Dixfield enters third century
Mary A. Standard
Special to the Sun Journal

DIXFIELD – Many hundreds of years have passed since the Anasagunticook Indians roamed the primeval forests of the Androscoggin River Valley and 200 years have passed since Colonel Jonathan Holman purchased land in Androscoggin Township 1. The town it became marked its bicentennial this weekend, but not as Holmantown.

Dr. Elijah Dix, another early settler, promised to build a library for the town if the residents voted to change the town’s name from Holmantown to Dixfield. The vote passed, but Dix had moved away. Finally, he was persuaded to mail the town several boxes of old medical books printed in German. Several years passed before a real library materialized in newly christened Dixfield.

In celebrating their 200th year, Dixfield has planned activities throughout the year. The Bicentennial Parade, chaired by Clarice Hodges, was held Saturday under clear blue skies and a warm summer solstice sun. More than 20 groups participated in the procession, and later in the day the Lions Club hosted a barbecue on the village green, serving more than 350 people. Tom Kelly performed songs for dancing after dinner.

The town celebrates a legacy of what earlier settlers accomplished in the growth of Dixfield. The first homes were small log cabins where families were raised and looms stayed busy spinning wool. Weaving was a time consuming task requiring an entire day to weave a few yards. Orchids and gardens provided food for the year. Only once a year was a trip made to Augusta for supplies consisting mainly of hogsheads of molasses and barrels of cod fish. Bartering was the method of buying goods. Candles made from tallow supplied illumination and animal fat was their source for soap. There was no doctor. A housewife serving as midwife delivered babies. Shoes were only worn in winter to prolong the life of the shoe.

But settlers learned to combine visitations and amusement. There were barn raising, husking bees, quilting parties and occasional dances. A fiddler provided the music for dancing. In 1820, the Dixfield Congregational Church was built.

Several patents were issued to residents of Dixfield in the mid-1800’s. Henry O. Stanley invented the Rangeley Spinner lure and Leonard Norcross the Diving Armor. Nathaniel Thomas invented Apple Corer and an apple cutter.

In 1810, the population of Dixfield was 403. Today, the population is closer to 2,600. The next event in this year-long celebration will be an old fashioned revival and picnic on Sunday, July 20, followed by an outdoor market on Aug. 17.

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