Tidbits of Information!

Ohio Plantation

Early on, many of the original inhabitants of what was to become the State of Maine looked for better opportunities and climate in the region of Ohio. Abner Tibbetts and Daniel Budge were no exception, but while on an exploring expedition into Township No. 2 (in the fourth range T2R4 of townships north of the Waldo Patent, in the County of Hancock, containing 23,040 acres) in 1792 found this area so pleasing with the various streams, level land, and dense coverage of a great variety of trees that they abandoned their plans for Ohio and named this land "New Ohio" in honor of their original destination. It is also to be noted that this was then Hancock County. The population of Ohio Plantation in 1810 was 189. The area was granted by the State to John Peck December 9, 1794, and afterwards purchased by Benjamin Joy and others. The more sizeable bodies of water contained within Corinth are: Kenduskeag Stream, Crooked Brook, Pierre Paul Brook (pronounced by the settlers "Peerpole" which took its name from an Indian who lived upon its banks), Bear Brook, and Pushaw Pond.

Changing its former name, Corinth was incorporated June 21, 1811 under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Maine would not become a State until 1820. The first town meeting was held at the house of Elijah Skinner, March 17, 1812. At this first meeting these officers were elected: Moderator, Mark Trafton; Clerk, Isaac Hodsdon; Selectmen, William Hammond, Elijah Skinner, and John Hunting.

In 1812, Corinth had 38 polls, a valuation of estates to the amount of $1,032.60 and a State tax of 16 cents on the $1,000.

In 1812 Maine, some people made soda, as in baking soda, by carefully cleaning the brick oven and burning their corncobs. The ashes were collected and stored safely for the use of the housewife in her cooking.

The Eddy's of Eddington

In 1818, several families from Eddington moved into the Eddy Settlement of Corinth, which formed and important acquisition to the town. Among the newcomers was Mr. William Eddy, who was born in Sackville, New Brunswick, July 1, 1775, and died in Corinth, January 22, 1852. His death was occasioned by a fall from a scaffold in his barn, and was greatly lamented.

Mr. Jonathan M. Eddy, oldest son of William Eddy was born in Eddington, October 22, 1797, and died in Corinth, August 5, 1875. Pope pronounced a fitting eulogy on Mr. Eddy, when he declared, "An honest man's the noblest work on God".

(Information taken from the History of Penobscot County, Maine ‚ published in 1882.)

Taken from an 1857 Agriculture in Maine book:

A Cheap Chicken Fountain: Take an emptied tomato can, bend in the ragged edges where it has been opened, make a hole in the side, one quarter inch from the edge, fill it with water, put a saucer on it, and quickly invert both. The water will then stand in the saucer constantly at the height of the hole. Chickens can drink, but cannot get in the water, which remains clean until all water is used.

Early trades

Early Tradesman of East Corinth, prior to 1811, were noted in the "History of Penobscot County, Maine", published in 1882.

Abner Tibbetts made the woodwork and Joshua Goodhue made the ironwork, of the pioneer (plough) in Corinth.

Joshua C. Thompson framed and finished barns and dwelling houses, while Mason Skinner, from straight-grained trees standing with in sight of his shop, manufactured tubs, boxes, kegs, chairs, and almost every article wanted for use.

Rufus Inman, a master of all trades in wood, iron, and steel, manufactured spinning-wheels of every necessary description, made surgical instruments, and with wondrous skill used them; extracted teeth for six and one-fourth cents singly and ten cents for two at one sitting, and would let blood when deemed necessary with a lancet of his own making, as keen of edge as his own wit. Mr. Inman believed that Heaven designed that "innate goodness and a cheerful spirit should ever live in man" (Inman).

