Fryeburg Historical Society - Dedication of New Home July 27, 2013

Fryeburg Historical Society President, Diane Warren Jones and crew had everything set up early this morning!

Fryeburg Historical Society Garden Landscaping By Kristen McDermott

July 15, 2013

(click on photos for larger view)

We LUV Frank 107.5 Too!

Fryeburg, Maine OLDEST Town in Mt. Washington Valley

Fryeburg, Maine was the first town settled in the White Mountain region of either Maine or New Hampshire being settled in 1763 and finally incorporated January 11, 1777. The original wilderness territory of what was then the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, was called Pequawket (Pigwacket). General Joseph Frye, who had gained distinction in the French and Indian War made a journey to examine the territory for present and future advantage and found a lush and rich wilderness that filled his idea of a desirable homestead grant. General Frye prepared his application for a grant of this area for a township based on his military service to the Colonies.On February 24, 1763 the grant to Joseph Frye, Esq. was confirmed and the primitive beginnings of the town of Fryeburg were born. One of the earliest acts of General Frye was to lay out the township into a series of seven 40 acre lots. He began at the Province town line along the high bank above the intervale (the low, flat open lands along the river) to where the bank, following the course of the river, turns north-west and where the road to Swan's Falls now begins. These parcels have always been defined in Fryeburg's history as the original “Seven Lots”.In 1766 the subscribers of the new township, up until that time called Pigwacket, were successful in their petition to the Province of Massachusetts Bay to be called Fryeburg, in order to be legally distinguished from other newly settled townships. In 1805 Oxford County was established and Fryeburg became a town within that county. 

Today the town of Fryeburg consists of the village or business district, North Fryeburg, Center Fryeburg, West Fryeburg and East Fryeburg. It has much to offer its visitors with canoeing on the Saco River or Lovewell's Pond, swimming, camping, hiking Jockey Cap and various other trails and searching out historic monuments and buildings. It boasts several beautiful town parks, restaurants, churches, and many businesses. Home of the renowned Fryeburg Academy. In 1791, residents from Fryeburg, Brownfield and Conway agreed to support a new school, Fryeburg Academy. The school was incorporated in 1792.

We welcome you to visit Fryeburg and enjoy the many amenities it has to offer. The town maintains eleven Public Parks - Graustein Park on Fairview Drive, Bradley Park on Main Street, Admiral Peary Park on Main Street, Meridian Stone on Main Street, Weston's Beach on River Road, Canal Bridge on Route 5, Joseph Frye Homestead on Route 5, Stark's Hill Rest Area on Main Street, Brownfield Bog Access Facility on Routes 5 and 302, Skillings-Newman Memorial Park on Old Mill Road, Eastman Grove on Portland Street, and the Town Forest and Nature Area on Route 5. These park offer a wide variety of recreational and educational opportunities to residents and visitors.

Rock Climbing Jockey Cap, Fryeburg Maine

Perfect climbing destination in Western Maine!
An alternative to the crowded routes on Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledge

Western Wall of Jockey Cap, Maine

When I first moved to Maine I thought that there were two or three outdoor rock climbing destinations and that was it. The big names in Northeastern climbing- Whitehorse Ledge, Cathedral Ledge, Cannon Cliff, Lake Willoughby and a handful of other destinations are known well outside of New England and can become very crowded in the summer. 

As it turns out, there are hundreds of walls all across Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. There's volumes of literature out there about routes of all lengths and difficulties. One of these lesser known destinations is Jockey Cap in Fryeburg Maine just West of the New Hampshire Border. A few friends and I decided to climb here in leu of Cathedral Ledge.

Options for top-roping and lead climbing on Jockey Cap, Maine

Without even realizing it, I've passed by Jockey Cap perhaps a hundred times on the way to other climbs in the White Mountains. Its located right off of Route 302 near the Jockey Cap Country Store and Motel. There's a 0.2 mile long trail to its base and there's an easy hiking trail to the top. (Map) 

When we first arrived, I was expecting a tiny rock not even worth bouldering. I was surprised! Its a very large wall supporting many routes of varying difficulties. The South Face supports several bolted climbing routes ranging from 5.11 to 5.12b. The overhand on the eastern side of the South Face looks quite difficult. The West Wall, on the other hand, was much more conducive to our abilities with some 5.6s and 5.8s. 

The South Face, Jockey Cap, Maine. Couple of routes here rated 5.11-5.12b

Some less ferocious routes up the South Face of Jockey Cap

About halfway up on the Western Wall. Mostly 5.6-5.8 climbing

NEClimbs has some basic information about the various routes up Jockey Cap.

This was the first climb of the summer season for us so we wanted to brush up on our anchor-building skills and just get back into the swing of things. The trail skirts around to the top of Jockey Cap and there are bolts everywhere. We were able to do set up two top ropes. The first was towards the North end of the West Wall with a very doable 5.6. 

