The Courier, Vol. 30, No. 3

2006·6.5 MB·English

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Quarterly Publication of the Bethel Historical Society's Regional History Center
Volume 30, Number 3 (Fall 2006)
Hon. Robert Andrews Chapman and Frances Carter Chapman, photo from Maine: A History (1919)
1836 when he purchased the property and operated the store
with his brother Elbridge, who later moved to Portland in the
1850s, where he died in 1868. After his brother's departure to
Bethel's Robert A. Chapman
Portland, Robert Chapman admitted as partner, Enoch W.
and Frances C. Chapman
Woodbury. From his store and other business ventures,
Robert Chapman became the wealthiest citizen of Bethel. A
Hon. Robert Andrews Chapman, the second owner of the staunch Jacksonian Democrat, he later became a temperance
Bethel Historical Society's CNeil Robinson House and the advocate and spoke on that issue throughout the State. He
grandson of Rev. Eliphaz Chapman, who suggested the name never permitted liquor of any kind to be sold in his store. In
"Bethel" when the town was incorporated in 1796, was bom
1850, he was elected to the State Senate and re-elected the
22 September 1807 in Gilead, the eldest son of Eliphaz, Jr. following year. Here according to his obituary in the Oxford
and Salome Bumham Chapman. As a child, he attended Democratiox 13 April 1880, he "distinguishedhimselfforhis
""■ilead schools and later Bridgton Academy, taught a few usefulness and ability in matters of legislation." From his
inters in district schools before becoming a clerk in the work in temperance, he later became a Republican. As an
store of O'Neil W. Robinson at Bethel Hill. The store was avid Congregationalist devoted to his home and family, he
believed to have occupied the site of or near the location of was long active in that denomination and was also very public
the present Bethel Library. It was destroyed by fire in spirited. He married Frances Carter, daughter of Dr. Timothy
September 1864. Chapman was employed by Robinson until and Fanny Freeland Carter on 28 March 1833 and they were
the parents of six children. Bom 1 September 1809, she lived
to be ninety-two. President's Column
In his Histo/y oj Bethel, Dr. William B. Lapham recalls
At our Annual Meeting on September 14 (see
Chapman as "one of the most industrious of men." He
continued, "When 1 was attending school in Bethel, 1 was in article lower on this page), I was pleased that the new
the habit of occasionally rising going to Paradise Hill to have
bylaws were adopted by an overwhelming vote. I am'
a view of the gorgeous sunrise seen from that point, and 1
confident that this new document will serve the
never passed Mr. Chapman's place in the early moming
Society well in the governance of our organization. I
twilight, without seeing him about his chores, milking his
would also like to congratulate the six new honorary
cows, and feeding his horses, or at work in his garden, and
members (see pages 3 & 7) and Colwyn Haskell who
getting ready for the day's employment in the store. He was
correct in his habits, strictly temperate, a liberal supporter of, accepted the Noll Volunteer Service Award on behalf
and a constant attendant at the Congregational Church. Mr. of his late wife Judy and for his own service to the
Chapman was not a politician in the modem sense of the
organization. To retiring trustee Dorothy Bartlett and
word. He never felt that he could afford the time to hold treasurer Grace McKivergan much appreciation is
office, his own private business being sufficient to absorb all
extended for their dedicated service to the Society. A
his time. In the time of the old parties, his sympathies were
warm welcome is also due Sylvia Clanton and Bruce
with the Democrats, and as such he was elected to the State
Senate in 1850, and re-elected the following year. When the Pierce as new members of the Board of Trustees.
third party in Oxford County was organized in the interest of We have had a number of lectures and an exhibit in
prohibition of the liquor traffic, Mr. Chapman joined the honor of the 40"^ anniversary of the Society's found
movement, and he followed, when that faction became
ing in 1966. It has been an exciting Society year and
absorbed in the great Republican party inl 855. Mr. Chapman
I expect many more in the future
was tall and erect, but slender, lithe and active in all his
movements-a marked face and figure which impressed one at
once as belonging to no ordinary man. His penetration and Allen Cressy
sagacity, coupled with his activity and perseverance, would
have assured success in any profession or business he might
have chosen, but he chose mercantile pursuits, and in his
success outstripped all his predecessors and contemporaries.
