Yesterday’s News Published quarterly by the Lovell Historical Society

Volume 23, Number 1 Winter 2016

Look What Eric Found

This November we received an email from Karen Erickson with the subject heading: “Catherine, look what Eric found when he was clearing out the back 40”. Karen’s husband, Eric Gulbrandsen, had spent a day clearing brush on their property on Perkins Road and he made a discovery. Hidden under decades of overgrowth was a solitary marble headstone. Karen attached two photos of the stone. “Bessie” was carved on the top and on the face was written “Blessed Baby Little One – Nov. 7, 1887 Aug. 18, 1888 Dau. Of Dr. A.H. and K.W. Harriman”. A quick look into our database found a photo of Bessie. What are the chances? She appears in a christening gown, angelic in white. Her parents were identified as Dr. Alpha Haven and Katherine (Walker) Harriman. Kate was born in Lovell, Haven was born in Albany, NH and at the time of Bessie’s death they resided in Laconia, NH. If they lived in New Hampshire, why was their baby buried in Lovell behind what is now Molloy

Energy’s building on Route 5? The first thing to do was to check Lovell’s Cemetery records. These records were originally prepared by the Genealogical Committee of the Molly Ockett Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in 1984. In 2003, Irene St. Germain took on the task of updating these records, including recharting the grave sites and giving them GPS coordinates. It was a massive undertaking. She started fresh and later the Lovell Historical Society cross-checked her findings with the previous DAR records. Irene found reference to Bessie in No. 4 Cemetery, where her parents are buried. Her name appears on the back of Dr. Harriman’s stone plus there is a small stone in front with her name. Irene was not able to confirm a notation we found, dated 1993, that was handwritten in the original DAR records: Located 600 feet off and to West Rte. 5 on Lovell Village Hill.

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THE LOVELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OFFICERS 2015-2016Catherine Stone, President Linda Matte, DirectorMarge Ward, Vice President Lou Olmsted, Director Dee Barker, Treasurer Carol Taylor, Director Susan Welchman, Secretary Robin Taylor-Chiarello, Director Vacancy, Director

LOCATION AND HOURSThe Society, located on Route 5 in the 1839 Kimball-Stanford House, is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdaysfrom 9am to 4pm, Saturdays from 9am to 12pm and byappointment. All are welcome to visit our museum andresearch collections. Business meetings are open to all members and are held at 2pm every other month at specified dates. Our phone number is (207) 925-3234 or (207) 925-2291. Our collection can be viewed at our web site—www.lovellhistoricalsociety.org—and our email address is lovellhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

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2016 Events

Business Meeting Tuesday, February 16thBusiness Meeting Tuesday, April 19thAnnual Dinner Monday, June 27thAntique Show & Auction Sunday, July 10thAugust Event Sunday, August 14thBusiness Meeting Tuesday, August 16thFall Harvest Sunday, October 16thBusiness Meeting Tuesday, October 18th Business Meeting Tuesday, December 13thChristmas Open House Sunday, December 18th

From the President

We had another very successful year in 2015, and would like to thank all of our members and friends for their support. On October 18th, we held our very popular Fall Harvest event. Birds on a Wire performed, as did Sharon Novak, and Richard Legere demonstrated the use of a cider press. Jillian Burbank set up a petting zoo, and River Ann Lusky organized pumpkin painting. Apples, pumpkins, and hospitality food were donated by Robin Taylor-Chiarello. Margie Ward again graciously acted as hostess, and Linda Matte did a wonderful job decorating the barn. We also had a 50/50 raffle organized by Peter DeMidio and Maggie Legere. The winner was Peter Wert and he kindly donated his winnings to the Society. Finally, thank you to all who contributed time and baked goods! On December 13th, we hosted our Christmas Open House. Linda Matte and Sandra Bell did a beautiful job decorating the interior of the museum. Rachel Kuvaja made delicious cookies for decorating, and Margie Ward organized another incredible hospitality table. We also had some local vendors selling their wares. We were very fortunate to receive three great raffle items from Chris & Jen Lively, Natalie & Jonathan Spak, and Hal & Carol Taylor. Mike Maguire won the $200 gift certificate for home fuel, and has generously donated it to Lovell’s Friends Helping Friends. The $100 gift certificate to Ebenezer’s Pub was won by Rebecca Schofield, and Ken & Ann Male won the $100 gift certificate to the Oxford House Inn. Thank you to all the members and friends who purchased raffle tickets. We also hope you enjoy our newly designed website, thanks to Bits and Bytes Computer Services of Lovell. The site is now mobile-friendly and we are extremely grateful that Stephen Cunningham donated so much of his service. Best wishes, Catherine Stone

