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READFIELD — Dale Potter-Clark will give three historical presentations on Readfield at Maranacook Adult and Community Education by this spring. All will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Maranacook Community High School.
The first in the series, on March 15, is “The Day Readfield Corner Burned.” Readfield Corner was once a bustling business center where groceries, shoes, clothing, millinery, hardware, carriages and even coffins and gravestones could be purchased. Readfield Telephone Company was also located at Readfield Corner as well as a Masonic Hall, hotel, taverns, blacksmiths and liveries. In this presentation you will learn more about this industrious village of long ago and about the day that it all changed forever.
The second presentation, “Was the Underground Railroad Really in Readfield?” is slated for April 25. It has been proven that the Underground Railroad was in Winthrop, Farmington and Jay, says Potter-Clark, so why not Readfield? In this presentation she will share some of the clues she has unearthed in researching families and homes that existed in 19th century Readfield that led her to believe if, when and where the Underground Railroad passed through town. Participants are welcome to bring and share their own clues and ideas. This promises to be an enlightening and fascinating evening!
Lastly, on Wednesday, May 31, is “The Founders and Evolution of Summer Resorts and Kids Camps.” Potter-Clark will first do a presentation about the process of researching and writing the book, by the same title, which she and co-author Charles L. Day Jr. released in 2016. Potter-Clark will also read from the book, followed by a book signing.
To register for MACE classes call 207-685-4923, ext. 1065, or visit maranacook.maineadulted.org. Cost is $12.50 for each class or $30 for all three. Proceeds from these classes will help fund the creation and placement of historical site markers in Readfield.
PICTURE CAPTION:
On June 11, 1921, lightning struck a kerosene barrel inside a store in the middle of the business district at Readfield Corner. A fire erupted from the explosion that destroyed nearly the entire center of town. A presentation by Dale Potter-Clark on March 15 will include a slide show and narrative about what existed at Readfield Corner prior to the fire and the devastating aftermath. Pictured here in the forefront is an automobile thought to be driven to the scene by a local reporter. Photo courtesy of Readfield Historical Society.
