I arrived home from work last week to find an envelope with my name on it at the door. Within, along with a handwritten note, was the Fall 2023 report of the Lincolnville Hills Project, an organization I was not previously aware of. 

And so, on this lovely autumn morning, I found myself at the end of a dead end road, making my way into the woods. Well I suppose the road is not truly a dead end, as I found myself on the remains of a road, the remains of a long abandoned neighborhood. Rock walls hidden in the underbrush; trees growing out of the cellar holes, where once families raised animals and children.

Crossing an ancient bridge across a hillside brook, the woods opened up to a field, much more open than last time I was up here; someone has been doing some clearing of the scrub trees which had been taking over the field. Re-reclaiming the land.

I had made my way to Poverty Knoll, the site once upon a time of Lincolnville’s poor-house. But what a view those residents must have had, overlooking Lake Megunticook. Here, also, can be found the Bear Cave, hidden amongst rocks above the Turnpike portion of Route 52.

This walk was inspired by the work that the Lincolnville Hills Project is doing. In coordination with Camden Hills State Park rangers, these volunteers are targeting four sites in the Lincolnville side of the park designated historic sites, used for agriculture by early Lincolnvilians. Cameron Field, Cameron Knoll, Millerite Field, and Poverty Knoll have all become quite overgrown, and the wonderful views afforded have become impeded.

I spent many summer hours on Cameron Mountain as a kid, hiking along the old road past hidden cellar holes with my dad, munching Necco wafers. There he would load up buckets with blueberries, while I washed down the Neccos with as many berries as I could, a la ‘Blueberries for Sal’.

The Millerite field is where the local followers of William Miller greeted the dawn on October 22, 1844, expecting the end of the world, and, well, it is known as The Great Disappointment. The world went on, and their Lincolnville neighbors helped out the Millerites, many of whom had neglected to plant their crops that year. When someone needs help, you help them.

The Lincolnville Hills Project has recently been established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, served by a board overseen by David Kelly (president), Dwight Emerson (secretary), and Hayden Sears (treasurer).

A resolution presented to and accepted by the Select Board on October 24, 2022 states: “Be resolved that the Town of Lincolnville supports the goal of recovering and maintaining historical hilltop sites that have been incorporated into the Camden Hills State Park system. These scenic historic sites continue to provide hikers, skiers, picknickers, birders, hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and wildlife itself the necessary open space for multi use recreation and fire protection. Preserving these historic sites, and the treasured values they provide the community, are important for both current and future generations.”

Naturally, the kind of work needed to reverse so many years of neglect will take cash and volunteers. Donations can be made to: The Lincolnville Hills Project; c/o Hayden Sears, D.V.M., Treasurer; P.O. Box 47; Lincolnville, ME 04849.

Next Saturday, October 7, they will be having another work party, for anyone who enjoys clearing brush, or more importantly, giving back to the community. Contact Dwight Emerson at (443) 285-2857, or at dwight_emerson@msn.com if you would like to help.

And if you know how to find them, check out these fields- serious hidden gems, and part of a forgotten Lincolnville, and where you won’t be mobbed with tourists.

A Book for Spooky Season

Lincolnville author Elizabeth Hand’s newest novel, A Haunting on the Hill, releases this week. The first novel authorized by the estate of the great Shirley Jackson, Liz’s book returns to the Hill House, the cursed mansion that starred in Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House in 1959. 

The original is probably the most perfect ghost story, but I have full faith in Liz’s ability to do the original justice, and make it her own. Early reviews seem to agree. Get your copy wherever you get books, or, if you must, on Kindle. I was lucky enough to get a copy early, and look forward to digging into it as soon as I finish this column.

Liz is the award-winning author of 19 previous novels and five collections of short fiction. And an all around cool person.

Good luck to everyone putting their garden to bed, stacking wood, and prepping the home for winter. The nights are getting chilly, and some have even given in and lit an evening or morning fire. Keep an eye out for your neighbors, especially those who might be getting on in years and might appreciate a hand. Reach out to me at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

CALENDAR

Monday, October 2

Historical Society Museum open 1-4 p.m., 33 Beach Road

School Committee, 6p.m., Walsh Common, LCS

Tuesday, October 3

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Harbor Committee, 5:30p.m., Town Office

Wednesday, October 4

Historical Society Museum open 1-4p.m., 33 Beach Road

Library open 2-5p.m. 

Friday, October 6

AA Meeting 12 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Historical Society Museum open 1-4 p.m., 33 Beach Road

Saturday, October 7

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, October 8

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 11 a.m. worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway