AUTOGRAPH BOOKS

Autograph books were popular from after the Civil War and still are found among school children, especially girls. What can we learn from an autograph book? We learn about the social connections among young people, between the child and adults, and who was within the community at a time in history. We can learn that some things don’t change, while others do. Here we can compare the social circles of two girls of the 1880s and two more of the 1930s.

DEAR LELIA – 1888

Lelia Erdine Crafts (1871 - 1927) was a daughter of Hiram and Esther Crafts of the Arm Road. She married Alva Morton Scribner on July 13, 1893. Joe Hunnewell, in the last entry, was right; Mot did love her! Comments by John Dudley.

If ever a husband you should have, and he this book should see,
Tell him of your youthful days, and kiss him once for me.
Your sister, Harriet – October 18, 1888

Harriet was born in 1865, six years older than Lelia.

Let the road be rough and dreary, and its end far out of site,
Foot it bravely, strong or weary, Trust in God and do the right.
Your sister, A.L. C. January 10, 1888

Ada L. Crafts was a year older than Lelia.

Carrie is my name; Meddybemps is my station,
I’ll marry the man I love, in spite of my relation.
Ever Thine, Carrie – January 1, 1888

When you are married and the baby cross,
Come over to my house and eat applesauce.
Yours truly, May Tyler – April 30

Belcher Tyler had lived at the corner of the Arm and Cooper Roads before moving to the west end of Alexander, north of the Airline Road. May was his daughter.

Let us not love in word, neither in tongue,
But in deed and in truth.
Yours truly, Lillie

A good name is better than silver or gold
Your Friend, Elde

May you through life be happy and free,
As the dancing waves on the dark blue sea.
This is the wish of Lilly Stephenson – January 31, 1881

Lilly was a daughter of Elisha Stephenson.

Never bother trouble until trouble bothers you.
Leon Scribner – December 27, 1904

Leon was Lelia’s son, born in 1894.
Mot loves you,
I think he does, don’t you thing so?
Jos. Hunnewell – Tuf End

Joe Hunnewell was born in 1862 and apparently was a local character. He was a bachelor and his neighborhood was the north end of the Pokey Road.

Just autographs for the following:

Mr. Llewellyn Dwelley - neighbor Hiram A. Crafts - father

William H. Crafts – brother Eddie D. Perkins – son of Wesley

Eda M. Dwelley – neighbor Harry Stuart of Charlotte

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This autograph book was loaned by Mildred (Flood) Holst; thanks for sharing.

DEAR ELLA - 1889

Ella Leahan was born at Calais on June 5, 1874, daughter of Robert and Huldah (Lyons) Leahan. The family lived on the McArthur Road, then called the Lyons or Thistlewood Road in Alexander. She married Frank Flood, was mother of two children (Clinton and Edna), and lived much of her adult life next door to Leila (Crafts) Scribner on the Airline Road. Ella died in 1953. Comments are by John Dudley.

Many kind wishes will be written here,
And none more sincere than mine.
M. Louise McLean – Alexander – December 23, 1889

May the blessings of the old year follow in the new.
Joseph A. McLean – Alexander – December 23, 1889.

The McLeans lived at the Townsend place

May your joy be as deep as the ocean,
Your sorrows as light as its foam.
Very truly yours – Nellie E. Young – Alexander (and Charlotte) – May 24, 1890

When fortunes fail and friends are few,
Say shall I find a friend in you.
Lydia A. Lyons – Lynn, Mass. – November 6, 1890
Lydia was Ella’s aunt and Huldah’s single sister.

May happiness attend you through life.
P. A. Rich – Alexander – December 18, 1889

In Baring the trusting fellow is hard to find,
If you find one that does not flirt,
Please tie a string in the flaps of my shirt.
Yours truly, Marybell Flood – Alexander.

Marybell (1881) was the daughter of Wesley and his second wife, Mary Angeline (Perkins) Flood.

Don’t be deceived by flattering words.
J. B. Lyons – Alexander – December 20, 1889.

James Buchanon Lyons was Huldah’s younger brother. He was named for the president.

Ella, As a slight token of my esteem, Accept these lines from me.

Lovingly yours, Nora Sadler – December 19, 1889

Ma chere ami – My dear friend
If you want to find friends, show yourself friendly.
From your friend that is kind and true,
Charles A. Frost – Alexander – May 16, 1890.

Charles A. (1878) was the son of Charles R. (1831). Charles R. was the youngest son of Jeremiah and Sally Thompson) Frost; He and his sister Clarissa were living in the Lyons home in 1850, explaining the close connection. Charles A’s older brother Silas also signed Ella’s autograph book.

