. School will commence there next Monday. White Daisy (probably a horse) went to Machias to be gone a few days. Many horses are idle now and cannot pay their keeping. No Christmas tree will be erected in the village this year. We are fast hustling back to the good old times of our fathers and mothers. Dec. 23^rd: Sunday, one of the most disagreeable days of December. We had to build big fires in our houses and stores to keep out the freezing cold. Such a sudden change made us all shiver. Mary, my sister fell downstairs through the front trap door in the pantry and hurt herself very badly. She is now in helpless condition. Misfortune seems to follow her footsteps. Our hens laid seven eggs today which are now twenty four cents per doz. I have read the papers and all over the state a suspension of business is noted and extreme poverty is found in many families. Poverty will learn them hereafter to practice more economy. Dec. 24^th: A fine pleasant day for Santa Claus to finish up his purchases for Christmas. He has been round quite busy today. A referee’s court was held here, Cleaves vs Joseph Bridgham. Brought some company to the hotel. Duncan Campbell hauled over two loads of round wood lath edgings for the store which we bought of Brad Tibbets, for kindling wood. Mary some better. John F. Pineo not gaining any. School commenced in the new school house, now the best school in town. Tomorrow is Christmas but it will not be observed here. I had to leave off taking my medicine for it made me sicker every day. Threatened a rain storm at night. Dec. 25^th: Rained in the morning and warm and foggy all day. The dullest Christmas we have witnessed in many years. Not a Christmas tree erected in town. Horace and his family had a Christmas supper at Harry Bucknam’s. White Daisy got home from Machias about 4 O’clock P.M. No religious services in town, no drunken men, or boys seen. Quiet reigned supreme all day. Some trade, very little riding done. Mary’s lameness a little worse. Had Doct. White. Cleaves assigned to Pattangall and Dalot. If these times hold much longer few merchants can stand the pressure. They can not sell goods and get pay in a starving community.” Thanks to Gloria Haywood for loaning me Levi’s diary.

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History Snippet reader feedback- About Maine’s first female lawyer (DCP Legal History December 4-10), Dick Bedard adds that in 1872 Clara Nash lived in the house at 61 Point St. where Richard Bailey grew up. Clara and her husband Frederick were probably renting the house because there are no recorded deeds that would indicate that they ever owned property in Columbia Falls.

Another reader, John Tibbetts adds to the Gus Barton story (DCP November 13-19) an event that he witnessed: “In the 1950s Fred Callen brought a 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan automobile to Columbia Falls when he came for his annual vacation at Montegail Pond. Gus bought the car from Fred and drove it to his store every morning parking it facing the river by the side of the building. Gladys Allen who owned the ‘old Hotel’ and lived in a wing of the building when she came home on summer vacation from teaching in Bridgewater, MA had a vintage 1930s Plymouth car, in pristine condition, which she only drove when here in the summer. Winters found the lovely car garaged, covered, up on blocks (to prevent the tires from losing their round shape) and the battery removed. On one fine summer day (in the early 1960s) Gladys decided to drive to Gus’ store to make a purchase at the same time Gus decided to go somewhere in his car too. As Gladys approached the store Gus was already out of sight inside his car. Not knowing that Gladys took the easiest spot to park which was some feet back from Gus’ car on the edge of the street but directly behind it. Before Gladys got out of her car Gus started his and without looking behind backed up and hit the side of her car a good whack. Then Gus, thinking he had not given the car enough gas to get onto the road since it was a slight upward grade, drove ahead some, gave the car more gas and backed up with such good force he hit Gladys’ car and set it to rocking back and forth on its springs. Perplexed, Gus drove ahead into his customary space possibly with the intent of trying harder to get into the street. Before this could happen however, Gladys flew out of her car and around it to the side of Gus’ car and was wrapping on his car window. One can only imagine the conversation that then took place between the usually sedate Miss Allen (wearing her high button boots that had gone out of style at least 40 years before) and Mr. Barton. The most amazing thing was that Gladys’ lovely car was hardly scratched as a result of Gus’ bombardment. They certainly don’t make cars like that anymore!”

 

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Levi Leighton was still running his Columbia Falls store in 1894 at the age of 76. He had to stock his store in the fall of each year with supplies for the whole forth coming winter. He bought some things locally but most of his stock came by way of Addison (the Point). Sometimes ships came all the way up the Pleasant River to Columbia Falls. Here are some excerpts from his diary: Sept. 26^th- Schooner WAVE arrived at the point with freight. It took it took five trips with double teams; Oct 6^th- flour arrived at the Point. Sold a few barrels before night; Oct. 8^th- got all but 20 barrels (flour) up from the ship, sold 55 barrels today. Bought some potatoes at 40 cents per bushel; Oct15th- bought two pigs at $2.00 each. Hauled one load of coal up from the Point (about one ton). Also hauled up some grain; Oct. 17^th- hauled up two loads of coal; Nov. 8^th- bought one cord of old growth hardwood for the store for $3.00; Nov. 12^th- No pork or grain for sale in town, waiting on the Schooner WAVE. Got two hogsheads molasses into cellar – one winter supply. Bought a few potatoes for 40 cents per bushel, some beans for $3.75 per bushel; Nov. 14^th- hauled two loads of freight from Schooner WAVE at the Point; Nov. 15^th- hauled one load of freight up from the Point; Nov. 17^th- Schooner WAVE got up to our wharf (Columbia Falls) and discharged. Bought some apples; Nov. 19^th- Schooner MARCIA BAILEY got up to our wharf. We intend to ship potatoes on her; Nov. 20^th- We got our goods off of MARCIA BAILEY and carried some empty kerosene barrels and bags aboard of the WAVE. Stored 12 barrels of apples that came aboard the MARCIA BAILEY; Nov. 21^st- Put aboard MARCIA BAILEY 28 barrels and 29 sacks of potatoes which we ship to Boston. Thanks to Gloria Hayward for loaning me the Levi Leighton diary.

 

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Maine’s first female Lawyer, Clarissa (Clara) Hosmer Hapgood Nash (1839-1921) was educated at Pierce Academy, Middleboro, MA., Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, NH and graduated, advanced class, State Normal School, Framingham, MA. She taught in high schools of Marlborough and Danvers, MA. On Jan. 1, 1869 she married Frederick C. Nash (lawyer) of Columbia Falls, ME in Acton, MA (They met while he was a US Circuit Court Judge). In Columbia Falls Mrs. Nash studied law under her husband’s guidance and was admitted to bar of Supreme Judicial Court of Maine on Oct., 1872, the first woman admitted to the bar in Maine and New England and the fifth in the whole United States. This happened at a time when women’s rights were limited to roles within the home. In 1869 Mrs. Myra Bradwell of Illinois was denied an appeal to practice law by the Supreme Court of Illinois stating “God designed the sexes to occupy different spheres of action, and that it belonged to the men to make, apply and execute the laws which was regarded as an almost axiomatic truth”. Mrs. Bradwell appealed to the United States Supreme Court and her appeal was denied on the grounds “it certainly cannot be affirmed as an historical fact that the practice of law by women has ever been established as one of the fundamental privileges and immunities of the sex”. And then the court invoked “The permanent destiny and mission of women are to fulfill the noble and benign offices of wife and mother. This is the law of the Creator”. The attitude of the Washington County Bar and the Supreme Court of Maine was refreshing compared to this background of historical discrimination. A committee of members of the Washington County bar, Mr. Granger and George Walker of Machias and James A. Milliken, was set up to review Mrs. Nash’s application and qualifications. They unanimously approved her application, but the final acceptance had to be done in court. William G. Burrows of Brunswick was the presiding Justice. After examining the Clara Nash papers he said “I am not aware of anything in the Constitution or laws of the State prohibiting the admission of a woman, possessing the proper qualifications, to the practice of law. I have no sympathy with that feeling or prejudice which would exclude women from any occupations of life for which they may be qualified. I direct that she be admitted”. In October, 1872 Clara Nash was admitted to the bar. She formed a partnership with her husband and practiced law in Washington County.

In 1873, Mrs. Nash was active in the Maine women’s suffrage movement and led a petition drive from Columbia Falls. In October of 1873, Mrs. Nash, while six months pregnant, appeared in court for the first time to make opening remarks in a jury trial, another first. The Nash’s had a son, Frederick Cushing, born on January 3^rd, 1874. In 1876 she and her husband moved to Portland and then to the Boston area.  Their son, Frederick Nash, also became an attorney. Clara Hapgood Nash authored a volume of poetry in 1909, entitled Verses Published by Cambridge, MA University Press.

Photo courtesy Dick Bedard

Maine and New England’s first female Lawyer, Clarissa (Clara) Hosmer Hapgood Nash of Columbia Falls was admitted to the bar in October, 1872 and practiced law in Washington County.

 

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History Snippet  

Milton (Millie) J. Barton (1875-1947) married Gertrude L. Allen (1889-1990)  in 1906 and they lived in the home now owned by Peter and Barbara Doak. Millie was the mail carrier for Centerville under a contract held by his brother Gus Barton. Millie delivered the mail to Centerville residents starting around 1900. Milton’s horse got so acquainted with the road between Columbia Falls and Centerville that even during the winter with deep snow on the roads there was no need for the driver to steer. The horse would plow through the snow picking his own best path to Centerville and return, stopping at just the right mailboxes along the route. Sometimes, in order to deliver the mail to the patrons in outlying areas, it was necessary to walk most of the way on snowshoes. Millie hardly ever missed a day. He was the mail carrier right up until he died in 1947.

 

Millie Barton photo from Roberta Hammond Collection

Milton (Millie) J. Barton (1875-1947) was the mail carrier for Centerville for over 40 years until he died in 1947.

