The goals of the Historical Society are to preserve records, documents, genealogies, artifacts and relics pertaining to the Town of Warren. This all happens only with the vision and help of the community and its existing groups and clubs. The Town of Warren has helped us out with a generous donation of monies which basically makes it possible to heat the Campbell House for the year. We try to be good stewards of these monies in managing on a very tight budget.
This year has had its challenges to be sure. Just imagine how awful it was during the Spanish Flu pandemic when there was no support from the modem-day advantages as we have in the present. The isolation must have been horrible since the population was spread out and there was no technology to rely upon. On the flip side those folks did not have to listen to the bickering of those who think they know it all. They lived in a world of "what is IS" and survived the best they knew. Come to think of it the same was true of the many challenges our forefathers and mothers met head on.
The Warren Historical Society has decided to follow the outlined Covid guidelines thus cancelling all activities until a stabilization of the disease is in place. However, we are available by appointment to meet with interested parties at the Campbell with masks and hand sanitizers in place. Please call Jan at 207-273-3154 to make your appointment. Our annual meeting is also compromised so if you have an interest in being a part of the Society please call or email us and we will get creative. If, and when, we will reinstitute our monthly meetings and talks in the near future.
Karin Larson is in the process of updating and upgrading our website, www.warrenhistoricalsociety.org
Unfortunately, we must postpone the Veterans' supper due to Covid regulations, but we want all Veterans to know we deeply appreciate your service and will have the supper in 2021. Many people don't know about our native artifacts room. Ray Asian has been busy helping to catalog the items donated in the past, he is writing his dissertation concerning the impact the native culture had on our area. There are items from the Red Paint people and others that date back 5000 years. These items were retrieved from the Lie Nielson and Mary Jane Boggs properties many years ago. There were other sites here in Warren so please come to visit and perhaps you live near a site that we can explore.
We welcome Sonja Wyllie as the newest member of the Board. She is actively updating the Warren Cemetery Book. We hope to work with the Sexton, Arnold Hill in developing a cemetery committee to help with the maintenance of the stones and grounds of the various lots in the Town of Warren. The climate control unit had to be replaced this year. Mechanical Service did the work. Actually, the Unit did not owe us anything and will continue its job of preserving the many items that have been dedicated to the W.H.S.
Curator's Report on Acquisitions November 2019- October 2020
- Yvonne Barrett of Warren donated her husband Frank Barrett's World War II Eisenhower Air force jacket, cap and dog tags.
- Sterling Robinson of Warren donated a ledger dated 1832-1837 with accounts of tanned hides bought and sold. This ledger was found in the house at 182 High Street in Warren.
- Irene Maxcy of Warren donated a Warren Bicentennial coin dated 1736-1936 from the estate of Harold Wotton.
- Pen Williamson of Warren donated a document from the Secretary of State dated November 22, 1920 to acknowledge that George Sutherland Murray served in the Great War as a lieutenant. This document was found in the Warren "dump" in 1972 by the donor.
- Elizabeth C. Harmon, archivist for the Whitefield Historical Society, donated a photo of Hattie Young Lermond. This photo was found at Elmer's Barn.
- Robert Wyllie, Presque Isle, (formerly of Warren) donated photos he took with his birthday gift of a Brownie camera in 1942.
- Diana Sewell donated Hall family photos, a paper doll, obituary for Mrs. Stonnie Hall Richardson, a postcard, family letters, and marriage announcements for Blanche Gertrude French in 1908 and for Mattie Blackington in 1905.
- Lois Anderson of Warren donated five Alewife yearbooks dated 1936-1954, four Warren Cemetery booklets, a copy of the first Census of the US done in 1790, and a special edition of the Alewife published for the Bicentennial in 1936. This donation is from the estate of her mother Marianne Pellicani of Warren.
- Cindy Norwood of Warren donated a walking tour booklet of Warren village by Ellis Spear, a Bicentennial program, two copies of Warren in Other Days by Judge Edward K. Gould published in 1936, a Civic Directory and Telephone Index 1972-73,a Maine Arrow Guide book dated 1940 and a Warren Alumni booklet.
- Philip Clark of Brunswick donated plays, books, booklets, banking items, magazines, newspapers, family letters and diaries. The diaries were written by Nancy Lane Clark, the donor's grandmother, in 1938-1972, Nancy Clark's niece Jennie Philbrook Richards written 1952-1971, and William Barrett Clark, the donor's uncle in 1977-1989.
- Amold Hill of Warren donated a sign for the East Warren Post Office located at Finntown Road near the Waldoboro town line.
- The Farmington Historical Society donated a copy of The Annals of Warren by Cyrus Eaton.
