A Super Load of Wood

By Ernest H. Knight

While engaged in the search for information for past local history, the following came to light.

It was of Raymondtown and happened here as our old timers had ingenuity, a sense of humor and a cooperative spirit.

Wood was essential to the early settlers of Raymond and
much of the summer months were spent building wood
piles to heat homes during the colder winter months.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

So, in the 1700s when the preacher had received little monetary pay but a generous share in the produce of his parishioners, a load of slab wood was being hauled by ox cart to his dwelling for fireplace fuel. Another of the men of the town asked why the driver did not haul a real load for the parson, that he had plenty from his mill from which he could take as big a load as he wanted.

Taking the person who offered at his word, he enlisted the aid of friends and neighbors, built a sled of two trees over 30 feet long for runners, a platform between them of equally adequate proportions, and went to the mill for loading.

They pitched into the pile and what they considered to be a reasonable load was the whole pile, some 40 cords, which was hauled to the parsonage with 160 oxen hitched four abreast, a line of pairs of oxen for each runner. Needless to say, the local parson had plenty of fuel for some time, the participants had the satisfaction of a job well done, and the mill owner had room in his yard all over again while contemplating his generosity.

Wood was essential to early settlers and the occupation of “gumming” the spruce forests or “pitching” the pine woodlands for both personal and business quickly arose.

When the bark or cambium layer of a coniferous tree is damaged there is a bleeding of the internal sap, most profuse in the spring of the year when new growth is being fed or stimulated. This is comparable to the sap tapped from deciduous maple trees that provides the makings of delicious maple syrup or sugar as a home-grown substitute for the once expensive and scarce raw or refined sugar imported from the more tropical climates.

Though bitter in taste rather than sweet, spruce or pine products had many medicinal uses that have now been replaced by the multitude of synthetic replacements that make us all so healthy today.

The collection of resin bleeding from these coniferous trees, caused by natural damage or intentional stripping of the bark during timber harvesting, was once a productive enterprise as was the tapping of the maple tree of the north and the rubber tree of the tropics. It was a profitable sideline for the many men who labored in the woods, guided hunters or fishermen, or those who were familiar with the lore of the woodlands when there was slack time in their normal activities.

For this work, little was needed other than the investment of a little time and the property’s ownership was of little importance.

Items made from wood were in great quantities in 1700s-era Raymond. The ax handle was a tool that was in continuous use in every household and occupation. Raymond even had its own ax handle factory, one of which currently remains as a garage on Main Street but was previously located on Panther Run.

But changing times and the development of more sophisticated design or heating materials made residents less dependent upon wood and wood products.

Today more and more of our cleared lands are returning to forest although hardly back to the quality and size once available and important to the growth of Raymond and the country.

This article was written by the late Ernest H. Knight, one of the founders of the Raymond-Casco Historical Society and contained in his book “Historical Gems of Raymond and Casco.” It was submitted by the Raymond-Casco Historical Society and articles about Raymond history from the historical society will appear regularly in The Windham Eagle newspaper. To find out more about the Raymond-Casco Historical Society, call Frank McDermott at 207-310-0340. <

Fall remains a great time to make garden improvements

By Kendra Raymond

Now that the first frost has arrived and fall colors have mostly passed, area gardens are taking on a brownish-yellow hue. Fall cleanup is well underway and property owners are busy raking and trimming expired plant material from their gardens and yards.

Invasive Blue Flag Iris plants are removed
from a Raymond residential gardening
space during a recent fall garden cleanup.
PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND

Aside from the typical garden maintenance, fall can be a great time to work on improvements and projects that are often neglected during summer. Unseasonably warm temperatures provide the perfect conditions to prepare for next spring’s growing season.

As a horticulturist, I recommend tackling a substantial list of projects as part of the fall clean up routine. This practice puts home gardeners ahead of the game.

Let’s explore a few steps home gardeners can take right now to get a head start on spring gardening.

Weeding

Even though weeds are not actively growing or spreading, beware of latent weeds in your garden. A harmless weed can have a large root system or millions of seeds just waiting to spread. It’s simple enough to pull the weeds and dispose of them away from the garden area. For pesky weeds, especially in large areas, you may want to consider laying black plastic or a dark colored tarp. Make sure to secure the material well with landscape pins or rocks. When spring arrives, don’t be too eager to remove the covering. Leaving it on as long as possible will eliminate the chance of regrowth. At my place in Raymond, I am currently trying to smother a very aggressive shrubby area that contains invasives such as Barberry and Bittersweet.

Thinning

Perennials and shrubs can spread rapidly, and you can lose the once-manicured appearance of your garden. While some gardeners appreciate a natural look, keeping the plants under control is most always a good idea. Fall is a great time to neaten up your garden beds and eliminate any overgrown plants that are aggressively spreading. We recently battled several gardens that were being taken over by Blue Flag or Siberian Iris, a native flowering plant that can spread into wetlands. The task was tedious and involved a lot of physical labor cutting the roots and lifting hundreds of pounds of plants out of the area.

Soil testing

Fall is an ideal time to get your soil tested if you suspect any deficiencies, and to make note of the acidity. The University of Maine offers a soil testing service where you simply request a kit, collect the sample, and mail it back in. Within a couple of weeks, you will receive a comprehensive soil analysis complete with recommendations. Once spring draws closer, simply amend the soil with the necessary nutrients, and your garden will be ready for a productive growing season.

Pests and diseases

The late season is the perfect time to reflect on your garden health over the past summer. Did you have any diseases such as powdery mildew, rust or black spot? How about pests? Did you notice a lot of grubs, Japanese beetles, or chewing caterpillars? Now is the time to start thinking about control methods for next season, because they are likely to return. Make note of the pests you encountered and take that with you to a local greenhouse or garden center where experts can help you find the products to protect your plants.

