The Westbrook Historical Society

	INTERESTING PHOTO OF THE MONTH CLICK HERE TO VIEW

	TRYING TO MAKE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SACCARAPPA, MAINE & SACCARAPP, TX
		GALVESTON, TX NEWS ARTICLE, ? YEAR Quite a number of the immigrants arriving in Galveston in 1838 were from the east – away down east in the state of Maine. Vessels were arriving from that frigid clime laden with a little of everything, from houses ready to be put up when landed, to large and redolent cabbages. The east end of the island seemed at first to be the favorite locality, and many of the children of the east settled there, christening that settlement “Saccarapp”, after a little village in Maine, which contains the post office of the township of Westbrook, and situated on the Penobscot [sic] river, seven miles from Portland. The first wharf ever erected on Galveston Bay, was built at Saccarapp by the down east deacon named Bailey, under contract for Amasa Turner... ‘Galveston Hotel’ under the management of Lashly & Reed, was an institution there and for a time the eastern settlement was the lusty rival of the western town [called Galveston].. The wharf building speculation proved a disastrous one for deacon Bailey, who, an old file of social paper says, did his Rival best; either at psalm, singing or selling groceries and he soon after left the island for a more congenial clime. In 1889-40 the Palmetto wharf, at the foot of Twenty-fourth street, was built by McKinney & Williams, and sealed the fate of Saccarapp, which began to decrease in population, and whose houses were moved to and helped to swell the proportions of the successful rival.
	According to the article above, in the 1800s some citizens of Saccarappa [Westbrook], ME traveled to, and settled on Galveston Island, TX. Although the settlement lasted only 10 – 15 years before people moved to the nearby community of Galveston, on the west side of Saccarapp, it is still remembered in the Galveston area. The Lafitte Society of Galveston has sent a query to the Society requesting any information it may have on the settlement. However, no information regarding this emigration can be found. If anyone has information, i.e. family history, or family stories regarding ancestors moving to Texas, please contact the Society.
	The Samuel May Williams House, Galveston, TX (2017)
	This home was built in 1839 for Samuel May Williams, one of the 1st bankers in Texas and a founder of Galveston. Local lore states that this prefabricated house was built in Saccarappa (Westbrook) , ME and shipped to Galveston via steamer. There it was reconstructed on 10 piers, 7 feet off the ground. (You cannot see the piers, since they are covered with a shuttered siding and the land has been filled in.) It is a 1.5-story house, topped with a cupola where Williams installed a telescope so that he could be one of the first to learn when interesting cargo arrived in the Gulf by ship. When Williams died in 1858, the house was sold to his friend Phillip C. Tucker and became known as the Tucker House. In 1953 the Tucker family sold the house to the newly organized Galveston Historic Foundation and it became their first project. They restored the house and used it as a museum for a time; it is now a private home. It is the 2nd oldest, still-standing, house in Galveston and is on the National Register of Historic Places. A house in Galveston, made in Westbrook!

	- REDISCOVERING THE CUMBERLAND & OXFORD CANAL - Westbrook Historical Society, Acting As A Resource
	One of the purposes of a historical society is to act as a resource for people doing research, be it for genealogy, historical facts, school projects, or just for personal information. Usually we help find articles, references, etc. for them, and they leave. So it is especially great when the Society gets to see the fruits of their assistance.
	Westbrook Middle School students with Cumberland & Oxford Canal replica
	One of this year’s projects at the Westbrook Middle School was to research, study, and reconstruct the part of the Cumberland & Oxford Canal that transversed Westbrook. This was accomplished with the help of articles and books from the Historical Society’s reference library. The students learned the route of the 20 mile, hand dug canal, which operated from 1830 to 1870. The canal ran through the Saccarappa area of Westbrook, along the westerly side of Stroudwater Street; (remnants of the canal can still be seen behind their school.) It ran through Beaver Pond and crossed over the far end of Conant Street, into Gorham.

