UMA, Maine State Museum partner on ‘We Took to the Woods’ discussion Jan. 28

AUGUSTA — The University of Maine at Augusta and the Maine State Library will partner on a community read of Louis Dickinson Rich’s “We Took to the Woods,” on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The discussion of the 1942 memoir will be facilitated by Candace Kanes and is free and open t the public. It’s the first in a yearlong program of events exploring the artists, writers and innovators who shaped and chronicled Maine’s mid-century cultural evolution, Maine’s Mid-Century Moment.
Those familiar with the book are encouraged to attend, and those who aren’t and wish to participate in the discussion are encouraged to read “We Too to the Woods,” copies of which may be borrowed from the Maine State Library through Jan. 28.
“We Took to the Woods,” was a literary touchstone nationwide, garnering serialization in the pages of the Atlantic, selection by the Book-of-the-Month Club, multiple translations and re-issues and even an Army edition. Rich and her husband lived off the grid at Middle Dam, in the Rangeley Lakes region. The work is one of the first rustication memoirs, blending humorous anecdotes about living off the grid with observations about Maine woods culture, flora and fauna; generalized advice; musings on contemporary society; charming dog (and skunk!) stories; and the occasional recipe.
Additionally, a variety of objects owned and used by Rich, including her typewriter and metal writing desk, will be displayed at the Maine State Museum. The museum will be open late, and admission will be free the evening of Jan. 28.
For a full listing of the year’s events, please visit: Maine’s Mid-Century Moment. All events are free and open to the public.
The Maine State Library is at 230 State St.