FAYETTE – “In the Good Old Summertime” was the theme of a collaborative effort in Fayette during May and June. It included events of 1867-68 recorded by Chandler Young in his journal, as well as plans of Skylar Curtis, grade four, about her summer plans.

A mixture of memories and plans past and present was included in three public programs. On May 13 the Fayette Historical Society met to reflect on old-time summers in Fayette. June 9 Michael Cooper, Chesterville, provided body motion training for students during an assembly at Fayette Central School. Grade five students were preparing to be six of Fayette’s famous Herefords. The program was funded in part by a grant from the Maine Humanities Council.

On June 11 the annual spring music program was performed at the Fayette Central School gym. Seventy-five students shared thought about past summers and their dreams for 2003. Prekindergarten through grade five students performed favorite songs and historical skits.

Summertime favorites included camping, fishing, baseball, visiting family and riding bikes.

Unique historical elements to Fayette included Underwood and Gile family Herefords. Oscar Young writings, and characters like Davis Mosher. Students chanted verses and chorus to “Who’s Dave Mosher?” while Alex Rose, grade four, expressed Uncle Dave’s strength and pranks using body motions, and ended with his own present-day trick – riding his unicycle down the aisle and into the school hallway.

The annual program June 11 was directed by Kim Ellis, music teacher. A pond scene was designed by Margie Bruen for the background. A lighted American flag was loaned from Republic Gem and Jewelry, Auburn, and provided a background for the closing songs.

Smokey Bear made a surprise visit, shaking hands with people in the audience and with the students singing his song. Narrator Thomas Ventrella, grade five, reminded all about fire safety. The destructive fire of 1947 was remembered, starting in East Livermore and heading toward Wayne village.

The unique Hereford cattle breeding and raising of the Underwood and Gile families was remembered by a large display of over more than 1,000 ribbons won by Elmer Gile from 1897 to 1932. It was on loan from granddaughter Barbara Chase of Wayne.

Hanging a May basket was a favorite activity years ago. At the close of the program, a large basket was ‘hung’ on all the teachers by the students. Most students filled a pocket with wrapped candy and thought this old-time tradition was fun.

Senior citizens at their meeting May 13 remembered Tootsie Rolls of the past and thought the current wrapped ones very small and not worth a penny.

Historical notes from the collaborative project are available from Sue Rich, president, Fayette Historical Society, at Underwood Library.