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The Bethel Historical Society's Museum Shop is located on the first floor of the 1821 Robinson House, and features many items inspired by the Society's museum and research library collections, including books, gifts, and special publications associated with past and current exhibits at the Society's Regional History Center. Among the current offerings are genealogical charts, White Mountain notecards, cross-stitch kits (including a reproduction of an 1841 sampler in the Society's collection), old-fashioned folk toys, Sunday River covered bridge mouse pads and magnets, and paintings by area artists. An area of the Shop is also devoted to books and gifts on sale at substantially reduced prices!
Hours
The Museum Shop is open Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00, year-round, and also on weekends (1:00 to 4:00 only) during July and August. If you have questions about the Museum Shop, please call us toll-free at 800-824-2910 or email us at info@bethelhistorical.org.
The Museum Shop is open Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00, year-round, and also on weekends (1:00 to 4:00 only) during July and August. If you have questions about the Museum Shop, please call us toll-free at 800-824-2910 or email us at info@bethelhistorical.org.
On-line Orders
Click here for an order form. Fill out the form by selecting items from the list below, include your payment (checks or money orders, please), and mail your order to the Society at P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217. Society members are entitled to a 10% discount on Museum Shop purchases of $10 or more! For information on membership levels, please visit our Membership page.
Your
Museum Shop purchases support the Bethel Historical Society's mission
to preserve
this region's past through programs, exhibits, and research
activities. Thank you!
Online Museum Shop Catalog
Click on the links below to go to that section of the catalog.
Gifts - Unique and Educational
DVDs
Bethel Bicentennial Souvenirs 1796-1996
Children's Items
Books
Art, Architecture and Crafts
Bethel
Civil War
Cookbooks
Genealogy & Family History
Logging & Lumbering
Native Americans
New England
State of Maine
Town Histories
Transportation
Western Maine
The White Mountain Region
Click here to print out an Order Form
Featured Item
NEW! Maine Minerals collection. Created by Saunders Gems of Ellsworth, Maine, this collection of 12 Maine mineral specimens are mounted on a special card which features the name of each, plus "educational facts." Offered in connection with the Society's "Maine Minerals: A New Prospect" exhibit. Includes display box with clear plastic cover measuring approx. 6" x 8" x 1". (Color and size of specimens will vary slightly.) $9.95
Gifts - Unique and Educational
Lucy
Eames Sampler Counted Cross-Stitch Kit.
A highly accurate reproduction (photo, left) of an 1841 sampler in the
Bethel
Historical Society's
collections. Colors have been carefully chosen to closely match
those originally chosen by Lucy Russell Eames (1827-1849) of North
Bethel. Design size is 12 1/8 x 13 1/4 inches. Kit includes
all materials needed. $25.95Lucy Eames Mini-Sampler Counted Cross-Stitch Kit. A less challenging version of our 1841 sampler reproduction, but with many of the same design elements. Design size is 5 1/2 x 7 1/4 inches (for a standard 8 x 10 frame). Kit includes all materials needed. $14.95
New! Silhouette Kit. Everything you need to start cutting miniature profiles is included in this kit: 25 (4" x6") sheets of black silhouette paper, 50 (5" x 7") white mats, Iris surgical scissors, and the 100-page book Silhouettes: How to Cut for Fun & Money, written by Ann and Deidre Woodward. The book (listed separately, below, under "Art, Architecture & Crafts") features diagrams, drawings and sample silhouettes, as well as valuable information on establishing a market for those who wish to start a business. $29.95
Mason House Wooden Miniature. Free-standing reproduction of the Dr. Moses Mason House, the 1813 Federal style residence owned since 1974 by the Bethel Historical Society. The third in a series of collectible Primrose Path replicas of Bethel buildings. (These reproductions feature a painting of the subject on a 3/4" thick pine block with the building outlines artistically cut out with a scroll saw.) Approximately 5 x 6 inches. Limited availability. $16.95
Middle Intervale Meetinghouse Wooden Miniature. Colorful reproduction of Bethel's oldest religious structure, dating from 1816. The fourth in the series of collectible Primrose Path replicas of Bethel buildings. (See description above.) Approximately 7 x 8 inches. Limited availability. $16.95
Framed “Carrie Stevens-style” Streamer Flies. Handcrafted by Nathan N. Wight of Harrison, Maine, especially for the Society’s current exhibit “A River’s Journey: The Story of the Androscoggin," these colorful trolling flies are labeled (left photo) “Pattern No. Land of Oz, Size 2/0 X Heavy,” and (right photo) “Pattern No. Yellow Ghost, Size 2/0 X Heavy.” These unique flies are protected under glass in 9 x 11 inch shadow box frames of dark-stained wood. One only available in each style. $43.50 each. (Please note that member discount does not apply for these two items only, and that Priority shipping of $12 must be added to purchase price. Please also add $1.65 for insurance, if desired.)
