In a 1991 play, Otisfield Community School students recreate an 1849 boating party on Saturday Pond, in which 19 people tried to fit into a 15-foot boat. Will Rogers (with paddle) plays Peter Wardwell, who got the blame for rowing the boat in circles. The Otisfield Historical Society will show a film of the play at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Town Office.

Society to air film of 1991 historical play

OTISFIELD – The Otisfield Historical Society on Thursday, Sept. 25, will present a reshowing of a 1991 play originally performed by the students of the Otisfield Community School. The film presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Otisfield Town Office.

The original play, titled “Otisfield History,” was written by teacher David Reichenbacher. The 1991 performance was the joint product of months of work by the school, historical society and the community.

The play featured 17 skits, each showing a piece of town history. Every child in the school, from kindergarten to sixth grade, took part. Every teacher in the school delved into local history.

Some of the older citizens in town were interviewed for their knowledge of past events and old songs, such as “The Old Kitchen Kettle.” Residents searched through their attics for props. Mothers and others sewed Indian costumes and long skirts.

The result was an hour-long festival of town events featuring town characters like fox hunter Jon Britton, flat earther Joe Holden and Dr. Horace Barrows, who ran into problems when he tried to introduce smallpox vaccinations.

All are welcome to attend the Sept. 25 showing, especially those who were involved in the original play. The historical society has prepared a printed script for the benefit of those who may wish to “read along.”