Artists, historic homes, niche farmers, old bridges – they are in abundance in Oxford County, but are too often overlooked, according to Toni Seger, a founder of Western Oxford Foothills Cultural Council.
To draw more attention to what the county has to offer a tourist or resident seeking beauty, history or novelty, Seger has completed a cultural map that stretches from Brownfield to Upton and east to Hartford. It guides visitors to antiques shops, museums, theaters, and llama farms, and it directs people on historic walking tours through downtown Norway, Waterford Flat, Bethel Hill and Paris Hill.
The map is filled with descriptions such as: “Brick Church (1852) Lovell, Considered finest of its style, in brick, in Oxford County. Scheduled events include music during summer,” and “Greenwood Ice Caves, Geologic wonder, underground labyrinth of ice caves was favorite 19th century picnic spot.”
Seger, who lives in Lovell, hopes the small folding map jazzes up cultural and historical tourism in this area. “The only thing that seems to get promoted in this state is the coast,” she said. “There is so much in the state that people don’t know about. Where we are in western Maine, we have this magnificent scenery that has been a magnet for creators all these years,” she said, resulting in a dense history and some beautiful architecture.
Promoting tourism in western Maine is also on the governor’s economic development agenda. Gov. John Baldacci created in early September a task force to launch tourism in quiet corners of the state.
Jeff Sosnaud, deputy commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, said, “We want to make sure the prosperity that comes from tourism can be spread to other areas as well.”
A study commissioned by the governor recommends creating and promoting themed itineraries, much like Seger’s, except along the lines of nature activities, such as birding or fishing. Both Seger and Sosnaud claim that the tourism they are pitching will not ruin the quality of life that people here value so much.
Sosnaud said, “We’re not talking about major developments here; we’re not talking a theme park approach.”
Seger said cultural tourism actually helps protect the culture, by valuing its heritage, its people and what is already here.
“It assesses the indigenous resources,” she said. “An active cultural environment is essential to build pride in a local community, and it is a major attraction for business investment and home buyers.”
Seger researched the area for about a year to create the map, drawing upon many people’s opinions as to what to include. She has a key that marks mines, horticultural centers, galleries, historic sites, craft outlets and other area attractions. Various organizations, including the North East State Foresters Association and the Maine Arts Commission, helped fund the project.
Randall Bennett, a historian at the Bethel Historical Society, verified the map’s dates and descriptions. “I think one of the best things about it is it is an up-to-date overview of attractions and historic sites in Oxford County,” he said.
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