DIXFIELD – In 1804, writer Nathaniel Hawthorne was born, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark launched their infamous expedition, and the 12th Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution.

But after Saturday, June 7, one admittedly lesser known event from Maine history will stick in the minds of River Valley residents: Dixfield’s first annual town meeting, which occurred on March 12, 1804.

As part of the town’s 200th birthday Bicentennial Celebration, a varied group of residents will present a one-act, fictional re-enactment of that special meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday in the Dirigo Middle School cafeteria.

Dubbed “A One-Act, Slightly Historical and Fairly Hysterical Re-Enactment,” the play was written and directed by local actress and playwright Nancy O. DeMilner.

“It’s a pretty neat play,” said Norman Mitchell of East Dixfield. Mitchell plays Revolutionary War Capt. Amos Trask, who was actually a major, according to Dixfield history.

Trask was also the owner of the “Old Yellow Tavern.”

“It’s kind of neat to have a little perspective view of what life was like at that time in the history of Dixfield. I’ve never been in a play in my life, so this is a brand new experience. We’ve had three practices and my part was changed, so I had to relearn my lines,” Mitchell said.

As the play opens, it is about 9:30 a.m. Monday morning on March 12, 1804, just nine months after Dixfield was incorporated (June 21, 1803) and 16 years before Maine achieved statehood.

The men, who include several farmers, tavern and mill owners, a justice of the peace, Revolutionary War soldiers, and women – all playing the roles of wives – are excited about being new citizens of Dixfield, according to the program.

“Surprises occur as the first town meeting unfolds and there is suspense about the future of a certain black hog,” DeMilner said.

The play follows four families as they prepare for the first town meeting.

“Everyone is busy getting ready for the big event,” especially the families of Capt. Amos and Lucy Trask, Jacob and Patty Newton, Peter and Mercy Holman, Lt. Caleb and Ruth Park, and Lt. John and Mary Stockbridge, the program states.

The historic meeting was held in the home of farmer Levi Newton, played by Toni Bucci of East Dixfield. Newton’s home stood on the Common Road, once the center of Dixfield.

Located nearby is the newly constructed house of Peter Holman (played by descendant Peter Holman), who would become the town’s first highway surveyor. Incidentally, this house is still standing, 200 years after it was built.

Not only were the men anxious to get down to the business of governing their new community, but “the whole town is waiting to receive the books promised by Dr. Elijah Dix – books that will be used to open a public library for the townspeople.

“Afterall, we changed our name from Holmantown to Dixfield and Dr. Dix had better prove his worth,” the program added.

Costumes were provided by Diane Ray.

Dixfield’s real annual town meeting will also take place at the Middle School, starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 7. A quilt show, organized by Catherine Calef, will be held all day at the Dixfield Congregational Church on the hill.

For more information, call 562-8151.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link