White Mountain Note Cards. Boxed selection of 16 beautiful cards with envelopes, featuring full-color reproductions of four spectacular White Mountain paintings from the collection of the New Hampshire Historical Society. $9.95
Six-Generation Family Tree Chart. Suitable for framing, 18 x 24 inch chart is printed in autumn colors on parchment paper. Shipped in a tube. $6.00
DVDs
The Rufus Porter School of Wall Mural Painting. This teaching/documentary video focuses on fourteen rooms of decorated walls in ten New Hampshire houses. Porter and his students painted from circa 1824 to 1845 in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts, an effort that resulted in hundreds of murals—most now lost to fire, demolition, paint or wallpaper. The hand-painted and stenciled walls shown on this DVD are filled with colorful landscape scenes reminiscent of those in the Society's 1813 Mason House. DVD $29.95
How to Paint a Mural in the Rufus Porter Style. This DVD gives you a step-by-step demonstration, covering technique and supplies, and encourages you to attempt your own Rufus Porter-style wall mural. From laying in the background, adding trees and foliage and overhead vines by hand, to using stencils traced directly from his work, you can produce a facsimile of an original Rufus Porter design. DVD $29.95
Barns: Legacy of Wood & Stone. Today there is a resurgence of interest in preserving historic barns, in appreciation of their architectural beauty and as monuments to our past. In this film produced by Vermont Public Television, you'll find out how barns are restored, enjoy a rare day at a barn raising, and gain a deeper understanding of the valuable legacy left by the master builders of another time. 60 min. DVD $19.95
L. L. Bean (Maine Biographies). Narrated by Jack Perkins, well known for his work with the A&E Biography series, this video traces the life of Maine's most famous storekeeper, from his youth in the hills of Oxford County to his successful career as head of the now-famous commercial enterprise in Freeport, Maine. 60 min. DVD $19.95
Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine. The men that comprised the ranks of the 20th Maine were a bunch of Yankee individualists, and they came from all walks of life. At Gettysburg, outnumbered and almost out of ammunition, the Mainers launched a desperate bayonet charge that saved the day, and possibly the entire Union Army. 55 min. DVD $19.95
Woodsmen and River Drivers. A vivid historical chronicle of woodsmen and river drivers active before 1930 in the Machias River Valley of downeast Maine. The survivors of this world of inconceivable danger and discomfort share their lives, and their story unfolds with exceptional 1930s footage from the Machias Lumber Company. 30 min. DVD $19.95
The Story of Wood in the Northeast. Detailed narration and images in this film show woods, sawmill and factory operations in New England, New York and Pennsylvania. From the invention of the peavey in the 1850s to the wide-spread use of the “one-man power saw” in the 1950s, this is a comprehensive look at the many uses of wood and the vast array of products derived from it. Produced for The Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association in 1953. 30 min. DVD $14.95
Then It Happened. Originally released by the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention Campaign, this film contains spectacular footage of the destructive Maine fires of 1947 as a warning to people of the seriousness of fire safety and the danger of drought conditions. Footage of evacuations, burning forests and devastated communities are shown. 22 min. DVD $14.95
Bryant Pond, The Last Ringdown. A delightful look at America's last magneto phone company in Bryant Pond (Woodstock), Maine, in 1982. Eldon and Barbara Hathaway ran the town's telephone system from their home for 30 years before selling to Oxford County Telephone and Telegraph, which, despite much local opposition, upgraded to the dial system. The resulting fight produced the rallying cry, "Don't yank the crank!" 15 min. DVD $14.95
Cut and Run. Big changes after the turn of the century and the mechanization in the 1950s cut the Maine wood's workforce in half and quickened the pace of the timber harvest. These changes were not without negative consequences. In this video, the overall effects to the mental and physical health of the workers is discussed, as well as the history of organized labor and the men who risked their livelihoods to fight for better wages. Includes wonderful woods-based folk songs and narration by Marshall Dodge. 40 min. DVD $14.95
Bethel Bicentennial Souvenirs 1796-1996
"The
Age of Barns"
Poster. Features twelve historic Bethel barns in color,
18 x 24
in. Accompanying flyer gives history of each barn. Shipped
in a
tube.
$10.00Bronze Medal. Town seal on the front and the Cole Block, site of today's town office, on the reverse. In presentation case. Originally $10; now only $1.00 each!
Civil War First-Day Cover Sets. Set of 32-cent stamps with battle scenes and notables from the period, on twenty envelopes showing a sketch of Bethel's Civil War Monument and the special June 10, 1996 postal cancellation in honor of Bethel's 200th anniversary of incorporation. Only 50 sets issued. Limited supply. $10.00 per set
Children's Items
Roy
Toy Log Building
Sets. Manufactured in Machias, Maine, since 1930, these
sets—which are interchangeable—feature solid pine logs, green roof
planks, red chimneys, and appealing
retro packaging. Four sets available: Small Camp (shown at left; 37
pieces), $9.95; Medium-sized Camp (70+ pieces), $14.95; Tree House (70+
pieces), $14.95; Large Camp (92 pieces), $21.95. For ages 4 and
up.
Jacob's Ladder. Centuries-old perpetual motion toy, known as a "Sunday toy" in 19th century America. The blocks appear to tumble, again and again, one after the other! $6.95
Pocket Folk Doll Kit. Kit includes fabric, needle, stuffing, embroidery floss, instructions, and history. Makes 2 Pocket Folk Dolls approximately 3 1/4" high. $7.95
Medicine Pouch Kit. Contains pre-punched suede, fringe, lacing and instructions to complete this popular Native American craft kit. $6.95
Indian Canoe Kit. Pre-punched suede, lacing, seat, base and painting instructions. Approximately 4.5 inches long. $5.95
My First Weaving Loom. Small beginner's hand loom, with instructions, yarn and all loom utensils. $11.95
Beginning Quilting Kit. Makes a pillow, doll blanket, and pot holder. Includes fabric, batting, stuffing, needle, thread and instructions. $9.95Books
ART, ARCHITECTURE & CRAFTS (see also "New England")
AVAILABLE AGAIN! Rufus
Porter Rediscovered: Artist, Inventor, Journalist 1792-1884.
