FARMINGTON – Every 10 year old had a harmonica back in the 1920s, according to Maurice Hovey. Not every 10 year old went on to win awards, play gigs, or carry six harmonicas on his belt like Hovey did, however.
“You might be someplace and need to play in a different key,” Hovey said, explaining his six-harp belt, similar in style to a cartridge belt.
He carries them with him at all times, tucked beneath his jacket, in case he needs to strike up a tune. He’s been requested to play at birthday parties and church gatherings and even at several funerals.
“I’m gonna play at my own someday,” Hovey said. “But I’m taking it one day at a time.”
Hovey will turn 100 on August 13. He has spent his entire life living in the same house in Farmington, on a road bearing his family name. From horse and buggy to car, and one-room school house to Mt. Blue Campus – Hovey has seen a lot of change over the last 100 years. He graduated from Farmington High School in 1939 and can still sing the school song loudly and proudly.
After graduating he got to work learning the ropes of his father’s dairy business, which he would later take over. He switched to raising beef cattle a few years later so that he could take up a second job in town. Hovey worked for 32 years at the Farmington Farmer’s Union, and 10 years for Franklin Savings Bank.
“But the outdoors is the place for me. It’s not as easy as it used to be,” he said.
Despite the test of time, Hovey has chopped, split and stacked all his own firewood up until last summer. And he can still wail on the harmonica as well as any bluegrass star.
Hovey taught himself how to play, saying he just blew into it until it started sounding good. He won his first talent show at a visiting medicine show in town when he was only 12. He’s also been an annual winner at Farmington’s Summer Fest Talent Show.
“I really enjoy playing for people. Once I start playing, I see that pleasant look on their face, and they relax and forget their problems,” he said.
Maurice is a wonderful person and a phenomenal harmonica player. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with all of us!
I’m proud of you Mr. Hovey…
You are an amazing guy…I remember lots of winters delinering your mail in wintertime..and you would be out there dragging wood out with a hook…stay young…God Bless
Maurice Hovey: the nicest fella you’ll ever meet. When he worked at the Farmer’s Union, he was as congenial as anyone. And he always was such a positive man. Never really knew him, because I don’t think anyone ever really knew him. He wasn’t a hermit, just a peaceful, quiet man.
Until you gave him a hamonica.
i’m glad Maurice is in our community. I’ve played with him a few times. He does a fine job.
Thank you for sharing this story
We (the Town) need to do something special for Maurice. How about Grand Marshall in the 4th parade? How about a feature in the Town Report? Other ideas? Editor: What year did he graduate FHS?
I love Mr. Hovey! I remember him from when as a young child I would go into Farmer’s Union with my Dad. He was always so kind to us. I especially appreciate him coming to both of my parent’s graveside services and playing the harmonica to honor them, what a special thing to do! I have enjoyed our visits with him at his homestead. What a wealth of knowledge one can glean from being in his presence. He amazes me for so many reasons. May the Lord give you many more years to be a blessing to others! <3
Maurice entertained people at a few Maine Maple Sundays at Black Acres Farm. Always a treat.
Quite amazing, I love harmonica!. Amber, is there any way you could make a short clip of Mr. Hovey playing and post the url? I would love to hear him. In fact, someone with the right equipment should record him talking about and playing his harmonicas for posterity! Steve Muise?
Wonderful story🙂
Excellent idea Joan. Mr. Hovey is a local, county, and state cultural treasure and deserves to be recorded for posterity.
I,be. Been. Playing. Harp. Since. 1953(. Still. Have. The. One. I. Bought. For. $…3.75…..still. Love. It…..would. Like. To. Hear. You. Play. Sometime…….
C
Maurice is one of a kind.
There was no doubt that among the more than dozen contestants in last summer’s Summerfest Talent Show I helped Susun Terese preside over last simmer that Maurice was the audience’s favorite even though most there probably had no idea that he was almost 99.
Both of his sons have also won acclaim as talented musicians, Donald as an opera singer, David as the long time supervisor of the SAD #54 (Skowhegan area) music program.
When uncle Maurice was in his seventies he recorded 3 records. He sang and played on them
Such a special man. He was a dear friend to my Gram for many years until she passed. He’s considered family to me. His music brings such joy to everyone who hears it. Doing something special for his 100th would mean so much to him.
Maurice has been a good friend for many years and has attended our church. He loves the Lord and desires to serve Him. We are so privileged to be a part of his life.
Mr. Hovey is a local treasure! He used to visit my grandmother often when she was in a nursing home in town. He always has a smile on his face and a kind word to share!
I think Maurice deserves to have the Boston Post Cane . Presented to him in honor of his 100th birthday .
Love this man and he is definitely loved by his community. Morris is always willing to sing and play his harmonica, and he is good at both!. He is a great person, always smiling. Thanks for sharing this story.💙
I grew up in Farmington Falls and spent many pleasant times at the Hovey Farm playing with Maurice’s son David. Maurice and Bea were always very pleasant and welcoming! Later in life learned that David and I are 4th cousins! I also remember Maurice’s father Lewis Hovey. Certainly it is always a pleasure to hear Maurice play and often he is accompanied by son David on the piano. Many fond memories and wishing the very best for Maurice as he approaches the century mark!!
Maurice is such a treasure to this community.
Mr. Hovey also plays the Banjo beautifully and is mean cribbage player. He deserves to be honored.
Maurice is a treasured foundation of our community. I always appreciated his help at the Farmers Union. His patience, knowledge,creativity and wit made every interaction special. I too support special recognition for him and hope to see a video link of his music. Congratulations and thanks for all you have shared to our community.
A truly remarkable man! ! !
Pete Tracy
Maurice graduated in 1939
I remember playing cribbage with Maurice and visiting with him when he used to visit one of his friends in Wilton. He would come and take his friend Erik who was 12 years older for rides. My husband used to bring his sister Marilyn to your house to visit you. Thanks for the memories Maurice. God Bless.
Rod and Sheri