SUMMER 2016 INTERNSHIPAVAILABLE

Responsibilities: help organize the Society’s collection; learn the museum software program; assist with event planning; conduct research leading to the possibility of publishing an article in the quarterly newsletter; guide museum tours; assist with general office tasks.Eligibility: Applicants must be college students or recent high school graduates with matriculation plans for Fall of 2016. Strong organizational skills, computer skills, and an ability to work independently are preferred, as is a strong interest in history and working with the local community. Summer residents and local college students are encouraged to apply.General Information: The internship is for 8 weeks beginning June 21st. Salary is $2,000. Hours of work are Tuesday & Wednesday 9am to 4pm, Saturday 9am to 12pm, plus two Sunday events (approximately 7 hours each). Application Procedure: Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume, with names of three references (1 school, 1 work, 1 volunteer), by April 16th. Submit applications to the Lovell Historical Society, P.O. Box 166, Lovell, ME 04051 or lovellhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

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Follow dirt road west just north of Village. 600 feet down in center of (Hammond’s) field on left of dirt road. 1 stone in a cluster of small trees. Baby Bessy Harriman Nov. 7, 1887 Aug. 18, 1888 Daughter of Dr. Alfred [sic] and Ann [sic] K.W. Harriman (Marble stone temp. repaired and set upright). After an extensive inquiry, we could not locate the headstone. Reference was made to this anomaly in an Appendix to the new Cemetery Records and the search was shelved – until Eric made his discovery. Now the question became why the headstone was placed where it was. The answer was found in Bessie’s lineage. Her mother was the daughter of Hon. John Walker, a familiar name in Lovell history. He was the son of John and Hannah (Wood) Walker, early residents of Lovell. He was also the father of ten children and his home was identified on early maps as being in the location of Bessie’s headstone. According to notes kept by Eleanor Walker, the house burned on February 23, 1941 at 2pm, to be precise. A review of John and Betsy (Eastman) Walker’s ten children revealed some interesting connections. Sumner Kimball (1846-1926), a fastidious chronicler of events in Lovell, was married to their youngest daughter. Carrie Eastman Walker (1858-1894) married Sumner on September 14, 1887, a year before Bessie’s death. Considering how detailed Sumner Kimball’s records were, it was only natural that his journal for this time period be consulted. Sure enough, Sumner provided some excellent information. Sumner recorded that his wife Carrie received a letter from her sister Kate Harriman on August 13, 1888. Kate requested her to “come immediately as their little child Bessie was very sick”. The next day Sumner wrote “Carrie & I went to Laconia NH. We went to Westbrook, ME & then onto Epping, Concord & arrived at Laconia at 10:30 in the evening”. On the 18th he recorded “We did not expect little Bessie could live through the forenoon but she held out till seven o’clock in the evening. Had been sick about 3 weeks. Aged 9 months and 11 days.” A short service was held the next day. On the 20th he wrote “We accompanied Dr. Harriman & wife with their little child’s remains home to Lovell. Came via Steamer across Lake [Winnipesaukee] to Wolfeboro—Conway & Fryeburg. We stayed at Mr. Walkers with them”. Sumner described the burial of Bessie on August 21st, three days after her death: “We assisted at the burial of Dr. Harriman’s little girl from Mr. Walker’s house. She was interred in Mr. Walker’s burial lot”. It appears that John Walker intended to have a family burial plot on his property. It was not until later that