After many years out of print, the second (1980) edition of Jean
Lipman's pioneering work about Rufus Porter has been reprinted—complete
with color plates, including an image of the murals in the Society's
Dr. Moses Mason House. This volume is a must-have for anyone
interested in Porter as an artist, scientist and
writer/pamphleteer. Numerous photographs, woodcuts, and
engravings. 197 pp., softcover. $29.95Northern Comfort: New England's Early Quilts, 1780-1850. Written by Lynne Bassett and Jack Larkin, this is the definitive account of early New England's quilting heritage, featuring many full-color photographs of quilts and quilted garments from the Old Sturbridge Village collection. 118 pp., softcover. $19.95
Hearts and Hands: Women, Quilts, and American Society. Discouraged from writing, nineteenth century women made needles their pens and quilts their texts to record their struggles and their joys. This fascinating book by Elaine Hedges, Pat Ferrero and Julie Silber shows how women created a great American art form from the fabric of their lives. Contains many color illustrations. 108 pp., softcover. $19.99
NEW! Silhouettes: How to Cut for Fun & Money. Written by Ann and Deidre Woodward, this book provides techniques for cutting "miniature" profiles free-hand (without shadows, sketch or art background), based on 30 years' experience by Ann Woodward, nationally known silhouette artist. It also offers valuable information on buying appropriate supplies and establishing a market for those who wish to start a business. Includes many diagrams, drawings and sample silhouettes. 100 pp., softcover. $15.00
Early American Weaving and Dyeing: The Domestic Manufacturer's Assistant and Family Directory in the Arts of Weaving and Dyeing. This landmark work, written by J. & R. Bronson and first published in 1817, is a practical and historical guide to hand-weaving patterns and dye recipes. Includes a new introduction, a short glossary of terms, and a list of common names of chemicals used in dyeing. Numerous weaving drafts. 204 pp., softcover. $8.95
NEW! Five Centuries of American Costume. R. Turner Wilcox's 1963 landmark survey of American wearing apparel—now available as a Dover Publications reprint—focuses on more than 500 years of clothing styles. All subjects are enhanced by more than 400 black-and-white illustrations by the author. An indispensable resource for fashion historians, costume designers and artists. 207 pp., softcover. $12.95
For Every House A Garden: A Guide for Reproducing Period Gardens. Prominent horticulturists Rudy and Joy Favretti present an excellent practical guide for reproducing period gardens in their many forms. Illustrations and figures. 138 pp., softcover. Limited availability. $12.95
Field Guide to New England Barns and Farm Buildings, by Thomas Visser. An essential guide and a must-have for anyone interested in rural New England's historic architecture. Over 250 photographs. 213 pp., softcover. $22.95
The History of The Sawyer Pictures. This first book (and price guide) devoted to the hand-colored photographs of Charles Henry Sawyer was written by Carol Begley Gray and issued in 1995. Fully illustrated, the volume is a necessary companion to the Sawyer book listed immediately below. 62 pp., softcover. $16.95
The Hand-Painted Photographs of Charles Henry Sawyer, by Carol Begley Gray, Michael Ivankovich and John Peters. Published in 2002, this book includes extensive material about the hand-colored photographs of Charles Sawyer. It also contains a title list and value guide, along with a section on conserving hand-painted photographs. Numerous color and black-and-white photos. 60 pp., softcover. $18.95
The Bicentennial Quilt Project of Oxford County, Maine, by Larry Glatz and Cynthia Hamlin. This book documents a unique and important part of western Maine's history: the 200th anniversary of Oxford County, celebrated throughout 2005. Quilt squares were contributed from every community in the County and joined together by noted quilter Barbara Swan Frost. The spiral bound volume includes a large color image of each square, with an explanation about its design and creator(s). 46 pp., softcover. Limited availability. $21.95
So Fine a Prospect: Historic New England Gardens. This beautifully illustrated, oversized volume by Alan Emmet chronicles the story of 16 gardens through New England in fantastic detail, providing something for everyone interested in historic gardens, from grand estates to smaller suburban plots. 256 pp., softcover. $19.95
Wallpaper in New England. Authored by Richard Nylander, Elizabeth Redmond and Penny Sander, this well illustrated study of historic wallpapers in New England is based on the important regional collection owned by Historic New England, formerly the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. 283 pp., softcover. $29.95
A Museum of Early American Tools. This book by Eric Sloane, containing over 180 pen-and-ink sketches, was originally published in 1964, and was largely responsible for the first great surge of interest in collecting old tools. The book covers building tools and methods; farm and kitchen implements; plus the tools of curriers, wheelwrights, coopers, blacksmiths, coachmakers, loggers, tanners, and many other craftsmen of the pre-industrial age. 108 pp., softcover. $8.95
NEW! Book of Old-Time Trades and Tools. Originally published in 1866 as an aid for boys seeking information about prospective trades and occupations available to them as adults. This rare primer details the work of tailors, shoemakers, bakers, plumbers, house-painters, bricklayers, cabinet- and gun-makers, coppersmiths, millers and twenty-one other tradespeople. Over 700 illustrations. 316 pp., softcover. $12.95
Sermons in Stone: The Stone Walls of New England and New York. Susan Allport's lively and thought provoking history of the stone wall, beautifully illustrated with ink drawings. 205 pp., softcover. $14.95
BETHEL
Stealing
History, by former Bethel Historical Society Trustee William
Andrews. Islandport
