TURNER — An artifact from Turner’s past will be riding on the Turner Museum and Historical Association’s float in the Fourth of July parade, along with a North Turner couple.
In 1792, resident John Keen erected what is known as the first sign to welcome visitors for what he announced as “Entertainment for Man and Horse.” The sign includes Keen’s name and the place for “refreshment and rest” was at his residence on what is now known as Upper Street and is reported to have flourished for years.
During the parade, a direct descendant of Keen’s, Lawrence “Punk” House and his wife Laverna, will ride on the Historical Association’s float and will display a replica of the sign. Punk operated the North Turner Market for decades and served as a Turner selectman for many years.
The House’s recently loaned or donated 25 articles of historical interest to the town, including the original sign erected by Keen. Many of the other items donated or loaned by the House’s were preserved by Punk’s great-grandfather, Elias Keene, who owned property and ran several businesses in North Turner, including the North Turner House, a hotel built of North Turner-fired bricks.
The rooms of the museum, on the fourth floor of the Leavitt Institute Building at the Village Green, will be open following the parade on Saturday, July 4. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. and events on the Village Green are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., and will include strawberry shortcake, a book sale, games for children and an open house at the Turner Public Library on the third floor of the Leavitt Institute Building.
There is an elevator in the building which is handicap accessible.
Food, beverages, entertainment, reading and history will be available.

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