	This replica of Westbrook’s western piece of the canal was reconstructed and built by the students. They also built to-scale replicas of many of the canal flat-bottom boats and even researched the boats' names. The large, beautifully constructed house in this diorama is the Wyer House on Longfellow Street which sat beside the canal. GREAT JOB STUDENTS AND TEACHERS!!!
		.....If you would like to learn more about the canal, you too can research it at the Society. Volunteers are always there to assist you.

	38th ANNUAL WESTBROOK TOGETHER DAYS
	The Society participated in the 2017 Westbrook Together Days' parade on June 3, 2017. The antique car was driven by Nathan Brackett, passengers, in back seat, are Diane Dyer & Tom Clarke.

	LIFETIME MEMBERS HONORED
	Immediate Past President Donna Conley, new Lifetime Members Phil and Nancy Curran
	Nancy and Phil Curran are well known and respected citizens of Westbrook. They have been active in every aspect of their city. In City government, he served as Councilman and State Senator and she was a long time School Committee member. Both are active in their church, The Prides Corner Congregational, where they help with the church suppers and Phil often helped out as lay minister. (The Society has a collection of the sermons he has given over the years.) Both are active in local organizations such as the Westbrook Woman’s Club (Nancy) and the American Legion (Phil). Phil is a WW II veteran. There are many more items of note, but the list is too long to research and list here. On June 1, 2016, Nancy Joy Curran and Philip E. Curran were honored by the Westbrook Historical Society with the designation of Lifetime Membership. The honor was given in recognition of their substantial contributions to the Society since their charter membership in 1976. A few of the activities listed are: Nancy: served on the Publicity, Membership and Auditing Committees and served as President from 1997 to 2000, and Treasurer from 2000 to 2015. Phil: served on Museum, Finance, By-laws and Program Committees. He was the Newsletter Editor from 1997 to 2007 when he presented the Society with a notebook containing 10 years of his newsletters. It can be viewed at the Society library. Both have served and supported the ideals of the Westbrook Historical Society, and given freely of their time and knowledge. Thank you both!

	4TH ANNUAL WESTBROOK HISTORY CONTEST WINNERS
	Left to right: Aws Mohammed, Enas Saad Mohammed , Anthony Vasquez, Janice Jamieson, Vickie Doughty (accepting on behalf of Thomas DeWolfe
	Winners of the 4th annual Westbrook History Contest were announced at the Westbrook Together Days on May 30, 2015. Winners in the Adult category area: #1 Thomas DeWolfe of Hampden Sydney, VA, with his memories of teachers and classmates in, Forest Street School Days (1936 - 1945) #2 Diane Jamieson of South Portland, relating her family genealogy through her Small / Cobb lines in My Connection to Westbrook Winners in the Student category are: #1 Anthony Vasques of Westbrook (grade 3) with a Power Point history of S.D. Warren and the Paper Mill #2 Enas Saad Mohammed of Westbrook who related her story of immigration to the U.S. and Westbrook in The End of Suffering #3 Honorable Mention goes to Aws Mohammed who tells of his immigration from Iraq and his medical hardships before his acceptance into the community of Westbrook High School in The Hardships that Changed to Happiness
	Winners receive a small monetary prize and a one year membership in the Historic la Society.
	Anthony accepts 1st Place Award from Donna Conley, Contest Chair. Enas & Aws in background (2nd and Honorable Mention winners)	Vickie accepts 1st Place Adult award for her classmate Tomas DeWolfe