Press's first original fiction title, Stealing
History is a murder mystery set in a historical society in
western Maine. The book weaves details of small town life,
delightful characters and history into a suspenseful tale that keeps
readers guessing right up until the last page. 217 pp.,
softcover. $15.95Bethel, Maine: An Illustrated History. Chronologically arranged and filled with hundreds of rare and unusual photos, this 1991 volume by Randall H. Bennett is a must for anyone interested in Bethel's past. 242 pp., softcover. Limited availability (less than 20 copies). $39.95
History of Bethel, Maine 1768-1890. This 1981 reprint of the classic 1891 history of Bethel by Dr. William B. Lapham features new name and subject indexes, as well as an introduction by Bethel Historical Society Executive Director Stanley R. Howe. 739 pp., hardcover. $45.00
East Bethel Road. Expanded 1984 edition of the 1959 work by Eva M. Bean, founder of the Bethel Historical Society. Includes a new foreword and every-name index. 768 pp., hardcover. $50.00
Dr. Moses Mason and His House. Brief history and guide to the Society's 1813 period house museum. Text by Stanley R. Howe, with drawings by Sue Wight. 12 pp., softcover. $1.00
A History of the West Parish Congregational Church. Published in honor of the church's 200th anniversary in 1996. Contains many photos. 34 pp., softcover. $5.00
CIVIL WAR
Callow, Brave and True: A Gospel of Civil War Youth. Professor Jay S. Hoar's pioneering study of the Civil War's youngest soldierboys reveals who were the latest born, youngest at enlistment, etc. 267 pp., softcover. $20.00
Our Youngest Blue & Gray. Written by Jay S. Hoar and published in 2005, this book is a companion study to his earlier book, Callow, Brave and True (listed above). Adding over 110 "human interest biographical essays" of soldierboys and sailorboys—some younger than ten years of age—to the aforementioned volume, this well-illustrated book represents a thorough investigation of this subject field. 290 pp., softcover. Limited availability. $34.95
COOKBOOKS
Up
Bethel Hill: The Cookbook of the Bethel Historical
Society. A second printing of the Society's popular 2003
cookbook is now available! Filled with great recipes for all
kinds of dishes and tasty
treats from the kitchens of Society members and friends. 127 pp.,
softcover. $12.95The First American Cookbook. A Facsimile of "American Cookery," 1796. Author Amelia Simmons worked as a domestic in Colonial America. Her cookbook reveals the rich variety of foods enjoyed by her contemporaries. 75 pp., softcover. $4.95
Good Maine Food. First published in 1939, this cookbook by Marjorie Mosser is packed with recipes for good, wholesome food as prepared in traditional Maine kitchens. With "spicy" commentary by novelist Kenneth Roberts. 424 pp., softcover. $15.95
The American Frugal Housewife. Lydia Maria Child's cookbook was first published in 1832, and a copy was owned by Agnes Straw Mason, whose residence is now one of our museum facilities. Contains a new introduction by cookbook authority Jan Longone. 139 pp., softcover. $7.95
GENEALOGY & FAMILY HISTORY
Descendants of Joseph Killgore
(1690-1764) of Scotland
& Treworgy Ancestors, by Roy Killgore. This first
(1996) of two volumes (the second is in preparation)
documenting the progeny of Joseph Killgore and his wife, Penelope
Treworgy, of Kittery, Maine, presents thousands of descendants—many in
northern New England—through both the male and female lines.
Supplemented with maps, photographs, source notes, and a complete name
index. 631 pp., hardcover. $45.00Soldiers, Sailors, and Patriots of the Revolutionary War — Maine. This invaluable 1982 reference work compiled by Carleton E. Fisher and Sue G. Fisher is an essential source for anyone studying individuals from Maine who served during the Revolution. Included in the hundreds of entries are men who came to Maine after serving in the War, plus those elected to a town or public office, post riders, guides, etc. All entries are coded so that the original record may be identified with each person. 917, pp., hardcover. $45.00
From An Old Leather Trunk. Ruth Crosby's story of three families—Ruggs, Conants, and Crosbys—from Massachusetts to Maine. 191 pp., hardcover. $5.00
Genealogy of the Samuel and Frances (Pembroke) Mills Family. Eleven generation study by Blaine and Margaret Mills, with concentration on western Maine. 31 pp., spiral bound. $5.00
LOGGING & LUMBERING
NEW!
Logging
Railroads Along the Pemigewasset River. Based on more
than three decades of research by author Bill Gove, this book examines
the history of the various logging operations that worked the
Pemigewasset watershed in the western White Mountains for nearly fifty
years, beginning in the late 19th century. More than 225 vintage
images and a dozen original maps. 184 pp., softcover. $27.95Logging Railroads of the Saco River Valley. This book by Bill Gove examines the colorful history of the six logging railroad lines that once operated along or near the scenic Saco River in the heart of the White Mountain region. 150 photos, maps and charts. 142 pp., softcover. $24.95
Tall Trees, Tough Men, by Robert Pike. First published in 1967, this is a vivid and anecdotal history of logging and log-driving in northern New England, detailing the hard daily life of the proud men who called themselves loggers. 32 pages of photos. 288 pp., softcover. $13.95
Spiked Boots: Sketches of the North Country. Dozens of tales of logging and river driving in this region, collected by Robert Pike and first published in 1959. This new edition features previously unpublished photographs from the author's collection, and a foreword by his daughter. 287 pp., softcover. $14.95
Logging Railroads of the White Mountains. C. Francis Belcher, former Director of the Appalachian Mountain Club, authored this well illustrated history of over twenty mountain railroads that operated in the White Mountains from 1870 to 1948. Numerous maps. 242 pp., softcover. Out of print. One copy available. $14.95
