LEWISTON — The Androscoggin Historical Society has named two rooms at its new headquarters located at 93 Lisbon St. in honor of two persons who transformed the society during its 100-year history. Clarence March will be honored in one of the library rooms, and Olive Morrill will be recognized in the front parlor and display area, announced President David Chittim in a news release from the society member Bev Robbins.

Clarence E. March was president of the society from 1950 to 1953 and then served as executive secretary and curator, a volunteer position that he held for 22 years until his death in 1975 at age 83. At that time the library in the county building was named for March.

In 1966, the American Association for State and Local Historical Awards presented a certificate of merit after a review of the society’s holdings. This was given for its phenomenal growth in the previous five years, “making it a model of all such societies in need of revitalization; particularly for the excellent classification and arrangement of its collections made under the supervision of its gifted curator, Clarence E. March,” according to the certificate that was presented to March.

March had taken over the museum in 1953 when it consisted of one poorly lighted room with six old showcases. After his stewardship, the society filled three rooms and overflowed into the corridor. March was a retired manual arts teacher; he installed lighting and built cabinets and racks for display.

Morrill raised the possibility of a home for the society, when on her death Jan. 5, 1983, she left to the society her home on the corner of Court and Prospect streets, as well as $100,000, the income of which would maintain the property or for other purposes.

The society decided not to keep the house as it was not large enough for the collection, the layout was not appropriate for a museum, the location made for difficult access and inadequate parking, and the financial bequest was insufficient for its maintenance. The society kept several items from the house and auctioned the rest.

This is the basis of the society’s current endowment. This bequest enabled the society to hire part-time staff. Nevertheless, the society also continues to rely on board members, student interns, and volunteers to help it function.

Morrill graduated from Edward Little High School and from Mount Holyoke College. She was a member of High Street Congregational Church, of the board of trustees at the Auburn Public Library, Woman’s Literary Union, Auburn Art Club, Woman’s Hospital Association of CMMC, and a life member of Androscoggin Historical Society.

 

 

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