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Photo courtesy Dick Bedard

The George Drisko building (Columbia Falls 1969) was located between what is now the Salmon Federation building and the bridge. Gus Barton’s newsstand and bus station occupied a tiny space at the west end behind the phone booth. George and Hilma Drisko lived in the apartment on the second floor. The roof seen on the left is the building on the site before the present Downeast Salmon Federation Hatchery was built.

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The Columbia Falls Brickyard was located on the east side of the Pleasant River. The brick company road was off what is now route 187 just beyond the Friendship Trap Co. Here are some newspaper accounts of the building of that yard.

February 21, 1888 - Henry W. Bucknam started cutting timber for a 48’ by 36’ brick yard building with 18’ long posts. Construction on the brickyard is expected to be started in the spring. June 19 - Bucknam from Columbia Falls and some capitalists from Boston propose to manufacture pressed bricks and terra cotta lumber. The two story main building will be 30’ by 30’ to which will be annexed a 12’ tunnel,” sharer dryer”, 53 ‘ by 110’ and an engine house 30’ by 30’ made of brick. The plant will consist of a Penfield Brick machine, a corrugated clay crusher, a disintegrator for reducing clay to a pulverous state and a horizontal pug machine. The whole thing is to be driven by a 75 horsepower Atlas engine. The machinery is expected to be in operation by the middle of September. When running to its full capacity, it is expected to produce 50,000 bricks and 75 tons of terra cotta per day. A 300 foot wharf will be erected for shipping. December 18 - Bucknam has a small crew at work and the new industry seems assured. January 15, 1889 - there are 6 men employed preparing a foundation for a large building to be erected in the spring. Samples of the clay have been sent to expert parties and pronounced to exceedingly well adapted for the purpose intended. February 19 – Bucknam, agent for the Brick Yard Co. reports that the foundation is about completed and building construction will commence soon. July 30 – the brick yard is turning out brick and will be ready to do extensive business soon. The clay is pronounced to be the best yet found for making brick. September 24 – We will soon hear the whistle of the steam engine in brick yard. Our new industry, the brick yard is progressing finely. A short suspension is just now made, discharging part of the crew, while they burn the kiln which they have made and build a dry house about 50 feet long. They are also building quite an extension to the wharf. Mr. King is now in Boston, but is expected back here soon. December 10 – The brick yard company has quite a large crew at work on the dry house and putting in the machinery. Four masons are putting in the brick work. December 24 – The yard is pushing right along employing about 24 men. Eight masons are completing the dry house which is 160’ by 60’. E. A. King is here from Boston assisting in construction and installing the machinery. January 21, 1990 – The dry house is finished and brick manufacturing will start in a week. This new industry will employ quite a few men. King is back to resume his superintendence in the brick yard. About 30 men are now employed. April 1, Forrest, son of U. N. Ingersoll received severe injuries by being caught in the large wheel of the engine at the brickyard. He was held in the machinery for three circuits of the wheel. He broke his arm in 2 places above the elbow and his head and side are badly bruised. April 6 – A tug suitable for towing vessels on the river will be needed this coming season because many vessels will be required to carry lumber, ice and brick. May 6 - The Columbia Falls Brick Co. has recently finished 400,000 bricks, 300,000 of which are contracted for a school house in Quincy, Ma. The output this spring has been about 20,000 per day and is expected to grow to 30,000 daily at full capacity. The company has expended $44,000 in the construction of the plant. Preparations are going on for building 4 patent kilns, each having a capacity of 450,000 bricks. To facilitate business the company has purchased the steam tug, Vim which is expected to arrive from Philadelphia this week. The present weekly payroll is $850.00.  

January 7^th, 1890: “Frank W. Sawyer, of Milbridge, Dep. Collector of Customs, has been stopping at the Leighton House [Columbia Falls] looking after discharging two Province vessels with coal at the brick yard”. Also on January 7^th “Schr. Energy, Capt Graham of  and from Parsboro, N.S., with a cargo of coal for the Columbia Falls Brick Yard Co., was towed from the mouth of the river up to the brick yard 29 ult. [?], by tug S.B. Jones, Capt Trafton, of Machiasport. This is the first cargo of coal and the first English loaded vessel that has ever passed up through the main bridge and the second to enter the port of Addison, Schr. Amherst Advocate, Capt. Smith, being the first from the same place with coal for same Company, arrived at the Point a few days before the Energy, and was towed up one day later, 29^th. The two cargos of coal at the yard, the force of workman employed and the extensive brick work for the dry-house, now nearly completed, give evidence of extensive business operation in the near future. The brick manufactured at the yard and being used for the dry house are said to be of excellent quality. With their facilities for manufacturing at the time, machinery new, and men unacquainted with the work, they could mould from 60 to 90 brick per minute”. May 20: “The Brick Yard Company has shipped three cargos of brick and have three more cargos ready for shipment. They have purchased a new tug boat in Providence, R.I. and Captain Ira Thompson and engineer Charles Woodward are bringing her here. [Charles Woodward was the Chief engineer in the brick works] She will ply on this river, mostly for the Brick Yard Company”. June 16, 1891, Eastport: Schooner Mildred A. Pope arrived here Sunday from Columbia Falls with a cargo of 70,000 bricks for the Custom House building”. June 28, Columbia Falls: “The schooner Modoc is loaded with bricks at the brick yard”. June 31: “The Brick Yard Co. are contemplating making repairs on their steam tug, putting on a new wheel, etc. The Brick Yard whistles everyday and occasionally the steam tug whistle can be heard”. December 22: “H.W. Bucknam has returned from Boston where he has been in the interest of the Col. Falls Brick Yard Co”. February 23, 1892: “The Brick Yard Co. has gone into insolvency”. April 12: “The Brick Yard is sold and the lien claim holders are anxiously waiting for their pay and to get further employment”. November 8^th: “We are sorry to report the loss of our Brick Yard by fire, which burned the 2d inst [?]  about 5 o’clock a.m. caused by over heating one of the tunnels in the dryer, and not observed by the night watchman. We are all sorry for it furnished labor for quit a number of men. The store, stable and cook house were saved. All the coal sheds, driers and mill were burned.  The boiler not much injured, insured for eight thousand dollars. Enough left to make it quit an object to build again. The best clay and best factory for making bricks, wood handy and cheap and clay bed near the bank of the river on level with the crusher. We hope that some capitalists will have the courage to try again”. December 25, 1900: There is prospect for better times for Columbia Falls in the future… The agent for the Brick Yard Syndicate has been here looking over the plant and it is said that work will begin at once making repairs and that a new engine will be put in ready for the spring”. February 19, 1901: “H.W. Bucknam with a small crew commenced work in the brick yard, Monday. The old engine has been moved out and the foundation is being laid for a new one. Charles Woodward, engineer, also Fred Crandon are at work there. A large crew will soon be back at work”. From the late Dr. Elliot H. Drisko notes worded this way: “M.U., Columbia Falls, died 15 March 1901, Henry W. Bucknam, youngest son of Mrs. Emeline (Chandler) Bucknam and the late James Bucknam”.
 

The Columbia Falls Brick Yard continued from the Downeast Coastal Press October 30-November 5. The brick yard did resume operation as evidenced by the following information from Brick, publication Vol. XVIII, No. 3, March 1, 1903: “New England Brick Co., Boston, Mass. Among the many interesting brick enterprises in New England, that engaged in [manufacturing brick] the New England Brick Co., may certainly claim a large share of interest. This company was incorporated in December, 1900, and has an annual output of 200,000,000 brick. It operates 31 yards, more than half of which are in the vicinity of Boston. The plants are distributed as follows: Five in Cambridge, one in Belmont, one at Medford, Mass., six at Epping, three in Exeter, six in Rochester, N. H., one at Saco, Me., one at Schenectady, N. Y., two at Mechanicsville, N. Y., one at Columbia Falls, Me., one in Hooksett, N. H., the others being found at Thornton, Middleboro, Bridgewater, East Brookfield, Still River, Harvard, Turner’s Falls, and Greenfield. The largest and best equipped plants are at Mechanicsville, N. Y., which have a capacity of 30,000,000 yearly. The local yards at Boston turn out about 60,000,000 a year. The five yards at Cambridge are of great interest to the visiting clayworker as they present the best type of New England brick manufacture”. There is a plan of the Columbia Falls Brick Company’s land recorded at the Washington County Registry of Deeds in Machias in Book 10, page 53. It shows the road, layout of the buildings, the wharf and the clay bank. Bun Ward told me that when he and Brenda got married they found several whole bricks clearly marked N.E.B. (New England Brick). They used these bricks in the fireplace mantle of their home.  If any readers have knowledge of buildings that were constructed of Columbia Falls bricks please call me at 207-598-8274 or email c.f.record-editor@roadrunner.com

The Greenwood Cemetery Society  was a very active social group which maintained the lovely small cemetery in Tibbettstown at the intersection of Tibbettstown Road and the Montegail Road. For one fund raiser they published a book called Helpful hints, Crafts, & Recipes. The Columbia Falls library has recently acquired a copy. In this book there are directions for making a crocheted candle, an angel ornament, a walnut shell skunk magnet and lots of other crafts. There are several recipes, among them are a cherry nut cake, a prune coffee cake and a banana split cake. There is a section of helpful hints including warming pipes in winter and removing crayon from linoleum.

On the lawn of the Union Hall there is a monument which reads “This monument erected by the Greenwood Cemetery Society July 4, 1958 to honor the brave youth of Columbia Falls, who so unselfishly entered our Armed Force to help Keep America Free. They left their families and their friends to fight for their country dear. ‘We salute this valiant band, the noble saviours of our land. They shall be honored for many a year’. Whittier”. At the dedication ceremony David Morris (17) played taps and his sister Roberta (13) placed a floral basket. The cemetery society still exists today mostly in members Charley and Dawn Robbins and Eleanor Galen. Charley has been maintaining the cemetery grounds for years now. Dawn says they have a CD in the bank which will last a few more years. New members are encouraged and anyone interested should call Dawn at 483-4111.

