By Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
On Saturday, July 21 the dairy and automotive room at the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum will be officially named the Longstaff Room, for the late Ralph and Justina Longstaff of Houlton.
The Longstaffs volunteered a significant amount of time to the organization of the museum and donated a variety of items to the overall collection.
A chicken barbecue will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 6. The meal with a beverage and dessert will be $8 per person.
Photo by Karen Donato
SUPPER PLANNED — Volunteers at the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum in Littleton will be firing up the grills to barbecue chicken Saturday, July 21. The public supper will include the dedication of the Longstaff Room in memory of Ralph and Justina who spent many hours volunteering and gave many items for the displays. Riding on the museum float during the recent 4th of July parade were from left, Bonnie Upton, Eldon Bennett, Rae Johnston and Roland Stairs.
Ten years ago a dozen or so area residents joined together to secure funding to purchase the shuttered Littleton Elementary School. In the 10 years since, an empty building has become the showcase of possessions once used on family farms in Aroostook County. Three rooms have been filled by the late Cedric Shaw and his wife Emily of Littleton, another substantial collection of tools was given by the late Luther Grass and his wife, Kay also of Littleton.
In addition to the meal there will also be the unearthing of a time capsule buried in 1992 by sixth-grade students attending the school. Former Principal Michael Powers and custodian Paul Prosser will be participating along with some former students in the retrieval of the items buried 20 years ago.
The agricultural museum is located 10 miles north of Houlton on U.S. Rt. 1 just south of Westerdahl’s Garage. It is handicapped accessible with plenty of parking. The museum is open from 1 p.m. to 4 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through September or by appointment. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
For more information call 532-7125.