If you’ve been a resident of Raymond for any period, you have probably heard of the work of historian Ernest Knight.
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| The Old Cooper Mill on Dingley Brook is located on Raymond Cape in Raymond and is one of the most historic sites in the town. PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND |
Knight founded the Raymond-Casco Historical Society along with his sister, Carol Hartley. He was a wealth of knowledge and served as historian and president for many years. Current Historical Society President Frank McDermott says that since Knight died at the age of 101 in 2007, no one is really taking up the slack and we are losing a lot of history. He hopes that volunteers will consider stepping up to help out.
A document called, "History and Historical and Archaeological Resources” by Ernest Knight was published as part of the town of Raymond’s 2005 Comprehensive Plan. It chronicled the town’s history beginning with the first settlers and described the development of the town.
The publication further outlines historic structures and sites including the home of Dominicus Jordan (Raymond’s first settler), Ye Old House, the Hawthorne House, Fulton’s Store/Pleasant View House (corner of Routes 302 and 85), Raymond Hill Church, and Raymond Village Church, as well as several small stores and schools throughout town.
Several archaeological sites were also notated in the book. These include the first dam, Frye’s Leap, The Images, Hawthorne’s cave, Hawthorne’s rock, Swan’s Island, Old gold mine, Pulpit rock, and Dingley Dam.
The list also includes a map with the various sites labeled and numbered.
Michael Goebel-Bain, Historic Preservation Coordinator with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, says that there are two Raymond properties on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hawthorne House, and East Raymond Union Chapel.
It has been surmised that up to six town properties were listed, many with educational or religious importance. However, Goebel-Bain was unable to confirm this through the MHPC database.
Some residents have mentioned that they have boxes of pictures and documents from former homes and relatives in town. It is easy to forget about these treasures, and “leave it for someone else to deal with.” But perhaps this may not be the best choice. However, it might make for an interesting project out of sorting and perhaps sharing with family, scouts, or even a historical group.
McDermott said he thinks there is a real need for a town historian.
“We need to be taking care to make sure Raymond history is kept alive.” said McDermott.
With the new Comprehensive Plan well under way, McDermott says he is hoping to have an updated historical document to add to the plan.
The Raymond Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan website says, “A comprehensive plan is a document with a long-range view that guides municipal policy, growth, and investment over the next 10-20 years. The plan incorporates community vision, values, and data analysis on existing conditions in areas like housing, transportation, population, and public facilities.”
But because of a lack of volunteers, McDermott said that a revised list of historical properties to be included in the plan will most likely not be possible at this time. The Raymond-Casco Historical Society is a volunteer community and relies on the generosity of donors, visitors, and volunteers.
RCHS hosted a record number of visitors last summer and members hope to see even more this year. McDermott said that they plan to have the blacksmith shop open every weekend, which is a big draw. The website will be updated as summer approaches and events are planned.
The museum will be open on weekends from 12:30 to 3 p.m. starting Memorial Day. Meetings are held the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the museum from May through October.
To learn more about RCHS, visit their website at: https://raymondcascohistoricalsociety.org/about
Here is a link to the 2005 Historical Resources document:
https://www.raymondmaine.org/sites/default/files/webfm/town_office/code_enforcement/Comprehensive%20Plan/1.%20%20History.pdf <
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