	ARCHANGEL, Russia - Westbrook's Sister City
	Historical Society President Mike Sanphy (2nd from left), Westbrook Councilman Mike Foley 5th from left) and Society member Donna Conley (2nd from right) welcome the Archangel delegation
	Twenty-six years ago, a greater Portland group representing 14 local cities and towns, formed a Sister City relationship with Archangel, Russia. At the time of the initial conception, Westbrook’s Mayor Philip Spiller was head of the greater Portland organization that spearheaded the idea. Archangel is a city in the north of European Russia. It lies on the banks of the Northern Dvina River near the exit of the White Sea, and has numerous islands in its delta. It was a chief seaport in medieval Russia so its geography and history corresponds to ours.	Reading the Archangel newspapers
	For the second time in recent years, a group of Archangel businesspeople visited the Westbrook Historical Society. [Mayor Spiller and family were avid historians and members of the Society.] Residents of Archangel and Greater Portland have visited back and forth since the formation of their relationship but an exchange last November in celebration of their quarter-century anniversary seems to have strengthened that tradition. The Russians visitors viewed a short slide show on local history and took a tour of the museum. The men were particularly interested in the military uniforms, the women enjoyed the quilt and the wedding gowns. All were especially surprised to see that we have three of Archangel’s newspapers that were donated by Councilman Mike Foley after his visit there last year. Pictures were taken by all and gifts exchanged. Each delegate received an Images of Westbrook book, autographed by our President Mike Sanphy who compiled the book. The Society received a commemorative Archangel coin, a Russian currency bill and a pen. These items and photos will be on display in the Society museum. A wonderful visit by all!
		This beautiful clock was a 2016 addition to our collection; gift from the City of Archangel, Russia.

The 3rd annual Westbrook History Contest 2014

Foster Street
All the improvements were made from H. W. Foster survey, sidewalks, curbs, retaining wall, sewer.

1st Place Winner: Dick Eaton of Westbrook - H.W. Foster, Westbrook’s Civil Engineer & Surveyor
2nd Place Winner: Ted Lampron - A Voice From the Past

Congratulations to the winners and 'thank you' to all who took the time to preserve our past through stories of Westbrook life.

Entries were submitted from Maine, Virginia, Arizona, Massachusetts and South Carolina. Westbrook history was related through stories about an unsolved murder and a mill accident resulting in death (both occurring in the 1880s), Dairy farming in 1920s, the lives of 2 Westbrook clothiers and various memories of life in Westbrook in 1940s & 50s.

Celebrating Westbrook's Bicentennial

The capsule stone, seen above, was buried in Riverbank Park for 100 years. Removed for the Bicentennial, it was on display at the Bicentennial Ceremony on June 9, 2014. The mirror below it reflects the opening where the time capsule (a metal box holding photos, newspapers, 1914 Centennial information), was placed. The scanned artifacts are available on the City of Westbrook website. Click HERE

Visit the Society to see the new display highlighting Westbrook over the past 200 years: its businesses, mills, organizations, people and military history.

Second Annual History Essay Contest - June 2013 - Winners: 2013 History Contest entries were sent in from ME, AZ and VA. [There were no student entries.] The subject matter included memories of growing up in Westbrook, a trip to the local library, biographical sketches of Westbrook immigrants (Italian, Franco-Canadian and Danish) and a farm history. Shirley Direnzo Cleveland accepting 2nd prize for sister Rose DiRenzo Prillaman and Beth Paulsen-Olmstead, 1st place winner for 2nd year in a row! Judges for the contest were Roberta Morrill, Marion Broaddus and William O'Gara. Thanks to all.
[See the People, Places and Events page to view some examples of articles that were submitted for the 2012, 2013 contest.]

Second Annual History Essay Contest - June 2013 - Winners:
2013 History Contest entries were sent in from ME, AZ and VA. [There were no student entries.] The subject matter included memories of growing up in Westbrook, a trip to the local library, biographical sketches of Westbrook immigrants (Italian, Franco-Canadian and Danish) and a farm history.

2013contest
Shirley Direnzo Cleveland accepting 2nd prize for sister Rose DiRenzo Prillaman
and Beth Paulsen-Olmstead, 1st place winner for 2nd year in a row!

Judges for the contest were Roberta Morrill, Marion Broaddus and William O'Gara. Thanks to all.

[See the People, Places and Events page to view some examples of articles that were submitted for the 2012, 2013 contest.]

First Annual History Essay Contest - June 2012 - Winners:
1st Place, Student: Mrs. Card's 3rd Grade Class Congin School for their slide show of "The City of
Westbrook"
2nd Place, Student: Morgan Rielly for his interview with "Arthur and Bill Currier"
1st Place, Adult: Beth Paulsen-Olmstead & Charles Marsters for "511 Main Street", a history of the owners and businesses at that address
2nd Place, Adult: Craig Siulinski for "The Art of Good Business" about the Men's Shop in Westbrook

Entries came from CA, FL, MI, ME and included subjects such as local businesses, families, childhood memories and history. Thanks to all who entered and helped make this a wonderful gift to our City!