 The railroad comes to town! The following flyer was distributed throughout Washington County in 1895:

The arrival of this flyer could not have been more timely since blueberry season was about to begin. The flyer in my family’s possession belonged to Geo. Sinclair and Katie Sinclair. On the back in pencil is the tally of blueberry boxes raked by Geo. Sinclair, Still Tabbutt, Katie Sinclair, Joseph Sinclair, and Wing Sinclair dated August 16^th. One has to wonder if this paper was kept all these years for the historic value of the railroad or the importance of the accounting on the back.

The Washington County residents did approve to appropriate $500,000 for track construction, 4700 votes to 825 (Columbia Falls - 127 yes, 0 no). The railroad track construction was started at both ends and the last spike was driven where they met somewhere between Columbia and Columbia Falls on October 22, 1898. The railroad came to Columbia Falls with great fanfare in 1898 connecting Downeast Maine with the rest of the country. The construction created many jobs for Columbia Falls. Lester Look at 17 years old bought a farm from his grandparents with his earnings. The A.R. Loggie and Pleasant River blueberry factories shipped their blueberries by rail and received their boxes, cans, and sugar by the same way. The railroad transported local logs, lumber, pulpwood, and the mail. Store owners received their goods via the railroad. Roberta Hammond remembers that her pet, “Bonnie Dog” came by train. I remember my father sending us a pet dog, “Zipper” from Florida by train. Hazel Morris bought a freight damaged chair that was refused by the purchaser at the Columbia Falls station. Local residents took shopping trips to Ellsworth and Bangor. There was a huge refrigerator shipping crate in the basement of the Columbia House which had been converted to a coal bin. Where I grew up in Harrington you could see the trains go by across the field from the house. There was one old steam locomotive that was used only occasionally in the 1950s and it was exciting to see it go by. My mother would alert us “here comes the black train” (the locomotive was black). Roger Wakefield was the Columbia Falls station master for years. Roger was an avid fly fisherman and tied his own flies while on duty at the station. He could seemingly tie flies and work the telegraph all at the same time.

 

Pullman car passenger service for the Washington County Railroad was initiated in June of 1899. This photo is believed to have been taken of the whole town turning out at the Columbia Falls train station for the first passenger train on June 27^th, 1899. 

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Graduation in 1911 and 1912

The land for the first high school was conveyed to the Inhabitants of School District No. 1 by George and Lucy Ruggles in 1873. It is generally assumed that the two story building was erected soon after that. The second story was unfinished. This school operated only one term each year in the winter months as a grammar school but the town appropriated money for a free high school most every year since its incorporation in 1863. The building was named Longfellow in 1894.  An article in the 1908 town meeting was passed to finish the second floor. As soon as the second floor was finished the most advanced students in the grammar school were started upon a high school course in a single room. The first high school teacher was Arthur Lee Todd from Georgetown, Maine. The first superintendent of the school union of Cherryfield and Columbia Falls was Mrs. Frances C. Jewett.  In 1909 one of two stairwells was converted to another classroom heated by a Perfection Portable Heater. An assistant, Miss Gladys Nash from Cherryfield was hired and taught English, Latin and French. There were two students in the Columbia Falls High School’s first graduating class of 1911, Milton B. Gray and Ida M. Peterson. The class of 1912 were Carolyn Allen, Ethel Dorr, Clarence H. Drisko, Mildred Etta Drisko, and Dorothy L. Hathaway. Their motto was “Labor Conquers all”, Class colors were blue and white. The 1912 elegant textured folded rag paper dance card reads:

 

Commencement

Reception

and Ball

C.F.H.S.

Union Hall

Columbia Falls

Thursday Evening, June 13

1912

Roberts’ orchestra.

Order of Dances

_________

 

March and Circle        School Committee

 

Waltz                           Superintendent

Contra                                     Principal

Two-step                                 Assistant

Lady of the Lake                    Alumni

Five-step                                 Seniors

Waltz                                       Juniors

Plain Quadrille                        “Ethel”

Two-step                                 “Carrie”

Waltz         “Eat, Drink and be Merry”

 

INTERMISSION

 

Order of Dances

_________

 

Round Dances                                    “Aunt Kitty”

Contra                                     “Ferdy”

Galop                                      “Dot”

Boston Fancy              “Philip and Dorothy”

Two-step                     “Milton and Nancy”

Waltz, German                        Ball Team

Plain Quadrille                        Dramatic Club

Five-step                     “Captain Obidiah”

Soldiers’ Joy                           Soyez Joyeuse”

Waltz               “Then we’ll All Go Home”

 

Floor Director

Donald C. Bucknam

 

__________

 

Aids

 

Milton B. Gray

Horace L. Grant

Frank E. Drisko

Hugh R. Drisko

Ray F. Looke

 

 

 

 

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 Pineo Lumber Co. and me
By Chuck Hammond

Recently I was thinking about possible future history snippets and one of them on my list is the Pineo Lumber Co.  This reminded me of some personal memories of Pineo Lumber Co. and more…. When I was 14 I wanted a boat. I had watched my father build skiffs for years but like the cobbler’s children that never had any shoes he never got around to building one for me. I asked my cousin Chet Nichols Jr. to take me to Pineo’s Lumber mill to get the materials. He was 15 and all ready had his driver’s license and best of all had his own car. It was a green and white 1956 Chevrolet. He’d all ready had a fender bender and the passenger side headlight pointed straight up to the sky. It was a spectacular sight to see a ray of light pointing skyward when he was driving it on a foggy night. The mill in 1960 was on the Tibbettstown Road. Behind the counter was an old man (Fred Pineo) and he asked me what I needed. “I want to build a boat”. “How long a boat?” “I think 12 feet”. What kind of wood?” My father’s boats were always cedar so sounding like a professional boat builder I said “Cedar”. “What about the transom? You going to use cedar for the transom and the stem”?  Oops, The professional boat builder didn’t know what kind of wood was used for transoms and stems so I casually said “what do you recommend”? “I’d recommend oak. Do you want live edge”? Holy mackerel I don’t know anything! So, I gave up and showed him my “deer in the headlights look”. I got live edge because it was cheaper. “You going to use galvanized nails?” “Yep”. The cost was $27.00 for everything. Chet Jr. and I loaded it all directly onto the roof of the car, no roof carrier, no padding, no nothing.  We ran the ropes through the windows. I think old Fred had been watching us from inside because he sent someone out to make some adjustments to our lines. One week later Larry Nichols, Paul Farren and I were rowing this boat in Harrington River. My Dad gave me an old 3.6 HP Firestone outboard motor that was stuck. My Uncle Chet (Sr.) helped me get it going. We had a lot of fun in that boat. Our center of operation was the tidal area around the Harrington’s old town wharf right in the center of town, but we did navigate from as far downstream as Fryeville and upstream as far as the old swimming hole behind the Bonnie Brook restaurant just beyond the Bigelow ball diamond. Later I kept it a Ward’s cove for clamming. At the end of one summer season my girl friend, Roberta Morris and I went down to Ward’s cove to bring the boat home. I was driving my Dad’s dump truck with the boat loaded in the back. It was upside down with the bow up over the headboard and cab with the stern against the tailgate. When we arrived at route one Roberta said the boat was missing. We retraced our path back down the Marshville road and saw it in the middle of the road with Lester Burgess (Sr) standing over it scratching his chin. It suffered only minor damage a tribute to its “professional” builder.

Growing up I worked on my grandfather, Henry Nichols’ dairy farm which was across from Narraguagus High School (before the high school was built) with my Nichols cousins, Chet Jr, Kenny and Larry. One of the seasonal jobs was hauling sawdust for cow bedding from Pineo’s mill. There were 100 milking Jerseys so a lot of sawdust was needed. The farm truck was a 1956 Ford F600 with rack body. Parley Grant used to drive it and take one or two of us cousins to help shovel it full from the big sawdust mountain. Perley drove rather slowly and I remember my cost conscious grandfather saying at the beginning of every trip “roll it, Perley”. When I got my driver’s license at 17, I started driving it to the mill. My grandfather never once told me to “roll it.” That truck would do 80 MPH loaded! Mothers on the Tibbettstown Road wouldn’t let their kids play outdoors when we were hauling sawdust. I would back the truck right up the sawdust pile as high as it would go. This made shoveling in to it all down hill. I loved the aroma. It was hot work because decaying sawdust created heat and the further you burrowed into the pile the hotter it got. We used the wide aluminum shovels. It took us about an hour to load by hand. Sometimes when the mill wasn’t busy Gordon Smith or Ralph Pineo would load us with the big loader. We took advantage of it and hung around the mill an hour anyway. The load on the truck was covered with a tarp but there was still a cloud of sawdust that followed and pelted pedestrians like birdshot. We always stopped at Delia’s or Moore’s (in Harrington) and bought popsicles for 11 cents each. The truck had a false headboard that slowly moved the loaded sawdust to the back where it fell into a conveyor and was blown into the barn. This was all powered by a tractor pto which made unloading fast and easy, and then we were back on the road again for another load.

A few years later Ralph Pineo’s girlfriend Laura Wright and Roberta were attending Beal College together and were roommates. Many, many late Saturday nights Ralph and I followed each other home from Bangor. One night when I was in the lead I suddenly heard a horn blowing and saw flashing headlights in my rear view mirror so I pulled over and stopped. It was somewhere in Black’s Woods. I barely got the car stopped when Ralph yanked my door open, grabbed me by the collar, hauled me out of the car, and started shaking me. “Chuck, wake up! I have been blowing my horn and flashing my lights for over a mile! You have been sleeping- you were all over the road!”  I think Ralph saved my life that night. Thanks Ralph.