the extensive family was interred just up the road at #4 Cemetery. As an avid chronicler of everyday town and family events, Sumner’s involvement with Bessie’s family is particularly useful. In addition to keeping scrapbooks, journals, and manuscripts he conducted extensive genealogical research – particularly on his wife’s family. He wrote extensive biographical sketches, some of which follow. Hon. John Walker, 1810-1898 (Bessie’s Grandfather): Mr. Walker was a farmer and lumberman. In politics he was a Democrat. In religious views a Universalist. He had represented his class of town in the Legislature and filled the office of County Commissioner of Oxford Co., ME. Also filled various town offices. In his young manhood days was a teacher and School Supervisor. He was a man of excellent memory and a great reader – whereby he always kept well posted on all the current events of the day. His parents – John and Hannah (Wood) Walker were of the early residents of Lovell, Maine. On January 5, 1887 Mr. and Mrs. Walker celebrated their Golden Wedding. On this occasion their children and grandchildren with other relatives and their many friends united with them at their pleasant home near No. 4 in Lovell to enjoy and help make memorable this happy event of their lives.

Hon. John Walker (1810-1898)

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Betsy (Eastman) Walker, 1815-1887 (Bessie’s Grandmother): Mrs. Walker was a very industrious house keeper and one of the kindest of mothers – taking upon herself the many cares of a large family. She was always an active participant in all matters relative to the good and welfare of her family and friends throughout the many years of her most useful life. Her home had been the scene of many a social gathering of relatives and friends – the last of these being on her Golden Wedding day which took place but a short time previous to her decease on January 18, 1887. Dr. Alpha Haven Harriman, 1857-1939 (Bessie’s Father): Dr. Harriman graduated in medicine at Bowdoin – Brunswick ME in 1883. He began practice in Mercer, NH in 1884 remaining there till Nov. 1887, when he removed to Laconia, NH where he now resides. He has been a member of the School board wherever he has lived since 1883 and was President of the Board of Education in Laconia, NH for three years. Was a member of the Board of U.S. Examining Surgeons for Pensions under Harrison and Cleveland Administrations. Was Eminent Commander of Pilgrim Commandery of Knights Templar. of Laconia, NH for A.D. 1897-8. Has been for two years High Priest of Union Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Laconia which office he now holds. He has been successful in the practice of his profession and by his careful and strict attention to his calling has won the respect and patronage of a large share of his city’s best class

of citizens. He is also Surgeon to the Laconia City Hospital. Kate Eastman (Walker) Harriman, 1855-1902 (Bessie’s Mother): Mrs. Harriman before marriage was a successful School teacher in her native town and vicinity. Sumner’s account of his sister-in-law Kate was brief, to say the least. Fortunately, her obituary fills in some gaps. Taken from one of Sumner’s scrapbooks, the obituary published in a Laconia NH newspaper reads: Mrs. Harriman, the wife of Dr. A.H. Harriman of this city, died Thursday morning at 4:30 o’clock, after a long illness, at the home of her sister, Mrs. Hobbs, at Lovell, ME. Funeral services and interment took place at Lovell, Saturday, at 1 pm. The deceased was a member of Mount Washington chapter, order of Eastern Star and highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. Failing health caused her to seek the quietude of her former home at Lovell, several months since, hoping that she might be benefited by the change. All to no purpose, however, as she was stricken with consumption and gradually passed from life. Mrs. Harriman was the daughter of the late John Walker of Lovell, Maine, who was one of its prominent citizens. She is survived by her husband, Dr. A.H. Harriman and two sons, Haven Walker, and Nathaniel Joy, 13 and 10 years of age respectively, also two sisters, Mrs. Otis True and Mrs. John Hobbs, both of Lovell. As the obituary points out, Kate and Haven had two more children after the death of Bessie. The

Dr. Alpha Haven Harriman (1857-1939)Kate (Walker) Harriman (1855-1902)

