In the 19th century, North Windham was not the business hub of town. In those earlier days, many people did their shopping, attended church services and conducted business in Windham Center. The Old Town House was not only used for town business, it also served as a school to many of Windham’s early students. Hawkes’ Grocery was the popular shopping spot and the Windham Center Library was where people did research and got their reading materials.

On Oct. 7, Windham Center will go back in time to those bygone years when the Windham Historical Society hosts a Fall Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on their Village Green at 234 Windham Center Road. This living history village is dotted with some of Windham’s most iconic historic buildings

Guests will be able to tour the Old Grocery Museum, known as Hawkes’ Grocery for almost 100 years. The building itself dates back to the early 1800s. It was purchased in 1838 by local historian and businessman William Goold who opened it as a tailor shop. He sold the business to Alley Hawkes in 1845. Hawkes converted it into a grain store, then a cobbler shop and later it became the grocery store that has been replicated on the Village Green today.

Another town fixture that now occupies the historical society’s property is the South Windham Library. Many may remember this tiny yellow building that once sat on the border of South Windham and Gorham in the Little Falls section of town. It has recently been renovated and now houses memorabilia and reference materials that pertain to South Windham Village and the railroad that was once a dominant factor in the prosperity of that section of town.

The Windham Center Library is another historic building on the green. It is still a work in progress, but people will be able to take a look inside and chat with the building’s steward, Karen Lougee, who will discuss future plans for the structure.

In addition, the village boasts a replica of a one-room schoolhouse of the turn of the century. What was formerly a gun shop, through meticulous research, has been converted into an authentic schoolroom where living history classes are taught. Students lucky enough to have attended classes here have thoroughly enjoyed their little visit to times gone by.

The society has also erected a post and beam blacksmith shop where festival goers can observe the resident smithy demonstrating his trade. Right behind this shop is the hearse house where Windham’s 19th-century town hearse is stored. Guests can take a peek at the vehicle that was used for years by the town’s undertakers to carry Windham residents to their final resting place.

In the center of the village is a gazebo where musical entertainment can be performed. For the Oct. 7 festival, people will be entertained by the Sebago Lakes Ukulele Society in the morning, the Windham Middle School Band and Orchestra at noon and Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection in the afternoon.

There will also be nostalgic events happening on the green like old-fashioned relay races, a pie-eating and a pumpkin-carving contest. There will also be a craft fair – a good opportunity to get an early jump on some Christmas shopping – and food booths where visitors can enjoy a light lunch and some desserts.

This free event is hosted in partnership with the Windham Parks and Recreation Department where living history will be the order of the day, where community will be the focus and young and old alike can experience life the way it used to be.

For more information, contact the Windham Historical Society at 892-1433 or info@windhamhistorical.org.

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