The cover and book design were created by the author. The colorized photo on the cover depicts Portland Street around 1907, showing Elmer Brackett’s Hardware, Mary Howe’s Millinery & Fancy Goods, and the Fryeburg Fire Department. Postcard: Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Company, from a glass-plate negative courtesy of the Penobscott Marine Museum, Searsport. ME.
The book's narrative emphasizes the value of storytelling as well as the effects of historical events on individuals and locations.
The book is a 400-page visual tour. History opens with a period of erupting volcanoes and changing landscapes. The settlement bears the Pequawkets' description of the Abenaki as "pushed up through hill." The settlement was established by immigrants who had fought against the British in 1776 after the French and Indian War. There was doubtful loyalty, and the settlers left dilapidated cabins made of wood from old-growth forests. Timber was coordinated by riverdrivers around the Saco River watershed. Citing the Greek poet Hesiod, scholar-farmers from Harvard and Dartmouth Colleges came to preach and instruct.
Native Americans who spoke Algonquian and Iroquoian frequently referred to North and Central America as "Turtle Island," which is a symbol of life and their spiritual conception of creation.
Covering Vast Distances
"Portage" by Winslow Homer
The Abenaki people lived in what is now Vermont, New Hampshire, parts of Western Maine, parts of Northern Massachusetts, and parts of southern Quebec. They were known as the People of the Aurora Borealis, or morning of the north. They possessed expert farmers and navigators, intricate hierarchical religious, political, and social structures, and potently expressive artifacts.
The Husking Party
Eastman Johnson
Welcome! Welcome! Welcome home, Children of Fryeburg,
Children of the children of Fryeburg,
all who love any of the children of the sons Or daughters of Fryeburg,
A cordial, a hearty welcome home
` ASA CHARLES
Centennial Celebration of the Settlement of Fryeburg, 1916.