LIVERMORE FALLS – As of Friday night, Union Park in Livermore Falls was renamed Geneva Hodgkins Memorial Park in honor of a resident who put her heart and soul into restoring its beauty.

In a brief, dignified ceremony in front of a small gathering during the community’s annual History Night, Hodgkins’ granddaughter, Angela Richards, spoke of how much the honor would have meant to her grandmother.

Although Hodgkins died last year, memories of how she helped spruce up the park will remain, with a sign near its entrance.

The Maine Paper and Heritage Museum was open throughout the event. With the Otis Mill closing at the end of the month, the trip down memory lane in the museum was especially poignant as visitors marveled at the many photos, artifacts and interactive displays.

Antique autos lined both sides of Main Street. Livermore Falls resident and proud owner of a 1929 Model A, Wayne Knowlton, explained that his car’s existence was actually due to former owner Dick Pelletier’s dedication.

“This car had the frame and nothing on it,” Knowlton explained. “He (Pelletier) took it off the body to do the restoration.”

The interior and exterior were both authentic in style and Knowlton expressed amazement at Pelletier’s ability to purchase materials and put them on the vehicle.

He mentioned that the engine had been sent to Portland to have work done on it.

Knowlton, who has owned his antique about 10 years, said he doesn’t drive it much except to events such as History Night. He relished the chance to show it off, and attracted many onlookers, along with the other antique car owners.

The Livermore Falls and Jay Historical Societies had exhibits showing changes in the communities over the years. There were also displays of news clippings, postcards and photos around town.

Many vendors were at street side offering food. For music lovers, several bands played and gave the evening a festive atmosphere. The Moose Creek Cloggers treated spectators to their footwork. Horse-drawn wagon rides were offered.

Several sales and raffle to benefit area organizations also took place. Local businesses took advantage of the event, as patrons flocked to the town.

The Livermore Falls Downtown Betterment Group organized the proceedings.

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