The Maine Register for 1895 describes Corinth: Eighteen miles N. W. of Bangor. On stage-line fro Bangor to Charleston. Granted by Massachusetts to John Peck, December 9, 1794, and settled soon after. Plantation name: Ohio. Population figures:

The Civil War was one of the reasons for the major loss of 327 people from the town's population between 1860 and 1870. Some of the returning veterans throughout the State of Maine found the weather to the South more to their liking, perhaps thinking of longer growing seasons, less severe winters, and some found sweethearts in those far Southern climes or just outside of New England. After the war many came home to say goodbye to families; some came back to convince the wife and children that what they had found was a better place to live. People packed up and headed South. It is said that the population of the State of Maine has never attained the height it was prior to the War of the Rebellion.

In 1895, Corinth had four post offices, three constables, three ministers, four churches, 15 merchants (including jewelry, drugstores, footwear, fish market, dress and millinery shop), stonecutters, cider mill, caskets, printer and dressmaker.

By the first half of the 1900's businesses dwindled because of the advent of the automobile. People could then travel to Bangor and Dover to purchase anything they wanted. As with the "big box" stores of today that draw business from smaller stores, the merchants of Corinth must have really felt the pinch when formerly faithful customers hopped in vehicles and bought their goods from the larger stores in Bangor.

An advertisement in the Maine Register for 1895 states that the Maine State College in Orono, Maine, a school of science and technology, charges an annual amount, including board, not to exceed $175. Rooms and Tuition are free.

Corinth in 1896-1897

Flora Bell

In The Milo Story, written by Lloyd Treworgy of Milo and published in 1985, he featured a photo of the trotting park and fairgrounds in the 1890's of that town. Below the photo is a copy of a "Score Card for Tuesday, June 23d, 1896, over the Milo Driving Park". In the 3-minute class race, trot and pace, for a $100 purse was Flora Bell owned by W.D. McGregor of East Corinth. The blanket color was black.

Concert of Nations

Town Hall, East Corinth

Friday Evening, March 21^st, 1902.

Under the auspices of the Ladies of the Baptist Society. Chorus of fifty voices, N.W. Littlefield, Director. Mrs. F.E. Russell, Pianist. Assisted by the following soloists: Mrs. Frank P. Morrison, Mrs. F.C. Hill, Miss M. Jessie Megquier, Miss Sadie Shorey, Rev. I. H. Lidstone, F.S. Palmer, Percy W. Coggins, Miss Pearl Davis, Reader. Childrenís Chorus.

Corinthian Ladies' Orchestra, Mrs. Alice Straw, Leader. First Violins: Miss Emogene Hutchinson, Mr. Walter Oakman; 2^nd Violin: Mrs. Alcce Brackett; Cornet: Mr. Fred Briggs; ëCello: Mrs. Nettie Hamblen; Pianist: Mrs. Alice Straw.

The Hall will be beautifully decorated with Flags, Bunting and Japanes Lanterns. The Chorus will be costumed in colors of the different Nations. The following Typical Costumes will be represented: "Columbia", Mrs. Frank P. Morrison; "Priscilla", Miss Edity Clark; "Spanish Maid", Miss Rena Trickey; "Irish Lass", Mrs. F.C. Hill, "Gypsy Maid", Mrs. Lewis Coggins; "Scotch Lassie", Miss Jessie Megquier; "French Maid", Miss Estelle Bagley; "Chinese Maid", Mrs. Alice Worth; "Spanish Noble", Roy Chapman.

Ice Cream, Cake and Coffee will be served in the Baptist Vestry, opposite the Hall.

Admission 25 cents, Children 15 cents, Reserved Seats 35 cents. Tickets for sale at Doors open at 7 oíclock. Concert at 8 oíclock. Stabling for horses at McGregor's Stable, 10 cents.

Corinth's Centennial Celebration in 1911

Corinth, Maine celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of its incorporation, Wednesday, August 30, 1911. On the program for the day were the following activities:

Eugenia S. Withman, member of the Corinth Historical Society, sent us a copy of a piece from Yankee Magazine showing a person in a rocking chair hooked to the dasher of an old up-and-down churn. The article read, "Be it known that I, Alfred Clark, a citizen of the United States, residing at East Corinth, in the State of Maine, have invented a new and useful improvements in Churns so that a churn may be operated by a person seated and rocking in a rocking chair". The U.S. Patent Office recorded this on January 28, 1913.

