Fort Fairfield historical society
looking for able bodies, donors
To the editor:
It is not very often that one can see the future by looking back in time. Members of Fort Fairfield’s Frontier Heritage Historical Society are doing just that. Over the past years they have been entrusted with four of our community’s historical buildings which house treasures from this town’s businesses and families. These include: The Friends Church, Mcintosh School, The Railroad Museum, and The Blockhouse Museum.
The Mcintosh School was built in 1848 at the junction of Routes 1-A and 167 and moved to its present location and restored in 2002. Itwas here in 1858 that Fort Fairfield was officially named a township. Besides being one of 26 country schools, it served our community as a town meeting place for weddings, baptisms, funerals, and church services. As a sesquicentennial project in 2008, the Public Works Department and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority helped to refurbish the interior and it is now a living history museum for elementary school children in Central Aroostook County. They come to experience classes as they occurred in 1858.
The Friends Church on Route 1-A in Maple Grove was built in 1858/1860 by Quaker Friends. Before the Civil War, oral history claims, it was one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad. Thanks to the work led by Art and Ruth Mraz, it is listed on The National Register of Historic Places. Today it has been a site for weddings, lectures, concerts, and the Potato Blossom Festival annual hymn sing.
The Blockhouse Museum was reconstructed in 1976 as a project to celebrate our national bicentennial. Robert E. Lee’s original plans were used and it was built near the site of the blockhouse used to protect the river boom during The Bloodless Aroostook War. It now houses artifacts, photographs, clothing and historical documents and is open for tours on request and during the Potato Blossom Festival.
Several townspeople with railroading experience and interest started the Railroad Museum in the late 1900s after acquiring the abandoned CP Station on Main Street.
The station was later moved to the B&A tracks on Depot Street in 1999 and additional railroad cars were donated by area railroads. It is on this site that the annual Potato Blossom Festival pancake breakfast is held. The dining car has been used to hold gourmet train dinners and luncheons.
In addition to these museums, Frontier Heritage was also given The Haines Saw Mill, an antique fire truck and numerous antique farm implements.
Over the years grants and fund raising activities have provided money to maintain these facilities. Boy Scout troops have helped to restore train cars as Eagle Scout projects. A new foundation and landscaping project, work done by Duane Thompson Masonry and McGillan Inc. at the Friends Church, have helped to stabilize that building. It is now in need of paint and a generous donation from Collins Lumber Company will make that possible this summer. The train station and school have been repaired and painted by Mike Hayes and Sons. Windows have been replaced by students at MSAD 20 under the direction of Kerby Doughty. The Blockhouse Museum has been kept in repair with help from the Fort Fairfield Rotary Club. It will soon need a new roof and a campaign is underway to raise those funds.
Just as it takes a community to raise a child, so does it take a community to maintain its historical buildings for future generations. In the past the town of Fort Fairfield and its citizens have generously supported the upkeep of these buildings. Today Frontier Heritage Historical Society is in need of manpower and funds. If you have an interest in our museums, some time, or a talent, please consider how you might share these with us. If you have a son or daughter who wants to earn service learning credits, encourage them to volunteer their time in the Frontier Heritage Historical Society.
Your attendance at the July 18th Pancake Breakfast, the July 25th Garden Tour and the Blockhouse Museum during the Potato Blossom Festival would help to fill our coffers and provide enjoyment for you. Or, you can join Frontier Heritage Historical Society for $10 each year or have a lifetime membership for $100.
Contact any board member to let us know how you can look to our past and plan for a bright Fort Fairfield future.
Wayne Troicke
Jim Everett
Polly Earl
Pat Troicke
