BETHEL – Although the United States and Canada have had a long friendship, that friendship hasn’t always been smooth.

There was the time, shortly after Maine became a state in the early 19th century, when a Maine congressman and judge, William Pitt Preble, proved a “pain in the neck” when the state and Canada were negotiating the border. Preble wanted thousands more square miles in what is now the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick than either Canada or other negotiators agreed would be right.

The result was the bloodless Aroostook War and subsequent Webster/Ashburton Treaty.

Preble and dozens of other colorful characters from both sides of the border will be part of the four-lecture series on Northern New England and Canada that begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11.

Stan Howe, lecturer, knows his Canadian and American history well.

The executive director of the Bethel Historical Society for 30 years holds a doctoral degree in Canadian history from the University of Maine. He frequently teaches college level American, Canadian and Maine history courses at one of the Maine campuses.

The relationship between the two countries, particularly as it relates to the border, has been a focus of interest for Howe almost since he worked at a camp in the province of Ontario when he was a youngster. The evolution of the border between Northern New England and Canada has changed several times and continues to pose challenges even today.

“The border has been an issue for centuries. We talk about an undefended border, but there are all kinds of questions about it,” he said.

Canada is not a rubber stamp of the United States. “It’s a whole different world up there. They see things quite differently than we do,” he said.

The lecture series is open to everyone. Preregistration is encouraged. The $15 fee for Bethel Historical Society members and $20 for nonmembers for the four-part series may be paid during the first session.

Those attending will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discuss the various topics brought up during the four lectures.

“There’s still all kinds of immigration and border problems and issues, but (those attending) may get a better understanding of Canada,” said Howe.

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