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READFIELD — Maranacook Adult and Community Education is offering a course titled “Industry in Early Readfield,” taught by Dale Potter-Clark, Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Maranacook High School, 2250 Millard Harrison Drive.
Is it difficult to imagine the quiet rural community of Readfield as a busy industrial center? Potter-Clark will give a presentation about the industries that began in early Readfield at various locations throughout town, in particular, East Readfield, Factory Square and Bean’s Mills.
Participants will learn about Readfield’s early settlement and travel; natural resources applicable to early industry; the evolution of industry in Readfield; locations of the mills and factories; and about some of the manufacturers.
Two other courses revealing more of Readfield’s history will also be offered. The history of the Readfield Community Library building and the Currier-Eaton family will be discussed Oct. 18; and “Kents Hill: From Farmland to Village” will be offered Nov. 15. The cost is $12.50 each, or one may register now for all three fall classes and pay $30. Registration fees will help establish a “Museum in the Streets(R)” in Readfield.
Complementing these offerings will be a “walk and course covering Readfield families” Friday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, featuring the Rosmarin and Saunders Family Forest.
Walkers will first learn about the history of the Saunders family, the origin of the property and the business they started 70 years ago on Nickerson Hill Road. From there they will proceed to the “Rosmarin and Saunders Family Forest” further west on Nickerson Hill Road. The 342-acre property, which was once part of Saunders Manufacturing land holdings, was donated to the Kennebec Land Trust in 2016. Walkers will explore some of the trail together. The ground is somewhat uneven, so sturdy shoes and a walking stick are recommended.
From Main Street (Route 17) at Readfield Corner, travel approximately 0.8 mi. west and turn left onto Nickerson Hill Road. Saunders Manufacturing is three-tenths of a mile from there.
For more information, one may contact Dale Potter-Clark at 207-441-9184 or readfieldhistorywalks.blogspot.com. To register for adult education classes, call 207-685-4923 x 1065 or visit maranacook.maineadulted.org.
