SUMNER – The historic Increase Robinson Library has received a new flag from Kennard Hicks, grandson of the original librarian. The flag was flown for the first time on Tuesday, June 6.
“The library is the recognized repository of genealogical data and historical material for Hartford, Sumner, Buckfield and the old Butterfield Plantation,” says chief librarian Bobbie Peters.
Researchers from around the nation come to Sumner or contact Peters seeking information on their ancestors. The collection continues to grow as local families contribute old papers and photographs. Those who use the library for research often contribute copies of their finished works.
Connie Cushing leads conservation efforts. June Davis, Kennard Hicks, Betty Marston, and Guri Stenson help Peters in cataloging the works and making them available to the public.
Besides its extensive historical collection, the library has an interesting collection of more modern material. Lucien Robinson, great-great grandson of Increase Robinson, contributed the core collection of the library to the towns of Hartford and Sumner.
Deacon Increase Robinson, who was one of the original 21 settlers of Butterfield Plantation, arrived in 1783. He constructed the area’s first sawmill on the Nezenscot River across the road from his home.
The present house, built in 1785, was the first framed house in the area. The original houses were made of logs. The mill continued in service until well into the 20th century.
Dr. Lucien Robinson was an Episcopalian minister. His goal was to provide material to the citizens that would enable them to get the equivalent of a Harvard University education at a time when few could afford the expense of college. He bought the building and donated it, along with his own 25,000-volume library, to the people of Hartford and Sumner in 1931.
Peters said many illustrious families trace their roots back to the area. “For instance, Sumner’s first town meeting was held in the home of Deacon Josiah T. Stetson. He was the progenitor of the Stetson Shoe and the Stetson Hat family,” she said. The name lives on with Stetson Brook in Sumner and Stetson Road in Hartford.
Home schoolers, researchers, and those just looking for something good to read visit the library, which is open 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June through August. The library is on routes 219 and 140 near the Hartford line in East Sumner.
Peters, who can be contacted through the Sumner Town Office at 388-3866, frequently opens the library to accommodate researchers.
Comments are no longer available on this story