NATIVE AMERICANS
Molly
Ockett, by Catherine Newell. The second,
revised edition (1991) of the Bethel
Historical Society's most popular publication. Mollyockett
lived in New England, primarily western Maine, and Canada from circa
1740 to
1816. Drawings, footnotes, and sources. 30 pp., softcover.
$3.00Mollyockett. This book by Pat Stewart is a fictionalized reconstruction of the life of a remarkable Abenaki Indian woman, known as "the last of the Pequawkets." Photos and maps. 169 pp., hardcover. $19.95
Indian New England Before the Mayflower, by Howard Russell. An excellent reference work that makes use of many original sources, including observations made between Europeans and Indians during the contact period. Many illustrations and maps. 284 pp., softcover. $19.95
Dawnland Encounters: Indians and Europeans in Northern New England. Colin Calloway, ed. Fascinating anthology of period writings, with new introductions, concentrating on encounters between Native Americans and European settlers from the early 1600s to the 1780s. Fully indexed. 296 pp., softcover. $22.95
Northeastern Indian Lives 1632-1816. The detailed stories of fifteen relatively unknown Native Americans. A chapter of the book is devoted to the life of Molly Ockett. Edited, with an introduction, by Robert S. Grumet. 393 pp., softcover. $22.95
King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict, by Eric Schultz and Michael Tougias. An in-depth study of this pivotal war in New England, which began in 1675, and a guide to the historical sites where the many ambushes, raids, and battles took place. Numerous illustrations and maps. 432 pp., softcover. $18.95
NEW ENGLAND (see also "Art, Architecture & Crafts")
The
Hurricane of 1938, by Aram Goudsouzian.
New England's storm of the century was the hurricane of 1938.
Sometimes called the "Long Island Express" because it rolled through
there on the first day of autumn, the '38 hurricane tore northward
through the heart of New England (including the White Mountain region),
wreaking death and destruction with
virtually no warning. Many photos and maps. 90 pp.,
softcover. $12.95A Wind to Shake the World: The Story of the 1938 Hurricane, by Everett S. Allen. The author of this book joined the staff of the New Bedford Standard Times in September 1938. He was assigned to the waterfront. The following day the storm of the century blew in. This is his account—the first and still the best account of the devastating hurricane of 1938. Sources and index. 304 pp., softcover. $17.95
The Art of Splitting Stone: Early Rock Quarrying Methods in Pre-Industrial New England, 1630-1825. The expanded 2nd edition of Mary and James Gage's book provides a detailed study of the history, tools, and methods used to split, hoist and transport quarried stone in pre-industrial New England. An invaluable resource for historians, archaeologists and stone masons interested in identifying, dating, or recreating early stone splitting methods. Many modern and period illustrations. 88 pp., softcover. $10.00
Guide to New England Stone Structures: Stone Cairns, Stone Walls, Standing Stones, Chambers, Foundations, Wells, Culverts, Quarries and other Structures. This basic field guide by Mary and James Gage identifies the many different types of stone structures found while hiking through the forest and conservation lands in New England. Over 70 illustrations. 40 pp., softcover. $3.95
NEW! The Naked Quaker: True Crimes and Controversies from the Courts of Colonial New England, by Diane Rapaport. On court days in colonial New England, folks gathered from miles around to listen as local magistrates convened to hear cases. In the abundant records extant from these hearings, we experience the passions and concerns of ordinary people, often in their own words, more than three centuries after the emotion-charged events that brought them to court. The author, by drawing on these court records, has created a fascinating book covering such topics as "Witches and Wild Women," "Coupling," "Tavern Tales," and "Sunday Meeting." 25 b/w illustrations. 160 pp., hardcover, $19.95
New England Masts and The King's Broad Arrow. First published in 1979, this book brings to focus the early settlement of New England and the forgotten mast trade upon which the American lumbering and shipping enterprises were built. Text and drawings by Samuel Manning. 64 pp., softcover. $10.00
Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn. Author Thomas Hubka has provided a new introduction to the 20th anniversary printing of this landmark study of New England's connected farm buildings, first issued in 1984. Many structures in western Maine are examined. 225 pp., paper. $24.95
Our Own Snug Fireside: Images of the New England Home, 1760-1860, by Jane Nylander. A portrait of domestic life in New England between the Revolution and the Civil War, told through diaries, letters, wills, newspapers and other contemporary sources. Illus. 317 pp., softcover. Limited availability. $21.00
NEW! Great New England Storms of the 20th Century. This large-format volume chronicles an era that encompasses many of the most devastating weather events on record, including the blizzard of 1978, the "perfect storm" of 1991, the ice storm of 1998, tornadoes in 1953, floods in 1936, gales in 1905, and a 1938 hurricane that still has no equal. And this book doesn’t just bring the historical facts; it offers the faces and personal stories behind each disaster, along with weather data, photos and graphics, trivia, and the lighter side of the news. 160 pp., hardcover. $27.95
Historic Storms of New England. First published in 1891, this riveting narrative by Sidney Perley graphically describes every major storm and natural disaster in the region from 1635 to 1890. A valuable resource for anyone studying New England letters and diaries. Includes period photos and paintings, plus a detailed index. 302 pp., softcover. $14.95
STATE OF MAINE
NEW! Made in Maine: From
Home and Workshop, to Mill and Factory. In this long-awaited book (which
augments a Maine State Museum exhibit of the same name), author Paul E.