1st Prize - Adult	1st Prize - Student	2nd Prize -Student

WESTBROOK HISTORICAL SOCIETY REOPENS AT 426 BRIDGE STREET
March 7, 2012

OPEN HOUSE
(Staff Photo by Sean Murphy)

Mrs. Eleanor Conant Saunders, 91, a founding member of the Westbrook Historical Society, performs the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Grand Opening of the Society's new quarters at the Westbrook Community Center. Mayor Colleen Hilton assists.The Society recently completed a move from the second floor of the American Legion building on the edge of Riverbank Park to the Fred C. Wescott building..

open house3

The festivities were attended by a many

open hoiuse4

Society members and supporters.

	SUPPORTING	LOCAL AUTHORS
		On Saturday June 3, 2010 the Westbrook Historical Society was proud to host a "Meet the Author and Book Signing" with our own member, Andrea Pacillo Vasquez as the honored guest. *Remembering Westbrook: The People of the Paper City* by Andrea M.P. Vasquez Containing a collection of Andrea's "History Matters" columns previously published in American Journal, along with never before published chapters, this book relates stories about historic Westbrook citizens. Books are now available at area book stores and at the Historical Society (see Gift Shop page).
	PROGRAMS

	Cats, cows, coins, Westbrook artists, French Christmas decorations, bells, shoes (ceramic only!), bells, thimbles, Avon bottles, bears and Civil War newspapers were some of the items displayed and discussed by the Society members when they took part in the program on Collecting, on October 7, 2009. It is wonderful to have outside speakers but it is also fun and informative...(the things we learn about our fellow members!)...to have programs which are totally presented by the membership! [The Cow Collection, presented by Ruth Knight, walked off with the 'grand' prize!]
	JULY 25, 2009 Declared "Rudy Vallée Day" in Westbrook


	Eleanor Vallée arrives in 2009 ------------------------------------- Rudy Vallée arrived in 1930

	Eleanor Vallée and husband Byron Clark

	Mayor Chuluda welcomes Eleanor and Byron. He read the City Proclamation which named this date "Rudy Vallée Day" and rededicated the area as "Rudy Vallée Square".	Eleanor addresses the audience, relates stories of Rudy's youth in Westbrook and unveils her gift to the City.

	The Mayor unveils the new signs. A new look for Rudy Vallée Square!	A bust of Rudy is presented to the City by Eleanor (with the Mayor and Rudy's nephew William Vallée).
	The Historical Society hosted a special Rudy Vallée Exhibit which was attended by close to 200 visitors.
		The main exhibit included a Rudy Vallée Christmas tree (as seen further down on the Activities page), 1920s vintage clothing, a Victoria with Rudy's records on display, the infamous megaphone and raccoon coat, a University of Maine pennant and photos of Rudy in his Navy uniform (age 15!) and in his Coast Guard uniform of WW II.
	The Vallée family was remembered in photos of the family and the family Pharmacy which stood in Vallée Square from 1910 - 1970. Yearbook clippings of Rudy (WHS 1920), sister Kathleen (WHS 1917) and brother William (WHS 1929) highlighted their scholastic careers. Both homes that the family lived in were shown...then and now. Kathleen is well remembered by many Westbrook residents who took piano lessons from her at the home on Monroe Ave. William, the youngest child, was know for his cartoons and for helping manage his brother's career. (William's son attended the festivities.)

