Just when you thought most fall festivities were winding down, the Raymond-Casco Historical Society is offering the community an open house this Sunday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its incorporation. Get the family ready and head over to the museum between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to hear live musical performances, grab some free hot dogs and best of all – cake!
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| Visitors to the Raymond-Casco Historical Museum will be able to experience views like this inside the Friends Schoolhouse on the museum grounds during an event Sunday marking the 50th anniversary of the historical society's incorporation. Music, food and blacksmith demonstrations will be part of the free family friendly event. PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND |
As a very special treat, Skip Watkins will be opening his car barn for the event. This treasure trove is brimming with over 30 meticulously restored classic autos.
Frank McDermott, president of the RCHS said, “There are some pretty unique cars in there,” which might be an understatement, judging by his descriptions of the vehicles. “If you are an Oldsmobile fan, you won’t want to miss it,” although there are other models as well.
A typical visit to the museum could take a couple of hours, depending on the depth of each visitor’s interest. There is something for everyone.
The main museum features a broad collection of pieces relevant to the area, including tools, housewares, maps, photos, clothing, and school supplies. An adjacent barn contains farming and industrial implements and tools of the trade.
The Watkins Blacksmith Shop is the fourth building to be added to the campus and one of the oldest in Maine. Donated by Steve Linne, the building was painstakingly moved over a year’s time from its original site in Casco to join the exhibit. A battalion of specialists and volunteers tackled the Sisyphean task of restoring it to functionality, with completion taking place earlier this summer. There is still plenty of work to be done, including sorting items to aid in their preservation, ostensibly a great scout or school volunteer opportunity.
There are endless opportunities to help, and new ideas and energy are encouraged.
The historical society members would like to get the younger generation involved to ensure longevity of the museum’s mission, McDermott said.
The museum was built and donated by the Watkins family to the Historical Society. You may have noticed the brightly painted barn decorated with murals near the Casco-Naples line as you pass by on Route 302. According to the RCHS website, it was created in 1971 as an educational, charitable, non-profit, organization devoted to collection, preservation, and experiential learning which highlights the culture and working history of the Lakes Region Area.
The RCHS museum is coming off its best year ever, after hosting events and visitors throughout the spring and summer, McDermott said. This weekend’s open house serves as a thank you to everyone who has supported, visited, volunteered this season.
“This will be our concluding act for this year ‘til next spring,” said McDermott.
The museum will remain open Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. throughout the remainder of October and November. As always, admission is free to the public. New historical society members are always welcome and monthly meetings at the site are held on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. from May through October.
The Raymond Casco Historical Society Museum is located at 1 Shadow Lane in Casco, just off Route 302. More information can be found at https://raymondcascohistoricalsociety.org/ or follow them on Facebook or call 207-655-6389. Donations and volunteering are always welcome. <
The historical society members would like to get the younger generation involved to ensure longevity of the museum’s mission, McDermott said.
The museum was built and donated by the Watkins family to the Historical Society. You may have noticed the brightly painted barn decorated with murals near the Casco-Naples line as you pass by on Route 302. According to the RCHS website, it was created in 1971 as an educational, charitable, non-profit, organization devoted to collection, preservation, and experiential learning which highlights the culture and working history of the Lakes Region Area.
The RCHS museum is coming off its best year ever, after hosting events and visitors throughout the spring and summer, McDermott said. This weekend’s open house serves as a thank you to everyone who has supported, visited, volunteered this season.
“This will be our concluding act for this year ‘til next spring,” said McDermott.
The museum will remain open Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. throughout the remainder of October and November. As always, admission is free to the public. New historical society members are always welcome and monthly meetings at the site are held on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. from May through October.
The Raymond Casco Historical Society Museum is located at 1 Shadow Lane in Casco, just off Route 302. More information can be found at https://raymondcascohistoricalsociety.org/ or follow them on Facebook or call 207-655-6389. Donations and volunteering are always welcome. <
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