Rivard discusses everything from homespun textiles of wool and flax and
custom-made pine and mahogany cabinetry, to furnace-fired iron works
and redware pottery as a way of communicating the great significance of
the industrial age in forming Maine as we know it today. Director
of the Maine State Museum for 14 years, Rivard explains the ingenious
ways by which Maine products came to fruition as the nature of industry
changed. Over 70 illustrations. 158 pp., softcover.
$21.99Maine: The Pine Tree State from Prehistory to the Present. Richard Judd, Edwin Churchill and Joel Eastman, eds. The first comprehensive history of Maine published in decades features a narrative by respected scholars (including BHS Executive Director Stanley R. Howe). Encompasses a wide range of topics, including native people; European exploration and settlement; the logging, fishing, and maritime industries; family and community life; economics and politics; and the arts and culture. Features 24 detailed maps and 95 illustrations. 616 pp., softcover. $29.95
Maine's Visible Black History: The First Chronicle of Its People. In this first comprehensive book on Maine's black history, forty-two contributors write on such diverse subjects as slavery, the Underground Railroad, arts, law, politics, civil rights, education, military and sports. Special attention is paid to black families or communities in York County, Portland, Freeport, Brunswick, Bath, Malaga Island, Warren, Leeds, Augusta, Bangor and Houlton. Profusely illustrated, the book contains detailed appendices, a list of resources, and an index. 429 pp., softcover. $35.00
NEW! The Gunpowder Mills of Maine. Maurice M. Whitten provides an exhaustive treatment of the gunpowder industry, from its beginnings shortly after Maine became a state until its end in the early twentieth century. These unique mills once existed in Gorham-Windham, North Buckfield-Sumner, Camden, and Warren. The various steps of making powder are described with a minimum of technical language. Includes many photographs, drawings and maps. 324 pp., hardcover. $26.95
Fly Rod Crosby: The Woman Who Marketed Maine. Authors Julia A. Hunter and Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr., cover the life and times of Cornelia Thurza "Fly Rod" Crosby, who, in her ninety-two years, gained fame as a fisherman and big game hunter, wrote millions of words promoting the outdoor life in general (and in western Maine, in particular), participated in political lobbying, was well-traveled, and battled chronic health problems. Includes a special illustrated section devoted to "Maine Views," based on images in Fly Rod's photo album. 210 pp., softcover. $25.00
A Fair Field and No Favor: A Concise History of the Maine State Grange. Comprehensive history of the "Order of Patrons of Husbandry" in the Pine Tree State by Stanley R. Howe, Executive Director of the Bethel Historical Society. Contains many illustrations. 130 pp., hardcover. $22.95
Maine Sawmills: A History. Fascinating and detailed account of this important Maine industry, with many old photographs. Published by the Maine State Museum and authored by its former director, Paul Rivard. 62 pp., softcover. $13.50
History
of Bethel,
Maine 1768-1890. This 1981 reprint of the classic 1891
history
of Bethel by Dr. William B. Lapham features new name and subject
indexes, as well as an introduction by Stanley R. Howe. 739 pp.,
hardcover. $45.00
Bethel, Maine: An Illustrated History. Chronologically arranged and filled with hundreds of rare and unusual photos, this 1991 volume by Randall H. Bennett is a must for anyone interested in Bethel's past. 242 pp., softcover. Limited availability (less than 20 copies remain). $39.95
East Bethel Road. Expanded 1984 edition of the 1959 work by Eva M. Bean, founder of the Bethel Historical Society. Includes a new foreword and every-name index. 768 pp., hardcover. $50.00
The Smile of Providence: A History of
Gilead, Maine. The first history in book form of
this
scenic White Mountain community on the Maine / New Hampshire
border. Written by Howard Reiche and Hugh Chapman for the town's
bicentennial in 2004, the book
contains many photos, a bibliography, and an index. 96 pp.,
softcover. $10.00
NEW! The Cemeteries of
Gilead, Maine. Compiled by Hugh G. and Linsley A. Chapman,
and published by the Gilead Historical Society in 2008. This
valuable reference work includes all gravestone inscriptions in the
town—plus
directions to / maps of each cemetery, photos of interesting or unusual
markers, and an well-written introduction. 121 (single-sided)
pp., softcover. $15.00
Newry,
Maine
1805-1955. Reprint of Newry's first (1955) published
history by
Carrie
Wight. Illustrations and map. 48 pp., softcover. $9.95
Newry Profiles. Paula Wight's 1981 history of this Oxford County town. Many maps and illustrations. 123 pp., softcover. $9.95
New Pennacook Folks / Early Rumford with Genealogy of First Families. A new printing of Stuart Martin's 1980 history of Rumford. Contains numerous maps and photos, as well as an extensive index of names. 494 pp., hardcover. $35.00
NEW! A Short History of
Portland. Allan Levinsky has written a tight
narrative history of his native Portland from its founding in the 17th
century to the present day. The book features a detailed
chronology,
over one hundred illustrations, and two dozen profiles of notable
Portland natives and residents. 128 pp., softcover. $14.95
Rumford Stories, by Linda Macgregor. Published in honor of the town's bicentennial in 2000, this book combines detailed historical information with interviews of current residents. Many photos. 228 pp., softcover. $28.50
History of Upton, Maine. Copies of the original 1973 volume by Charles Errol Heywood, available again! Contains many photos and a great deal of genealogical information. 104 pp., softcover. $20.00TRANSPORTATION (see also "Logging and Lumbering")
Steam to the Summit:
The Green Mountain Railway, Bar Harbor's Remarkable Cog Railroad.
