In an effort to keep a bit of history, cultural and
literature alive and well in Raymond, the Hawthorne Community Association will
host their annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 29 at the Nathaniel
Hawthorne House at 40 Hawthorne Road in Raymond. The event will begin with a
guest speaker at 6:30 p.m. followed by homemade strawberry shortcake, coffee,
punch and a social hour.
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| Nathaniel Hawthorne house in 2007 |
Briefly, Hawthorne’s boyhood home was built around 1812 by Richard
Manning, who was an early settler in
Raymond and an uncle to Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne is known to
have lived for some years with his mother
and sister in this house, and probably continued to
visit it during his years at Bowdoin College (1822–25).
Many are aware that the home was eventually converted into a church, but few
realize that it was also a tavern.
Former Windham High History Teacher and the guest speaker
for the evening, Terry Christy, will present his talk: “Taverns, Shanties and
More” about the home’s incarnation as Colonel Scribner’s Tavern in the
mid-1800’s. The community will also learn about the time when canal boats and
stagecoaches were the most modern means of travel and people needed places to
rest for the night. Christy is a known to have an entertaining and informal
style you will be sure to enjoy.
Donations for the event are $10 per adult or $5 per child (8
and under). All proceeds go to preserve and maintain the Nathaniel Hawthorne
boyhood home. Although walk-ins for the event are welcome, reservations are
helpful for planning purposes. Please make your Strawberry Festival
reservations before June 24th at e-mail jmanoush@twc.com, call
207-655-7660 or text 207-756-9260.
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