The Standard Route up Jockey Cap involves that crack and can be top roped or led. The bottom 20 feet is more difficult and you might be struggling to find good protection. None of us were very strong lead climbers so we stuck to top roping. There are 3 perfect bolts at the top and even some areas for extra protection if you're neurotic about it. 

 Top Roping the Standard Route up Jockey Cap

Overall impression... this was a great location to get in a couple of new climbs and it is not very far from Portland, Maine. There's plenty of options for both top roping and lead climbing. Its a good, solid chunk of rock which supports a fair amount of climbs and bouldering. This was my first time on this rock so I don't really know if it sees many people in the summer, but we were out on a perfect 70-degree day and saw only one other group. I'd imagine it could get boring after a while but for us it was a close and easy destination. So if you get to Cathedral and Whitehorse and its overrun, head back across the border and enjoy some solitude on Jockey Cap.

You even get a nice view at the top. What else could you ask for?

So there you go! One more wall you can add to the extensive list of climbing destinations in Maine. - Joe Lyon

Clean Maine Jokes Volume #1

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May, you may live in the Maine. 

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't even work there, you may live in Maine. 

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Maine. 

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Maine. 

If "Vacation" means going six miles to the State Park for the weekend, you may live in Maine. 

If you measure distance in hours, you may live in the Maine. 

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Maine. 

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you may live in Maine. 

If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you may live in Maine. 

If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you may live in Maine. 

If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Maine. 

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you may live in Maine. 

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph, but you're going 80 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Maine. 

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you may live in Maine. 

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you may live in Maine.

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you may live in Maine. 

If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly', you may live in Maine. 

If you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your Maine friends & others, you definitely live in Maine. 

July Business Fair at the Bradley Park Concert Series

Tuesdays in July, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30
(open to FBA members only).

Let the community know who you are and what you do, join us by bringing your business FREE to the Bradley Park Summer Concert Series.  We want to know if you are interested in participating on site or just be displayed with your business cards at the FBA table.

Details regarding the Fryeburg Business Association Business Fair are now in the works and we need your interest and feedback.
*FMI email fba@fryebrurgbusiness.com

• Vendor space is free
• You May set up an10X10 tent or simply set up a table
• No reserve space - first come first serve
• Set up from 4:30 - 5:30
• Display time from 5:30 to 8:00
How likely are you to take advantage of this business marketing opportunity?
__ I  am participating   __I likely will participate    __ I might participate
__ probably won't participate   __no thank you

Please let us know your above intentions or concerns by e-mail to: fba@fryebrurgbusiness.com

July 4th 2013 Children's Parade and Bradley Park

July 4th 2013 Bradley Park/Children s Parade Slideshow: Mike’s trip to Fryeburg was created with TripAdvisor TripWow!

Would you like to be on TV and Voice Your Opinion? Read on...

Ch. 3 Valley Vision's New Television Show
In mid September the Mt. Washington Valley and Western Maine will have a new, one hour, issues driven television show named The Valley Forum. Initially we will be taping the show but eventually I would like to go to a live, viewer call-in format much like the former Point of View that aired a few years ago on Valley Vision.

WHAT WE NEED:

• Three regular panelists. (plus several alternates)
• Guests. (I will need from one to three guests per one hour show, depending on the subject or issue)
• Sponsors, (businesses and individuals) to defer production costs.
• Volunteer Staff. (assistant director, continuity editor, set design and coordinator for public/guest relations)
• Your ideas and suggestions.

If you would like to be part of this exciting opportunity, either as a regular panelist, alternate, guest, staff or sponsor, please get in touch with me as soon as possible.

With the many political issues that are ongoing and a brighter economy looming, I see this television program as a great vehicle for all of us who care about our communities as well as the greater business community.

If you know of anyone that would like to be part of this production, please feel free to forward this article.

Mike Corthell
Executive Producer
Valley Forum
603.986.8110

The Valley Forum 

Current Affairs in

Mt. Washington Valley & Western Maine

Fryeburg & Friends Adds New, Interactive DISCUSSION FORUM including Chat Room

NEW!

The Fryeburg & Friends FORUM

Welcome to the new Fryeburg & Friends discussion forum!

This forum is the companion to the Facebook page:Fryeburg & Friends 

You can directly access the Discussion Forum HERE

• It has been created to provide an easy means of discussing issues that concern Fryeburg residents.
• As with any discussion forum passions can flare and things can get out of hand. Any personal attacks, with or without profanity will be immediately deleted. 
• All opinions, civilly presented are most welcome.

Mike Corthell
Forum Manager & Editor
603-986-8110

Fryeburg Maine – Let's Go!

EDITORIAL

A bird's eye view of our beautiful town and the Saco

My fellow Fryeburg citizens, 

   As you know, Fryeburg is one of Maine's most beautiful and charming towns. Can we keep it that way? Yes we can and much more.

   You many not have heard this yet but Ed Price, chairman of the Fryeburg planning board is not re-upping for another term. Thank you for your service Ed. It's much appreciated. After serving faithfully for the past six years, he felt that it was time for him to move on and give another civic minded resident a turn in helping shape our town's future. Could it be you? Or you? How about You?

   I'm asking in this way because Fryeburg really needs You. Anyone that cares about our little town, I'm asking you to step up, go to the town office and volunteer to be on the planning board. And if that position is filled, there are other positions open.

   Fryeburg needs much more citizen involvement. At town meeting a few weeks ago there were less than 150 voters in attendance. That low percentage of turn-out is not healthy for any municipality.

Our wonderful town needs more hands to become more economically healthy, period. We can't wish it to happen, we have to make it happen and that can only come about by doing. Contributing time and effort. But first we all need to contribute to the discussion – what do we want for out town?

Please join with me and join the Fryeburg Business Association. You do not have to be in business to join. You just have to want to make Fryeburg better. I also invite you to go to Facebook and 'like' Fryeburg & Friends, a page where we can all get together and talk about Fryeburg issues.

   If you want more information please feel free to contact me at (603) 986.8110 or email me.
   Let's go! Together we can keep Fryeburg beautiful, rural, welcoming and ready – ready to meet the challenges of the 21^st century. There is a great opportunity here to do something great not only for our town but for our state as well. All YOU have to do is take this opportunity, accept my invitation. 
   Come with me and let's be proud of Fryeburg, the Western Gateway to Maine!

Law Office of Shelley P. Carter Joins Bridgton Chamber of Commerce

Law Office of Shelley P. Carter, PA

Attorney Shelley P. Carter is committed to delivering excellent personalized legal services. Her practice is client oriented, providing thoughtful and thorough professional services. Her goal is to give each client effective legal representation, and to help them through difficult times with service, support, careful listening and wise counsel.

DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW 
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS 
BUSINESS LAW 
ESTATE PLANNING 

110 Portland St.
Fryeburg ME,04037
Phone: 207.935.1950

carter@spcarterlaw.com

Visit Website

Logistics: FRYEBURG, Maine - Our Airport

Fryeburg Airport Information (KIZG)

The Fryeburg Airport has one runway that is 4,200’ by 75’ and can be seen at www.airnav.com with all the details.  We sell 100LL fuel and jet fuel.  Light maintenance is available by our experienced and well qualified mechanics.  Call us and we will arrange to shuttle you back to your home base while we service your plane. 
Flying in for the day?  We have many available tie-downs with the ropes and chocks accessible hanging on the terminal exterior wall.  Need a pre-heat?  Let us know and we’ll take care of that for you.  Need a heated hangar for the night?  Let us know and we’ll put you in our maintenance hangar.

The Fryeburg Airport is right on the New Hampshire border within a 15 minute drive to North Conway.  The Mount Washington Valley offers so much to visitors in the area including hiking, rock climbing, skiing, camping and endless outlet shopping.  Give us a call to arrange for a rental car for you and then fly in to enjoy the day, or stay in one of the wonderful hotels in the Valley. 
http://westernmaineaviation.com/

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED FOR THE 4th of JULY CELEBRATION IN FRYEBURG

WE NEED HELPERS FOR THE 4th of JULY CELEBRATION IN FRYEBURG   Would you (or someone you know) be willing to volunteer to help us with the 4th of July celebration.  Please look at the list of needs below and contact us to volunteer. This is a great community day and we need your help. Thanks   • Morning set up in Bradley Park.       We need 3-4 volunteers to meet at park at 7:30am to help set up tents, tables, etc • Parade line up       Someone to work with Jean Andrews to get parade on the road. Meet at Academy main parking lot at 9:00am • Parade Judges (3)    • Pie Contest Judges (3)    • Popcorn Host  to make, scoop, and hand out popcorn    • Bouncy House - we need help to set up, attend, and break down • Facepainter (s) Please consider helping by getting the word out to people you know and/or by volunteering yourself.   Contact Jean Andrews at frogalley@fairpoint.net

History of STEVENS MONUMENT, Fryeburg, Maine

In 1960 the monument was sandblasted and repaired at the expense of the Business and Professional Women's Club of Fryeburg. Since 1954 it has been decorated summer and winter by that organization. 

   In Article 11, 1884--Original Records of the Town of Fryeburg--Voted to instruct the Selectmen to erect a public watering fountain on Main Street. Voted to a sum not exceeding $20.00 to carry the above vote into effect.