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Three Columbia Falls’ men died fighting in World War II, they were Embert L. Grant, Lester Look Jr. and his brother Robert Look. Pvt. Embert Grant was the only son of Leon and Henrietta Grant. Embert graduated from C.F.H.S class of 1943. He enlisted on Nov. 16^th, 1943, received his training at Camp Blanding, FL and Camp Van Dorn, MS. He was killed in action somewhere in France Dec. 4^th, 1944. His parents were notified on Jan. 1^st, 1945 by the War Department. The Grants lived at the intersection of Saco Road and Tibbettstown Road where Shawn and Thea Lamoureux live now.


Embert Grant

Lester Jr. (Pat) was born May 14^th 1919. As a teen would dart out the front door to jump into the back seat of a Ford convertible driven by his friend Kenneth Grant. Pat in high school dated a girl from Jonesport. In order to gain the privacy needed to cultivate a romance he would hide in the branches of the huge hackmatack tree on the front lawn to read her letters. He would skate with his friends on the ice of Pleasant River and he even dared to skate to the open water behind the dam and dip his toes in the water. He worked at haying, picking potatoes, and raking blueberries. He was a woodsman, hunter and nature lover. He loved cooking and making ice cream. One summer when he was cutting pulp wood with his brother Pete, and friends Stanley and Haley Foss there was a moose nearby. It was just to tempting for 4 young men. They killed the moose and then they panicked and paranoia set in.  It had to be the shot heard around the world or at least by all the game wardens in Washington County. Certain the wardens were coming they feverishly boned the animal and placed the meat in their packs. There was only one road through Robinson’s Swamp and the wardens patrolled it heavily. And so they hiked through the woods all the way home. They arrived at midnight. Everyone was asleep. The young men climbed the stairs to Lester and Lillian’s bedroom and waked them. The sacks of meat were hidden under the bed. They pled with mother Lillian that when the wardens came banishing their guns, that she stay in bed, acting ill. Even wardens in their frenzied search for evidence would never disturb a woman who was ill. She consented. At 3am Lester drove the four criminals back to their camp. The wardens never came.  On Oct. 14^th, 1940 Pat enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He was a bombardier and airplane mechanic. He loved to fly. While stationed in Washington State he became engaged to Margie. Home on leave he described her to his brother Pete….she was pretty…nice hair and eyes. “But her measurements, Pat – what about them?” Pat hesitated, “I don’t know… but she’s shaped like a coca cola bottle”. Staff Sergeant Lester S. Look, ball turret gunner on the Flying Fortress “Norma J.” at 24 received the Air Medal and Oak Cluster for “meritorious service” for 10 separate bombing attacks with the 571 Bomb SQ, 390 Bomb GP (H) over Nazi Europe. He was killed in action over Germany on Oct. 10^th, 1943. It should be noted that Lillian Look was gravely ill when word came that her son had been killed. The family never told her and she died February 13, 1944. Lillian (Rosa) Morris Dykes was only 13 when she received word of her uncle’s death. “It was devastating news”.  He is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery in the Netherlands.

Lester Look Jr.

Robert Emory Look (Bob) was born Sept 7^th, 1924. He loved the farm where he grew up and hoped to run it himself some day. He made whistles from alders and gave them to kids. He loved working the two draft horses Ned and Dick, but they were always stepping on his toes. Bob owned a red mare named Peggy. She would come when Bob called her even jumping the fence and stopping just a few feet from him. The aspiring young farmer determined one evening that there were too many rats in the barn. It was thought that the feed trough in the back right corner of the barn where Sow Susan resided with her piglets was what attracted them. Bob set several snap traps under the feed trough. It seemed like a good time to do it. Mom and Dad (Lester and Lillian) were at grange and the piglets were asleep. In less than an hour there did arise from the back right corner of the barn a commotion and furor, squeals and calamity as had never been heard in the history of the farm. Upon his arrival at the sty Bob saw piglets in flight, and Sow Susan, a trap on her snout, squealing, shaking her head and backing around the sty. Before Bob could catch the sow, Lester and Lillian arrived on the scene with the timing known only to parents of teenagers. Lester surveyed the sight, removed his suit coat, climbed into the sty, cornered the inconsolable sow and removed the trap. As calm once more crept over the farm, Lester gathered the details of what happened and in his customary calm manner did thank Bob for his efforts and decreed that he, Lester would take care of the rats. Bob belonged to the volunteer fire department. Whenever the town bell rang all available men turned out to help fight the fire. This included high school boys who were looking for any chance to get out of class. There was a chimney fire at Bertha Harding’s place on Main Street. Bob climbed on the roof carrying buckets of water to extinguish the fire, and in so doing, his brand new sweater became riddled with burn holes from cinders. Like other kids Bob spent winter afternoons sliding on Frank Morris’ hill. He often skated to school on Pleasant River. To tempt fate he would walk on the logs floating in the mill pond at the Hathaway lumber mill. Gambling with his life running on rolling logs was one thing, but taking a smallpox vaccine was yet another. When the state offered free small pox vaccines in 1940, Bob refused “No one is going to put that poison in my body”. In 1943 Bob was drafted into the army. He served in the Infantry 75^th Division. A letter from E. M. Sutherland, Colonel, Commanding officer of the 119^th Infantry to the Lester Look reads in part “I wish to express to you my heartfelt sympathy and deepest regret over the loss of your son, Pfc. Robert E. Look, who was a member of my command. He was killed in action November 23^rd (1944) in Western Germany and is buried in Holland (Netherlands American Cemetery). A Protestant chaplain officiated at the burial. I hope that your grief may be lessened by the knowledge that your son served his country faithfully and well. He is keenly missed by his comrades here”.

Lester Jr. and Robert were the sons of Lister and Lillian Look. They lived where John Porter’s “Church” is now. A sister Hazel Look Morris and her daughter Lillian (Rosa) Morris Dykes together in 1983 visited the graves of Lester Jr. and Robert in the Netherlands. Rosa says “We were very impressed with condition of the cemetery, everything was perfect”. There is a collection of items about these three soldiers on display in the Wreaths Across America museum here in Columbia Falls including pictures of the graves. On November 11^th 1990 The Columbia Falls United Methodist Church during its Sesquicentennial Celebration honored the lives of Lester J. and Robert Look with a Eulogy by Patricia Luce Pratt and special music. This Service was arranged by their sister Audrey Look Luce. Very little is known about Embert Grant and any information readers may have would be appreciated. Lester Look Sr. lost two sons and his wife in a very short period of time. A very interesting coincidence is about a newspaper clipping “Second Member Of Columbia Falls Family Killed In Action” held in the possession of the family all these years since 1944. Roberta Morris Hammond, my wife after we had been married about 30 years in the 1990s happened to inadvertently turn this clipping over and read the back side.  Much to her surprise there is an article “West Harrington” about my mother, Beatrice Nichols (and others) in Ellsworth welcoming my father, Sgt. George Hammond home again from the armed forces. He was wounded in the ankle during the war.

The Wreaths Across America Museum memorabilia collection for brothers, Lester Jr and Robert Look who were killed in action in WWII. Both men were sons of Lester and Lillian Look. Roberta Hammond, niece is reading WWII letters that they sent to their family back home.

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Photos courtesy Alice Grant Collection


Mary (May) Ruggles Chandler (born January 8^th, 1875) was a lifetime resident of Columbia Falls. She graduated from Washington Academy. May’s father, Samuel Henry Chandler (1831-1883) was an apothecary, and her grandfather, Alpheus Spring Chandler was a doctor in Columbia Falls for 52 years. May wanted to be a doctor like her grandfather but in those times it was difficult for a female to become a physician. She decided to attend the University of Maine's College of Pharmacy and she graduated with a degree. She became Maine’s first registered female pharmacist. She taught school for a couple of years after graduating. In 1906 her brother, Alpheus Chandler opened a new store in the Levi Leighton's commercial building and she opened her own pharmacy within this store. After Mr. Chandler died the store and the pharmacy were separated within the same building. In 1945 the building burned and the space is now the Ruggles House parking lot. May never married and she lived with Fred and his wife Christiana and their daughter, Bertha Mary Champion. May didn’t like cooking, but in a pinch one time she volunteered and did the cooking. No one could eat it! And she said “OK, I’ll stick to pharmaceuticals”. They lived on Church Hill Circle in the second oldest house in Columbia Falls. This home was located on the east side of the Methodist Church and was torn down just a few years ago. Postmaster, Willis Allen, his wife Beatrice and May Chandler were the greatest of friends nearly all their lives. Annually on Willis’ birthday May would send a card addressed to Willis Allen P.M. (postmaster) and on her birthday Willis would send her a card addressed to Mary Chandler O.M. (old maid). Eventually the Champions moved to Connecticut and May moved into the Columbia House on Main Street with her cousins, Anna and Grace Crandon. Miss Chandler was an intellectual, a deep thinker, a lover of learning, of fine music and all that goes with a classical education.  She was a highly regarded member of our community, respected by old and young, life-long citizens and new comers as well.  Dr. Joseph Keil, upon settling in Columbia Falls and opening a medical practice, soon made Miss Chandler's acquaintance and when out of town on vacation left Miss Chandler in charge of his office and caring for his patients. Mary Ruggles Chandler alone was “the savior of the Ruggles House”, Elizabeth Ruggles, Thomas' granddaughter and last resident of the house did all she could, without any money to spend on it, to preserve the house. Following her death it was Mary Chandler who persuaded her cousins into forming the Ruggles Historical Society and keeping the house intact rather than accepting offers to sell all or parts of the house and the one remaining piece of Thomas Ruggles' furniture, a large and rare sideboard.  From the death of the last resident of the house, Elizabeth Ruggles in 1920 to her death in 1955 Miss Chandler worked tirelessly seeing to the restoration of one of the finest houses in Maine and in fact a house that was termed "the finest small house in the world" by a well known and well traveled architect. Fortunately, Miss Chandler lived to meet and work with Edward Browning Jr. and his wife Ellen Douglas Browning in the formation of the present Ruggles House Society in 1948. Miss Chandler saw to the transferring of the property from the Ruggles Historical Society to the newly formed society which has carried on Miss Chandler's work to this day. Mary Ruggles Chandler stands tall among those of our citizens who have contributed significantly to our small town. May died in the Columbia House upon returning from the post office with the mail on November 4^th, 1955.