No matter what people may say, No matter what people may think,
If you want to live happy the rest of your days, don’t marry a man if he drinks.
Your Schoolmate, Erdine L. Crafts – Alexander – December 17, 1889.
Leila Erdine was using her middle name here, a practice common among some teenagers. She married Mort Scribner.

A good name is better than silver or gold.
Your schoolmate, Eda M. Dwelley – Alexander October 3, 1890.
Eda, a teacher, married True Varnum, also a teacher.

May your life be long and happy, gentle as a flowing stream,
And your death be no more painful, than waking from a dream.
May your cheeks retain their roses, and your eyes be just as bright,
When some boyish voice shall whisper, “Love me, Ella, just tonight.”
izzie Howland – Calais – August 1891

Ella is your name, Alexander is your station,
Happy is the little man who makes the alteration.
Ever your friend, Amy Flood.
Amy (Perkins) was Gorham Flood’s wife.

When rocks and hills divide us, my face you cannot see,
Take pen and ink and paper, and write a line to me.
Your friend, Mrs. J. D. McGraw – Alexander – March 6, 1891

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble, The name of the God of Jacob, defend thee.
The prayer of your pastor, J. D. McGraw – Alexander – March 5, 1891.
John D McGraw was the pastor of the Methodist Church.

THOSE WHO ONLY GAVE AN AUTOGRAPH

Fillmore Lyons – March 12, 1892.
Millard Fillmore Lyons, single and named for another president, was Huldah’s brother.

Lillie M. Berry - December 17, 1890.
Daughter of Albion K. P. Berry, born 1874.

Silas Frost – Cooper - November 9, 1890
Oldest son of Charles R. Frost.

H. F. Swett, Boston – July 1890

Lizzie Thistlewood – Alexander – June 25, 1893.
Daughter of John K. Thistlewood, born 1877.

Your Friend, Robert Leahan –
Ella’s half brother.

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We thank Norma (Parlin) Reynolds of Machias who purchased this book and gave it to A-CHS nearly ten years ago.

DEAR MARIAN – 1930

Marian Maxine Dwelley was born on January 2, 1918; She lived on the Cooper Road at the top of Spring Hill. She attended Hale School. She married Orris Cousins in 1937. They resided in Alexander except for about twenty years while working in Connecticut. Explanatory information in Italics was put together in 2006 by Marian Cousins and John Dudley. Thanks, Marian, for permission to use this autograph book and for the help in preparing this article

When in this book you chance to look, and on this page you frown,
Remember the one that spoilt your book, by writing upside down.
Your friend, Vera L. Cousins. – July 23, 1930 – Alexander, Me

Marian Dwelley was twelve years old when she kept this autograph book. Vera was Harold Cousin’s daughter and Marian would eventually become Vera’s aunt when Marian married Harold’s brother Orris Cousins.

You asked me to write in your album, but you didn’t say what it should be,
So you should expect nothing better than very best wishes from me.
Yours ever, Linnie McArthur – July 23, 1930 – Alexander, Me.
Linnie was Orris’s older sister and was married to Ralph McArthur.

Our Eyes have met, our lips not yet,
You wait, by gosh; I’ll get you yet.
Evelyn A. Cousins – July 23, 1930 - Alexander
Evelyn Tarbell married Orris’s brother Ronald Cousins. Does it appear predestined that Marian would marry Orris?

While passing through this world, remember the golden rule,
Do by others, as you would have them do by you.
Lovingly, Martha C. Berry
Martha was Arthur Harriman’s daughter and Marshall Berry’s wife.

May you have many happy and prosperous years.
Ada L. Berry
Ada was George Berry’s wife, Marshall’s mother, and lived across the road from Marian.

Friendship is a silken tie that binds two hearts together,
And if we never break that tie, we shall be friends forever.
Ethel McArthur – July 23, 1930
Ethel was Linnie (Cousins) daughter. Ethel would eventually marry Herman Wallace. Marian would become her aunt when she married Linnie’s brother Orris.

I love you much, I love you mighty, I wish your pajamas were next to my nightie,
Now don’t be mistaken nor yet misled for I mean on the clothesline and not in bed.
Gail Murphy – July 23, 1930
Gail lived ‘over the river.’ She was a niece of Marian’s Aunt Della (Ward), ie. Mrs. George Dwelley

When you are feeling sad and blue, and life is so hard you would shake it.
Shift your gears to low, my dear, try again, you’ll make it!
Your teacher for 1930 + 31, Luretta Cottrell
Luretta was from Milltown and a teacher at Hale School.

