Civil War veteran remembrance program at Norlands

4 mins read
 Israel Washburn, Jr.
Israel Washburn, Jr.

LIVERMORE – The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center presents a special tribute honoring local Civil War Veterans and highlighting Israel Washburn Jr., Maine’s Civil War Governor. This entertaining living history program takes place on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. There is limited seating available. Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 10 and the cost per person is $13.

The program begins with a tour of the 1867 Washburn family home where guests will see family heirlooms and Civil War era fashions on display. After the tour, visitors will adjourn to the ladies’ parlor for a rare opportunity to hear readings from original family letters and songs of the period. Afterwards, guests may cozy up to the woodstove in the historic farmer’s cottage and enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, and homemade desserts such as nutmeg cake and apple pie.

Israel Washburn Jr. (1813-1883), the oldest of ten children born to Israel and Patty Washburn of Livermore, attended the one-room school, worked in his father’s general store, and studied law with his Uncle Reuel. Upon passing the bar exam, he opened a law practice in Orono in 1834 and got involved in politics. He was elected to the state legislature as a member of the Whig Party. He later became a founding member of the Republican Party. After serving in Congress for several terms, he was inaugurated in 1861 as Maine’s 29th Governor. He became known as “Maine’s Little-Known Giant” of the Civil War when he raised more troops per capita than any other state. He was scrupulous in his financial administration and ensured the troops were well equipped and outfitted.

“There was never anything like it. We had no militia-no law of any account-no beginning – 10 days ago – now I have six regiments. The labor of uniforming and equipping is immense,” said Israel in a letter to his brother Elihu dated May 4, 1861.

Washburn enlisted 50,000 men in less than two years. When he declined to be a candidate for renomination, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him Collector of Customs of the Port of Portland. Upon retiring in 1877, Washburn later became president of the Rumford Falls Railroad and also president of the board of trustees for Tufts College in Medford, Massachusetts. The Aroostook County town of Washburn was named in his honor.

Presented by Norlands interpretive staff in costume, the program is directed by Willi Irish, Norlands Director of Interpretation, who portrays her ancestor “Clara Howard.” “Aunt Clara” will share reflections about Israel Washburn’s service during the War. Samuel Boothby will participate in the program and share reflections on Israel from the perspective of Israel’s brothers, Elihu and Cadwallader. Other appearances include Jeannette Macdonald as “Julia Coolidge” (1832-1923), wife of Augustus Coolidge (1830-1889) who was a postmaster and owned a general store in North Livermore and Robin Lewis as “Louese Moore” (1845-1904), wife of local Civil War Veteran William S. Moore (1841-1915). Larry Whittington, a Norlands interpreter who usually portrays school superintendent “Hiram Briggs” will provide piano accompaniment.

Livermore Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 10. To purchase tickets, call 897-4366 or email norlands@norlands.org. There is limited seating and a minimum number of tickets must be sold or the program will be canceled.

The Norlands is located at 290 Norlands Road in Livermore. For more information visit www.norlands.org.

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