The website of the iconic publication the Old Farmer’s Almanac offers a few additional ideas to supplement your fall garden clean up:

· Before it gets too cold, take care of your garden shed, pots, tools, and equipment.

· Turn off the water to the hose and drain it completely if you’re in an area where leftover water could freeze.

· Pumps and fountains should also be removed, cleaned, and drained before storing.

· If you have a lawn mower or string trimmer, drain out the gas.

· Clean, sand, and oil your garden tools before storing them for the winter.

· Clean out cold frames if you use them for a head start on spring vegetable growing.

· Remove canes and other plant supports; wipe off soil with soapy water, let them dry, and store them in a shed or garage.

· Bring ceramic and clay pots inside, or they may crack in freezing temperatures. Dump the soil on your garden bed and sterilize the pots with a diluted bleach solution.

· Don’t stack pots; it’s hard to get them unstuck in the spring.

The University of Minnesota shares some information on dividing perennials here: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/dividing-perennials while the University of Maine’s Cooperative Extension provides links for home gardening publications at https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/home/garden-and-yard/.

To order a soil test, visit the University of Maine Soil Testing Service at https://umaine.edu/soiltestinglab/ <

Mom Moments: The Unique Perspective Through a Child’s Eyes That Can Open Adult's Eyes

By Melissa Carter

Having children has a lot of ups and downs. Some days are filled with fun and laughter and other days it’s tears over what seems like everything. But one thing that is for sure is there is a special wonder in the extraordinary way they see the world around them. Their perceptions are unfiltered, their curiosity boundless, and their imaginations limitless. They view life with a sense of wonder and excitement that often fades as we grow older. By exploring how children see the world, we can learn to appreciate the simple joys and marvels that surround us every day.

Children have an inspiring way
of finding magic in the simple
things around them, something
many adults forget to do as they
get older. PHOTO BY
MELISSA CARTER 

To a child, everyday life is filled with magic and wonder. Ordinary objects and events take on extraordinary significance. A cardboard box isn’t just a box; it’s a spaceship, a pirate ship, or a secret hideout. A walk in the park is not just exercise; it’s an adventure filled with potential discoveries, like a particularly shiny rock or an oddly shaped cloud.

Children’s imaginations transform the mundane into the magical. They see possibilities where adults see limitations. This ability to find wonder in the simplest things reminds us that joy can be found anywhere if we are willing to look for it.

Through imaginative play, children learn to solve problems, explore different roles, and develop their creativity. They might pretend to be a doctor, a firefighter, or a superhero, experimenting with different scenarios and outcomes. This imaginative play is not only fun but also essential for their cognitive and emotional development.

Children are naturally curious. They are constantly asking questions about the world around them, seeking to understand how things work. This curiosity is driven by a desire to learn and explore. Why is the sky blue? How do birds fly? What makes the wind blow? Their questions may seem endless, but they are a testament to their desire to understand the world they live in.

This boundless curiosity often leads to delightful discoveries. A child might spend hours watching ants march in a line, fascinated by their organization and teamwork. They might be captivated by the way rain forms puddles or how shadows change shape throughout the day. This insatiable curiosity is something that many adults lose over time, but it is a reminder of the joy that comes from learning and exploring.

Children view the world with a sense of innocence and honesty that is both refreshing and profound. They have not yet learned to filter their thoughts and feelings, so they express themselves openly and without reservation. If a child thinks something is funny, they will laugh out loud. If they are sad or upset, they will show it without hesitation.

This unfiltered honesty can lead to some unexpected and often humorous moments. A child might bluntly point out that someone’s hair looks funny or that they don’t like the taste of a particular food. While these comments can be surprising, they are also a reminder of the value of honesty and being true to oneself.

Children have a remarkable ability to see the good in everything and everyone. They are naturally optimistic and tend to focus on the positive aspects of life. A rainy day might be disappointing to an adult, but to a child, it’s an opportunity to splash in puddles and play with umbrellas. A small setback might be quickly forgotten as they move on to the next exciting activity.

This positive outlook extends to their interactions with others. Children are quick to forgive and forget, and they often see the best in people. They form friendships easily and are willing to give others the benefit of the doubt. This ability to see the good in everything is a valuable lesson for adults, reminding us to focus on the positive aspects of life.

For children, joy is simple and unpretentious. It can be found in the smallest things, like a favorite toy, a funny story, or a hug from a loved one. They do not need extravagant experiences or material possessions to be happy. A child can find immense joy in playing with a cardboard box, drawing with crayons, or running through a sprinkler on a hot day.

This simplicity of joy is something that many adults struggle to remember. As we grow older, we often complicate our lives with unnecessary stress and worry. Children remind us that happiness can be found in the simplest moments and that it’s important to appreciate the little things.

Children live in the present moment. They are not burdened by worries about the past or the future; instead, they focus on the here and now. This ability to be fully present allows them to experience life more intensely and enjoy each moment to its fullest.

This focus on the present is something that many adults struggle with. We often find ourselves preoccupied with past regrets or future anxieties, missing out on the beauty of the present moment. Children remind us of the importance of mindfulness and being fully engaged in the present.

Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is a refreshing and enlightening experience. Their sense of wonder, boundless curiosity, unfiltered honesty, and ability to find joy in the simplest things offer valuable lessons for us all. By embracing these childlike qualities, we can learn to appreciate the magic of everyday life, find joy in the present moment, and approach the world with a sense of curiosity and optimism. In doing so, we can reconnect with the simple joys and marvels that make life truly special. <