Memories of the Olde Home Day Fire

By Vivian Page Townsend

I do not remember the year, but I was young, so probably in the 1920's. The evening of Olde Home Days, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" a silent movie was being shown at Corinth's theater when suddenly Frank Salley opened the theater door and shouted "FIRE!" People thought it was the theater. People panicked. Some jumped from the balcony and it was quite a scene.

The fire was in the vinegar factory, corner of East Ridge Road (now called the Hudson Rd.) and Morison Ave. They later determined that a hobo had been in there smoking and got a fire started. The building had been a church at one time before being the vinegar factory.

From the March 7, 1927, edition of the Bangor Daily Commercial, we find news items from South Corinth:

"The Community Club met with Mrs. Leona Whitney, March 2, with 17 members and four visitors. A corn stew and all kinds of pastry were served at noon. The day was spent in tacking puffs. The next meeting will be with Mrs. Lillian Randall, the first Wednesday in April. There will be puffs to tack then. The box of chocolate bars has been sold, making the club a clear gain of $16.00."

"Mrs. Daniel Gould passed away Sunday, after failing slowly all winter. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon in her late home and her remains were taken Wednesday morning to Lynn, Mass, where Mr. And Mrs. Gould resided for many years."

From the New England Homestead Magazine which sold for five cents a copy or $1.00 per year, and published in Springfield, Mass., February 16, 1929, edition:

East Corinth, Feb. 4 We have had a very mild winter so far, very little snow and only a few days of sledding at a time. Autos have run every day, which is something unusual in this section. Most farmers have finished harvesting their ice, which is of very good quality. L. F. Tiplady, manager of the local creamery, filled his icehouse of 150 tons capacity in 2 › days, which is something of a record. Not much lumber being cut this winter and not many wood piles up as yet on lack of snow. Potatoes are moving slow with the price practically unchanged since last fall, good stock bringing from $1 to $1.2 per barrel. Many farmers are still holding a large part of their crop hoping for higher prices. Ross Elliot is making plans for enlarging his dairy barn in spring. Hens are not laying as well as some winters past. Eggs are bringing 38 cents at local stores. Corn and meal has advanced a little in price, bringing $2.40 at present, dairy rations $2.60 to $3 according to brands. Butterfat brought 53 cents last month, butter 50 cents. Cows are reported as doing well this winter and hay holding out well. Prices for cows remain high, from $100 to $125, with a few still higher.

Corinth's Saddest 4^th of July

By Vivian Page Townsend

East Corinth Fire on July 3, 1932. My brother Maynard Page had returned from a dance and preparing to retire when he discovered there was a fire in the village and woke us up, saying "The garage is on fire!". He and my father took off for the village. We lived on the Exeter Road. After Mother and I got dressed, we decided to walk up town but soon heard someone screaming and crying. It was Hildred Towne. Someone had come to tell her of the terrible explosion. We stayed with her infant while someone took her to the hospital.

Some of the young, mostly married, men had decided to celebrate the 4^th by stuffing an old cannon with gunpowder, tamping it down with green grass, pushing it out of the garage and firing it into a cellar hole where the post office used to be. But, this time, it exploded in the garage, sending at least a couple of men flying. Morris Towne was badly injured and only lived maybe a day. I do not remember the name of the other man, who lost a leg and suffered other injuries. Right next to the garage was a building with a movie theater and bowling alley and this building burned as well as the garage. It was a very sad 4^th of July.

Beech Grove Dance Hall

By Pauline Sodermark

(taken from Corinth Historical Society Inc. Newsletter, October 1998)

The Beech Grove Dance Hall was operated by Charles Corson and his son Ernest and was very popular from the early 1900's through about the mid to late 1940's. Besides the regular weekly dances and holiday affairs, stage shows were also presented there by traveling musicians. The building was reputed to have one of the best dance floors in the State. In addition to the large dance hall, there was a small ticket booth, a general store with gas pumps and a dining hall where meals were served. Behind the store was a ball field complete with bleachers where town teams competed or special holiday games were enjoyed.