ANNUAL FUND
Probably Bethel never had a clearer-headed businessman than
Robert A. Chapman." As the town's most prosperous resident,
Help keep the Society strong by making a gift to its
he was, aeeording to his Oxford Democrat obituary,
Annual Fund Campaign. Tax deductible contributions help
considered the "model of industry, integrity, and good
citizenship." He built so many buildings in the town, it was support its exhibits, special events, publications, and other
said of him that "the village of Bethel grew up with him." He programming. Gifts in any amount may be made
died in Bethel 7 April 1880 and is buried Portland's Evergreen
throughout the year to the Society at P.O. Box 12, Bethel,
Cemetery. ■ ME 04217-0012.
st
41 Annual Meeting Celebrates 40 Years
Approximately fifty members and friends attended the BETHEL HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S
Society's 41" annual meeting held at the Dr. Moses Mason
House Meeting Room on September 14. The meeting was COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE
preceded by a bountiful pot luck dinner of roast chicken The Bethel Historical Society is committed to building
breasts, salads, casseroles, com bread and a wide variety of
on its reputation as a premier regional history center that
desserts.
President Allen Cressy called the meeting to order will continue to enrich the educational and cultural life of
its community for generations to come. Members and
following the dinner. He announced that the report of the
2005 annual meeting was published in the Society's quarterly friends have generously contributed to the operations of
and that the 2005 financial report would be available later in the Society and to the acquisition of the Robinson House.
the year and would also appear with a future issue of The In order to ensure the long-term maintenance and further
Courier. development of the Center's facilities, programs, and
A moment of silence was observed for all the members
collections, the Society is seeking new forms of support.
who had died since the last annual meeting. Those so
You, readers of The Courier, arc asked to consider making
remembered were Charlene Haines, Richard Carter, Howard
a charitable gift to the Society through a bequest in your
Cole, Robert Mills. Daisy LeClair, Willard Wight, Judy
Haskell, Earlon Keniston, Margaret Carter Bean, Elizabeth will, the establishment of a trust, or a number of other
Mason Carter, George Gamble, Ruth Gilbert, Pauline financial arrangements and options that arc available.
These charitable gifts can be structured to support the
Wieden, Jay Woolsey, and Eldon Grecnleaf.
The president then reviewed some of the highlights since Society's mission while at the same time assuring the
the last annual meeting. These included over 85 gifts of
security of your family. For more infomiation, please
artifacts for the collections since the last annual meeting, a contact the Society by calling [phone] or (800)
gain of 82 new members, the establishment of a high school 824-2910 or by writing to P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME
intern program with Mo Doyle as the first intern, the presence
04217-0012 or by emailing: info(^bethelhistorical.org
of a summer intem from the New England and American
(continued on page 3)
helped with her endeavors on its behalf. So it is entirely
fitting that this year's award be a joint one. It is my great
pleasure to present this 2006 Award to Judy and Colwyn
Haskell."
The president next presented six honorary memberships
to the following: Rebecca P. Kendall, longtime member of
the Investment Committee, a fomier trustee and Society
treasurer, active in recent years as a volunteer in the museum
shop and helping with mailings, Rachel MacKay, active as a
museum shop volunteer and in the work of the Special
Projects Committee, Jean Owen, a longtime member of the
Membership Committee, museum shop volunteer and often
a helper with Society mailings. Dexter and Jan Stowell.
Dexter has been active for many years as a member and chair
of the Long Range and Strategic Planning Committee, Jan has
long been volunteer coordinator for tours and New Year's
Bethel as well as a museum shop volunteer, Janet Vogt, a
"stalwart" of the flower show at Sudbury Canada Days and
long a volunteer on the Garden and Grounds Committee. To
be eligible for this category of membership, a member must
Society Executive Director Stan Howe presents the 2006Noll
be at least seventy-five and have an outstanding record of
Volunteer Service A ward to Colwyn Haskell (left) at the 41"
service to the organization. It is the Society's highest
Annual Meeting in September
membership award.
Following these presentations. Dean Walker, chainuan of
Studies program at the University of Southern Maine (David the Nominating Committee, which also consisted this year of
Arlene Lowell and Dorothy Bartlctt, presented the following
Jones), the hosting of the Yankee Brass Band for a concert in
July and an exhibit on the political career of William S. report: President: Allen Cressy, Vice President, Susan
Cohen, the sponsorship of a popular course on Maine and the Herlihy, Secretary and Clerk of the Trustees: Sarah Tucker,
Civil War and a house tour focusing on nine Bethel homes, Treasurer: Walter Hatch, Trustee for three years: Sylvia
the opening of a special exhibit on the 40 anniversary of the Clanton, Trustee for two years: Bruce Pierce. The slate was
Society's founding, and a successful series of annual special elected without dissent.