   In The North Conway Reporter, March 6, 1902 an article appeared that Henry Pierce of California had offered to donate a fine fountain to be erected at the head of Portland Street where the small fountain now stands, to cost some $1500.00. The monument was given in memory of Mr. Piece's great grandfather, John Stevens, who spent a winter here in 1762 - 3. The water was turned on in the monument on November 5th, a great crowd gathered around the fountain to witness this historic event. The following poem was read:

Welcome, thrice welcome is they silvery gleam, Thou long, imprisoned stream! Welcome the tinkle of thy crystal beads As splashing raindrops to the flowery meands. As summer's breath to Fryeburg's whispering reeds! From rock-walled channels, drowned in rayless night, Leap forth to life and light; Wake from the darkness of they troubled dream And greet with answering smile the morning's beam.

   The monument is made of white Hallowell granite, resting upon a base 7 to 8 feet square and 10 feet thick. On this base rests four larges pieces of granite, three bowls for animals and one with a faucet and cup for the people. The town removed the flag staffs, the electric light poles and the unsightly stone guide post which has stood in the corner from time immemorial so that the monument will command a clear and unobstructed view from all points of the compass.

MORE

This is FRYEBURG June 30, 2013

There are so many defining factors of Fryeburg. Fryeburg is a recreational and agricultural paradise that exemplifies Maine's motto "the way life should be". With thirty-three miles of winding river, unparalleled views of the White Mountains and the fertile bottomland, locally known as the Interval, it is hard for visitors and locals alike to imagine a higher quality of life anywhere else.

People are drawn to Fryeburg for the four seasons of great natural recreation such as canoeing, camping, water sports, endless hiking and biking trails, National Forests, snowmobile trails that reach to Canada,  major ski resorts, wildlife viewing, wild berry picking, and the list goes on. Another major attraction is the 160 year old agricultural Fryeburg Fair. Organized and established in 1851, this eight day event is held annually on the first week of October. Hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the tranquility of this quaint community during this autumn week. (Fryeburg Business Association)

_____________________________________________________________________
(Please click on photos for a larger view)

The western Maine town of Fryeburg was once a major Abenaki Indian village known as Pequawket, meaning "crooked place," a reference to the large bend in the Saco River. (Because of this the term 'Freyburg' is now known to mean "Crooked place" or "crooked town") It was inhabited by the Sokokis tribe, whose territory along the stream extended from what is now Saco on the coast, to Conway, New Hampshire in the White Mountains. In 1706, Chief Nescambious would be the only Indian

knighted by the French. The tribe was not hostile to English settlements, even hiring British carpenters to build at Pequawket a 14-foot (4.3 m) high palisade fort as protection against their traditional enemy, the Mohawks. In 1713, Sokokis sachems signed the Treaty of Portsmouth to ensure peace with English colonists. Nevertheless, during Father Rale's War, Pequawket was attacked in the Battle at Pequawket on May 8, 1725 by John Lovewell and his militia. Lovewell was killed, as were Chief Paugus and others. The tribe subsequently abandoned

their village and moved to Canada. The township was granted on March 3, 1762 by the Massachusetts General Court to Colonel Joseph Frye of Andover, Massachusetts. Colonists called it Pigwacket, a corruption of its former Indian name. The first permanent settlement was in 1763 by Nathaniel Smith and his family from Concord, New Hampshire, although it is said that John Stevens, Nathaniel Merrill and a slave named Limbo spent the winter of 1762 here. Many pioneers were veterans of the French and Indian

Wars. When a portion of the grant was discovered to lie in New Hampshire, replacement land was granted as Fryeburg Addition in what is now part of Stow. On the eve of American independence, the Province of Massachusetts Bay granted township privileges to Fryeburg. These were recognized and validated by the Continental Massachusetts government on January 11, 1777, when Fryeburg was incorporated.

It began as a strategic frontier outpost, and the earliest town in the White Mountain region. Excellent soil helped Fryeburg develop into a prosperous agricultural center, and the first gristmill was established using Saco River water power in 1766. Other mills and factories produced lumber, leather, harness, tinware, cheese and canned vegetables. After the Civil War, the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad passed through the town, bringing tourists escaping the heat and pollution of cities.

Inns, hotels and boarding houses were built. Tourists began arriving by automobile after designation of the Theodore Roosevelt International Highway in 1919 (identified as United States Route 302 since 1935).  Fryeburg is today a year-round resort area. It is also an academic town. Fryeburg Academy, a private preparatory school, was founded in 1792.                                                                                     

Before his career as a statesman, Daniel Webster taught for a year at the school, one of the oldest of its type in the nation. In 1924, Dr. Abraham Krasker founded Indian Acres Camp For Boys. Two

years later, he founded the less influential Forest Acres Camp For Girls. In 1997, the International Musical Arts Institute was founded at Fryeburg.

Welcome to Fryeburg & Friends

Welcome to Fryeburg's blog. Much more to follow!