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obituary also notes that Kate returned to Lovell before her death and was nursed by her sister, Dora (Walker) Hobbs. Another sister, Hannah (Walker) Wood True was also living in Lovell. This is where additional interesting connections come in. Kate had one sister married to Lovell’s first comprehensive historian, Sumner Kimball, who preceded her in death. Another sister, Dora (Walker) Hobbs was married to John Hobbs and their daughter was Charlotte Hobbs. The final surviving sister was the former widow of Josiah Wood, Hannah (Walker) Wood True. Again, Sumner’s biographical sketches are enlightening. John F. Hobbs, Esq., 1840-1904 (Bessie’s Uncle): Mr. Hobbs attended the common High Schools of Fryeburg and Lovell, ME. By diligent attention to his studies coupled with a good supply of inherited natural abilities and ready wit won for himself those qualifications which placed him in the front rank of Educators in his own town and vicinity. He very ably filled the office as one of the School board for several years – this following in him of office to which his father, James Hobbs Esq., had often served in years previous. Much might be said of the many roles in which he has been a willing actor. At the many Social Entertainments and Christmas festivals held in his vicinity it has ever been his lot to enliven and entertain these assemblies with a short though interesting speech well suited for the occasion or a story well told of some of the local happenings of the day. For this mark of ready wit he has frequently

Sumner Kimball (1846-1926) in front of his home, now the site of the Lovell Historical Society

Charlotte E. Hobbs (1879-1968) at the time of her Wellesley College graduation in 1902

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been called “Lovell’s Depew”. For a short time the profession of law was sought and his early training soon placed him master with admission to its practice – although not long adopting this his life work it has always been a valuable help to him in filling his present official position of Justice which he has long held. At this present time – 1898 – Mr. Hobbs is a farmer – and to use his own expression he says “I am trying to get a living by my own feeble efforts and the help of friends”. Dolly “Dora” (Walker) Hobbs, 1849-1927 (Bessie’s Aunt): Mrs. Hobbs for several years before marriage taught school and won honors justly due as a patient and competent teacher. As a housewife and assistant of her husband in his manual labors there is much that might be said in praise – as also of the many kind deeds to which her neighbors and friends can truly attest. When Bessie’s mother became gravely ill, she was moved to John and Dora’s house for attending. At the time, their daughter Charlotte was just graduating from Wellesley College. Upon her return to Lovell, Charlotte joined the Ladies Library Club, had a brief but unsuccessful career as a teacher, and decided to research the history of Lovell in hopes of writing a book. She never did write the book but the material she gathered during her research is the basis of much of the Lovell Historical Society’s collection, as is the material gathered by her Uncle Sumner. Regarding Bessie’s Aunt Hannah, Sumner wrote the following: Hannah (Walker) Wood True, 1838-1925 (Bessie’s Aunt): Mrs. (Wood) True received her education in the common and high schools. Her early training at home was such that it well fitted and gave to her those accomplishments of a true capable housewife and mother. Her position after marriage gave to her the pleasures of a home of plenty to which she has been a most devoted servant and mistress. While these sentiments are no doubt justified, it is interesting to note that Hannah’s behavior during her first marriage was not free of rumor. She married the very wealthy Josiah Wood in 1858. He was thirty-four years her senior, had buried one wife, and had a nine-year-old adopted daughter when they married. According to Pauline Moore’s brief history of Charlotte Hobbs, A Lady of Lovell, sometime during her marriage Hannah is reported to have run off with the coachman: “She was married at the time to a Wood and lived in the lovely colonial home on the village green known as Millbank. She soon discovered that running away was not as advertised and returned to Lovell. Her husband took her in, not as wife, but as his housekeeper”.

When Josiah died in 1869 he divided his estate between Hannah and the two children they had together, Susie born in 1862 and Alice born in 1866. Hannah inherited a small portion - their home - but the bulk of the estate went to their two daughters, with a small portion left to Josiah’s adopted daughter. This might be construed as further evidence that there was disharmony in the marriage of Josiah and Hannah. Whatever the truth may be, it is heartening to hear Sumner praise Hannah’s devotion to her marital status during her second marriage. In 1875, she married Otis True, a neighboring widower. They appear to have had a happy – and uneventful – marriage for 25 years, ending with Otis’s death in 1901. The purpose of recounting this narrative is twofold. Who could have imagined the uncovering of a lost headstone would produce such a rich Lovell history? What a cast of characters. And for all of you readers out there, don’t discount any findings you may uncover. Karen wasn’t certain we would be interested in Eric’s discovery. We were.