Many thanks to all the people who help me with these history snippets especially Roberta Hammond and John Tibbetts. – Chuck Hammond

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Columbia Falls has a baseball history that goes way back to the 1800s. Irving Melrose Young from Columbia Falls was a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1905 to 1911. He played for the Boston Beaneaters/Doves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago White Sox. His nicknames were Young Cy Young, Young Cy or Cy The Second. But, the golden age of baseball was certainly the 1930s. At the end of the roaring 20s baseball started to boom. New stadiums had been built and both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig hit over 40 home runs in 1930. Baseball on radio gave people a respite from the daily problems of the depression. The Cincinnati Reds installed lights and started playing at night. The All-Star game originated in 1933. The Baseball Hall of Fame came about in 1939. Like the rest of the country Columbia Falls got caught up in the spirit of all this excitement. In the winter of 1930 six men got together and formed the Columbia Falls Cubs. They were Ira Wakefield, manager; Morris Tibbetts, Willis (Bike) Allen jr; Bert Bailey; Fred Pineo jr; and Donald Higgins. The Cubs were THE powerhouse team of Downeast Maine for a few years. Ira Wakefield was the catcher, Dan Hartford played 1^st base, Embert Allen and George Drisko both played 2^nd base, Ray Grant was 3^rd baseman, Bike Allen was short stop, Bert Bailey was right fielder, Morris Tibbetts and George Bucknam were center fielders, Milt Tabbutt and Leon Rockwell played left field, and Don Higgins was the pitcher. During the 30s, 40s and 50s most towns in Western Washington County had a semi-pro town team and competition was fierce. The Cubs were often invited to play non-local teams at country fairs. These games were exciting and always drew large crowds. A few local players, Carlton Willey (Cherryfield), Keith Drisko (Columbia Falls), and Crawford Hartford (Columbia Falls) actually went on to play professional baseball.

photo from Alice Grant Collection

The 1893 Columbia Falls baseball team. Left to right, back row – Unknown, Alphius Chandler, Gus Barton; middle row – Winn Perry, William Tabbutt, Unknown, Unknown, Fred Ingersoll; front row – George Coffin, Unknown, Bert Allen, Hershel Allen, and Willis Allen. If anyone can identify the unknown men please email c.f.record-editor@roadrunner.com

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Big snowstorm Friday, May 11, 1945:  The snow storm covered the area from the Berkshires to Maine with 26" recorded in New Hampshire, 15" in Maine and in Vermont, and 10" in Massachusetts. It set a record in Portland for the latest snowfall ever (7 inches).  It began Thursday evening and fell all through the night blanketing Bangor, northern and downeast Maine with a heavy slushy mess which uprooted trees and felled telephone poles.

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Photo Courtesy Mary Hathaway Alley

The Hathaway Brothers Canning Factory (the bean factory), Station Road, Columbia, Maine in 1942. The company was started in 1936 by J. Wyman (Bill) Hathaway from Columbia Falls.  They canned mostly green and yellow string beans for the military, A&P, IGA and others until shortly after his death in 1958.
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Eugene Belmore Look (he was called Belmore) of Columbia Falls was a seaman. He kept a notebook which has been passed down by the Look family. In 1872 there is an account with Capt. W. J. Look for services loading the schooner Rosana. He went aboard the schooner Uncle Tom on November 17^th, 1873. She was built in Addison in 1868. He signed on the schooner Henry on July 20^th, 1874. Interestingly on that date he lent the Captain $2.00. The Henry was built in Columbia Falls circa 1845-46. On Aug 20^th he received $30.00 from Capt. Nash presumably for 30 days service. Mr. Look signed on the J.C. Nash on April 16^th, 1876 for $28.00 per month. The J.C. Nash was built in Harrington in 1870. He boarded the Schooner Express on April 13^th, 1880 for $20.00 per month. In 1880 E.B. Look became captain of his own ship but apparently still worked on others part time. On September 17^th 1880 he signed on the Schooner S.W. Perry for $20.00 per month. The Captain was N.M. Ingersoll. The ship was built in Harrington in 1875. In Boston he received $10.00, one bbl of flour at $6.75, one bbl apples at $1.25, and 12-1/2 lbs Ralhing (?) at $1.50. It appears that these were counted as wages. Back in Columbia on December 26^th and 27^th he received $22.25 in wages. In January (1881) he received a total $20.00 in goods and wages.  He signed on the schooner Julia on May 31^st, 1881 for $25.00 per month. The Julia was built in Harrington in 1864. On April 6^th, 1882 he shipped on the schooner Express. In Boston he received $23.00, in Bath on June 4^th he received $2.00, back in Boston on June 13^th he received $34.25. Capt. Belmore Look’s wife (Charlotte Farnsworth) had a sister, Priscilla who was married to Seth Bryant. They built the ship Little David in Cherryfield. She was a 37’ schooner of 15 tons. The Bryants lived in Stoneham, Ma but they summered in Columbia Falls on Great Hill where Phillip and Valerie Worcester live now. Capt. Look ran regularly from Jonesport, Columbia Falls and Addison to Boston and New York carrying butter and venison. The green A. H. Reid Jonesport Butter and Creamery chest is still in the Look family.  There is one account of him carrying 26 bbls of fish chum for O.N. Nash from Addison on November 15, 1883. He often took his family by ship to Jonesport for the 4^th of July celebrations. Capt. Look discouraged his children (Lester, Fred, Seth and Editha) from ever going to sea. On one trip up the Pleasant River Capt. Look told a passenger that he knew every rock in the river and about that time the ship hit something hard and he said “and there is one right there”.

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Family History Snippet, Worcester Branch by Ronie Worcester

I ran across the report of an interesting legal case in Maine. In 1896, Harley L. Worcester, then 26, and three of his Columbia Falls friends and business associates* stood trial for violation of the state game laws two years earlier.
In 1894, the Maine open season on moose, caribou and deer ran for three months, October through December. During the season, a hunter could legally take, and have in his possession at one time, no more than 1 moose, 2 caribou and three deer. By December 12, 1894, the four had acquired, by purchase or otherwise, and had in their possession, a total of 89 untagged market-ready deer carcasses. Under cover of darkness that night, they transported the carcasses from Columbia Falls to Addison Point and loaded them onto a waiting schooner that carried them to Boston for sale. It was also determined that each of the four had earlier in the season taken his legal limit of three deer. None of them was a "market-man or provision dealer" as defined by the law.
They all admitted to the facts of the complaint against them but appealed the fines levied (totaling $3560), entered pleas of not guilty, and retained a lawyer. The complaint was quashed at trial.
For more facts and the legal reasoning, go to Google Books and search under "Cases in Law and Equity, Harley Worcester".

• Few more facts in the matter of the 1894 illegal shipment of deer involving Willard Bailey, George Bucknam, Bion Tibbetts and Harley Worcester:
  

  The schooner Monticello that transported the deer carcasses to Boston was home ported in Milbridge in 1894. Her captain and sole owner was Millard F. Mitchell of Harrington. The mate was Charles W. Allen, also of Harrington.
  The Monticello loaded at Addison Point on December 12th, 1894, and sailed from Milbridge for Boston on the 15th. The deer had been consigned by the four Columbia Falls men to several Boston venison buyers. However, the Monticello made an intermediate stop in Gloucester, where Mitchell and Allen sold a portion of the meat before continuing on to Boston. There they were arrested for appropriating and selling cargo consigned to others.
  By coincidence, Maine Fish and Game Commissioner Henry C. Stanley was in Boston when the arrests were made. He arranged for a stenographer to take down the facts of the case, including the names of the four Washington County consignors, for use back in Maine in preparing a case for prosecution under the state game laws.
  The consequence was that Capt. Mitchell and 1st Mate Allen were tried in Boston in March, 1895 [trial results not found], and the four Columbia Falls men stood trial in Maine in January, 1896 [complaints quashed].
  Although I've been unable to find the Boston court decision, ship register and enrollment records show that on May 18, 1895, the Monticello was enrolled at Machias under a new owner and master, Leander Nutter of Gouldsboro. A logical conclusion is that Capt. Mitchell lost both his case and his schooner in Boston.
  This did not, however, end his career. He sailed again as master of several more Machias-registered vessels and owned shares in some of these. At times his wife, Lizzie E. Cummings Mitchell, was listed as an owner. At age 56 in May,1916, he was master and majority owner of the 70 ton schooner Marcia Bailey (built 1883 in Columbia Falls by John T. Allen).
  Mate Charles W. Allen was probably Charles Wilmot Allen of Harrington, 1845-1928.
  
  Sources for the above are:
  
  Ship Registers and Enrollments of Machias Maine, 1780-1930
  
  Bangor Daily Whig & Courier, Maine Melange, Washington County, Thursday, March 28, 1895; Issue 75; Col. C
  
  Boston Daily Advertiser, Shipping and Maritime News, Wednesday, December 19, 1894; p. 7; Issue 147; Col. D
  
  Forest and Stream, Game and Fish Protection, Maine Venison in Boston, February 23, 1895, p.1

Received from Homer Morrison on September 6, 2011.

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From the book An Era to Remember, A historical sketch of the shipbuilding industry in West Washington County, 1972 by Robert R. Hammond: The first ship built in Columbia/Columbia Falls was the Columbia in 1799. It was a schooner of 98 tons and was built by Mrs. Mary Bucknam, Joseph Patten and Gowen Wilson. There were 100 ships built between 1799 and 1893. The last one was the Pepe Ramirez, a vessel of 428 tons. Joseph Crandon and his son John built 18 of these ships. The Crandon Shipyard was on the west side of Pleasant River just down stream from the falls. The street to this old shipyard location is named Crandon Shipyard Road and still exists today.