President Cressy thanked retiring trustee and treasurer,
events, many of them honoring the 40"' anniversary of the
founding in 1966. Dorothy Bartlett and Grace McKivergan, respectively, for
their dedicated service over the past several years.
Following this, the proposed new bylaws were introduced
^^or consideration. Despite opposition from three members, This was followed by nomination from the floor for the two
members of the Nominating Committee elected from the
they were adopted by a large majority. This document
general membership. Those elected were Dean Walker and
represented hours of work by a committee consisting of
Grace Mckivcrgan. William Andrews, Walter Hatch, Allen Arlene Lowell.
There being no further committee reports, the meeting was
Cressy and Stan Howe. Using models from a number of
respected Maine institutions as well as one recommended by adjourned.
the American Association of Museums, the committee Following the business portion of the meeting. Society
Director Howe presented a slide show providing views of the
merged the former constitution and bylaws into one document
that was also reviewed by life member. Attorney Michael J. range of Society activities over the past forty years with a bit
O'Donnell. of humor and a few colorful stories. ■
After the vote on the new bylaws, Executive Director
Stanley R. Howe presented the 20"' annual Marjorie
MacArthur Noll Volunteer Service Award. The Award
honors each year an outstanding volunteer who embodies the
dedicated spirit of service to the organization so ably
represented by Mrs. Noll. In his presentation remarks.
Director Howe included the following: "This year we are
honoring Judy Haskell, who so perfectly embodied her close
friend Marjorie Noll's dedication to this organization by
helping in numerous ways and in so many of its functions be
it guiding in the museum, helping with special events, serving
on committees (including chairing the Noll Committee for
years) and as Society Secretary and Trustee, and generally
always being there wherever needed. She was above all the
consummate volunteer and 1 am pleased and honored to
present this award to one so very deserving. As everyone here
knows, Judy died last year, so part of the pleasure in
presenting this award has been lost with her death. Here to
/^vaccept the award in her absence is her husband, Colwyn, who
has his own record of volunteer service, particularly for the
hours he has spent plastering and repairing the exhibit gallery Society President Allen Cressy (left) presents honoraiy
walls in the Robinson House. He was also very supportive of membership certificates to Jan and Dexter Stowell at the 41"
Judy's volunteer activities at the Society and sometimes Annual Meeting in September
-3-
WESTERN MAINE SAINTS
A Bethel Family (Frost)
By Jayne W. Fife, with Roselyn Kirk
Mary Ann Frost Steams was a small determined woman,
a widow with one child, when she married LDS Apostle
Parley Parker Pratt, a widower, in Kirkland, Ohio in 1837.
That decision resulted in her bearing their first child, Nathan,
in a one room log cabin near Far West, Missouri and being
abandoned when Parley was arrested, charged with murder
and sentenced to death. When reprieved, he was held in the
Richmond, Missouri jail for eight months. During that period,
Mary Ann spent time with him in jail; the exact duration of
incarceration is unclear. There she cared for Parley and her
two children. When she left, she carried Parley's writings out
in her clothing thereby risking her life so they could be
published.
With Parley still in jail, she was forced to leave Far West
on penalty of death. Having no means of transportation, a
kind Church member took her to Quincy, Illinois. When they
reached a swollen creek that ran parallel to the Mississippi
River, she got out of the carriage to lighten the load. Crossing
the narrow bridge, she looked back to see her daughter Mary
Ann's bonnet bobbing in the water. By a miracle, the child's
life was saved.
Later, as one of the last to leave Nauvoo, Illinois, as the
Saints were once again driven from their homes, farms and
sacred temple, she endured abandoning the graves of two
small children, Nathan and Susan. Parley had already reached
Council Bluffs, Iowa, with the main body of the Saints
including his now six other wives and several babies.
Making the decision to leave Parley and relying on her own
resources to support her own children, she remained true to
the promises she made in the spring of 1835 when she joined
Mary Ann Frost Stearns Pratt. Photo courtesy of Jayne Fife
the Church of Latter-day Saints in western Maine. She wrote,
"I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ, being
who owned land in Saco, fled with his family to Salem,
eonverted to the truthfulness of its doctrines by the first
sennon I heard. And I said in my heart if there are only three Massachusetts, where he lived until 1679, when he purchased
land in Wells and returned. On 7 May 1690, William and his
who had to endure, I have everfelt the same, my heart has
brother-in-law, James Littlefield, were killed by Indians, who
never swerved from that resolve."
carried away William's son, Nathaniel.
