The old Hale House still stands at 248 Duck Pond Road. George Hale built the oak frame house, above, in 1775. The house was once used by teamsters en route from New Hampshire and Vermont to Portland, a long and rough route in those days.

The Hale family kept a special supply of rum on hand for these weary travelers. It is said that at times these teamsters would get up on a cold morning and find Indians curled up around the fireplace for warmth. In later years the Hale property was acquired by the Pride family. Charles and Cora (Woodbury) Pride resided in the house most of their married life. Both Charles and Cora were descended from early settlers, the Prides, the Hales and the Woodburys. The house once had a large, central chimney with six fireplaces and a brick oven, but the chimney was taken down in the 1930s because it was thought to be a fire hazard.

This historic old house is still well maintained by the current owners.

Research and photo courtesy of Mike Sanphy.

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