FARMINGTON — Ruth McCleery Watson, daughter of the late Farmington fire chief, Robert McCleery, will be at the Rangeley Public Library 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, to discuss the history of the Farmington Fire Department from 1850 to 2000.
Watson put together a book based on notes her father compiled from annual reports, newspaper clippings and his own memory. This book also includes large fires that happened in the Rangeley and Phillips area, such as the 1939 fire that consumed the Kempton Lumber Company and the 1941 fire that destroyed the Rangeley Baptist Church. Watson will also discuss the 1971 fire that ravaged the center of Phillips, destroying 10 businesses and four homes.
Watson will have copies of the book — “History of the Farmington Fire Department 1850-2000: A Volunteer Fire Department,” by Robert L. McCleery — available for purchase.
Stop by the library at 7 Lake St. or call 207-864-5529 for more information or to sign up for the program.
