Need hay?
The Gorham Historical Society is enjoying a summer recess and making plans for next year’s events.
“The Jim Eddy Homestead, under the direction of the society, gets its seasonal mowing that results in about 1,000 bales. So, if you need hay contact, Dave McCullough,” said Jan Labrecque, president of the society.
The society’s archives building on School Street is open for business on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through mid October and at other times by appointment (call George Watson 839-4313 or Brenda Caldwell 839-3076) to set up a
convenient time.
Labrecque said of particular interest at the archives are several books for sale including Elijah Kellogg’s book titled “Good Old Times;” Edna Dickey’s book “Fifty Years of Gorham 1936-1986;” and Dave Fogg’s “Gorham,” Gorham’s history for the Images of America series.
“Dave’s book is a reprint (with revisions) of his original book and is back by popular demand,” Labrecque said.
The three books are available at the archives, 28 School St; town clerk’s office, 75 South St.; North Gorham Public Library, 2 Standish Neck Road; and The Bookworm, 42 Main St.
Or, Labrecque said, “You may call Brenda (and she delivers!).”
Labrecque invited everyone to e sure to visit the society’s booth at the Gorham Festival on Saturday, July 28. She reminded people to mark Sep. 10 on calendars for the first meeting of the season. The historical society meets every second Monday of each through June.
Johnson family history
Helene Johnson of School Street is researching her family’s roots in Gorham.
Johnson is a descendent of Robert Johnson, who was of Scot heritage. He rode to Gorham on horseback in 1787. According to records by Helene’s father, Walter Johnson, their early forbear acquired land on Fort Hill Road from either Austin Alden or Stephen Longfellow.
After reaching an agreement, Robert Johnson paid with 300 Mexican, silver coins from his saddlebags. “He bought it with cash,” she said.
Walter Johnson was a selectman, Robie School principal and police officer.
Helene Johnson would like to hear from people with information about the Johnson family and Gorham history. Johnson can be reached at 839-2663.
Chandler’s Band at gazebo
Chandler’s Band will play 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, at the gazebo on the lawn of the public safety building, 270 Main St.
The concert is part of a free summer series sponsored by Gorham Recreation Department.
Grange yard sale
The North Scarborough Grange will hold an indoor yard sale 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, at its hall on Route 22. Baked goods and sandwiches will be available.
U.S. taxpayer debt
The Bureau of Public Debt reported on July 11 that the U.S. public debt was $8,872,999,958,833.00.
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