As a small child going to the dance with my parents, I was enchanted by the string of lights that came from the ticket booth and continued up over the driveway to the grounds. Of course, we lived on the back road and still did not have electric service. At that time, only the people on the Main road and village had electricity.

The dance hall was located right on Route 15 and service provided by the trolleys out of Bangor to Charleston brought people from all over the area: Old Town, Brewer, Charleston, Hampden, Bangor, and points in between. In the end, the trolleys were owned by the Bangor Railway & Electric Co. A blockhouse type cement building, which was torn down with in the last fifteen years, stood to the rear of the Baptist Church was a power station for this trolley. Although I am not old enough to recall the trolleys, the railroad ties were visible along and IN Route 15 well into the 1970's.

The Corinth Historical Society owns company paperwork and two of the seats from one of the old trolleys.

The first dame school was said to have been held in the east front room of the house formerly owned by Miss Annie Herrick, which stood just south of the home of Floyd and Anne Wiggin. Miss Cordella Jackson taught the school. The Herrick house was one of the first three built in this town. In the 1940's when the grade school was next door, the house and outbuildings were visible across the way with an apple orchard and private family cemetery to the rear of the property.

Ads from Yesteryear

Taken from a Charleston Air force Station 765^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron "welcome" brochure printed in the 1950's, we find a couple of advertisements which may bring back fond memories to some of us who have lived in Corinth quite a while.

"SALLEY'S LUNCH for the best in light lunches. The place where all your friends gather. Main St., East Corinth."

For those of you who don't recall, Frank Salley operated Salleyís lunch with Mrs. Page (Errol's mom) and Phyllis Salley DiNafio assisting. The business was located in about the same vicinity as the current U.S. Post Office. With the grade school near by where Beaver Wilson now lives, a child as young as a third grader could (with written permission from Mom or Dad) walk up to Salley's and have a hot meal, generally a hotdog and that rarely experienced bottle of soda!

TRASK'S ESSO SERVICE CENTER: Authorized dealer for Nash-Hudson-Rambler cars, Esso Petroleum Products. Esso range oil, LP gas, general auto repairing, wrecker service, Atlas tires and tubes. Telephone 110, Main Street, East Corinth.

Trask's Esso was located in the gas station beside the Town Hall and owned and operated by Red Trask for many years. If you went to Town Meeting, other than the cold outhouse there, you made the trek to the Esso Station to the bathroom.

Old Road vs. New Road Names

By Pauline Sodermark

The road leading from Charleston to Kenduskeag in the eastern part of town was earlier called Hatch Road, later the Farrar Road. This road has now officially been named the Puddledock to the north of Route 43 and Tate Road on the southern end. The discontinued portion of the Tate Road, which now runs from the sharp corner near the Rabbit Path to eventually enter Route 15 just south of Eunice Thompson's place, must have also been part of the Hatch Road/Farrar Road. It is interesting to note that not Tates currently reside on the Tate Road but live on the Puddledock Road. The man I believe is responsible for the "unofficial" naming of the Puddledock Road decades ago actually lived in the Farrar house from whence the road originally got its name, Farrar Road!

In 1913 when my mother was nine years old she lived with her family on a large farm that stood at the corner of East Ridge Road and the White Schoolhouse Road. Impossible you say? Well, at that time, the East Ridge Road ran from Charleston through what is now called the Marsh Road until it met the Andrews Road just South of the White Schoolhouse Road!

Let me throw in an extra curve, when I was in grade school I lived on the Beech Grove Road since it ran both East and West across Route 15. Now the East end of that road is the Tate Road. Do you know why the road was named the Beech Grove Road? It was not necessarily named for just a stand of trees. Beech Grove Dance Hall stood at the corner of Beech Grove Road and Route 15.

In my time, Grant Road from Beech Grove north used to be called the Mitchell Road, sometimes even called the Dump Road (since the town's landfill was there). South of Beech Grove, it was the Robeyville Road.