1970 Sesquicentennial Celebration

In 1970, Hartland celebrated the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of its February 7, 1820 Incorporation as a Town.

Hartland Sesquicentennial & Shaver Permit Pins

Hartland Sesquicentennial Pin (Courtesy of Sam Fuller)

Hartland’s Sesquicentennial Steering Committee spent many, many hours planning the upcoming event led by Chairman Merrill A. Moore.

(L-R) Front Row: Merrill Moore | Marilyn Carr | Arland Stedman | John Plummer | Edgar Woodman

Back Row: Steven McNichol | Wayne Libby | Burton Jones | Keith Tapley | Vaughn Stedman

Numerous events were scheduled throughout town over the weekend of June 26th-28th to mark the landmark anniversary however nature was less than cooperative with an abundance of rainfall over most of the weekend. Many events had to be postponed or canceled, but the citizens of Hartland still managed to hold the Sesquicentennial Parade during a break in the rainfall as well as many of the rescheduled celebration events.

Originally Scheduled Sesquicentennial Program of Events

The Sesquicentennial History of Hartland by Wayne Libby is a masterpiece of research materials compiled together into words and photos. His research is the founding base from which all further research of Hartland’s history has been developed and recorded to this website. We are forever indebted for Wayne’s incredible work and dedication on this project.

Front Cover – Sesquicentennial History of Hartland – 1970

Merrill A. Moore – Sesquicentennial Chairman & Master of Ceremonies

John Plummer ready to lead the Parade

Preparing for the Parade

Sesquicentennial Royalty

Jim’s General Store – St. Albans

Unity Raceway – Unity

W. H. Moore & Son Woodworking – Hartland

John Plummer leads the Parade past Steve’s Gulf & The No Beard Jail

Vi’s Variety Store – Hartland

Hartland Tanning Company – Hartland

Silver Bells (Unknown)

Steeves-McCormack American Legion Post No. 141 – Hartland

(Unknown)

Sesquicentennial Royalty

Thut’s Express – Bangor

(Unknown)

Hartland Baptist Church – Hartland

Piscataquis American Legion – Guilford

Hartland Academy Alumni Association – Hartland

Hartland Grain & Grocery – Hartland

Scott-Webb Memorial Hospital – Hartland

(Unknown)

W. H. Moore & Son Woodworking – Hartland

Hartland Public Library – Hartland

Andy Lawrence Rupp Sales – St. Albans

Hartland Tanning Company – Hartland

Big Indian Lake Association – St. Albans

Pine Tree Christmas Club

Period Costumes for the Parade

Elmer & Beatrice Littlefield in period costumes with their son Chris Littlefield in Carriage

Sesquicentennial Royalty – Sesquicentennial Queen Susan Wyman with Julie Crummett

Hartland Sesquicentennial Steering Committee Final Report

January 24, 1971

To the Citizens of Hartland, Maine; by consensus of the 1970 Hartland Sesquicentennial Steering Committee a final meeting was held on this date at 7pm at the Town Hall. Present were Vaughn Stedman, Burton Jones, Leroy Rollins, Wayne Libby, Edgar Woodman, Arland Stedman, Steven McNichol, Richard Nichols, and Merrill Moore.

Final reports indicated that all our advertising sales accounts were settled, all of our bills paid, and an unexpended balance of $601.51 turned over to the town. There is a small amount due us from the State Sesquicentennial Committee as our share of proceeds from our sales of State Sesquicentennial car plates.

All records, films, and other memorabilia pertinent to our celebration, are packed in a special container and stored in the town vault for posterity. There are plenty of history books left for sale. There are also two 16mm narrated documentary color films, one to be kept in the Sesquicentennial vault, and the other kept available from the Town office on request.

Our committee voiced several suggestions for the future benefit of our town. A sustained community cleanup program by some permanent responsible organization. A short local history course provided by our local schools including each town in our school district. A continuing recording of our Town’s history for our next history author, perhaps by our library. A town museum room in our library whenever space is available.

Ours was almost entirely a ‘home talent’ project all the way. Its outstanding success was made possible by the tremendous public spirit and cooperation of our townspeople and friends. Professional observers pronounced it the best they had seen, especially the parade, the antique display, and the history.

This, then, is our ‘swan song’. We thank you for electing us and we hope you are pleased. To posterity and the next steering committee, good luck!