	The Radio Years	Stage & Screen Years

	Historical Society President Donna Conley with Eleanor, Byron and William Vallée. All three graciously signed autographs, had their photos taken and visited with Historical Society guests following the band concert in Riverbank Park.	Jerry Brooks, leaders of The Westbrook City Band, presents Eleanor with a framed program of their Concert in the Park dedicated to Rudy Vallée
	DEDICATION OF THE PHILIP LAVIOLET MILITARY COLLECTION

	Mayor Bruce Chuluda, Philip LaViolet, Commander Bruce Staples
	THE PHILIP LAVIOLET MILITARY COLLECTION was dedicated at the May meeting of the Society. Over forty people were in attendance to witness this event honoring life-long Westbrook resident, Philip LaViolet. Among those in attendance were Mayor Bruce Chuluda (who wore two hats as he is also Commander of American Legion Post #62), Commander Dana Staples and David Martin representing American Legion Post # 197, Mrs. Philip (Constance Meloche) LaViolet and their 2 daughters, and longtime friends Mr. & Mrs. Philip Mailhot (from the St. Hyacinth Historical Society which Phil LaViolet founded in 1988). Phil has put his heart and soul into preserving and updating this piece of Westbrook history for future generations. A reception honoring Phil followed the program. The Society and the City thanks you, Philip LaViolet! [For more information about Phil, see the Collections page]
	SCHOOL VISITS

	One of the favorite activities of the Westbrook Historical Society volunteers is to play host to our 3rd graders from Congin School. The students come to the museum before they start their course on Westbrook history. Volunteers show them the kitchen equipment that Grandmother used when she had to cook “from scratch” and bake on the wood stove. They learn about the Westbrook dairies that used to deliver milk in glass bottles to the door. They see how clothes were washed in the large wooden wash basin. Grandfather also worked hard, they learn, making nails by hand and cutting boards with small hand saws, all of which were on display and demonstrated by Society volunteers. School practices (such as sharing of books and the use of slate boards) and strict schoolroom etiquette and discipline are demonstrated. The children get to play with old time toys like Jacob’s Ladder, wooden clamp-on skates and pick-up-sticks. Each child leaves with a bag containing a home-made molasses cookie, a pencil and a pamphlet telling the history of Westbrook. Everyone has a grand time!

Rudy Vallée Commemorative Stamp The Westbrook Historical Society collected signatures for a petition to have a commemorative stamp honoring Westbrook's 'native' son Rudy Vallée, the first American crooner. Eleanor Vallée, Rudy's widow, started the process and asked for the Society's assistance. Hopefully somneday we'll see a stamp with his picture on it. Thanks for your support!

Westbrook Festival of Trees

Westbrook Historical Society prior themes:
(Click on the line above to see the trees)

2015: Lest We Forget Those Who Serve
2014: Santa Claus is Coming to town
2013: Mooey Christmas and a Happy Moo Year
2012: Westbrook Remembered
2011: Oh, You Beautiful Doll
2010: Hats Off to Christmas
2009: You've Come A Long Way, Baby
2008: Heigh-Ho Holidays (a Rudy Vallée tree)
2007: Baubles & Beads (old jewelry)
2006: Gonna Buy a Paper Doll That I Can Call My Own (paper dolls & scissors)
2005: Ringing in the Season (Bells)
2004: Home is Where the Heart is (House pictures & hearts)
2003: Silver Threads Among the Gold (Old pictures of Westbrook)

It is always fascinating to see the great ideas that people use to work up a theme! The creativity is amazing, and it seems that no year is without a totally unique exhibit! A typical example is when our Boy Scouts decorated their tree (with knots they had tied) for a "Knotty Christmas." Speak about "creativity!"

The proceeds from the Festival of Trees support local charities. The event is held at the Westbrook Warren Congregational Church on Main Street, downtown Westbrook

History of the Event
The Festival was established in 2001 by Patricia Elwell Wilson (Mrs. Robert Wilson) to honor the memory of her mother Beatrice M. Elwell.

Businesses and organizations pay to sponsor and decorate a Christmas tree. Each tree must have a theme and the decorations must reflect that theme. The trees are then put on display at the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church where the public may view them during a week long festivities.

There are teas, a festival feast, breakfast with Santa, a sleigh ride and entertainment every evening. Most activities are free (except for the festival feast and a luncheon) and over $30,000 has been raised since the Festival’s start. All of this money is donated to charities that benefit Westbrook residents and to help finance Westbrook Together Days.

Click HERE to access an archive of decorated Trees from previous years.