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PHOTOS: Clarence March and Olive Morrill, both instrumental in the growth and development of the Androscoggin Historical Society, are being honored at the society’s new headquarters in Lewiston. (Androscoggin Historical Soceity photos)
AUBURN – The Androscoggin Historical Society has named two rooms at its new headquarters at 93 Lisbon St. in honor of two individuals who transformed the society during its 100-year history, President David Chittim announced.
Clarence March will be honored in one of the library rooms, and Olive Morrill will be recognized in the front parlor and display area.
March was president of the society from 1950 to 1953, then served as executive secretary and curator, a volunteer position that he held for 22 years until his death in 1975 at age 83. At that time, the library in the county building was named for March.
In 1966, the American Association for State and Local Historical Awards presented a certificate of merit after a review of the society’s holdings. This was given for phenomenal growth in the previous five years, “making it a model of all such societies in need of revitalization; particularly for the excellent classification and arrangement of its collections made under the supervision of its gifted curator, Clarence E. March.”
March took over the museum in 1953 when it consisted of one poorly lighted room with six old showcases. After his stewardship, it filled three rooms and overflowed into the corridor. March was a retired manual arts teacher; he installed lighting and built cabinets and racks for display.
Morrill raised the possibility of a home of our own, when on her death Jan. 5, 1983, she left to the society her home on the corner of Court and Prospect streets in Auburn, as well as $100,000, the income from which would maintain the property, or be used for other purposes.
The society determined that the house was not large enough for the collection, the layout was not appropriate for a museum, the location made for difficult access and inadequate parking, and the financial bequest was insufficient for its maintenance. We kept several items from the house and auctioned the rest.
The proceeds are the basis of the current endowment. Morrill’s bequest enabled the society to hire part-time staff. It also continues to rely on board members, student interns, and volunteers in order to function.
Morrill graduated from Edward Little High School and Mount Holyoke College. She was a member of High Street Congregational Church, of the board of trustees at the Auburn Public Library, Woman’s Literary Union, Auburn Art Club, Woman’s Hospital Association of CMMC, and a life member of Androscoggin Historical Society.
