W.W.&F. Discussion Forum
General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: James Patten on February 08, 2010, 07:25:22 AM
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2010 is 250 years since the forming (incorporation?) of Lincoln County by the Massachusetts General Court in 1760. This year there'll be year long celebrations. The website for the celebration is at http://www.lincolncounty250.org (http://www.lincolncounty250.org).
When Lincoln County was formed, it was the second county (York being the first) and covered pretty much all of Maine from the Kennebec north and east, to where ever the border was at the time. Pownalborough, the town which now covers Wiscasset, Dresden, and Alna, was incorporated a few years earlier.
The first "event" of the year was Sunday the 7th, a talk given by Les Fossel, W&Q RR Company treasurer, on old meeting houses and churches in the county. There are more events coming up in February.
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Does anyone have any thoughts on how the WW&F Railway Museum might participate in this celebration later this year?
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Two thoughts that come to mind: expand the Annual Picnic to two days, with demonstrations at Alna Center and activities at Sheepscot, and expand the Victorian Christmas to two days as well. The Victorian Christmas would b a great way to wrap up the year-long celebration.
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Wayne is on the right track. The 250th Anniversary was discussed on the "steam machinery show" thread. In that thread Ed Deere had a nice idea to have a special joint event with another historic group, possibly the Maine Antique Power Assoc. Another possible group to invite would be an antique car club for a display of antique cars and trucks. Either one of these groups could be invited to the Annual Picnic. The other group could advertise the event along with the WW&F for better coverage. The extra displays would be a good draw factor for visitors. The old engines and old cars and trucks could be worked into special photo shoots at Sheepscot and AC.
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I like that idea, especially having activities at BOTH locations!
Having working engines/vehicles gives people something to do AT AC, reason to get off at AC and stick around awhile. ;)
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I can see the annual picnic being extended to a second day. The Victorian Christmas may be something different. Depending on weather, things could get complicated in December. If we have snow like we did 2 years ago, it could be tough going.
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Antique farm equipment and steam powered saw mill exhibits are real popular in my area. One show draws 12,000 to 15,000 people each Fall. If there is a historical logging or saw mill group in Maine, they could set up at AC. The WW&F Museum Board would have to make arrangements with the land owners to use the areas to the East and West of the railroad. The Lombard Log hauler could visit. Of course it would look better in the snow but there would be less visitors in December. As Mike said December can be a tough time for outdoor events. The picnic may be the best time to provide some new exhibits for the 250th Anniversary.
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FYI the annual picnic already goes two days, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday attendance is usually half or less the Saturday attendance. If someone would like to have something different happening at Alna Center, you're welcome to suggest/work on/organize it.
We discussed at the board meeting Friday and there's no desire to go to two days for the Victorian Christmas. Twice the expense for half the return. And remember Vict Christmas is free.
We are however inquiring to the 250 committee to see there'll be a parade day, and that weekend make it "Lincoln County Weekend" at the museum. Again, if somebody has something to suggest, we'll welcome the suggestion but even more so if you want to help make it happen!
We're already listed in the 250th literature as running trains all summer.
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Sounds like what James and the board discussed is spot on -- be part of the 250th celebration and publicize the museum by promoting existing museum events. This could be a great opportunity to promote the annual picnic and have a celebration during one of our normal operating weekends. Perhaps the one-day Victorian Christmas could be a closing event for the 250th anniversary year.
- Bill
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If there is a parade the Museum can have something in it. We did well last July 4th, bringing home a first place award from the Wiscasset parade. I'll help with a parade exhibit if I am in Maine when the event is held. I guess it would be held in Wiscasset, does anyone know?
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I believe it is supposed to be in Wiscasset - but date and location is still under discussion, AFAIK.