02/24/2009
from the Kennebec Journal
BUDGET CUTS ORDERED
Many happy returns in Richmond
Tax woes land on Whitefield
Rapist denied new trial
AUGUSTA MINDING A MINE
SPORT OF KINGS Falconry a blend of dedication and commitment
COLLEGE HOCKEY: Maine rallies but falls short against Boston College
COLLEGE ROUNDUP: Colby women win season opener at home tournament
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
WEDDING BURGLAR JAILED
Youths talk Turkey Day
Plenty of free Thanksgiving meals available
Turkey prices make for happier holiday
Kennebec County Superior Court
POLICE
COLLEGE HOCKEY: Maine rallies but falls short against Boston College
COLLEGE ROUNDUP: Colby women win season opener at home tournament
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
The Vienna Historical Society has purchased the Waite house -- one of the original houses in Vienna village and birthplace of board game pioneer Milton Bradley.
Society member Carole O'Connell said the group is excited to have a permanent home for document storage and research, as well as the opportunity to display historic objects in a museum setting.
The Cape-style home was built in the early 1800s by the Whittier family on a farm that extended from Route 41 to Flying Pond. The route is also known as Town House Road. Milton Bradley was born in the house in 1836.
Eugene Waite purchased the home in the 1920s. His daughter, Arline, from whom the house and one acre has been purchased, has owned the house since 1949.
The purchase price was not disclosed.
O'Connell called the house "an eclectic blend of the families that have lived there" and said the historical society membership hoped to maintain the progression of history the home reflects.
She said the biggest project the group faces in restoring the building is to reattach the summer kitchen. The group has applied for funding through the state of Maine Historical Facilities Grant Program to help with the cost of restoration.
The building was purchased with the proceeds from the society's annual summer plays, book sales about the town's history and funds from the Dorothy Waugh Trust.
The Historical Society sells two books that they have privately published: a history of Mount Vernon and Vienna by Beverly Wight Smith, and a recent publication by O'Connell, "1898 With Lucy Whittier."
Waugh was the historical society's first treasurer after the group formed in 1980.
O'Connell said they hope to have the museum open to the public at least once a month, beginning as early as this spring.
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