BETHEL – Items for the Bethel Historical Society’s St. Never’s Day Sale on May 29 are beginning to appear. Anyone with items in good condition (no clothing) that they wish to donate should leave them on the back entrance to the O’Neil Robinson House, 10 Broad St. If pick-up is necessary, call the office, 824-2908, to make arrangements.

The third session of the winter/spring course, “Canada and Northern New England,” was held April 15 at the regional history center. Some of the major themes of the course, the concept of a borderland, the importance of neutrality, alliances, conflict and smuggling, were part of the discussion of the 19th century.

New England, which opposed the War of 1812, was not centrally involved in the war, although trading with the British and smuggling were part of the history of the time. Part of eastern Maine was also occupied by the British. The northeast boundary was a major point of discussion.

One of the major figures in the controversy was the Mainer William Pitt Preble (1783-1857), born in York, graduated from Harvard College, studied law and became a lawyer in Alfred and Saco before moving to Portland. He was U.S. attorney for Maine before becoming a member of the Maine Supreme Court in 1820. He resigned from the court in 1828 to take President Andrew Jackson’s appointment as minister to the Netherlands.

From then on he focused on the northeast boundary, being one of the most forceful supporters of the American claim, which benefited Maine. Eventually Maine had to compromise on the settlement of the boundary, which divided the 12,000 square miles between Canada and the United States.

Later it was found that the American claim was the one that was proposed by the treaty that ended the American Revolution. The Civil War brought fears of an American invasion to the north, but except for some not significant raids, there were few long-term consequences except to spur the British to establish what became Canada in 1867.

The next and final class will be held on Thursday, April 29, and will deal with the 20th century where trade and fishery questions were among the issues of interest during that time.

Further information about the society and activities may be obtained by calling 824-2908 or 1-800-824-2910 or e-mailing [email protected]. Additional information can also be obtained by checking the Web site, www.bethelhistorical.org. The mailing address is P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012.