Union, Maine

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Updated: July 1st, 2009

Robbins House/Vose Library, Now & Then

Union is a small, rural, primarily agricultural community, right between the towns of Augusta, Camden & Rockland. We may be small, but we have a rich history and we pride ourselves for getting along with each other. We are all so proud to have the oldest "Commons" in Maine. This website is dedicated to providing our visitors with news & stories from around the world, in subjects we think might interest them. Most of what we publish can be found elsewhere, but here we offer a "one-place-portal". Our menu links to public facilities around Union, like Libraries, Town Offices, Museums Historical Societies, etc. We search he news to find stories we think you'd like to read, but we are always open to suggestions. If there is something that interests you, we would like to know, and if possible provide it. Please send us an e-mail.

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Summer in Union

We don't know about you folks, but we've just about had it. LET'S FIRE THE WEATHERMAN!!

Union Historical Society

Last night, Wednesday, July 1st, 2009, the Union Historical Society members and friends enjoyed a friendly and extremely informative program. Kerry Hardy of Rockland, author of the just-released book Notes on a Lost Flute: a Field Guide to the Wabanaki, is an extraordinary speaker who knows how to keep the audience interested and hanging begging for more. Kerry and Rosey Gerry spend lots of time searching the woods in Maine for trails and evidence teaching us the way the Abenaki, Micmac, Penobscot (Panawahpskek), Pasamaquati, and all the other indian tribes lived and prospered in these lands. Kerry is a delightful speaker, whether he speaks English or Abenaki (without an accent!). UHS is lucky to have experienced his presentation. If you would like to purchase a copy of the book, send us a note (nsantori@usa.net) and we'll help you get one

This is the type of programming people in Union and surrounding areas have learned to expect from the Union Historical Society. A group of highly dedicated people trying to preserve Union's past for our children and grand children. They work tirelessly to achieve their goal. This website urges anyone, Union resident or not, to join the Society. The $5.00 annual fee barely covers the postage of the three newsletters mailed to the members every year. David Shaub and Bonnie Packard (membership committee) will be happy to receive your contributions. You can use our address (P. O. Box 862, Union, 04862) or the UHS address (P. O. Box 154, Union, 04862) making your check payable to the Union Historical Society.

Other types of help are also welcome. UHS is a volunteer organization, and as such, needs volunteers to function. For example, if you don't have a garden at home and need to satisfy your horticultural urges, the Robbins House flowers need weeding. If weeding is not your style, UHS can still use your help in other areas. Come join them any Wednesday & Saturday mornings at the Robbins House (residence of the Vose Library).

Thompson Center Float at the Thomaston July 4th Parade

The Thompson Community Center is sending a float to the Thomaston 4th of July Parade next Saturday. It is unfortunate that we cannot have a celebration in Union, but with Founders Day just around the corner, it would be impossible to organize yet another major celebration. So, enjoy our independence day visiting towns around us. The American spirit will still be alive, whether we wave a flag in the Common or somewhere else.

Happy 4th of July!!

4th of July on the Lake

The invites everyone next Saturday, July 4th with any type of vessel to join us in the lake for our Independence Day celebrations. You can launch your boat wherever there is public or semi public landing (the Campground comes to mind), or ask a neighbor to use their facilities. We hope to see many decorated boats, pontoons, kayaks, canoes, or anything else that floats, (wear a life jacket) decorated in the spirit of the American Revolution, parade in the lake all day long, and stay on in the evening hours for fireworks displays.

Acropolis Museum & the Elgin Marbles

You may have heard the controversy between Greece and Britain concerning the "Elgin Marbles". The marbles are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures, inscriptions and architectural members that originally belonged to the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens. Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1799–1803, had obtained a controversial permission from the Ottoman authorities to remove pieces from the Acropolis. From 1801 to 1812 Elgin's agents removed about half of the surviving sculptures of the Parthenon, as well as architectural members and sculpture from the Propylaea and Erechtheum. The Marbles were transported by sea to Britain. In Britain, the acquisition of the collection was supported by artists and others, while some critics compared Elgin's actions to vandalism or looting. Following a public debate in Parliament and subsequent exoneration of Elgin's actions, the marbles were purchased by the British Government in 1816 and placed on display in the British Museum, where they stand now on view in the purpose-built Duveen Gallery. The legality of the removal has been questioned and the debate continues as to whether the Marbles should remain in the British Museum or be returned to Athens. The British museum justified their presence in Britain by the fact that the Acropolis museum was not capable to preserve the treasures.

