A new tradition began two years ago by celebrating Caribou Heritage Day. Along with some fun events, the idea was to celebrate a different person or family that has contributed to the fabric of what makes our community what it is. Two years ago, we celebrated Olaf Pierson. Last year it was Alexander Cochran. This year, we celebrate the Collins family.
The first thing to bring to your attention is that everyone has heard of S.W. Collins, who, along with Washington Vaughan, came to the area in 1844, married Dorcas Hardison and built a gristmill and a sawmill that began what came to be called Caribou Village since it was centered around the Caribou Stream where the mills were located. This was the genesis of the S.W. Collins Company which is still in business today and still run by the Collins family.
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| David Collins |
What not a lot of people know is that Samuel Collins was one of four brothers who helped settle the community. They were, by date of arrival: S.W. (1844), David (1849), Harvey (1852) and James (1850s). Samuel was the oldest and was born in 1811. James was born around 1813, Harvey in 1821 and the youngest of the family, David, who was born in 1827.
And while the Collins name has been synonymous for success in this area, the four came to a vast wilderness, worked hard with good character and often suffered great personal loss both before and after they arrived.
For example, David was 2 years old when his mother died and only 12 when his father died. Harvey’s wife, Emily (Gowan), died at the age of 32 in 1862 and only one of their four children lived beyond the age of 20. Harvey himself was murdered (according to Milton Lufkin) in California in 1877.
Next week, I will give a brief overview of the careers and lives of the four brothers. For this week, I want to concentrate a bit on the physical remnants of their lives.
S.W. Collins
John Pike built the first S.W. Collins House in 1845 and it was located just where the entrance to Herschel Street is now. Sam and Dorcas lived there until 1859 when they moved into their new house built by A.M. York at its present location on North Main Street. When Sam died in 1899, Herschel, his son, inherited the house and renovated it extensively to the appearance you see today.
Re-developed in 1980 by Philip and Vivian Willey, the house remains in the Willey family today housing the elderly and disabled.
In addition to the house, Sam Collins’ physical legacy includes the grounds of the S.W. Collins Company and the two remnants of the dams used by his mills and the boarding house mentioned below.
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| Emily Albina and Harvey Collins |
Harvey Collins built the red house on the other end of North Main Street that has long been known as the Lombard House. Members of the Lombard family still live there today. Harvey’s widow sold the house to Joel Ireland who farmed there for many years.
David Collins at first worked for Sam and lived for a time in the small Collins boarding house now long associated with the Allen family. Early in the 1850s, he purchased a lot on what is now Limestone Street on a bluff overlooking the river near the mouth of Otter Brook. This remains one of the most beautiful homes in the area.
James never married and lived with Sam and Dorcas until he died a decade and a half after his arrival to the area.
Like these brothers, these physical remnants speak to a legacy of a pioneer spirit and community pride.
From Lydia
The Fall Decorating Contest is underway and we are really starting to see some great participation among businesses and residents! Feel free to enter the contest at any time before Monday, Nov. 2. Winner to be announced Friday, Nov. 6! The contest is possible thanks to Noyes Flower Shoppe, Progressive Realty and Frontier Pharmacy.
Heritage Day is also just around the corner! On Sept. 26 head to the Downtown Mall for an Antique Car and Tractor Show from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A sign ceremony at 712 Main St., this year honoring and recognizing the Collins family history, at 3 p.m. Finally, that evening, don’t miss the Heritage Day Festival at the Caribou High School! Live music, numerous food vendors and fireworks! Sponsored by Sitel and the City of Caribou.
Library, Parks and Rec activities
The Caribou Public Library has programs for all ages every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Enjoy reading, playing games, doing crafts, etc.!
The Caribou Parks & Recreation Department’s Adventure Challenge race wrapped up last Saturday with a good time had by all! Many came out to test their skills by walking, jogging or running a course full of mud, logs, tunnels, ropes, and so much more!
Follow our column for upcoming and ongoing activities in the Caribou community!