Mary Ann was bom in Groton, Caledonia, Vermont, to
Three succeeding generations of George Frost's family
Aaron and Susan Gray Bennett Frost on 14 January 1809. Her
lived in Berwick, Maine, including great, great, great
brother Orange Clark and sister Naomi were also bom in
grandsons, Moses and Eliot, who served in the Revolutionary
Groton, respectively on 23 February 1813 and 25 January
War. After the War, six of Moses' children moved to Sudbury
1814. Aaron and Susan's first child, Lidania, was bom on 10
Canada (later known as Bethel): Moses, Thomas, Dominicus,
October 1802 at Berwick, where Aaron's parents lived. The
Nathaniel, Lydia, and eventually Aaron.
next three children, Aaron (10 March 1804, died 15 October
Mary Ann often told her children about her early life. One
1804), David Milton (28 July 1805) and Lucretia Bucknam
story they loved to hear was called, "Needles and Pins."
(24 November 1806) were bom in North Yarmouth, where
When she was a child, she had to walk a mile and a half every
Susan's parents lived. The last four children were bom in
Bethel: Olive Gray on 24 July 1816, Sophronia Gray on 3 day to an Androscoggin River crossing where workmen
waited to row a group of children across the river to a little
October 1818, Nehemiahon 4 March 1821, and Huldah
schoolhouse. After school, the children waited until the men
Alvina in 1825.
retumed from work to row them back. While waiting, they
Aaron was a descendant of George Frost, originally from
often played in the boat. Sometimes, they let it out into the,
Binstead, Hampshire, England, who came to Winter
river as far as the rope would allow and then pulled it back to
Harbor/Biddeford Pool near the mouth of the Saco River
shore. Once, when it stmck the shore very hard, Mary Ann
between 1623 and 1629. George's son John was killed during
was knocked into the deep water. The other children ran
the early stages of the Indian War and his other son, William,
-A-
screaming for the workmen. When they arrived, Mary Ann,
who had struggled valiantly until overcome, was rescued and
quickly rolled in the grass as water drained out of her ears,
nose and mouth. She was carried to a nearby house, wrapped
^in a warm blanket and put to bed. When she finally opened
ler eyes, she said, "Oh, I feel so funny, just like needles and
pins poking all over me."
As Mary Ann grew older, she became an expert in
spinning, dyeing and weaving fabric, knitting and sewing
clothing. When she was twenty three, she married Nathan
Steams, son of Charles and Thankful Bartlett Stearns. A
descendant wrote that Mary Ann "fell in love with young
Nathan Steams who courted her for four years, beating a path
through the woods to come every Sunday to see her. She had
knitted enough socks to last a lifetime by the time they were
The Charles Stearns homestead in (he Mayville section of
married," which was on 1 April 1832, Nathan's twenty-third
Bethel. The buildings were owned by Henry Enman when they
birthday.
In an autobiography written by Nathan and Mary Ann's were destroyed by fire on 6 June 1936.
only child, in 1896, she related, "My father, a well-beloved
son was the chosen one to inherit the patemal homestead and
to nurture and comfort the declining years of his aged Kirkland, Ohio on a mission to New York, Vermont, New
parents." Accordingly, the newlyweds settled into the Hampshire and Maine as well as Ontario, Canada. They spent
Mayville home and farm where Charles and Thankful Steams the next five months traveling singly or in changing pairs
had raised their nine children, and that is where their only instructing and bolstering existing branches and proselyting.
child was bom on 6 April 1833. Continuing her They taught that Joseph Smith, Jr., through revelation had
remembrances, daughter Mary Ann wrote, "My father and restored the Church as it had been at the time of Jesus Christ.
mother were lovers in the true sense of the meaning and she A typical day consisted of walking, hitching a ride in a
often said that she never received a cross word from him or wagon or taking a canal boat to a new village where, if
saw a cross look on his face when turned to her, but always possible, they made contact with a known member who could
.^a smile of love and approbation. But earthly happiness is help find a meeting place for an evening's instruction. They
fleeting and this happy couple knew not the change that was usually stayed overnight and in the morning moved on to
so soon to come and that their plans so well laid were never another village. According to Apostle Parley Pratt, they
to be realized."Nathan died at age twenty-four, only one year preached, exhorted, taught, organized, blessed the sick,
and five months after they were married. Their baby was only baptized, confirmed and ordained.
