Salmon Brook Historical museum
in need of volunteers
WASHBURN NEWS
by Christie Cochran
With the onset of Washburn’s 150-year celebration, the Salmon Brook Historical Museum in Washburn is in need of help to keep both the house and barn open for regular hours. There will most likely be many visitors looking forward to joining in the celebration and tours of the museum will be in demand. Schools may also be looking into the history of the town, and much information is available at the museum. Many families of Washburn, Wade, Crouseville, Perham and surrounding towns have donated items concerned with Aroostook history which will be a valuable asset to these efforts.
The Historical Society is in need of new members to keep the museum and barn open for tours of both the house and barn as well as arranging for special tours during off hours. Anyone wishing to help in this effort by giving a few hours, especially during the May through September months, or help with upkeep, conducting tours or other activities, please contact Jack Phelan at 493-8271 or Dave Rand at 455-4950.
Remember Washburn history
The Salmon Brook Historical Society Museum was originally the home of Benjamin Cushing Wilder and his wife, Adeline Packard Wilder, and was built in 1852, where the couple raised their only child, Henry. Henry inherited it and eventually sold it to the Washburn bank around 1916. The last family to own the home was that of William Jardine who sold it to the Salmon Brook Historical Society in 1985.
Not only was it the Wilder family home but Washburn’s first post office and the mail was carried from Presque Isle twice a week by horseback.
Ben Wilder also owned a store which he purchased from Nathan Perry and occupied a rental space in Isaac Wilder’s mill. The mill and store burnt in a large fire in 1864, and Benjamin built a new store in 1865. Harold Perry later acquired it and sold it in 1880 to the Farnham Brothers.
Not like general store items of today, the stock items recorded in Wilder’s “day book” included oolong and black tea, salt, flour, cedar shingles, yard goods and thimbles. Some items including boots, books, newspapers and sized-board planking were special-ordered items.
• Please note that the item “Remembering Washburn history” is an ongoing list of trivia information. Anyone wishing to include an item is urged to e-mail it to gramchristie@yahoo.com or contact me at 455-8034. Ideas could include family history and even photos.
Birthdays/anniversaries
Those celebrating birthdays this week include: Brandon Tingley, Cheryl Sperrey, Sandy Sargent, Lucia Bragg, Ed Woodman Jr., Deanna Viola, Joshua Johnston, David Kofstad, Angel Tingley, Bruce Bragg, Mark Tarr, Pamela Quirolo, Derek Baker, Linda Brown, Jim Gramlich, Jacob Doody, Bill Pike Jr., Joyce Jenkins, Liza Maynard, Matthew Bechard, Emily Carter, Ruth Duncan and Judy Drost.
Anniversary wishes go out to: Merle and Linda Bragg, and Fred and Ruth Woodman.
Town notes, reminders, events
The next scheduled meeting of the 2011 August Festival Committee will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 6:45 p.m. at the Washburn Civic Center. All interested residents are welcome to attend.
All Aroostook members will be performing at Houlton on Saturday, Jan. 15. The 12 participants include: Jessica Aube, Nick Silver, Andrew McLaughlin, Josh Reed, Brittany Corey, Jessica Aube, Elizabeth White, Hannah Heald, Tori Koch, Lindsey Blackstone, Kamryn Irving and Catelyn Coulombe. Also going will be Band Director Sean Diette and Chorus Director Crystal Hobbs.
Nomination papers are currently available for seats on the Board of Directors for the Washburn Water and Sewer District. Papers are available at the Washburn Town Office. For further information or questions, residents may contact the Water and Sewer District Office at 455-1042. Dennis Harris currently has nomination papers at the Washburn Food Mart and the Washburn Post Office. All papers are due back on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011.
Rotary ‘wheels’
The Washburn Rotary Club has elected officers for the 2011 to 2012 year. They include: Steve Boddy, president; Andy White, vice president; Charlotte Griffin, secretary; and Dennis Harris, treasurer.
Washburn Rotary has always been noted for their generosity and important works for the local community. Among their latest endeavors include their efforts on the Mill Pond Park Restoration Project. The next scheduled meeting is set for Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the Washburn Civic Center at 7 p.m. Agenda items will include discussion on grant writing and playground equipment. Work is currently being done on establishing a website for the project and further information and web address will be available after the Jan. 26 meeting. All interested residents are welcome to attend.
Washburn Rotary is a part of Rotary District 7810 which includes northern Maine and New Brunswick. On the International scene, the District will be assisting in sponsoring a program for installing “BioSand” filters in homes in the Dominican Republic. The area people live in poor physical conditions and clean water is vital for their health and lives. The Good Samaritan Hospital is working with Rotary International on multiple Rotary grants in support of this program.
Christie Cochran is the correspondent for Washburn, Wade and Perham. She can be reached at 455-8034 or gramchristie@yahoo.com