The Ship John H. Crandon, a Barkentine of 495 tons, built in 1875 by John H. Crandon at the Crandon shipyard in Columbia Falls. Photo courtesy Roberta Hammond.

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From A History of Columbia and Columbia Falls written by Nancy Green and Historian, Clarence H. Drisko, 1976: The 1860 census showed a population of 1265 for Columbia. In 1863 the Town of Columbia divided, and the town of Columbia Falls was incorporated on March 25^th.  The minutes of the last town meeting, March 24^th, 1863, the day before the separation did not mention why the towns separated. Columbia Falls held its first town meeting on April 7^th, 1863. The Civil War was at its height. The 1870 census showed a population of 668 for Columbia and 608 in Columbia Falls.

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The Great Flood of 1936

In March 1936, 15 inches of rain falling in 14 days together with melting snowpack caused extensive flooding throughout Maine and New England. Ice jams also helped produce some of the worst damage in this great flood. In Maine 5 people were killed. Columbia Falls did not escape this tragedy but fortunately there was no loss of life.  Pleasant River overflowed its banks and water ran right over the bridge. Cellars flooded, sewers backed up and piles of logs were lost.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Hammond

On Friday, March 13, 1936 Pleasant River overflowed its banks and flooded the bridge in Columbia Falls Village. Road commissioner Lester Look is seen here placing sandbags on the bridge.

Photos Courtesy of John Tibbetts
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HAMLIN HALL
Elijah Hamlin (born 1800 in Livermore, Maine - died 1872) was a lawyer, businessman and historian. He was the older brother of Hannibal Hamlin future Vice President of the United States under Abraham Lincoln. Elijah was trained as a physician. He went to Brown University, but graduated from Colby College in 1824. He moved to Columbia, Maine and practiced law. The 1830 census confirms this: states his age between 30-40 years old; lists his wife age 20-30 years old; 3 children - 1 female 10-15 years old, 2 females and a 1 male under 5 years of age.  He set up a law practice in Waterford, Maine.  Elijah was a land agent and helped open the Aroostook County to settlement and eventually settled in Bangor, Maine in the early 1830's. He ran for Governor of Maine in 1848 and 1849 as a Whig. He also served in the Maine Legislature and was the Mayor of Bangor from 1851-1852. He died in Bangor July 16, 1872 and is buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Hamlin Hall on Church Hill Circle, Columbia Falls was named after Elijah Hamlin. It was built in 1857, a two story Greek Revival architectural building with a grade school on the first floor and a hall on the second floor. The hall was used for many events including traveling shows. It was the meeting place for Knights of Pythias during the first half of the 20^th century.

When the town had abandoned the building and the Knights of Pythias were going to sell it Mrs. Gertrude Tibbetts was determined the bell would not be sold with the building.  The bell had been given by Elijah Hamlin in honor of his brother Hannibal (the Vice President under Lincoln). Mrs. Tibbetts got a group together and persuaded the lodge to give the bell to the Methodist Church. This group got the bell taken down and put up in the church belfry.  An agreement was signed between the church and the lodge to insure the bell always remains here in Columbia Falls. There is a copy of this agreement in existence today.

Hamlin Hall, Columbia Falls named for Elijah Hamlin, older brother to Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, Built 1857 with elementary school downstairs, large hall upstairs.

Edison invented the phonograph in 1877, the Edison Speaking Phonograph Company was established in 1878 to market the machine, and in 1879 it came to Hamlin Hall.

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 In 1861 two years before Columbia and Columbia Falls separated there were 9 school districts. Their locations were: Tibbettstown, Cynthia Dorr Hill (Turkey Hill); Epping, lower corner; Epping, upper corner; Saco; the Branch; Webb District; Rockwell District; and the Village.

Central District School (AKA Rockwell District School) Circa 1895
Left to right front row- Willard Grant, Harvey Rockwell, Willie Rockwell, Fred Worcester, Charley Worcester, Willard Worcester, Joe Drisko; 2^nd row- Foster Higgins, Howard Grant, Will Rockwell, Anna Rockwell, Ina Drisko, Lena Tabbutt, Lucy Higgins, Hattie Worcester, Hannah Drisko, Esther Tabbutt, Eva Grant, Hattie Drisko;  3^rd row- Maggie Tabbutt, Maggie Rockwell, Mammie Drisko, Lizzie Drisko, Editha Look, Blanch Magee, Elsie Tabbutt, Teacher Willie P Magee; Back row- Bessie Dorr, Lizzie Donovan, Suzie Ingersol, Bertha Rockwell, Harry Drisko, John Magee, Fred Look, George Higgins, Lester Look, Charles Drisko, Jared Rockwell.

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An 1888 Valentine

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Rufus Drisko Tabbutt 1865 – 1923

Photo courtesy of Roberta Hammond

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A Valentine History Snippet

In 1888 (124 years ago!) Rufus Tabbutt (age 23) sent a valentine to his sweetheart, Miss Mary Farnsworth (age 20), who was away visiting her sister in Stoneham, Ma. It was a long courtship and they finally married in October 1893. Mary and Rufus never had any children. It has been said that Mary would shingle the roof while Rufus did the cooking. We do know that Rufus was a cook for logging camps. Mary always carried a black umbrella and a big black satchel. Everyone always wondered what was in it. One day when she stopped at Dan (nephew) and Thelma Look’s house she set the bag down and wondered off to pick blueberries. Thelma couldn’t resist looking into the mysterious black bag. What a disappointment! This great big bag held only a small change purse and a hankie. Mary was very afraid of thunderstorms. One night during blueberry season a very serious thunderstorm blew through while they were camping at Pretty Pond. Rufus rolled his eyes toward heaven and said “easy Lord, my Mary is scared of thunder”. Rufus always had a nice, fast horse. Should Rufus and Mary be coming from town and another buggy happened to be on the road, a race was sure to ensue. Rufus loved a good race. Mary however was not so keen on racing and would be beating Rufus about the head with her umbrella.  

Mary’s parents were Joseph W. Farnsworth of Jonesboro and Eliza (Pineo) Farnsworth of C.F. Joseph was a grandson of Hannah Watts Weston, the Revolutionary War heroin. His mother, Betsey, was the 5^th daughter of Hannah and Josiah Weston. Betsey married Asa Farnsworth and Joseph was their 11^th of 12 children. Joseph and Eliza built their home not far from her parents on Tibbettstown Road. Lester Look purchased this home from his grandparents (Eliza and Joseph) when he was only 17 years old. He earned the money by working on the construction of the new railroad in 1900. This home passed on to George Stillman Look (grandson of Lester and is wife Lillian (Sinclair) Look) and his wife Jean (Hartford) Look where they raised 5 children who are all still living in the area today. The house no longer exists.

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The Pleasant River Canning Co. packed blueberries under the Rosemary Brand from the early 1900s to the 1960s. One thing that made Pleasant River different from other blueberry packing companies is that it was a cooperative, that is, it was owned by the blueberry growers. In the heyday as a blueberry processor all the blueberries were canned, primarily in #10 and #300 cans. They were packed in water and in syrup to be sold on store shelves or sold to bakeries and the like.  Rosemary blueberries were shipped all over the United States and Canada and there was an excellent market in Hawaii. All shipping was done by rail car which also brought the empty cans already in the cases in which they would be shipped out.  Those going to Hawaii went by rail to San Francisco and from there by boat. When the market changed and other processors were beginning to freeze berries PRCC stopped actually packing their own berries and started selling to other processors. The factory location was on the Centerville Road right next to the railroad tracks. Some of the original building still survives but has changed ownership. The Company’s receiving station for freshly picked blueberries is across the Centerville Road from it’s original location. There are a couple of Rosemary label designs that are occasionally found in antique and collectable shops today.

Pleasant River Canning Co. Factory 1917






Please email us if you can match any names to faces.

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The L.A. and A.R Loggie blueberry canning factory (the Red Factory) built circa 1900 and demolished circa 1958. It employed about 100 men, women and children including pickers each season in the early 1900s. It was located on the east side of the Tibbettstown Road and very close to it. The site was between the railroad tracks and Church Hill before Route 1 bypassed Columbia Falls in 1960. Basically it was where Route 1 is now. Reportedly Loggie sold this building to Northeast Blueberry Co. The Loggie company also owned a factory in Vanceboro.

In 1880s the company was one of the largest packers and exporters of fish in Atlantic Canada. They had general stores, they exported salmon, mackerel and other kinds of fresh and fresh-frozen fish, clams, smelts, canned lobster, and finnan haddie. They owned a fleet of 25 fishing vessels.

By 1904 the company’s largest output was no longer in fish. The Loggies then had 13 huge ice houses. They were a major producer of wild blueberries, for which they operated 17 canneries in New Brunswick, Quebec, and New England. At Loggieville, Canada they operated a can and box factory and an electricity generating plant. They had a number of unrelated business interests as well, such as fox ranching and river and harbour dredging.

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In the Columbia House guest register there is an entry for January 8th, 1868 for a leap year party for a large group (18 couples) of Machias citizens.  It was the custom of the times that on leap year, ladies could ask men to dance, they could ask for dates and even propose marriage. So in keeping with that tradition the guest register lists the lady's name instead of the gentleman's. Most of those family names are still around the Machias area today. There is a "1" to the right of 7 of the names and I believe these couples may have stayed all night. They would have had to come by sleigh if snow or carriage if bare ground, quite an adventure and especially for those going home late at night. The Columbia House is listed on the National Register of Historic Homes and is located at 182 Main Street, Columbia Falls.

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There was an old chest that didn’t look like very much.  It was something that my grandmother had had in her home ever since I could remember.  When this chest was given to my father it still didn’t mean much to me until the day he opened it and started to sift through its contents.  Within this chest was evidence of life from a time long before mine. . .

