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BEFORE THE FIRE: The three-story Readfield Masonic Hall and George Manter’s drug and grocery store (far right) as they looked before a major fire on June 11, 1921. The block of buildings was destroyed by the fire, as were several other structures at Readfield Corner, as seen the morning after the fire (see photo below). (Readfield Historical Society photo)
June 11 Readfield History Walk is on 100th anniversary of fire
READFIELD — A Readfield History Walk will take place Friday, June 11, on the 100th anniversary of a fire that destroyed nearly every building at Readfield Corner.
There is no fee or registration necessary for the event, which begins at 10 a.m. at the rear of the parking lot behind the Masonic Block, which also houses the U.S. Post Office.
Dale Potter-Clark and Bill Adams, who have researched the areas in and around Readfield Corner, will point out the locations that were affected and share stories about that fateful day. They will also include information about a second fire that destroyed a different part of Readfield Corner in 1934.
Business owners who were burned out were inspired to rebuild by the Masons, who began rebuilding their three story high building two short months after the fire. Layfayette Masonic Lodge 48, which encompasses the second and third floors of the Masonic Block, will be open for a tour at the culmination of the walk. A new historic site marker will also be unveiled and dedicated on that day, in recognition of the event 100 years ago.
Car pooling is recommended. Participants will proceed by foot around the center of town. Walking is on level ground or a slight incline with stops along the way. In case of rain, postponement will be announced by 8 a.m. on June 11 on the Readfield History Walks website readfieldhistorywalks.blogspot.com and via email.
To be added to the Readfield History Walkers email list send a request to crossings4u@gmail.com. For more information about Readfield History Walks visit the website or contact Potter-Clark at crossings4u@gmail.com or 207-441-9184.
