FARMINGTON — The Farmington Historical Society with host an exhibit recognizing the 123rd anniversary of the great fire of downtown Farmington from Thursday to Saturday, Oct. 22 to 24, at the old Sun Journal office on Main Street, next to Tranten’s.

The fire started on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 22, 1886, in a barn
containing 45 tons of hay. It was located next to the railroad tracks
on the west side of Pleasant Street, now the street level parking area for
the Granary Restaurant. The fire was catastrophic and burned three
churches, the post office, three hotels, 42 business, 32 dwellings and stables
and left 96 families homeless. All printing of newspapers ceased as
both offices burned.

The exhibit will include photos that showcase the downtown prior to 1886, the ruins after the fire and photos that show the rebuilding that occurred after 1886.

“It is fascinating to see the streets, businesses and people before the 1886 fire. The pictures of the ruins show that this was a catastrophic event in Farmington and allows us to show the public some of the fantastic photos in our collection,” said Farmington Historical Society member Taffy Davis.

Nancy Porter, historical society curator, pulled the pictures and slides together, as well as created a map showing the burned area and businesses. The map and a reprint of the Wilton Record dated Oct. 27, 1886, will be available. The exhibit is made possible from a grant from the Western Mountains Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.

There will also be a scavenger hunt for children. Parents will need to assist their youngster in following a map to locations related to the 1886 fire. A map, locations and descriptions as well as a card to stamp can be picked up at the exhibit site. After visiting the eight downtown locations and stamping their card, the card can be returned to the exhibit site where the child will receive a certificate to recognize them as a “Young Farmington Historian.”

The exhibit will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 22 and 23, and from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Oct. 24. For more information, contact Taffy Davis at 778-4275.