When you are standing at your tub, think of me before you rub.
Your schoolmate, Florence McArthur – December 1, 1930 - Alexander, Maine
Florence was Fay and Bertha (Cheney) McArthur’s daughter; She married Clifford Shane.

When your husband at you fling, teacups, plates and other things,
Seek relief and seek it soon, in the handle of a broom.
Mrs. Charles Cousins – December 14, 1930
Evie (Keen) Cousins would eventually be Marian’s mother-in-law.

May you never want for butter, may you never want for bread,
May you never have a husband to kick you out of bed.
Belle Carlow

Belle lived at the top of Gooch Hill

Roses are red and violets are blue,
I love you, and so I do.
Your friend, Verna Craft – March 6, 1931 – Alexander, Me.
A daughter of Lester and Gladys (Perkins) Craft, Verna would eventually marry Bob Thistlewood.

Dear Sister,
May you always be happy, May you always be gay,
May you always think of me, when you hit the hay.
Dana Dwelley – March 8, 1831 – Alexander, Me. – Class of ’31
Dana was Marian’s oldest brother.

When your hair has turned to silver and mine has turned to gray,
Let’s carry the smile we carry today.
Love, Ruth Ferguson - 1931
Ruth Ferguson would marry Marian’s cousin Wayne Dwelley.

May you in future years think of the good times we had for a few evenings.
Sincerely, Howard Frost – December 14, 1931 - Woodland
Marian boarded with Howard and his family in Woodland her first year of high school.

When the golden sun is setting and your mind from toil is free,
When of others you are thinking, won’t you sometimes think of me.
Floyd Brownlee, Freshman
Floyd, his sister Helen and brother Harris and family lived just east of the Baileyville – Alexander town line, on the south side of the Airline.

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Pickles are sour, and so are you.
Muriel Frost – December 14, 1931
Muriel was a daughter of Howard and Inez in Woodland.

Roses are red, Violets are blue,
Tulips are sweet and so are you.
Mrs. Libby, December 16, 1931
She was Eva Kerfont’s mother. Eva Libby married Eve Kerfont. All lived on Maple Street in Woodland, next door to Howard Frost.

There was a young man from the city who saw what he thought was a kitty,
To make sure of that he gave it a pat, They buried his clothes, what a pity!
Eva Kerfont – December 16, 1931

Mule in the barn yard, lazy and sick,
Boy with a pin on the end of a stick,
Kid jabbed the mule; mule gave a lurch,
Service Monday in the M. E. Church,
Eva Kerfont - December 16, 1931

2 Y’s U R, 2 Y’s U B
I Care for you, “2” you care for me?
James Arthur Holmes
‘Buster’ was the orphaned child of James Arthur and Vivian (Dwelley) Holmes; Vivian was Marian’s half-sister. Buster was raised by his grandparents, thus was like a younger brother for Marian.

May Health, Happiness and Success follow you through life.
Inez Frost – December 16, 1931
Inez McLellan married Howard Frost in 1922.

Two in a hammock attempted to kiss,
All of a sudden went like this.
Helen Bailey ’35 – Woodland, Maine
Same verse from Cippie Perkins. The word 'this' is written upside down.
Clifford was Morrell Perkins’ son.

True friends like the ivy on the wall,
Both together stand, and together fall.
Ella Rodgers – Freshie – ’35 – December 16, 1931
Ella Caroline Rodgers lived with her eleven siblings west of the Sunset Camp Road in Baileyville.

Here is to the wings of love, may they never lose a feather,
When his little shoes and your little shoes are under the bed together.
Helen Brownlee – Junior – ’33 – December 16, 1931 – Woodland, Maine

Lose not the friendship of a friend in vain, the same lost friendship you may scarce regain.
Friendship once broken like a China bowl, can never ever again be made whole.
You may repair it like a bowl, it’s true, but the part mended will still be in view.
Alas! How often we find it so; the friend we lose becomes our bitterest foe.

Cling to the friendship then you’ve have known and tried, and in no stranger let your heart confide.
For though with many a blessing you abound, The rarest, a true friend is rarely found.
Mr. Hanscom
Wallace Hanscom was a teacher in Woodland; he came from Machias.

‘Of all the treasures we gather along life’s pathway,
Friendships are the most truly golden.’ Gist – 1748
Your cousin, Lillian Varnum – March 22, 1933
Lillian was daughter of True and Eda (Dwelley) Varnum, another of Marian’s cousins.