four and half months old. Nathan had been working in the hay In the latter part of the summer. Apostles Brigham Y oung,
field on a sultry July day when he became ill with typhoid Heber C. Kimball, David W. Patten and Thomas B. Marsh
fever, then prevalent in the community. After being spoke to a small group at Rumford Point before moving to
"blistered, cupped and bled" for four weeks, he died. Soon Bethel where they held a conference. During this time, Mary
after the funeral, his wife and two sisters were stricken. For Ann Frost Steams and her mother Susan Gray Frost were
three weeks, Mary Ann lay unconscious and tiny Mary Ann baptized by Apostle Patten. Four other members of the family
"was taken by a kind neighbor, Mrs. Thaddeus Twitchell, and eventually became members. Mary Ann's daughter said one
her daughters, Roxanna and Mary Elizabeth, to be weaned." of the most appealing facets of the Gospel for her mother was
"After a few weeks, when 1 was taken to the bedside of my the redemption of the dead, for she deeply mourned the death
mother and she was asked if she knew whose baby it was, she of her beloved Nathan and the thought of being reunited with
shook her head and when asked to look again, she still could him was consoling.
not think, but as her eye wandered down to the little dress she There is also a reference to Mary Ann in a biography of
had fashioned in love and anticipation, the tmth dawned upon David W. Patten based on his Joumals: "While a conference
her and she clasped me to her bosom with tears of motherly was being held at Bethel, Maine, a young woman, Mary Ann
love and affection." Steams, who had been troubled for five years with an
Continuing with the reminiscences, Mary Ann wrote, extremely aggravated case of heart disease, sent for the
"With the retum of memory came the great weight of sorrow Elders, and upon investigation asked for baptism. David, the
that had come to my mother, and she mourned as one not to mouth of the confirmation, as well as in administering to her
be comforted, but taking up the burden of fife for my sake, afterward for her health, made her a promise that she would
she wandered wearily on-still clothed in garbs of deep be entirely restored to perfect health and soundness. She
mourning until two years had passed away, when the glorious afterward became the wife of Apostle Parley P. Pratt and
fight of the Gospel burst forth to illumine the souls of all who endured all the hardships through which the Saints were
would accept its glad message." called to pass, but from that time till the time of her death in
On 4 May 1835, twelve newly ordained LDS Apostles left 1891, at the age of eighty-two years, she never again
-5-
Another story reflects her character. Taking snuff was
complained of heart trouble."
In August 1836, six apostles, including Brigham Young, common in those days. Mary Ann was in the habit of taking
a pinch at dinner from a pretty snuff box given her by her
Lyman Johnson and William McClellin came through
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. They held conferences husband, Nathan. After being taught the Word of Wisdom
in Andover West Surplus (Newry) and Bethel. They were in and admonished in her Patriarchal Blessing to keep it, she^
the area for more than a week and strongly encouraged placed the snuffbox on the fireplace mantle and sat down tt
members to gather with the main body of the Church in read the Book of Mormon until all desire had passed.
Kirkland, Ohio and Far West, Missouri. In response, on 16 Young Mary Ann recorded other aspects of their live in
August 1836, David Sessions took Mary Ann and her three Kirkland: "During this time we were constant attendants at
year old daughter to Portland in the middle of he night in a meetings in the temple, and 1 can especially remember the
carriage because she was fearful of being prevented from fast-meetings, and can recall at this day the great power and
leaving with other local converts who were "gathering" in good spirit that were experienced on those occasions-and it
Kirkland. She gave up the dowry left to her daughter by was generally known that Father Joseph Smith (Sr.), the
Nathan because the child's guardian refused to let her "take it Patriarch, would not break his fast and partake of food for
to the Mormons." The next day, she joined other Maine that length of time, and that he must surely be like Abraham,
converts and missionaries on the boat to Boston, where more the faithful that mother had told me so often about." She
members had gathered to journey to Ohio. continued with her recollections: "I remember partaking of
Kirkland was very crowded with new members. The the Sacrament of bread and wine in the Kirkland Temple, and
growth was amazing and had started to cause problems with when I would have liked more of the wine, mother explained
non-members as well as members. During the next eight to me that it was in memory of the blood of our Savior when
months, Mary Ann and her daughter boarded with five he was upon the cross. After that I was always satisfied to
different families, including those of Brigham Young and partake of the proper quantity-and with reverence in my
Hyrum Smith. Hyrum was Joseph Smith's brother. One heart."
woman, who lived with her husband temporarily in the same Then Mary Ann's life changed radically. On 9 May 1837,
tiny home as Mary Ann, wrote in her diary following about six weeks after the death of his wife Thankful Halsey Pratt,
Mary Ann: "I admired her very much, thought her an amiable, Apostle Parley Parker Pratt, age 30, married Mary Ann Frost
interesting woman." That home, belonging to Sabre Granger, Steams, age 28, in Hyrum Smith's home. They were married
was one room with a dirt cellar, small pantry and closet, as by Frederick G. Williams, first counselor to Joseph Smith.
well as an outdoor stove room. Mary Ann later wrote, Mary Ann was described as "very tiny and very pretty."
