Harpswell Celebrates Its 250th by Robert Anderson
Traveling back in time, feeling the closeness of the community of yesteryear, reliving the struggles our forefathers endured to ensure a peaceful and honorable future for the town of Harpswell. That was the perception portrayed at the 250th birthday celebration at the Old Town Meeting House in Harpswell Center on January 25, 2008.
The Old Meeting House was marked by the Maine Chapter of the National Society Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America on August 27, 1966. The most recent restoration of the Meeting House was in 2006 by Alexander and Allen Builders.
A virtual list of Harpswell’s who’s who packed the historic building which was built in 1758. Along with present and former selectmen, town officials, county commissioner, historians, farmers and fishers, approximately 100 people crowded into the Meeting House to kick off the beginning of what is slated to be a year of pride and celebration for Harpswell.
“This is just the beginning of our plans for celebrations throughout the year,” states Dave Hackett, President of the Harpswell Historic Society and Chair of the 250th Celebration Committee. “Many of our plans are still in the works,” he adds. “But I can tell you for sure that there will be a concert in the graveyard behind the Meeting House on July 6th.”
Among the key note speaker were Sam Alexander, Chair of the Harpswell Board of Selectmen. “I have a great sense of pride in this building,” he said. “ My ancestor William Alexander helped build it.”
Harpswell resident and maritime novelist, James L. Nelson, also spoke to the crowd relating to the discovery of Harpswell through the charting of the shoreline by the sailors of the era. Readings from the records also noted the abundance fish, lobster and clams in Harpswell waters. Following from the writings of the late historian Richard Wescott, Nelson struggled to pronounce the many Native American terms and stated to the audience, “ I’m originally from Lewiston. This would be a lot easier if it (Native terms) were in French.”
The final speaker of the evening was Gary Anderson. Anderson, dressed in period costume, and never passing up the chance to throw out a joke, and lighten the history lesson with audience laughter, paved the way to social time with sweets, soft drinks and a birthday cake donated to the celebration by the Veggie Corner.
“The cake was a nice touch.” says Hackett. “Kisti Eiane (town administrator) brought up the idea of having a birthday cake. It just started as a tongue in cheek idea, but it was a great idea. She ordered the cake for us,” Hackett thanks. “And I have to give credit where credit is due. What’s a birthday without a cake!”
The bitter cold of the January evening greeted the celebrants as they exited the Meeting House; a reminder of the struggles the town founders must have endure to attend the first town meeting of Harpswell in 1758, but the days of horse and carriage have made way to today’s automobiles with heaters, and tarred roads leading to homes with fossil fuel heat and electric light. Such is the technology of today. What have we learned of our past? How will we be looked upon in the future. The celebration of harpswell’s 250th birthday has begun. Happy Birthday Harpswell!
For more information about Harpswell’s 250th celebration, contact dave hackett at 833-6322.