- The Sullivan Sorrento Historical Society donated a reprint of the booklet "Warren History Census Business Directory" 1888 Lee, Christy and Jackson Mathews of Winter Park Florida donated an 1834 Primary Reader that belonged to Moses Mathews. Also donated are Warren High School play programs which were saved by the donor's grandfather John Leon Mathews when he graduated in June 1941. John L Mathews enlisted in the Marines in December 1941 following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
- The Tuesday Quitters group of Warren donated 1 Friendship Quilt made by the quilting group in 1998. This quilt was given to the historical society in memory of Betsy Giustra.
Historian's report by Karin Larson
We decided it would be interesting to introduce a few pieces that will induce you, and perhaps stir up memories of past residents in Warren, in the present newsletter. If you have memories, you would like to share with the Society please contact us at the addresses at the end of the Newsletter.
Since our historical society did not hold any monthly meetings this year due to the COVID-19 virus I thought I would include part of my Autograph Album talk that I began writing in March. I was going to give my talk in September, but in lieu of presenting my talk you can have the pleasure of reading about the history of autograph albums and what was written in the albums that belonged to Warren's younger residents.
The first autograph albums were produced in Germany in the mid-16"^ Century. The albums were known as "Album Amicorum" meaning book of friends or "Stammbuch" meaning friendship book. By the end of the 16" century academics retained these books and gathered correspondence of their fellow scholars. The books became to be known as a crude form of scholarly credentials or as we know today a list of references we add to our resumes. These books were also used as an early address book to maintain correspondence with friends at school.
German immigrants brought the tradition of autograph albums to America in the late 18* century. During the 18* Century an interest began to develop about collecting correspondence or literary manuscripts written by great men or women of history. People had an idea by collecting these items they would preserve the documents for future generations to have and read. Also having a large collection would show the collectors social status.
In 1789 the first book published about collecting British Autographs by John Thane brought awareness of historical documents and signatures to the public. In England the sale of autograph collections was private up until 1822. After 1822 and into early 1830's a public market was established for selling autograph collections.
In America a trend began to emerge in the 1840's people began to collect signatures of living authors like James Fenimore Copper or Washington Irving. The popularity of collecting signatures of people of the past was waning. People in politics began to receive signature requests in the mail. During the 1848 Presidential campaign Zackery Taylor received requests for his autograph and by Lincoln's term in 1860 Lincoln assigned his secretary to write out responses for him to sign.
In the Victorian Era people loved to classify, categorize, organize the world. During this time the Oxford English Dictionary began to be complied and varieties of animals, plants, vegetables and minerals were studied and cataloged in the correct list. Autographs were included in this need to collect famous people's signatures but also included the ordinary man and woman.
The albums the Warren Historical Society has in the collection belonged to Warren residents and contain friends and family members' names. No famous people's names of the era appear, but the books contain sayings about love, husbands and beaus, remember me passages, poems, sayings about friendship, and humorous missives. Despite the absence of any famous people's signatures these passages are interesting reading because it is a small snapshot of the life of a normal everyday person in the Victorian era. Warren residents took part in this "Mania" of collecting autographs that was sweeping the nation in the Victorian Era.
Several of our albums belonged to young girls though boys owned autograph albums as well. Eldin Andrews who was 19 when he received his album. The age range of when these albums were used by the young women were ages 7 to 26. The girls usually received the album as a gift from a family member. They used the albums during their teenage years and up until their early twenties. This suggests collecting autographs in an autograph album was something teenagers were doing. An activity for young people of Warren.
In researching each person that owned these albums I discovered the historical society has albums that belonged to a mother and daughter Lizzie I . French and her daughter Clytie F. Spear and also albums that belonged to a father and daughter Eldin Andrews and his daughter Nettie Emily Andrews. Lizzie I . French was born and grew up at 1683 Atlantic Highway which is now Warren Animal Hospital. The house was originally a Cape Cod style house. Lizzie's parents John and Emeline French lived with John's brother Lawrence French. Around 1850 the house was converted into a two-story home where both brothers Lawrence and John French lived. Lizzie continued to live in her childhood home when she married her husband Melboume Spear in 1888. Melbourne Spear was a sea fairing man when he was a younger man. Melbourne and Lizzie had 2 daughters Agnes and Clytie. Agnes continued to live in the house with her husband Maynard Brennan and ran a tearoom for many years. Clytie becomes a well-known artist and moves to NY to pursue her career in art. She also wrote poetry. In the 1940's Clytie who later in her life goes deaf and blind returns to Warren to live with her sister Agnes until her death in 1961. Clytie was a commercial artist in New York.
