FREEPORT

Generally only opening its doors to the public once a year, Pettengill Farm and its house in

Freeport is welcoming guests for a series of guided tours this summer.

Owned and curated by the Freeport Historical Society since 1975, the farm is one of the few sites on the Maine coast to provide an untouched glimpse into the past. Overlooking the Harraseeket River on 140 acres of undeveloped land, the farm is the perfect site for a summer history lesson.

“This is a very special property,” said curator/collections manager Holly Hurd, who acts as tour guide. “People like to walk on the trails out here, which are open to the public. Most people know of the house, but fewer are aware of its history.”

Dating back to around 1800, the property functioned as a saltwater farm and brick-making outpost for the bulk of the 19th century.

“We’re not sure how commercial it was, but there was a very large wharf down by the river, so we suspect there was some commercial activity,” said Hurd.

The house was bought by the Pettengill family in 1877 and transformed into a dairy operation, most recently run by Mildred and Frank Pettengill, who were sister and brother. They ran the farm until the late 1950s, when Frank became sick. Mildred continued to live on the farm until 1970.

“She was in her mid 80s when she left,” said Hurd. “There was no electricity, and she had to walk 100 feet from the house to haul in water. It’s fascinating to think that she was the last resident there.”

The property has since been deemed a “study house,” which means the interior has gone untouched and you can see the layers of history within.

“The outside hasn’t seen any renovation besides new clapboards and paint, cedar shingles,” said Hurd. “But the inside looks just like it did when the Penttengills were there. There is still no power.”

The bedrooms even contain what Hurd calls “sgraffiti,” pictures and words that were etched into the plaster walls underneath the wallpaper.

“In the ’70s historical society members found etchings of ships, rigging, whales, birds,” said Hurd. “They are very detailed and unusual.” The etchings are thought to be linked to British frigates from the War of 1812.

Nine archeological digs since 1975 have allowed the Freeport Historical Society to rebuild replicas of sections of the farm. They have rebuilt the privy shed, which was used for wood storage and bathrooms, and there are plans to rebuild the old barn above the original foundation. They may even rebuild the wharf, one day.

“It’s a ways out, but one of our long-term goals is to have a landing spot so people can come into the farm by canoe or kayak,” she said.

For now, tours of the house and surrounding farmlands will tell the tale of the property and help to preserve its future.

The first tour is Thursday at 10 a.m. To find dates and times for additional tours, visit freeporthistoricalsociety.org/event/pettengillfarm and-house-tour. Signup is available online.

bgoodridge@timesrecord.com