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DEAR ETHEL – 1931

This autograph book was given to Ethel Knowles at the end of the 1930 – 31 school years by her teacher Luretta Cottrell. Ethel was a student at one room Hale School and was given the book for perfect attendance. Luretta was from Milltown and was paid $420 for part of the school year. The other teacher at that school was Nora Seamans who was paid $242. Nora was Ethel’s teacher in 1928 – 29.

Ethel was born in 1918 and lived with her parents, Earl and Jennie (Henderson) Knowles and her brother Merle at Tyler Corner. She married Floyd Hunnewell in 1937 and moved to his family home at the corner of the Airline and County roads. They had three daughters Virginia, Louise and Ella. Ethel died in 2002. Comments are in Italics and written by John Dudley.

Here is how Ethel filled out a page in the front of her autograph book.

My Favorites
Teacher – Olive Edgerly

Friend – Gladys Hanson
Study - Arithmetic
Music – Guitar
Flower - Pansy
Sport - Swimming.

Mary had a little boat and she liked it very well,
She ran into a telephone pole and stove it all to H___.
Written by a block head, S. Hunnewell - January 6, 1932
Steve Hunnewell was a bachelor who lived on the South Princeton Road. Men like Steve would be around town working on haying crews and in the woods.

When you are married, way down in the South
Waiting for a cowboy, to come into your house.
Your school mate, Richard F. Frost - June 16, 1932
Fletcher Richard was the son of Floyd and Vira Frost. They lived on the Airline by Lanes Brook.

Going down the Le High Valley, Me with my hair in a curl
I can’t think of more to write, For I’m looking straight at Merle
Love, Rena - January 24, 1942
Rena McArthur lived at the corner of the South Princeton and Pokey roads.

I wish you health, I wish you wealth, I wish you gold to store,
I wish you Heaven when you die, What could I wish you more?
Brother Merle Knowles - January 9, 1934

When you get married and live out in the West
Just send your kisses to who you like the best
Morris Perkins - January 6, 1932
Morris was thirteen and a son of Noland & Gladys.

Friendship is a silken tie that binds two hearts together
And if we never break that tie, we shall be friends forever.
Love and best wishes, Marian Dwelley - July 12, 1931
Marian and Ethel both attended Hale School; Marian, daughter of Delmont & Clara Dwelley, lived near the school.

With pleasant memories of the school year 1930 & 31,
With best wishes for your success,
Hasn’t it been fun.
May your life be long and happy, your cares and sorrows few,
And the many friends around you, prove faithful, fond and true.
Sincerely your friend and teacher, Luretta Cotttrell - 1931

May you always be happy, may you always be gay,
May you always think of me, when you hit the hay.
Love to you, Ruth Ferguson (Vacation Time) - July 12, 1931
Ruth would be married to Wayne Dwelley in December 1931.

Little moments make an hour, little thoughts make a book,
Little seeds a tree or flower, water drops a brook,
Little deeds of faith and love make a home for you above.
Helen Ryan Leighton - September 1931

Helen lived in Baileyville and was a teacher at Hale School.

We meet many folks as we journey along,
but the friends that we make are but few,
So that is the reason I cherish the thought,
When I think of my friendship with you.
Your teacher, Olive Edgerly - January 14, 1934

See Olive Edgerly’s Snap Shot Album in Crawford History / Community / Memories

When you get married and live upstairs,
Don’t get fussy and put on airs.
Yours truly, Florice Hunnewell - January 6, 1932
Florice, daughter of Orren and Amanda, lived on the Flat Road.

Out in the ocean there is a little rock,
And on it is written “for get me not”.
Eleanor Frost - June 16, 1932
Eleanor was the daughter of Thomas Edward and Dora Frost. They lived on the Airline on top of Lanes Hill.

In stormy years when clouds grow thicker,
I’ll be as faithful as your slicker.
Friend, Bessie Dwelley - August 10, 1931
Bessie was a daughter of Leigh and and Mildred and lived by Pleasant Lake,

Love is like rhubarb, it sours
The same as the milk of human kindness.
Truth is stranger & stronger than fiction.
Mrs. Edith Dwelley - June 25, 1934
Edith (Furlong) Dwelley was Hubert’s wife. They lived near Pleasant Lake,

When you have grown up and are well and strong,
I wish you love and happiness and hope nothing will go wrong.
Love, Alice Scribner - 1931
Alice was the daughter of Theodore * Ina (Perkins) Scribner. She was eleven and they lived on Spring Hill, on the Cooper Road.

Fools are fools, bums are bums,
When you think of Frank, think of rum.
Yours faithfully, Mrs. Wayne Dwelley

Remember Ruth Ferguson? Frank was her brother-in-law and just 16 years old..