"During this time my mother, at one of the prayer meetings in Another description recorded at that time described her as an^^
the temple received her patriarchal blessing and I received my "affectionate, well-educated, refined and ambitious woman,
childhood blessing into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- equal to any and every occasion." Little Mary Ann, now 4,
day Saints. was dressed in her newly made French lawn dress with tiny,
Finally, they moved into a portion of the home vacated by blue flowers that matched her mother's dress. They moved
Hyrum and his family when their new home was built. The into Parley's small home, a block from the new temple, for six
Stearns then had their own private space. Several stories weeks.
about Mary Ann survive from this time as later recorded by On 29 May, Parley and four other Church leaders were
her daughter. Young Mary Ann was taught her ABC's by her summoned to a Church Court to answer charges that they had
mother cutting out the letters and pasting them around the made false accusations against Joseph Smith. These charges
fireplace. Her mother also taught her, at three, how to knit. revolved around the failure of a Church organzied bank, the
She later recorded, "1 had a pair of stockings nearly done and Kirkland Safety Society and inflated Kirkland property
mother wanted me to finish them by my fourth birthday. I knit prices. No judgements were made, and after reconsidering,
very tight and mother had knit around every other time to Parley went to Joseph and begged for forgiveness, which was
loosen up the stitches, but 1 had them done in time, and was immediately granted. A month later, Parley, his new wife and
very glad for a number reasons-it is quite a task for a little daughter, left Kirkland to introduce the restored Gospel of
active girl to sit down and knit very long at a time, and it was Jesus Christ to the people of New York City.
a great relief to have the job off my hands, as well as a
(to be continued in the next issue)
pleasure to see what 1 had done."
Nathan Steams had been an Ensign in the Maine militia.
New Life Members
Mary Ann kept his blue broadcloth uniform with bright brass
buttons. She often showed it to her daughter while talking Timothy and Iris Roberts, Jefferson City, MO
about him. One day a friend told her that a Church member
Joseph and Robbie Dcitch, Weston, MA
had been called on a mission, but was hindered by having no
Christopher J. Hovey, Falmouth
suitable clothing. At first she refused even to consider parting
Richard A. Manion, Groveton, GA
with Nathan's clothing, but her conscience would not allow L i n d a B . F o l k e r s , F r e e p o r t ^
her to withhold something she had that was needed by the
Jay and Arline Hoar, Temple
Church. She replaced the military buttons on the jacket with
Rose Mary McLean, Bryant Pond
regular ones and in tears gave the uniform to the missionary.
Michael and Judith Bowden Coietta, Woonsocket, RI
-6-
BETHEL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2005 AND 2004
Prepared by:
SESSIONS & ASSOdATES, CPAS, PA
Certified Public Accountants
Bethel, Maine
Wet— to m« Ffftrwill
p — M 0 t « f t d M 0 4
N0TE1: Signiitcant Accounting PolioesfConliiioad)
N0TE1 Significant Aceoornng Policies
^ For purposes of iheitaiemerils of cash flows, OteOrganizsbonecnsid^e«^li^<M«
^"T''''^OrowMaoiln IS • eobeyl wWeh procwies me presefvsotin e* tfe htstoyi of Be^. Mam#
insBumants purchased wltn a maturity data of thrae months or less to be cash or cash
The Society's prtmiry fevenues ere donetions, dues, admission fees, rotad salm. an^^
tiom special events. Othef sources ot revenue inohiOe grents and earmogs on investments. eqdvalenis.
"■""■^^^iWoreis are salted at krwer cl eo« or n«rkN vahre, wtih cod generayll dotted
Bd^t of oreMTiUtion, ^
(n 1«6, the OrganireUort elseJed to adopt StaterneM of Fmeftcisi AecoufiBog Slani^
SFASNo. U1,FinancialStBtameftsotNol-for-PnMOiganaations. UnderSFASNo. tt', fM-m, first-out method.