Athens now has a new and state of the art museum at the foot of the Acropolis, thus claiming the British argument no longer valid. In fact, the Greek minister of culture claims that public opinion in the UK favors the return of the Parthenon Marbles and created an internet voting site to gather greater support. If you would like to see the results, please click

Church of the Nazarene

The church sent us their activities program for June & July 2009:
June 26 at 6 pm. - Fun night for children. Games, snacks, movie
Vacation Bible School on July 27 through 31 from 5:30 pm. to 8 pm., for children thru 6th grade at the Union Church of the Nazarene, Townhouse Road,

Bill's Rumblings

Bill Packard writes stories as good as he landscapes your home. His latest story is called "The Peepers are Back". Click to read the story.

Founders Day 1774-2009

A preliminary plan was put forward by the selectmen. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact the appropriate selectman. Our thanks to John Gibbons for keeping us informed. Please keep in mind that this is plan in progress, and many things may change between now and July 17. We'll do our best to keep you informed, so check this site frequently.

Parade, float contest	Jim Justice	542-4844
Bike decorating contest	Joyce Grotton	542-4844
Events on the Common	Buddy Savage	785-5261
Tables for vendors and crafters on the Common	Jim Justice	542-4844
Come Spring bus tour of Union historic sites	Connie Day	785-2293
Golf tournament at the Union Country Club	Hank Aho	845-2347
Program, publicity, and all else	John Gibbons	542-9098

Friday, July 17 2009

5:30 - 7:30 pm. - Pie Social and Music on the Common
The celebration begins with a pie social and music on the Union Common, sponsored by the . Hot dogs, burgers, veggie burgers and soda, plus pie and music, all on the Common. Bring a blanket or chair, and a pie to share if you wish. Benefits the Chamber’s scholarship fund. In case of rain, the Thompson Community Center, in the spirit of Founders Day, graciously offered their gym free of charge to the chamber.

6:00 - 8:00 pm. - Canoe Trip on Seven Tree Pond
The will hold it's annual canoe trips on Friday, July 17 at 6 pm and Saturday, July 18 at 9:00 am. and 6:00 p.m.. They will see "Come Spring" sites and wildlife, with UHS member & Maine Guide Lyle Cramer. Don't forget your camera! There are eagle chicks, fox kits, loons, ducks, deer all over Union. Lyle provides the canoes (or feel free to bring your own), and will lead the trip and point out the interesting landmarks and historic features along the way. It's a two-hour trip, leaving from and returning to Ayer Park. Reservations are advised (call Lyle at 233.2979), but walk-ups are welcome as space allows. No charge. Additional trip will be leaving at 2:00 P.M. Begin and end at Ayer Park, Depot St. The trip lasts about 2 hours.

Saturday, July 18 2009 People's United Methodist Church

7:00 to 9:30 am. - Pancake Breakfast:
Founders Day starts with a pancake breakfast at the just off the Common (behind the Post Office). Hosted by the Youth Group.

9:30 am. to 10:00 am. - Bike Decorating Contest
Bike decorating contest, at the . Prizes in four age categories, from toddler through age 12. Special prize for most-creative entry. Kids and bikes will be in the parade afterward. Kids, decorate your bikes, bring a bike helmet (for the parade), and enter the contest! Pre-registration at the Town Office is encouraged (to help with head count), but last-minute entries are welcome.

9:00 to 11:00 am. Canoe Trip on Seven Tree Pond
Organized by and guided by Lyle Cramer, canoe trip on Seven Tree Pond. See above for details.

9:30 to 11:30 am. - Come spring Bus Tour
Sponsored by the , the annual Come Spring Bus Tour departs from the Union Town House on Town House Road off the Common, Tickets are priced at $10.00. This popular narrated 2-hour bus tour follows the Georges River Scenic Byway and identifies sites where Union's early settlers built cabins and lived. The names of the settlers are documented in town records and their lives and stories are recounted by Ben Ames Williams in his 1940 historical novel Come Spring, recently reprinted by the Historical Society. Included in the tour are dismount stops at four historic sites, of which three are located on private property and are not open to the public at other times. After visiting settlers' grave sites in the Common Cemetery on Ayer Hill, the tour will stop at the cellar hole of the cabin where Philip Robbins' large family spent a crowded winter in 1776, and then at the homestead of Robbins' oldest son David. After a circuit over the blueberry barrens of Clarry Hill, tour participants visit the site of the "Royal Mess", the bachelor home of Jason Ware, Joel Adams and Matthias Hawes, overlooking the hillside where Adams and his wife Mima Robbins built their home. Come Spring Bus Tour tickets may be purchased in advance at the Robbins House, headquarters of Union Historical Society, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, by calling 785-5444 and leaving a message.

