HARRISON – The Scribners Mill “Back to the Past” celebration this weekend will offer two special events in honor of Harrison’s bicentennial this year.
Throughout the weekend, the Bridgton and Harrison Railway narrow gauge steam locomotive will offer rides in its open passenger car, courtesy of the Harrison bicentennial celebration. The locomotive will be joined by other steam-operated engines, a model steam railroad and a Stanley Steamer automobile.
Also in honor of the bicentennial, barnwright Scott Hatch will host a tour of Harrison’s historic barns. Tours begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and will take about six hours, returning to Scribners Mill for lunch. Hatch will lead an in-depth inspection of four barns each day, discussing the history and styles of early Maine barns, structural assessment and repair options. Participants are encouraged to preregister by calling Hatch at 583-6455. There is a $35 fee for the barn tour.
The celebration, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 6 and 7, also offers demonstrations, workshops, tours and food.
Half-day workshops will be held on Sunday for a $25 fee. Workshops include basketry, Kumihimo braiding, tatting, red work embroidery, stenciling, woodcarving and blacksmithing. Participants in each workshop will create a unique project to bring home. For more information, or to register, people may call Marilyn Hatch. There will also be free workshops for children in felting, weaving and making gourd birdhouses.
For the second year, antique dealer and appraiser Harry W. Hepburn III will be available on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. The public is invited to bring in family heirlooms and other antiques for appraisal.
Other events include ox team demonstrations on Saturday, timber frame demonstrations, and a pig roast and baked bean supper at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Barbara Delgaard will perform at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Admission fees of $5 for adults will benefit Scribners Mill Preservation Inc., a group working to restore the 1847 Scribner’s sawmill. Scribners Mill is located one mile south of Bolsters Mills on Scribner Mill Road in Harrison.
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