die OrgenizaSon Is required to report intormaticn regarding Its finanSal position and activities
according to three desses of net assets' Unrestricted net assets, temporarily restricted ^■'pI^tMcrfpropwiy Oonabons of property and aquipmamOT
assets, and permanently restricted net assets. In addition, the Organization Is required to recorded as support at mair estimated fair vdoe. Oepradalloo Is
presant a statement of cash flows baels over the estimated uaefiilvea of the assets Mmor addiliona and replacements and
toulbie rap—s wxl mamtanance are axpanaed at incurred
The accompanyir^ financial statements have tioen prepared on the accrual basis of Bceoiamrg
In fi-nritoi" wlin ganeraBy accepted accotriting principles. Net assets and revenues,
^""t'o'nWbutlonB. Incioding uneonditionBl promlaea to give, are
expenses, gains, and losses are dasatfied and reportadd as follows:
contrlbubons are evsaable for unrestricted use unlesa epaclflealty reslngrt by the dw_
Iinr—Irtefdnei asseti - Mel assets Ihet are not subject to donor-irrpoaed sitpidations CorxKiottN FTomisei to give are racognizad wt«m the conattona
KMtanbMymet unconabenal premlaai to give, due m the next ^
Tenmoranlv f»strtel»H| nil rT**W' "** ****** enhjnni in donor-ltTicosed atcUaticns tt>at may net reafizabu value. UnconaOoriel prtwrisea le »ve, ** ki aiiieeiAienl yeara^ rep^ at
or iMfl be mat, adhar by adiont of the Organization andfor the passage of Bma. the pratant value of their net leataaKa vafcie, usiisg nsh-fiee mtorest rates applieabia to the
yevs ki whidi the promtes are to be received
Ponn—nth/ rasiraed net —'-i- ■ Nat assela subject tP donor-Imposed stlpuladorts thai thay
bemalntalnedpermanentlybyttieOrganization. Generally, the donors of these assets per^
the Orgarizabon to use an Of part of the income earned on eny related mvestmerw for general of donated non-cash assets era reeocded et
receivM Cor*nbutx« of derated sennc-thet create or enhaiv-jwfin^
w apedflc purposes
inel requre speeaiaed sw*. »e pithitded by kitfvtduaa posaesskig Ifi^ i^, iu>d«^
typelatyl be pkichased If not provdie by oonebon, ere recorded et theri ftk veules m the peroid
Ejcpeabon ot Oorwr-imposed restrictions. . ..
The explretion of a donor-lmpoaad raairiebon on a contribidlon or cn endowment income it received
recognlzea In the period In which the reatnetlon expires and at that bme the ralatao reeoiras
are recfasslfiad to unreilrlcted net asaatt. A restriction expires when Bia atipuialed
aiapted, whan the abpufalad purpoie for whieft the raaource was restnded has been fulfi»ad. Orgenltaion uses idvertaing to proriiote Its programs enx^ W^^^
AdvartBingcostiifBexpefaedaainomO. Advertising was «a7and«0S for the years ended
or both.
December 31.200S and 200S. respeorvety.
^'^'''T''he Soceity doea not captiaree Its eoeiicbora ThaeoallcolioseonwoialfttfBCtsofhsitoncai
"'"^fWsoln forn icata taxes has bean made due to the OrganzlaUona' tax exempt sUtus
signlftcance and art objects wNen are held for educational, research, and cuttodiai purposaa
The OrgarXzallon proteeta, ceres for, praaetves and Iteepa Its coiaetloni uneocurnberKf under IfTC Section S01(cK3).
subject to a policy that requrta proceedcl from their aaiaa to be used to acquW other Iterre
for colecbens. Thewaraoon of flnenoei statements requkea tranagenard to make ostknatw and^^
■ssumpCm that affect certain raported amounts and disciosufeain the fkianclal suterranti.
Actual rasUU could differ from these estimates
Sessions 4 Assocfafes, CPAs, PA
Sess/ons i As*oel»l»s, CPAs, PA CartffM Public AeeounlanI*
Cw«fietf Pubtfc Accoonttrrcs
HWioricsl Socletv
BthelHIetotleelSoeletv Net— to the aatamaiiM
1W-.K-S1 Mflgsnd2004
rw—iti-fit. Mta end 3004
NOTE $. Temeorardv and Permeianlfv RettnBad
Tampoienly restriaed and permanently restricted net assets at Oeeamber 31,2005 and 20W
Included In eontnbubons receivable are the foUowtng undondiHonal promisea to give. were available for the following purposes'
2005 2004
200$ 22Sfl
3111,215 3109.854
CLeonslsn:l HiUbnonasm orerctleziavadbdlelscouiit(rtieol4Kln2005) '3263504 0.38082000 1S 3630021..209208208] CMSAscucphsdiotylislnoal crTcafvcahdemiptncps nwaeoigllr tncdx eiUiheibc4tionMsses Mason House 22,555917674 14,452508483
The entre amount is dua in 2019 and is considered cslectibie MSpiseeceialsl neevoeunst spraaenraben programs 3.887 u1,05u3
3138,768 3129,333
Peimanenily restneted net assets era as toSows: 2005 2i2S4
Ym 2i2$& 2SSS.