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Hannah (Walker) Wood True (1838-1925)

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Gifts and Donations

We are very grateful for the following gifts received since the last newsletter: Sandra Bell—framed watercolor by Donald Barton; Alan & Nettie Bennett (in memory of Lonnie & Martha Bennett)—three World War II ration books; Bridgton Historical Society—program for the 1941 Telephone Workers’ Credit Unions Conference held at Severance Lodge; Ed & Linda Dunlea—hay bales & corn stalks; Hugh & Lyn Gallagher—William E. Severance Realtors brochures; Price Hutchins—Lovell postcard; Bill & Nancy Jamison—large collection of Lovell Old Home Days photos; Lovell Hardware—raffle item; Bob Mead & Sue Hamlin—field tiller, wooden jack, clothes wringer, log rule, butter churn, hay rake, seed thresher, spiked tooth harrow, shoe form, pair of 4 foot wooden wheels, pair of 5 foot wooden wheels, one unknown tool, permission to scan photos; Amo Kimball—Blueberries & Pusley Weed, 1981 Town of Lovell Annual Report; 1974 Community Environmental Inventory; Chris & Jen Lively, Ebenezer’s Pub—raffle item; Maine State Archives—two photos of William Warren Durgin taken by George French; Fred & Ruth Mitchell—wooden school desk; Turf Ramsden—copy of Broken and Christmas at Our House by Flooded Cellar; Janice Sage—items for our Antique Shop; Natalie & Jonathan Spak, The Oxford House Inn—raffle item; Hal & Carol Taylor—raffle item; Robin Taylor-Chiarello—pumpkins & apples; Susan Welchman—framed White Mountains Panorama by Juanita Perkins.Donations for the purchase of oil have been gratefully received from: Michael & Amy Bast; William & Deborah Berman; Bengt & Ulla Bjarngard; Mercer & Mary Louise Blanchard; Dr. Robert & Kathy Booth; Charles & Sharon Dager; Eric Ernst; John & Carolyn Farquharson; Linda Gale; Tom & Debra Gilmore; Jay & Jean Hunter; Carol Jaffe; Cynthia Knauer; Walt Krauser; Kip & Pat Leikam; Malcolm & Elizabeth Macpherson; Philip & Phyllis Marsilius; Franklin McAlister; Kevin McElroy & Kate Butler; Sarah Miller; Fred & Ruth Mitchell; William & Sandra Pitas; Bill Rice & Marcia Taylor; Bruce & Alice Rogers; Kevin Rooney & Dan Vicencio; Jack & Susan Rossate; Mary Sayles; Mary Semple; Dave & Betty Smith; Martha Steen; Robert & Mary Tagliamonte; Robin Taylor-Chiarello; Betty Webster; Alex & Phyllis Wilhelm.Cash donations have been gratefully received from: Jim & Suerae Ballard; Kris & Sukey Barthelmess; Deborah Berman (in memory of William Berman); Donna Blake; Mercer & Mary Louise Blanchard (in memory of Gib Krauser); Dr. Robert & Kathy Booth; Harold & Joyce Buckingham; Brian & Ann Diskin (in memory of David Evans); Jamie Falconi; Beth Finch; Ray & Peg Fisher; Elmer Fox; Cricket Gentry (in memory of John Derr); Elinor Goodwin; Collier Hands; Joel & Georgette Hardman; Anne Isaak; Dan Kirwin; Walt Krauser (in memory of Gib Krauser); Ray Littlefield; Hollie Magee; Ken & Ann Male; Richard & Linda Matte; William & Anna Marie McCormick; Kevin & Tensy McDonald; Charles & Roberta Mosher; Marion Osman; Richard & Betty Pilsbury; John & Helen Roberts; Ellen Rowe; Janice Sage; Ray & Lois Senecal; Brad Smith (in memory of Joan Sphire); Robert Steller & Patricia Gibson; Hal & Carol Taylor; Robin Taylor-Chiarello (in memory of Wilbur Chase); Dave & Alison Tomlinson; George & Zoe Trautman; Rob & Lori Upton; James & Theresa Whitmore (in memory of David & Sally Knights); Anne Wolf; David & Elizabeth Woods.If you have made a donation or given an artifact or other form of historical material and it has not been listed here or previously noted, please contact us immediately. We appreciate the thoughtful generosity of our members and friends, and most certainly want to acknowledge and list gifts properly._____________________________________________________________________________________________

In Memoriam

We note with sadness the death of the following friends and neighbors.

