Readfield Historical Society

09/08/2026

UNION MEETINGHOUSE STEEPLE TO RISE AGAIN!!
by John Perry
(Photo below in comments is of UMH c1910 courtesy of Readfield Historical Society)

110 years after being destroyed in a winter storm, the rebuilt spire on the Union Meeting House will take its place on Readfield's skyline on the morning of Sept. 16, 2026. Through the past spring and summer, some of Maine's finest craftspeople have been building the 30-ft tall spire on the lawn in front of the church. On Wednesday Sept. 16, it will be lifted 60 feet to the top of the church belfry. This event will be the dramatic capstone to a series of restoration projects at the "old brick church" that have been on-going for decades.

As part of the day's event, the crane will also raise the 1-ton 1859 George Holbrook bell to the belfry.

Visitors and townspeople are welcome to witness the liftings from the side of Church Road or from the pathway around the Union Meeting House. No spectators will be allowed in the parking lot or immediately in front of the church. Live-stream viewing of the lift will be provided on the Readfield Union Meeting House page.

Dedicated in 1828, the Union Meeting House (UMH) is the 2nd oldest brick church in Maine. The interior contains original trompe l'oeil artwork, colorful stenciled glass windows, and decorative woodwork. A restored E. Howard tower clock is also being restarted. UMH is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Readfield Union Meeting House Company is a Maine non-profit organization, and is an IRS 501(c)3 organization. UMH is at 22 Church Road in Readfield, Maine.

For further information, see the UMH website at www.unionmeetinghouse.org or the page.

09/07/2026

Did you know how the United States got nicknamed "Uncle Sam"? Here's the story...

Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the W...

09/05/2026

In this week's episode of "Readfield History Hour" our host Dale Potter-Clark will read more from her latest book release, "The Declaration." This episode will air a total of six times this week as every new episode does every week. The "Readfield History Hour" on Readfield Radio can be heard at 94.5 FM or streamed live via the link below, on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at at 4:00 p.m. Random reruns of previous shows can be heard on M-W-F every week at 4:00 p.m. You can
stream Readfield History Hour via this link. https://sites.google.com/readfieldmaine.gov/readfield-radio/digital-streaming

08/28/2026

This week's "Readfield History Hour" is a NEW episode, when our host Dale Potter-Clark will read the first four chapters from her latest book release, "The Declaration." This episode will air a total of six times this week as every new episode does every week. The "Readfield History Hour" on Readfield Radio can be heard at 94.5 FM or streamed live via the link below, on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at at 4:00 p.m. Random reruns of previous shows can be heard on M-W-F every week at 4:00 p.m. You can
stream Readfield History Hour via this link.
https://sites.google.com/readfieldmaine.gov/readfield-radio/digital-streaming

08/22/2026

This week's "Readfield History Hour" is a NEW episode, the script from the History Walk on August 8, 2026. This show is about the eleven Revolutionary War veterans who are buried in East Readfield Cemetery. Attached are eight photos of those eleven gravestones. Those not pictured are Charles Atkins of East Mount Vernon, Robert Waugh of Tallwood Peninsula and Thomas Neal of Readfield Depot. This episode will air a total of six times this week as every new episode does every week. The "Readfield History Hour" on Readfield Radio can be heard at 94.5 FM or streamed live via the link below, on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at at 4:00 p.m. Random reruns of previous shows can be heard on M-W-F every week at 4:00 p.m. You can
stream Readfield History Hour via this link.
https://sites.google.com/readfieldmaine.gov/readfield-radio/digital-streaming

08/14/2026

This week's "Readfield History Hour" is about the old roads and transportation in Readfield and Maine. It covers a lot of ground, so to speak, so you may want to take notes or listen to this episode more than once as it will air a total of six times this week as every new episode does every week. The "Readfield History Hour" on Readfield Radio can be heard at 94.5 FM or streamed live via the link below, on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at at 4:00 p.m. Random reruns of previous shows can be heard on M-W-F every week at 4:00 p.m. You can
stream Readfield History Hour via this link. https://sites.google.com/readfieldmaine.gov/readfield-radio/digital-streaming
Several old photos of Readfield roads are included with this post. Enjoy!

08/11/2026

Thanks to all who came out for the W**e N Cheese social on Friday evening. Congratulations to Jerry Bley for winning our volunteer recognition of the year award! Here are a few photos, thanks to Jim Webb. More will be coming from others who took photos that evening.

08/08/2026

A lot of changes and growth in various ways took place in Readfield in 1974 - 52 years ago! Were you there for any of it? If so, tell us your story in the comments below!

08/08/2026

This week's "Readfield History Hour" is about The Allen-Chase family of Kents Hill. It covers a lot of ground about this family including the founder of Chase's Boys Camp on Torsey Pond. The "Readfield History Hour" on Readfield Radio can be heard at 94.5 FM or streamed live via the link below, on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and every weekday at 4:00 p.m. The attached photos are of some Chase family members and of their homes on Kents Hill. Click on each one FMI.
Stream Readfield History Hour via this link. https://sites.google.com/readfieldmaine.gov/readfield-radio/digital-streaming