LOVELL — Hidden deep in the foothills of Maine, the Lovell Historical Society is a gem of knowledge and discovery. Lovell is a quiet town, the kind most people just drive through. But Lovell, tucked along Route 5 and between Stoneham, Sweden, Waterford, Fryberg and Stow, has much to share.
Outside of the Lovell Historical Society’s shingled barn and white-painted house and ell. Abigail Shedd photo
The Society occupies the historic Moses Hutchins House in North Lovell. The Moses Hutchins (or Kimball-Stanford) house was built in 1839 by Moses Hutchins. Later, in 1867, Elbridge Kimball purchased it, built a second staircase, and extended the ell. The Lovell Historical Society now owns the building, which it has carefully curated into a museum, which is open to the public on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
The town of Lovell was founded in 1800 and is named after Captain John Lovewell. It was initially focused on timber harvesting, but Lovell’s bustling population of 1,339 dropped to 693 after most of the woodlands had been clear-cut. Many decided to go west to Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where forests were more abundant than in Maine.
The town shifted to the tourism industry, building hotels, and converting houses into inns. A notable hotel is the American House, once located in Center Lovell, constructed in 1832. It was a popular destination for sightseers to rest. However, it burned down several years later; in 1904, and a gas heater was suspected of having caused the blaze. Today, there are still a few old-fashioned inns scattered around the town.
The organ in the living room of the historical society in Lovell, with door open beside it and cream-colored walls. Abigail Shedd photo
For those living year-round, a need for children’s education was prominent, and the town of Lovell built several one-room schoolhouses over the years. The schools were simple wooden structures that served as not only a means of education, but also a place for the community to gather.
“I think you can find excitement in any history of a small town,” remarks Cathrine Stone, president, and curator of the Lovell Historical Society. “Lovell, particularly, has some great stories to share.”
The Lovell Historical Society, founded in 1974, is a place for people of all ages to gather and learn about the incredible history of Lovell. The rooms are decorated in the style of the 1800s, and local individuals and families have generously donated many different artifacts. The wonderful and knowledgeable curator is always ready to help make a visit unforgettable.
The Lovell Historical Society is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays or by appointment. For more information about the Lovell Historical Society, visit its website.
The Lovell Historical Society is also looking for two college-aged summer interns. For more information and how to apply, contact lovellhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
The loom inside the barn of the Lovell Historical Society, wooden walls, and floor. Abigail Shedd photo
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