 

She wrote poetry that told of the every day life and people around her.  This unknown lady of so long ago was my great-grandmother who so eloquently wrote in poetry and wrote stories about the people and life in Indian River.  It wasn’t long before we, my Dad and I, began typing and sharing her poems for other family members to hold and cherish. 

 

At this same time my dad started to re-print some of the family and village photos of that long ago time.  It was my grandmother on my father’s side that saved all these wonderful treasures.  Within the same treasures in that old chest, my dad found the journals and diaries.  It was at this point he knew the most important mission at hand was to create a book for all to read.

 

The book he created with the help of some of the folks from Indian River is titled Indian River Village and Its People.  This book is available by contacting my Dad, Ronald Gray, at: 877 Indian River Road, Addison, ME  04606 or calling 207-483-4492.  Please make checks out to: Indian River History Museum in the amount of $35.00.  Shipping is approximately $3.50 per book. 

Submitted by Grace Falzarano

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 ~ IN THE BEGINNING ~

Some Interesting Facts About The Beginnings Of What Is Now The Town of Columbia Falls

Part Four

 

On April 4, 1796 citizens of what is now our town of Columbia Falls gathered together with the rest of the citizens of the town of Columbia at Gowin Wilson’s home, just across the river from our Historic Town Hall, in the very first town meeting and transacted the following business.  Capt. Nathan Whitney was voted moderator, Joseph Patten was chosen town clerk, David Wass, Thomas Ruggles and William Wass were elected selectmen, Obidiah Allen was chosen constable, and Elisha Coffin treasurer. The same men chosen as selectmen were also appointed assessors and William Ingersoll was voted tax collector.  They appointed men as surveyors of highways, of lumber, of shingles and in charge of fences. They also elected three men to be in charge of hogs and decided “hogs may go at large by being well yoked. (One might assume this is one of the reasons why photos taken in later years show nearly every home surrounded by fences. Also perhaps hogs were the reason for the state law making the town clerk responsible for stray beasts. This law is still on the books, so if you see any stray beasts in town you know now what you should do!)  Note: The spelling of names of citizens is above recorded as they are spelled in the record of the first town meeting.

 

A second town meeting was held on May 2, 1796 to raise “160 dollars to defray town charges 100 of which for schools” and “240 dollars for highway repair”.  The fish committee was empowered to control “the taking of fish” and a committee was formed to make financial settlement with No. 6 [Addison] which had been a part of the total Pleasant River settlement prior to the incorporation of the Town of Columbia.

 

Thus it was that town government, in much the same form as we have today, came to our settlement surrounding Pleasant River in the spring of 1796.  The river still flows in our midst and we are still her people living in and carrying on this historic community founded so long ago.  When we meet at our next Annual Town Meeting in March of 2012 we will be meeting for the 216^th time such a meeting has been held in our village.  For two hundred and sixteen years our citizens have been meeting yearly to elect our representatives to carry on town government for us and to carry out our wishes as expressed by our votes in that meeting.

 

Years ago a writer for The Boston Globe writing about the Charles River said, “Thou hast taught me silent river”.  A poet has written, “The river flows not past but through us”.  Nancy and Clarence have said, “But whatever time may give or take away….it is our river, and we are its people.”

 

I have briefly written here about our town’s history with the hope that our history, like our river, may flow through us and renew and encourage our interest in our town. It has been said the New England Town Meeting is our purest form of democracy in the world – direct government of the people, by the people and for the people.  Let’s show our interest by attending meetings, being willing to serve in elective positions and sharing our ideas and working together to continue to make Columbia Falls the great place to live that it is and always has been!                                                                                -John Allen Tibbetts

 

With permission of The Record staff, I would like to continue to write about our town, its buildings and its people.  Thanks to you who have taken time to read these four installments   recounting some of the history of our beginnings.  Your comments and suggestions are still welcomed. Below listed are the sources I have used writing “In The Beginning”.    - J.A.T.

 

SOURCES:

 

A HISTORY OF COLUMBIA AND COLUMBIA FALLS   NANCY H. GREENE & CLARENCE H. DRISKO   NARRAGUAGUS PRINTING CO., CHERRYFIELD, ME   1986, 1976

 

1910 CENSUS AND HISTORICAL SKETCH OF COLUMBIA FALLS, MAINE   RICHARD N. BEDARD   NARRAGUAGUS PRINTING CO., CHERRYFIELD, ME.  1990

 

HISTORIC WASHINGTON COUNTY   A PROJECT OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BI-CENTENNIAL COMMISSION

 

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF LEVI LEIGHTON 1890   LEVI LEIGHTON   BROWN THURSTON COMPANY, PORTLAND, ME   1890

 

CENTENNIAL HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA FROM 1796 TO 1896   LEVI LEIGHTON, ESQ.   PRESS OF THE REPUBLICAN, MACHIAS, ME   1896

 

A COPY OF THE TOWN RECORD BOOK OF THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA 1796 TO 1863

Back to Part Three
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 Point Street with fenced in yards

 

 

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 ~ IN THE BEGINNING ~

Some Interesting Facts About The Beginnings Of What Is Now The Town Of Columbia Falls

Part Three

 

The earliest homes of record, built in the 1790’s, in Columbia Falls village, were built on the east bank of Pleasant River.  Thomas Ruggles’ home, built on a small hill overlooking the west bank of the river, the falls and the salt marshes beyond, was built in 1818 and is today possibly the oldest house, still standing, on the west side of the river. Ruggles’ home was followed closely by that of Samuel Bucknam, 161 Main Street, in 1820 and doubtless Bucknam’s was followed by the Lippincott/Bailey house at 162 Main Street. These three houses were very likely constructed by the same builders given the many similar interior and exterior finishes.

 

I don’t mean to indicate all settlement took place in the village.  It is well-known many early settlers traveled inland and settled in areas known today as Saco, Epping, Tibbettstown and The Branch and to other areas of Townships 12 and 13 as well.  One must remember we are talking about what are today the towns of Columbia and Columbia Falls.  The early history of both towns is inseparable until the two parted company in 1863.  It is interesting to note here that the Selectmen of Columbia Falls recently reconstituted a long defunct recreation committee whose sole purpose, as we are told, is to plan a celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of our town in 2013.  One might hope this committee will consider the history of the towns of Columbia and Columbia Falls to include the fact our citizens have a history of self-government dating to the incorporation of the town of Columbia in 1796 and that many of the citizens, who were the founding fathers of the town, were indeed residents of the falls village, now our Columbia Falls village and further that the earliest meetings of record were held here in our village as I will go on to briefly recount.

 

According to Nancy Greene & Clarence Drisko’s history of Columbia Falls, “The first formal record, signed by persons living in the Pleasant River Valley [which then included Addison], was a Petition dated 1770, appealing to the Governor of Massachusetts for a Justice of the Peace.”  (The Province of Maine was a part of Massachusetts until 1820.)  This petition stated the need for protection of the law from “a great spirit of mobbing, rioting, cursing, swearing, fighting, threatening, stealing and the pulling down of houses such as they couldn’t sleep at night without fear. (Life wasn’t easy in 1770, was it?)  However, most of the signers of this petition were residents of the area known today as Addison. Other petitions, for various reasons, followed until, by act of The Great and General Court of the State Massachusetts and signed by Governor Samuel Adams on February 8, 1796, Townships 12 and 13 were incorporated as the Town of Columbia.

 

Now begins the carefully written and beautifully penned records of our Town of Columbia contained in leather-bound, ledger-style books.  First entry: “Agreeable to a warrant to me directed from the Honorable Alexander Campbell Esquire I hereby notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Columbia qualified as the law directs to assemble together at the dwelling house of Mr. Gowin Wilson [Sr.] in said Columbia on Monday the fourth of April next [1796] at ten o’clock in forenoon to act on the articles following…” The articles that followed, much like today, required the election of a moderator, a town clerk, three or more selectmen, and such other town officers as required by law.  After this business was concluded the meeting was continued to two o’clock in the afternoon when they reassembled to cast votes for state governor and representatives to the state legislature (Great and General Court).  This record is signed by Joseph Patten, Town Clerk.                                             –John Allen Tibbetts

 Back to Part Two
Continue to Part Four

Continued next Friday. The author would appreciate any comments, additions or corrections by email: johntibbetts67@aol.com or by mail: P.O. Box 133 Columbia Falls, ME 04623 or by phone: (207) 483-2245

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 ~ IN THE BEGINNING ~

Some Interesting Facts About The Beginnings Of What Is Now The Town of Columbia Falls

Part Two

 

 

Part One of this series, published last Friday, ended with the quotation “it is our river, and we are its people”.  This gave me cause to remember that throughout most of our history our river flowed through Columbia Falls in clear view of its people.  Commercial interests flourishing along its banks kept the riverbanks clear of alders and other growth.  Now, we can barely see our river because its unused banks have become overgrown.  I hope sometime soon the Town Fathers will take note and have these river banks in the village cleared so, once again, the river can be viewed and enjoyed by its people.

 

In 1990 local historian, Richard N. Bedard, wrote and published 1910 Census and Historical Sketch of Columbia Falls, Maine.  In the twenty-one years since publication it has been a valuable research tool both for those interested in genealogy and because it begins with a very concisely written historical sketch of Columbia Falls. In his historical sketch, Mr. Bedard writes, “Prior to the 1750’s, little is known about the history of this area.  American Indians obviously lived and traveled throughout the land and their name for the Pleasant River was Wescogus, which originated in a small lake about ten miles above this place, and was known to the Indians as Melopskiskis”.