Peter Dow Bachelder's thoroughly researched book traces the history of
one of North America's most unique railroads. Filled with maps,
diagrams, rare photographs, and lengthy footnotes, this is a must-have
for anyone interested in railroads, nineteenth century tourism, or the
story of Mount Desert on the coast of Maine. 162 pp.,
softcover. $20.00The Rail Lines of Northern New England, by Robert Lindsell. Packed with over 100 vintage and current photos and dozens of maps, this authoritative volume tells the story of every common carrier line that ever operated in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. 414 pp., softcover. $23.95
Maine Central Railroad Photo Album. Features an engaging collection of large-format historic photographs of the Maine Central Railroad, accompanied by brief but informative captions. The third printing (2002) of this highly popular title by Edwin "Bill" Robertson. 72 pp., softcover. $13.95
A Rail Journey Through New England. An impressive collection of photos, maps, and text focusing on railroading in northern New England from the 1920s through the 1960s. Published by the 470 Railroad Club of Portland. 120 pp., softcover. $25.95
A Century of Railroading in Crawford Notch, by Edwin "Bill" Robertson and Benjamin English, Jr. Containing a wealth of historic photographs, this book documents the last hundred years of railroad activity in one of northern New England's most spectacular mountain notches. 118 pp., softcover. Limited availability. $8.95
Building the Railroad Through Crawford Notch, by Edwin "Bill" Robertson. Features enlargements of stereograph view cards taken during the construction of the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad (later Maine Central) in Crawford Notch between 1873 and 1875. Detailed photo captions. 64 pp., softcover. $12.95
Early Mt. Washington Cog Railway Picture Book, by Edwin "Bill" Robertson. A collection of breathtaking enlargements of old stereograph view cards of the Cog Railway, taken mainly in the 1860s and 1870s. 68 pp., softcover. $12.95
Covered Bridges in the Saco River Valley in Maine and New Hampshire. Detailed histories, with location maps and photos, of the nine remaining historic covered bridges in the Saco Valley. Authored by Edwin and Doris Robertson. 88 pp., softcover. $9.95
Sylvester Marsh and the Cog Railway. Illustrated with historical drawings and photographs, this book by Richard Joslin (great-grandson of Sylvester Marsh) summarizes the extraordinary life, career and inventions of the man behind this famous railway on Mt. Washington. 43 pp., softcover. Limited availability. $7.95
WESTERN MAINE
NEW!
Maine's Treasure Chest: Gems and Minerals of Oxford County. Illustrated
with numerous black and white photos, as well as many color plates,
this second (1987) edition of Jane C. Perham's history of mining and
minerals in Oxford County is an authoritative account that extends back
to the discovery, in 1821, of tourmaline at Mount Mica in Paris,
Maine. Includes maps, a bibliography and an index. 269 pp.,
softcover. $18.95NEW! The Rangeley and Its Region: The Famous Boat and Lakes of Western Maine, by Stephen A. Cole. The Rangeley Lakes were the crucible of Maine's nineteenth century sporting culture, and the Rangeley boat evolved out of this distinctive time and place. This book explains how entwined the boat, people, lakes, town, and economy became over a century. Includes numerous photos, maps, drawings, and reproductions of old advertisements. 127 pp., softcover. $30.00
Chasing Danforth: A Wilderness Calling. Bob Cook's biography of John Danforth (1847-1913), founder of the first sporting lodge at Parmachenee Lake in northern Oxford County, Maine, provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of this accomplished guide, fisherman, hunter, trapper, steamboat owner, innkeeper, miner, and author. The text is supplemented with maps, engravings, photos, endnotes, an extensive bibliography, and an index. 176 pp., softcover. Out of print; only a few copies in stock. $23.95
1861 Pocket Diary of William McLaughlin: An Annotated Transcription. Skillfully edited by Stanford Carver and Bruce Berry, the diary of William McLaughlin (ca. 1840-1863) sheds valuable insights on rural farm life in Maine (especially in the towns of Dixfield and Canton) on the eve of the Civil War. Includes numerous maps, diagrams, and photos. 134 pp., softcover. $22.50
The Pynelis Journals, 1888-1937. Based on original journals in the Society's collections that have been transcribed and edited by Robert A. Spidell, this book furnishes a rare look at the summer pleasures of the Suters, a prosperous Boston family who built a Shingle Style "cottage" in Andover, Maine, in the 1880s. Many illustrations and maps. 451 pp., softcover. $35.00
Everything Happened Around the Switchboard, by Michael Hathaway. The story of the last operating crank phone system in America at Bryant Pond, Maine, and the people whose lives revolved around it. 191 pp., softcover. $13.95
We Took to the Woods. Louise Dickinson Rich's chronicle of life on Rapid River near Middle Dam in the western district of the Rangeley Lakes region. A Maine favorite for over half a century. 322 pp., softcover. $15.95
The Mount Zircon Moon Tide Spring: An Illustrated History, by Randall H. Bennett. The first and only in-depth chronicle of one of America's oldest commercial springs, near Rumford, Maine, made famous by its unusual tidal behavior. The text is highlighted with numerous maps, photographs, and period advertisements, plus drawings by the late Maine artist and illustrator Seaverns W. Hilton. 113 pp., softcover. $19.95
The Richardson Lakes: Jewels in the Rangeley Chain. A second printing of this encyclopedic study by Herbert P. Shirrefs is now available. Includes hundreds of photos, maps, and period advertisements. Large foldout reproduction of 1876 Rangeley Lakes map in pocket. 485 pp., softcover. Limited availability. $29.95
History of Rangeley Hotels and Camps. Written by Gary Priest, this is a comprehensive study of the summer hotels, sporting camps, private clubs, and children's camps that operated in the Rangeley Lakes region from the 1850s to World War II. Includes highly detailed maps and many vintage photos of these wilderness resorts. 68 pp., softcover. $10.00
THE WHITE MOUNTAIN REGION (see also "Logging and Lumbering" and "Transportation")
The
White Mountains: Alps of New England.