Lizzie French is 9 years old when she receives her autograph album and 19 years old in 1886; the last dated entry in her album. Her uncle Lawrence C. French signs her album, "For you my youthful niece may your life be such a glorious sunshine as to scatter all the clouds away and at last a peaceful sunset" January 16, 1881 And Lizzie's sister Ella B. French signs her album "Lizzie never be discouraged" March 23, 1876. Lizzie's daughter Clytie is 15 years old when she begins using her album. Eldin P. Andrews grew up on the Patterson Mill Road and he lived his married life at 349 Cushing Road. Eldin Andrews was a teacher in Warren schools. His daughter Nettie Andrews grew up here and she also spent her married life here and she died there in 1963.
Other girls that grew up in South Warren were Alcada Burnham who grew up at 97 Cushing Road. Her mother Rose Burnham was a schoolteacher in Warren schools. Alice I . Robinson grew up at 141 Toll Bridge Road and her parents were Edwin F and Eliza Counce Robinson. Edith Farrington Spear who was Parker Spear's mother grew up at 387 Mountain Road and spent her married life at 1594 Camden Road formerly Dick and Audrey Ferren's house. Julia Vinal Watts grew up in Warren village at 267 Main Street. Her parents were Joseph N. and Clara Jones Vinal. Julia Vinal Watts was the first librarian for Warren Library. Bertha Teague's parents were Wm. F. and Josephine Webb Teague. Bertha was 13 years old when she began using her autograph album. Two quotes appear is several autograph albums. The first being, "When you are old and cannot see put on your specks and think of me." appears in Clara Anderson's album signed by Alexander H. Bryan of Boston, MA April 27, 1882. Stella Comery writes the same thing in Bertha Teague's album in 1897. This quote also appears in Clytie F. Spear's album and Edith F. Farrington's album signed by Dorothy Spear Feb. 27, 1929. The second quote "May your joys be as deep as the ocean and your cares as light as its foam." appears in Estelle French, Julia Vinal Watts, Bertha Teague and Clytie F. Spear's albums. The first year it was written in Estelle French's book was 1880 by Edna Belle Wate of Lincolnville, Me. Then in 1897 the quote was written by Ethel Moody to Bertha Teague and Bertha M. Borneman to Clytie Spear in 1912.
Sayings about love, husbands and beaus
W.K. Jordan of Thomaston writes in 1884 in Alice Robinson's album a short poem.
Only a drop, yet fairer.
the violets and roses grow,
only a smile from someone
and your cheeks like Roses glow.
In Bertha Teague's album her friend Annie Mero writes in 1896
"Love is like Scotch snuff ?
take a pinch and that is enough"
when Bertha is 13 years old.
This saying also appears in Lizzie French's album signed Esther Winchenbach of South Waldoboro in 1886 when Lizzie is 19 years old. The full poem appears in the book Album Writers Friend: Comprising of 300 Choice Selections of Poetry and Prose by J.S Ogilvie
Love is like Scotch snuff '
take a pinch and that is enough.
Profit by this sage advice
When you fall in love think twice.
The following poem about marriage also appears in the same above-mentioned book
May your cheeks retain their dimples
May your heart be just as gay,
Until some manly voice whisper
Dearest will you name the day?
The poem appears in Edith Farrington's and Bertha Teague's albums though in a different form
Remember me dear Nettie
When on these lines you look
Remember it was Erdine
Who wrote this in your book
Erdine Libby South Warren 1884 age 12
Doris E. French who lives in Atlantic, MA in 1915 writes in Clytie Spear's album
When upon this page you look
And meet it with a frown.
Remember the one who spoiled it
By writing upside down
In Alcada Burnham's album her friends write "Thinking, Thinking, in vain so I'll simply write my name" signed Mary Counce and Gracie M. Spear in 1897.
This saying also appears In Edith Farrington's album signed by Nida V. Seavey of Thomaston In Alice Robinson's album appears "Remember the miss who scribbled this" Rena Jordan of Thomaston
Sayings about friendship:
Everett Farrington writes in Julia Vinal Watt's album
Remember well and bear in mind
That a constant friend is hard to find.
But when you find one good and true.
Never exchange an old one for a new.
Everett H. Farrington 1889
This short poem about friendship also appears in Lizzie French's album signed by F. B. Garrett of Vinalhaven 1882 and Vera Overlock writes the same in Lizzie's daughter Clytie Spear's album in 1915.Orett F. Robinson writes in Clytie Spear's album:
True friends like ivy and the way
Together stand or together fall
Leona Spear writes in 1883 in Alice Robinson's album "In the golden chain of friendship, regard me a link" and Maggie Stuart signs Lula Libby's album with the same quote about friendship in 1896. When Bertha is 13 years old her friend Merle Smith writes in her album,
"May the hinges of friendship never rust."