CoBaebons and preservation of bufldngs 3122,376 $122,378
LImanpdr oavnedm ebnutdsdmg 3175--4400 3517583,.662811 3155738..688211 SPplaanatasl loerv beundtsdrngs and grounds 240,,806000 204..080800
Equipment lOMay 379620 74581 9 375980 ,476875 SBcohooklsa rasntudp gseneslogieal materials 42,,257850 42,.257550
Noll award SQC SOS
Investments • Markelabte Secunlies 3154,573 3154,573
kiveslmants In seeunbas are recorded at their fak values, which are based on quoted market pnees
torsidividualdebtandmarVelablesecuriliBaandpublishedunilvsluestormutualfunds. Purchased Release from Restnciion*
securities ere recorded el cost as of thek trade dales, donated securities are recorded at their Program reatrictlons were aabafied dunng the years ended December 31,2005 end 2004 by
matket Contributions of donated non-cash assets are recorded at their toir values In the period kicumng expenses far the lestrieiod purposes specified by the donors as fbllowa:
the firii received. Contributions of donated services that create or enh^ice non-financial assets or
at December 31, 2005 and 2004, raapecttvely 2005 2004
2005 . 20Si
Market Ma-ket Capital campeign 311,577 314,075
Cost Value Value Austin TwitcheH codecbon/Mo&es Mason House 3,810
Mollyocketl world exhibit
SMtuotucakl s hinds 3116458,.343852 3212673,,384392 3210363,,561829 3218437.,984896 SBpaemc iaagl aeinve enxtstsfia 11,,000710 900
Corporate bonds 155,000 150,211 130,000 129,570 HemfOrino fund eidiibt eases 2.048 .
Government bonds 70.285 69 920 70 285 70.967 315.696 319.842
Total marketable securities 3539,082 3611,312 3540.486 3632,392
Market value exceeds cost by 372,230 and 391,906 at Oecerrbar 31,2005 and 2004, respedtvaiy. r. Fundrattino Expenses
Total fundraistng expenses were 37.995 and 38,002 for the years ended December 31, 300S end 2004.
respectively
Sessions & Assoclstes, CPAs, PA
CertHled Pvblle AccounlanCs Sessions 4 Associates, CPAs, PA
CenHlea Public Aeeauntmnta
Photo Gallery
Geoff Colby of the Vermont Sons of the American Revolution
marches with Maine Society President, Sons of the American
Revolution, Charles McGillicuddy in front of the Dr. Moses
Mason House on their way to the Sons' meeting place,
September 2006
Becky Kendall, Rachel MacKay, and Jane Vogt were
presented Honorary Membership Certificates during the 41"
Annual Meeting in Sepember
Life member Steve Seames (left) assists Society Trustee June
Abbott with quilts during her presentation to the Maine
Society, Sons of the American Revolution members and
spouses, September 2006
Presenting the colors at the opening of the Maine Society.
Sons of the American Revolution meeting held at the Dr.
Moses Mason House Meeting Room, September 2006
-7-
Bowdoin College Government Professor Christian P. Potholm
spoke on his role as an adviser to fVilliam S. Cohen during his first
campaign for the United States House of Representatives in 1972 at
the opening of the Cohen exhibit on July 25. Bethel vvui- the first site
Deborah Andrews. Danna Nickerson and iVilliam Andrews at the for the exhibit designed to follow the route Cohen took on his
July 25 opening of the exhibit "Cohen. Congress, and Controversy: famous walk from Gilead to Fort Kent that helped him win a seat in
Rediscovering Civics in the Archives" at the Society's Robinson the V. S. House of Representatives. Cohen later served as U.S.
House. Senator from Maine and U.S. Defense Secetary for President
Clinton.
On July 25. members of the Gilead and Bethel historical societies,
along with Christian Potholm of Bowdoin College, gathered at the
state line in Gilead where William S. Cohen began his walk across Kent Ryden, Director of American and New England Studies,
the Second District of Maine in 1972. From left to right are Bev
University of Southern Maine, spoke on "Landscapes and Figures:
Corriveau. Christian Potholm. Judy Bishop. Bob Bishop. Lin Nature and Culture in New England" as part of the lecture series
Chapman. Hugh Chapman and Stan Howe. made possible in part by a grant from the Maine Humanities
Council honoring the Society's 40''' anniversary of its founding in
1966.
-8-