Jeffrey Allen, 67, of Waterford, ME died on October 6, 2015. He was born on February 27, 1948, the son of Rex and Geraldine Allen. Raised in Lovell, he graduated from Fryeburg Academy, attended the Auburn School of Commerce, and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. Upon his return, he worked for Cinabro, CN Brown and PK Construction. Later, he settled into the job of transporting manufactured homes, and eventually started his own business, Northern Home Transport. He is survived by his wife Barbara, two daughters—Lori Allen and Kimberly Bernero—and three grandchildren.William Howard Berman, 79, of Boston, MA and formerly of Waban, MA, passed away on August 10, 2015. He was born in 1936, the son of August and Adele Berman and grew up in Stamford, CT. After attending the University of Pennsylvania, he served in the U.S. Air Force Police Reserve and then had a distinguished professional career in publishing, retiring from Houghton Mifflin as Executive Vice President. Bill summered on Kezar Lake and was a member of this Society. He was predeceased by his first wife Judith and is survived by his second wife Deborah, two sons—James and Benton—two grandchildren, three stepchildren, and three stepgrandchildren.

The Lovell Historical SocietyP.O. Box 166Lovell, ME 04051

If your mailing label doesn’t say “6-16” or “Life”,it is time to join or renew your membership. Thanks!

Wilbur P. Chase, 95, of Washington, DC, died on August 31, 2015. He was born on September 27, 1919 in Washington DC, graduated from George Washington University, and served on the Coast Guard’s Off Shore Picket Patrol during World War II. He spent his career in the Foreign Service and spent many summers on Kezar Lake. Wil was predeceased by his first wife Mona, one stepdaughter, and a grandson. He is survived by his second wife Fifi, three children—Eric, Don, and Sue—one grandson, one stepson, and four stepgrandchildren.Anthony Joseph Franciosi, 75, of Blairstown, NJ, died on October 18, 2015. He was born on September 6, 1940 in Montclair, NJ, and served in the U.S. Navy (Seabees) before receiving his B.A. and M.A. from Montclair State University. His professional career included thirty four years in public education as an educator and administrator. He and his family summered at their home on Heald Pond. He was predeceased by his wife Susan and is survived by his three children—Joe, Lisa, and Erica—and three grandchildren.Elinor (Robinson) Goodwin, 97, of Norway, ME, passed away on November 8, 2015. She was born in Oxford, ME on November 27, 1917, the daughter of Joseph and Elsie Robinson. She graduated from Simmons College with a library sciences degree and became a registered nurse after attending Columbia Presbyterian Hospital’s nursing program in NYC. After marriage, she moved to Norway and devoted much of her time to volunteering for numerous organizations, including the Boy and Girl Scouts and Stephens Memorial Hospital. Elinor was a worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and a life member of this Society. She was predeceased by her husband Robert and is survived by her three children—Stuart, Alice, and Philip—two stepgrandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren.Sally (Hyde) Knights, 89, of Peabody, MA and formerly of Marblehead, MA, died on December 4, 2015. She was born on April 14, 1926, the daughter of John and Eleanor Hyde, and was raised in Bath ME. She attended Garland College and, while raising her family, enjoyed sailing, playing tennis, and painting. She spent much of her summer on Kezar Lake and was a life member of this Society. She was predeceased by her husband David and is survived by her four children—Heidi Adams, Gretchen Geddis, Nina, and Jeffrey—six grandchildren, and four great-grandsons.Joan (Baker) Sphire, 86, of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, passed away on November 27, 2015. She was born in Detroit, the daughter of Merrell and Helen Baker and earned a BA from Saint Mary’s College and a MA from the University of Detroit Mercy. Joan spent her summers on Kezar Lake at the Severance Lodge Club and was a life member of this Society. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond and is survived by her three children—Raymond Jr., Suzanne Brock, and Catherine Shell—six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.