November 10, 1896
Friendship is compared to the evergreen in this quote that appears in Lizzie I . French and Estelle French's albums.
Not like the rose may our friendship Wither,
but like the evergreen last forever.
Quotes about advice on life are written in a few albums. Three quotes appear in Parker Spear's mother Edith Farrington's book
"Speak the truth and speak it ever.
Cost it what it will
He who hide the wrong he did
Does the wrong thing still"
Signed Nora Montgomery November 9, 1896
Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet
David Feyler a high school classmate of the graduating class of Warren High School 1900. In Nettie E . Andrews album
May your eyes shine as brightly
May your laugh by just as gay
When some manly form will whisper
Dear Bertha or Edith name the day
Signed by Jennie Montgomery 1897 in Bertha Teague's album and signed by Olive Overlock Edith
Farrington's cousin in 1901. In 1897 when Edith Farrington is 16 years old Ethel Moody gives this advice to her friend Edith Farrington about men.
Do not forget, but bear in mind
A handsome fellow is hard to find.
When you find one jolly and gay.
Cling to his coat tail night and day
in 1886 Maria K. Field gives the same advice to Clara Anderson who is 26 years old. The short poem appears in both mother Lizzie French Spear and her daughter Clytie Spear's albums.
Wilhelmina Spear wishes Clytie Spear and Rena Martin wishes Lizzie I . French,
In the storms of life
When you need an umbrella
May you have to uphold it
A handsome young fellow is the wish of your friend.
This short poem about wedding cake is a popular one that appears in Nettie Andrews, Clytie Spear, Edith Farrington, Julia Vinal Watts and Lena N. Clark's albums.
When far away by love you are
Carried and to some little fellow married.
Remember me for friendships sake,
And send me a piece of the wedding cake.
The short poem is a hope of the writers to not be forgotten even though their friends are married. Below is another version of the same poem Remember me when far far off and only half awake Remember me on your wedding day and send me a piece of cake signed Celia O. Femald to Nettie Andrews.
Celia may be thinking of Nettie's future wedding.
This next one about marriage is humorous. Hazel Stevens writes to Clytie Spear
When you are married and washing dishes
Remember me with very best wishes
The same missive appears in Nettie Andrews album from her friend H. Horace Lermond who is 15 years old and Nettie is 11 years old. Remember me and my best wishes when in the kitchen washing dishes 1886 Short sayings about memories abound in these albums.
In Alcada S. Burnham's album Remember me dear Cada when on these lines you look Remember it was Mollie who wrote
This in your book
Mollie E. Looke
South Warren 1897
Schoolmate Ida Rokes 1896
Do not look cross but always be kind
and plenty of names in your album you will find
In Lizzie French's album her friend Annie S. Rogers writes in 1882
Never you linger ere you start.
Set out with a willing heart.
Be in time.
In the morning up and on.
First to work and soonest done.
This is how the goal's attained.
Be in time.
Annie Rogers graduated from Warren High School in 1875. Annie Rogers became a teacher A short quote on advice about friendship written by Clara Bradford in 1883 to Alice Robinson Alice is 22 years old when she has her album.
Dear Friend:
Trust not everyone least of all those who flatter you.
These short poems, quotes and sayings written in these autograph albums reveal the signers' personalities, genuine wishes for their friends to be happy and the hope they will not be forgotten. Some signers reveal their wit and some poke fun at themselves to elicit a smile from the owner of the album.
Historically speaking Warren does go beyond Main Street and we all want to encourage everyone to explore their neighborhoods and document their findings. You can send your information to Warren Historical Society, PO Box 11, Warren, ME 04864 or drop it by the Campbell House. We usually have somebody available to open the House and give tours just give us a call at 207-273-3154. We are having a membership drive and renewal as of this date. Membership is $10.00 per year for an individual. Couples are $18.00 per year. Sustaining Member is $25.00, Contributing Member is $50.00, Benefactor Member is $100.00, and a Business Member is $50.00. Please fill in the enclosed envelop and send it back to the Warren Historical Society PO Box 11, Warren, Maine 04864. We are limited in resources, so memberships are very important to the survival of the Historical Society
Board Members
Jan MacDonald, President
Howard Wiley, Vice-President
Nancy Blake, Treasurer
Bev Williamson, Secretary
Barb Larson, Curator
Diana Sewell, Genealogist
Karin Larson, Historian
Joan Winchenbach, Board Member
Sonja Wyllie, Board Member
Sandra Overlock, Board Member
Zach Wyllie, Board member