9:00 am. to 2:00 pm. - Vendors and Crafters on the Common:
Lots of tables and booths, mostly local but many come from a distance. Some of the participants would be the trailer with dough boys, hot dogs, fried onions, etc.
The is planning a demonstration of old-times ice cream making in the morning (the visitors get to eat the exhibits), and an antique tool usage at the museum in the afternoon.
will be offering non-permanent tattoos.

10:00 am. to 2:00 pm. Yellow School Museum Room Open:
The museum will be open at the . Yearbooks and many other memorabilia from the distant past, plus schoolroom settings and more.

10:00 am. to 10:30 am. - Community Parade from the Fire Station to the Common
Fire Department, ambulance service, veterans, scouts, many other Union groups and businesses.

10:30 am. - 12:30 pm. - Music and more on the Common:
Music, demonstrations, group acts, and games for the kids.

10:30 am. to 2:00 pm. - Hay rides and Wagon Transportation:
Hay rides around the Common, and tractor-drawn wagon transportation among event sites: Thompson Center, Union Common, and the Matthews Museum at the Fairgrounds.

Midday Event for the Kids at the Vose Library Details to be announced soon.

12:00 to 4:00 pm. - Open House at Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage:
Open house (no charge) at the Matthews Museum in the Union Fairgrounds. Many farm implements and elements of everyday life from the early days of Union. An old tool usage demonstration is planned during that time. By the way, the museum new extent ion will be ready WITH the Moxie Bottle Stand in it, and, if we're lucky, the one horse shay will be there too.

11:00 am. to 1:00 pm.- Chicken Barbecue on the Common:
Chicken barbecue with side dishes, organized by the and served on the Common, rain or shine. (Tent in case of rain.)

4:30 to 7:00 pm. Spaghetti Supper in the Union Town Hall:
Spaghetti supper, organized by the .

6:00 to 8:00 pm. Canoe Trip on Seven Tree Pond
Organized by and guided by Lyle Cramer, canoe trip on Seven Tree Pond. See above for details.

7:00 to 8:30 pm. - Silent Movie at the Old Town House:
The past comes to life again with the screening of a classic silent movie at Union's Old Town House on Town House Road. The will present CITY LIGHTS, filmed in 1931 and starring Charlie Chaplin alongside Virginia Cherrill and Harry Myers. Doug Protsik from the band called The Old Grey Goose, will play the non-stop piano accompaniment from Chaplin's original score. another great silent movie at the Old Town House in the evening.

8:00 pm. to Midnight, - Dance:
The will have a Saturday night dance special. Details forthcoming.

Sunday, July 19 2009 Golf

9:30 am. Golf Tournament
18-hole scramble golf tournament at the Union Country Club on Barrett Hill Road. Open to all, but limited to nine teams of four participants each. Proceeds from entry fees to be donated to the Vose Library capital campaign. For more information and reservations, contact Hank Aho, 845.2347.

10:30 - 11:30 am. - Outdoor Worship Service on the Common
Sponsored by the People's United Methodist Church. In case of rain the worship will take place at the church on Depot Street, behind the Post Office.

Office Space for Rent

Large, sunny room with wood floors located on the second floor of the Thompson Community Center in Union includes heat and access to elevator. Quiet area, handicap accessible. $561.00 per month for 660 square feet.

4th of July in Thomaston

The theme for the Thomaston 4th of July this year is "Volunteerism". The Thomaston 4th of July Committee Members wanted to recognize all of those individuals who have volunteered on behalf of the Town of Thomaston. Selected this year to represent all of the volunteers were the brothers Michael Leo and Alan Leo who have and continue to serve as the Chief of the Fire Department and Director of the Thomaston Ambulance Service respectfully. The Committee is extending their invitation to any and all volunteers who wish to participate in the Thomaston 4th of July parade as a participant.

Colonial Theater in Belfast

For those of you who like this beautiful old time movie theater, here is a list of shows and times. Click on the thumbnail for the theater's website

Harbor Arts & Craft Show 2009

Enjoy the show twice, July 18 - 19 and October 3 - 4, 2009. Over 100 artists and crafts people display and sell their work in scenic Camden Amphitheater, Harbor Park, and along Atlantic Avenue. Registration is now OPEN. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Coordinator Alicia Bagnall at 207-236-4404.