The name Narragansett, for those who may be wondering, stems from the early moniker of the area that was incorporated as Gorham in 1764.

The question might arise following the recent stories of gas leaks that evacuated Narragansett Elementary School. The town also has Narragansett Street, Narragansett Game Sanctuary and the town’s former fairgrounds was called Narragansett Park.

Narragansett is a Native American word and a tribal name in southern New England.

Gorham was first settled as Narragansett No. 7 in 1736. It was a land grant from Massachusetts to soldiers and/or heirs of soldiers who fought in southern New England against the Native American chief known as King Philip in the mid 1670s.

For a complete story, read all about it in “History of Gorham, Maine” by Hugh McLellan, available at Baxter Memorial Library, 71 South St.

Rotary tree sales slow

Christine Johnson, secretary of Westbrook-Gorham Rotary, reports that sales of Christmas trees have been slow this year while wreaths are sold out.

The club had last sold trees in 2020 and this year brought in 312, but had sold only 122 as of Dec. 15. The club is seeking ideas from members about how to sell more trees and considering bulk sales.

Members can sign up for sales shifts at Rotary’s lot at the corner of Church Street and William Clarke Drive in Westbrook. Johnson can be reached at 797-3747.

Historical calendars available

Gorham Historical Society calendars for 2026 are in and cost $10 each.

The calendars are available at the Municipal Center, 75 South St.; Baxter Memorial Library, 71 South St.; and North Gorham Public Library, 2 Standish Neck Road.

They make great gifts.

Farmers market Saturday

The winter version of Gorham Farmers Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Gorham Recreation Center, 75 South St.

The market will held the first and third Saturdays monthly to March.

Donate blood

The American Red Cross is conducting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at Harmony Lodge, 33 Cressey Road, Gorham.

For an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767 or go to redcrossblood.org/give.

50 years ago

The American Journal reported on Dec. 17, 1975, that Police Chief Edmund Hagen was honored with a birthday party at his home on South Street. Police Officer John Reed made a birthday cake.