The Brick Store Museum holds more than 30,000 pieces of archival material written by historic Kennebunkers. A Voice from the Past shares from the collection.

Cynthia Walker, executive director

This week’s entry is from historic Town Clerk Andrew Walker, who kept a detailed diary for decades about his observations of people in town. The original document is held by the Kennebunk Free Library; digitized versions can be found at the library or the museum. These entries narrate what was happening in July of 1860.

1860:

July 13

Mowing machines are quite common now in this vicinity. Mr. Tibbetts who lives at the Landing, says he is agent for the manufacturers of Manny Mower has sold more than twenty this season. Other agents for other mowers have also sold machines, but I do not know how many. The price for a one horse mower is $75, for a two horse from $95 to $100. John Elwell, Abram Currier, and Daniel Maddox, have each a two each a two horse mower. They work their machines two horses and a boy for R5 a day or fifty cents an hour.

July 19

In 1848 or twelve years since Rev. Handle G. Nott moved from Bath to Kennebunkport and became pastor of the Baptist church in that village. He from that time has had charge of the pastorate until within a few weeks, he has moved his family to the interior of the State of New York. I think the name of the town is Avon. His ministrations at the Port have been generally if not entirely satisfactory and considered an excellent pastor and an uncommonly good man. It is said that he left the Port in order that his children might have better advantage of high schools.

July 23

Capt. John Mason of Kennebunkport now owns the old Michael Wise house recently owned by Capt. Jeremiah Paul. As the house and barn is out of order, Capt. Mason has workmen employed in putting it in order for one or more tenants.

July 25

Capt. Edward Stone returned home to-day after an absence of nearly five years at sea. Mrs. Kilborn has each of her daughters with their husbands, now in the village:- Robert Smith, Capt. Oliver Smith, Capt. Noah Nason and Capt. Edward Stone. Her daughter, widow of the late Capt. John Shannon lives with her.

July 28

The “Triumph” engine company from Biddeford numbering about fifty men with a band of music came to this village this morning in carriages. The fire engine company here escorted them into town, through the principal streets of the village and then furnished them with a luncheon in the Mousam Hall. The Biddeford company then went to the Port, where they had arrangements for chowder. Both companies were dressed in uniform and made a fine appearance.

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