This book by Society Assistant Director and Curator of Collections
Randall H. Bennett furnishes a detailed overview of this
fabled district in northern New Hampshire and westernmost Maine.
Renowned as America's first tourist playground, the White Mountain
region contains the highest peaks in the Northeast, including 6,288
foot Mount Washington. Illustrated with nearly 100 old photos,
maps
and postcards. 160 pp., softcover. $24.99The White Mountains, by Randall H. Bennett. A chronologically arranged, profusely illustrated history of the highlands of northern New Hampshire and western Maine—a region once known as the "Switzerland of America." First published in 1994 and now with an updated text, this book is a companion volume to The White Mountains: Alps of New England, cited above. 128 pp., softcover. $19.99
NEW! Mount Washington: A Short Guide and History. Produced by veteran hikers and White Mountain historians Steven D. Smith and Mike Dickerman, this handy booklet includes sections on geography, nomenclature, and the mountain's storied past. Descriptions of hiking trails, a summit viewing guide and information about winter hiking are also featured. Photos. 48 pp., softcover. $5.95
When Women and Mountains Meet: Adventures in the White Mountains. Julie Boardman's study of the remarkable women who helped shape the rich history of the White Mountains. Here you will meet pioneers, explorers, climbers, artists, writers, scientists, and conservationists—all women of courage who had an abiding love for this region. Numerous photos. 162 pp., softcover. $15.95
Our Mountain Trips, Part I - 1899 to 1908: Being authentic accounts of camping, packing, and tramping in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Fascinating narratives, fully illustrated with superb black and white photos, of tramping trips in the White Mountains a century ago. Anyone who has hiked or camped in this storied region will want to read these lively recollections which have been meticulously edited by Ben English, Jr., and Jane English. 168 pp., softcover. $19.95
Our Mountain Trips, Part II - 1909 to 1926: Being authentic accounts of camping, packing, and tramping in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This second volume (see above) of White Mountain hiking accounts by Walter and Ida (Butterfield) James, and Lucy Butterfield, provide a remarkable view of the region as it existed in the years just before and after World War I. Jane English and Ben English, Jr., have again edited and annotated these narratives, which are supplemented with a wealth of photographs and maps. 192 pp., softcover. $19.95
Mount Chocorua: A Guide and History, by Steven D. Smith. The first guidebook devoted to one of northern New England's most beloved peaks, this volume covers Mount Chocorua's geography, natural history, and nomenclature. The guide features a historical timeline, hiking trail descriptions, and much more. Near 50 photographs and maps. 168 pp., softcover. $14.95
NEW! Life by the Tracks. Written by Virginia Downs and first published in 1984 (and now reprinted by Conway Scenic Railroad and Bondcliff Books), this is the story of the grand era of steam-powered railroading through Crawford Notch as told by the famous Evans family, who, for more than 40 years, lived in a Maine Central Railroad section house perched high on the slopes of Mount Willard. Many illustrations. 113 pp., softcover. $14.95
Looking Out for Our Forests: The Evolution of a Plan to Protect New Hampshire's Woodlands from Fire. Fire Lookout Historian Iris W. Baird has unearthed the story of New Hampshire's forest protection system from unpublished papers hidden away in various files and archives. Cooperation between lumbermen and conservationists, and hotel operators and foresters—among others—is the theme here. Numerous rare photos. 114 pp., softcover. Limited availability. $20.00
The Old Man of the Mountain. Filled with a fascinating collection of images, both old and new, this book by Robert Hutchinson is a photographic memorial of the White Mountain region's most unusual natural landmark—the colossal "Profile" of stone high atop a sheer cliff on Cannon Mountain, which collapsed on May 3, 2003, smashing below into a thousand nameless fragments. 48 pp., softcover. $9.95
The Grand Resort Hotels and Tourism in the White Mountains. Fine introduction to the subject, with authoritative chapters on aspects of White Mountain tourism and hotel-keeping taken from the 1994 Mount Washington Observatory Symposium held at Bretton Woods, NH. Published by the New Hampshire Historical Society. Well illustrated. 142 pp., softcover. $9.95
Historical Relics of the White Mountains, by John Spaulding. First published in 1855, this is one of a dozen "classics" that should be in every White Mountain collection. Features a new introduction and a biography of the author. 111 pp., softcover. $12.95
The History of Gorham, New Hampshire. Originally written in 1882 by Dr. Nathaniel Tuckerman True (who also authored Bethel's first history), this valuable work, with detailed sketches of local families, is now available in book form for the first time. Period engravings and maps. New every-name index. 144 pp., softcover. Out of print; only a few copies in stock. $27.95
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