 

Most likely the Vikings next visited our shores as those brave people explored and at least tried to make lasting settlements in North America. It is also likely that still later other European explorers touched our shores and maybe even explored our river, which was navigable to the falls.  Mr.Bedard quotes a 1913 interview with Samuel Bucknam, son of John and Mary Bucknam who were among our earliest recorded settlers.  Samuel Bucknam said, “The first framed house in this village was erected by William and Noah Mitchell who came from Falmouth about 1760.  They were attracted here by the hay that they could secure along Pleasant River and this [hay] they had taken back to Massachusetts in a vessel. Later they came as settlers”.  Interestingly, Laurence Drisko, who prided himself in knowing the history of Columbia Falls, was talking with me shortly after the little old house, then owned by Eleanor and Maurice Galen, was torn down to make way for their trailer home.  Mr. Drisko said he thought the oldest house in Columbia Falls had just been torn down.  He didn’t say much more about it but in thinking about his comment years later it came to me the house he spoke about was on the bank of Mitchell’s Brook located just west of Levi Leighton’s home at 135 Main Street, now owned by Cherri and Tom Hudson.  Maybe Mr. Drisko was correct and this was the “first framed house” referred to by Samuel Bucknam.

 

Other historians have written the first crude log homes were built on the east side of Pleasant River, below the village, where Levi Leighton, in his Centennial Historical Sketch of the Town of Columbia 1796 to 1896 records evidence of old cellars on Bryant’s Hill and Coffin’s Point.  Time has probably made it impossible to determine exactly where the earliest settlers lived.  However, we do know that by the 1790’s Columbia Falls village was well established with substantial homes having been built by John & Mary Bucknam (204 Main Street), Joseph Wilson (18 Church Hill Circle and torn down a few years ago), (190 Main Street – no clear evidence of the builder) and Gowin Wilson Sr. (located near the river across Tibbettstown Road from 180 Main Street (Wilson’s house has been gone for many, many years).                                      - John Allen Tibbetts

 

Part three will be published next Friday

The author would appreciate any additions or corrections to the above information.

Sources are credited when used and a list of sources will be published with the last installment.

Back to Part One
Continue to Part Three

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The old Centerville Schoolhouse (town office building) was torn down several years ago and Jerry Blackburn saved a 3" by 4" stud which had a handwritten  poem upon it. It was written in pencil, signed and dated. This stud was in the wall behind old horsehair plaster. It was difficult to read so Jerry took it to Peter Doak, principal of Narraguagus High School and asked if students would transcribe it. They were excited to do it and here is their transcription:

This is a fine frame it is built with strength & might

It stands on a hill of beauty and delight

Oh may it long stand [tall] for the owners good

and every year be filled with school [days] good

It will be a fine building with plenty of room

May fire or tempest never it consume

M. D. Chandler

May 1, 1858

Centerville

The Record staff would appreciate any information from readers on the history of the old Centerville school and about M. D. Chandler.

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 ~ IN THE BEGINNING ~

Some Interesting Facts About The Beginnings Of What Is Now The Town Of Columbia Falls

Part One

 

Somewhere, tucked away on a shelf, in a closet or storage box, many of you who were here or had family here in 1976 probably have a copy of A History of Columbia and Columbia Falls which was published “In Honor of The American Bicentennial, 1776-1976” by The Columbia/Columbia Falls Bicentennial Committee. The authors, as noted on the front cover of this glossy white covered pamphlet-size book, were: from Columbia, Nancy H. Greene (Writer) and from Columbia Falls, Clarence H. Drisko (Historian).  Clarence Drisko passed away many years ago and more recently so has Nancy Greene.  Their collaboration on this little book brought forth some beautiful writing as well as some carefully researched information on the area of Maine where we live and more particularly our town of Columbia Falls. Now, some thirty-five years after publication, I think it is worth repeating some information it contains for those who have never read it and who are interested in knowing about the land on which we live and our river before, as Robert Frost says, “we were her people”.  So I start this little series as Nancy and Clarence did by here quoting their beautifully written introduction THE BEGINNING.                                                                                                            -John Allen Tibbetts

 

About two million years ago the earth entered into that long seemingly endless sleep called the Ice Age.  During this time glaciers passed across the face of the land, and by their great size alone, gouged out mountains and valleys, vast plains, and jagged coastlines. Eventually they melted and ran into the sea, leaving behind thousands of lakes, ponds and rivers. One of these rivers is called the Pleasant…..“

 

For centuries this river made its way, undisturbed, from its source, the Pleasant River Lake, past many landmarks, then unnamed, but know today as Crebo Flats, El Meadow, Pine Island, the Great Heath.  When it reached the Barrens it was flowing across land that had once been under the sea.  Before the Ice Age, the ocean waters covered much of the land, and the coastline extended farther inland. The clay soil that many of us have homes on today was once mud flats, and the gravel land we know as Blueberry Barrens was the shoreline. As the glaciers came and went, spanning the centuries, the topography changed, the waters receded, and what remained is the land as we know it today.

 

As the Pleasant River made its crooked way across the Great Heath, it became home for beaver, otter, and muskrats. Moose, deer, and bear; foxes, porcupines and raccoons all had their drinking places along its banks. As it reached the place we now call Saco Falls, it was moving rapidly, rushing over the rocks, soon to be joined by the North or Upper Branch (Little River).  It slowed a bit at Low’s Bridge, but hurried again at Burnt Mill Rips, and as it reached the Falls, it was rising and falling with the tide, the beginning of the long trek for the Atlantic Salmon. Before flowing through Addison and on to the sea, it was met on the western side by Branch Brook, itself divided into three small tributaries, Ingersoll Branch, Dyke Branch, and West Branch. Now the land along the river changed from barren to wet marshland. Here ducks and geese were plentiful and the marsh grass which later become vital to the settlers, bent before the wind. Here too would be the shipyards which would make the Pleasant River Valley hum with activity for awhile, and to quiet again as an era ended. Other industries would flourish along its banks, and families would settle in a growing community.

 

This year, 1976, the year of our American Bicentennial, the river still flows the same course, nourishing the land, the wildlife, and the people, but there is less activity along its route. A pinnacle has been reached; at least for awhile. But whatever time may give or take away….it is our river, and we are its people.”

                                                                                         -Nancy H. Greene & Clarence H. Drisko

Continued on Part Two
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The Levi Leighton store building when Gus Barton operated it.



 

Far left to right, the edge of the barn with cupola now owned by the Hudson's, the Methodist Parsonage, the Methodist Vestry (previously a millinery) with library upstairs ,  and far right the side of Levi Leighton's store which was also run at different times  by Brad Tibbetts and Gus Barton, the building also housed the Mary Chandler pharmacy and apartments upstairs (now the Ruggles House parking lot). The post in the middle of Greeley Square appears to be a hitching post. By Chuck Hammond

On Sunday morning, January 14, 1945 these two buildings you see above plus the business & apartment block to the right burned leaving only a couple walls of the parsonage still standing.  Beatrice Allen, writing of the fire in her diary that day had this to say: “Had a bad fire here this morning about 4 o’clock.  Brad Tibbetts’ store, the Vestry and parsonage burned. Lorey Grant’s barn, the Ruggles House, Will Bailey’s store and Marjory Wakefield’s barn all caught fire [from sparks blown by the wind].  Fire engines from Jonesport, Machias and Cherryfield came [to assist Columbia Falls firefighters].”

 The next day the Bangor Daily News reported: “Destroyed were the B.B. Tibbetts Block, which contained two occupied apartments, the H.A. Barton grain store and a drug store owned by Miss Mary R. Chandler; the Methodist Church Vestry, housing also the town library; and the residence of the Rev. Russell Fowler, the Methodist pastor…”  The article goes on to say the tenants in the apartments on the second floor of the store building were Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Oliver and Mrs. Gladys Hayward and her children, Donald, 17, Lois, 11, and Juanita, 8, who escaped from the burning building but had no opportunity to save any possessions.  All three buildings were a total loss and only the Fowler’s were able to save some of their things including Mrs. Fowler’s piano.  The roughly 2000 books in the town library were also lost. By John Tibbetts

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 Who are these 3 kids? What are they carrying? Where did they get it? If you know the answers please email us at c.f.record-editor@roadrunner.com  Answer: left to right Cecile Richard Thompson, June Allen Norton and John Allen Tibbetts. They  stopped to pick up the milk at the Bucknam's on the way home from the Hamlin school.


This picture was taken circa 1949, looking down river between the bridge and Ock Allen's garage. They were on their way home from the Hamlin School.
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Ronie Strout
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Denton True "Cy" Young (March 29, 1867 – November 4, 1955) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. During his 22-year baseball career (1890-1911), he pitched for five different teams. Young was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937. One year after Young's death, the Cy Young Award was created to honor the previous season's best pitcher. BUT he was not from Columbia Falls.

 

Ten years after Denton True Young was born in Ohio, Irving Melrose Young was born in Columbia Falls (July 21, 1877 - January 14, 1935). He was also a pitcher in Major League Baseball (from 1905 to 1911). He played for the Boston Beaneaters/Doves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago White Sox. His nicknames were Young Cy Young, Young Cy or Cy The Second. He is buried in Columbia Falls at The Ruggles Cemetery (top of Great Hill on the north side of the road). A street has been named after him off the Tibbettstown Road in Columbia Falls.

 Writes the New York Times, “Young ‘Cy’ Young gave the champion New Yorks (Giants) a sample of his pitching powers in the first game of a double header in this city to-day by allow­ing them only three hits during the entire nine innings.^”

 For more information on Young Cy Young click biography.

Young between seasons, c. 1909

 

Pitcher Personal information

Born: July 21, 1877 Columbia Falls, Maine

Died: January 14, 1935 (aged 57) Brewer, Maine

Maine Player information

Batted: Left Threw: Left MLB debut: April 14, 1905 for the Boston Beaneaters Last MLB appearance: August 25, 1911 for the Chicago White Sox Career statistics Win–loss record     63-95 Earned run average     3.11 Strikeouts     560 Teams

Boston Beaneaters/Doves (1904-1908), Pittsburgh Pirates (1908) Chicago White Sox (1910-1911)

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