Travel writers visit historical society

BETHEL — Several travel writers and their spouses attended a symposium at the Bethel Historical Society from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

The symposium was coordinated by Wende Gray and the group was welcomed to the society by President and Board Chairwoman Susan Herlihy on Saturday morning. Randall H. Bennett, society curator of collections and author of "Oxford County, Maine: A Guide to Its Historic Architecture," presented a survey of Maine architectural styles from the earliest in the 18th century to the mid-20th century.

Following the slide discussion, Bennett took the group on a tour of the Bethel Historic District. After lunch, the group gathered in the afternoon to hear historian Stan Howe, Bethel Historical Society executive director and author of "Bethel, Maine: A Brief History," discuss the work of Hans Holzer as a ghost hunter and author of more than 100 books on the subject.

Howe described meeting Holzer while he was in graduate school at the University of Connecticut in the 1960s. He recalled a lecture Holzer gave at that time at the University based on his book "Ghosts I have Met," which inspired Howe to take a lifelong interest in local history and the supernatural.

Following the discussion, Howe led a tour of Woodland Cemetery, which included a glimpse of the interior of the vault, which has not been used for its specified purpose in many years. In the evening, all participants in the symposium were invited to Howe's house, which was dimly lit and featured strange sounds and human forms draped in black cloth which appeared to be rocking in the rocking chairs throughout the first floor of the house.

On Sunday morning, Howe presented a brief journey through New England history titled "New England: Image and Icon," which was followed by a tour by Howe of the Dr. Moses Mason House.

The Bethel Historical Society's e-News is sent free to members and friends. Further information about the Society and its activities may be obtained by calling 824-2908 or 1-800-824-2910, e-mailing info@bethelhistorical.org or visiting www.bethelhistorical.org.