Maine Gov. Percival Baxter was born and brought up in what is now Baxter House Museum. Robert Lowell / American Journal
Baxter museum welcomes public for tours
Baxter House Museum is open for tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through August.
Built in 1797, the house passed through several owners before being purchased by Dr. Elihu Baxter in 1812. Baxter’s family eventually moved to Portland.
The museum was the boyhood home of James Phinney Baxter who, in 1908, gave Gorham the library named in his honor and the family home as a museum. Baxter was the mayor of Portland and the father of Maine Gov. Percival Baxter.
When the museum was founded, James Phinney Baxter furnished an entire room with family-owned furniture and books, and Gorham residents donated countless objects to begin the collection, according to the museum’s website. The Baxter Museum continues to acquire and display items related to Gorham history and tries to portray how the former occupants would have lived.
The museum at 67 South St. is also open by appointment by calling 839-3878. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
The Few in concert
The Few will perform in a free summer concert from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, on the lawn at the gazebo in front of the municipal center at 75 South St.
Gorham Recreation Department sponsors free concerts Tuesdays through Aug. 9.
Fall risk program
Physical therapist Michael Smith of Village Therapy will present a program on fall risks at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, at Lakes Region Senior Center, 40 Acorn St. Admission is free, and those attending are welcome to bring a friend.
50 years ago
The American Journal reported July 12, 1972, that St. Anne’s Church was sponsoring a dance July 21 through Casco Bay Lines, with Al Reali and his group providing the music. Tickets were $7.50 per couple and proceeds were to be used to pay for tables in the church’s parish hall. Betty Cizek was taking reservations.
U.S. taxpayer debt
The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on June 29 that the U.S. public debt was $30,471,945,407,032.54.
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