Violets are white and roses are blue,
Sugar is sweet and so are you.
By Frank Dwelley - January 7, 1932
Frank was the son of Llewllyn & Fannie Dwelley. They lived by Pleasant Lake.

“Laugh and the world laughs with you; Weep and you weep alone
For this brave old earth must borrow its mirth, it has trouble enough of its own.”
Let’s hope our days will always be happy as they are here at school
Lovingly, Teacher Beatrice P. McBride – November 15, 1932
Beatrice Perkins, daughter of Alfred and Carrie of the Robb Hill Road, married Malcolm McBride of Machias on September 17, 1932.

When I get married and move down south
Please send a card of wishes of love
Love Ella Belle Hunnewell, age 11 – November 23, 1954

This is Ethel’s daughter! She married Richard Howe and now lives in Woodland.

As I sit here thinking, I grasp your album tight
But I can’t think a single thing to write
Your school mate, Florence G. McArthur – January 6, 1932
Florence lived on the McArthur Road with her parents Fay & Bertha (Cheney) McArthur.

East or West, home is best
Winifred Holst – September 1931
Winnie and Billy Holst came to live with their aunt and uncle Bertha and Leon Scribner just prior to this entry date. They lived on the Airline Road east of the Cooper Road.

Two in a hammock attempted to kiss,
When all of a sudden they went like THIS. (with this upside down)
Love Margaret Ferguson – July 12, 1931

Margaret and her sister Ruth came to Alexander with their widowed mother Laura. Laura got a job as housekeeper for Ray Bohanon; Ruth married Wayne Dwelley. Margaret disappeared from our records.

Remember me when far away and you no more I see,
Just take your pen and paper and write a line to me.
Your friend, Irene Perkins – June 16, 1932

Irene was the ten year old daughter of Verne Perkins

Every gentle word you say, one dark spirit drives away,
Every gentle deed you do, one more treasure in Heaven for you.
Lovingly, Beatrice P. McBride

I eat my peas with honey, I’ve done it all my life
It makes my peas taste funny, but it holds them on my knife.
Your best friend, Grace – May 19, 1940
Likely Grace Dixon who lived on the Arm Road looking after Herman Hanson’s two children, Norman and Gladys. They had moved to Alexander after the 1930 census.

My pen is poor, my ink is pale
My love for you will never fail
Verna Craft – November 16, 1932
Verna was 14 and the daughter of Lester and Gladys Craft. Their home was at the top of Lanes Hill, west of Ed Frost’s.

WE can live without music, we can live without books
But show me the one who can live without cooks.
Your friend, Arlene Perkins - 1931
Roland & Eva (Cooper)’s daughter, aged nine. They lived between the Airline and the Spearin roads.

When you get married and live by yourself,
I’ll send you my picture to put on the shelf.
Your friend, Alberta McArthur – January 6, 1932
Alberta was eleven and the youngest child of Ralph & Linnie McArthur. They lived on the Spearin Road.

April Fool
R. S. F.

Pigs like pumpkin, cows like squash
I like you I do by gosh.
Clarice – February 10, 1937
Daughter of Harold & Zela ( Wallace) Cousins who lived on the Airline west of Four Corners.

When you get married and live upstairs
Please don’t throw your trash down my back stairs.
Your cousin, Rose Niles – January 30, 1932
Rose was the twelve year old daughter of Fred and Avis Niles of the Arm Road.

When you get married come over to my house
and borrow some dishes..
From your cousin, Carroll Niles – February 10, 1937
Rose’s younger brother,

When you get older and start making hash,
Remember the boy you used to smash.
Norman Hanson
Son of Herman who lived on the Arm Road.

When you are married and live across the river,
Kill one of your pigs and send me the liver.
Your classmate, Edith Hunnewell – January 6, 1932
Orrin & Amanda (Carlow) Hunnewell’s daughter. They lived on the Flat Road

Times are hard, but boys are plenty
Don’t get married until you’re twenty.
Love, Gladys Hanson – January 4, 1930
Daughter of Herman Hanson of the Arm Road, sister of Norman.

Whe you get married and your husband makes hash,
Turn him up and spank his a__ .
Yours forever, Florence Ferguson – 1932
Another of Laura Ferguson’s daughters.

I know I ain’t no handsome star, I know how homely my face are.
But I don’t mind it, I’m behind it, you’re the one that gets the jar.
As ever your friend, Edna McArthur – February 8, 1937
Edna was a older sister of Florence, daughter of Fay & Bertha.

When in this book you chance to look
And on this page to frown,
Remember the one who spoiled your book
By writing upside down.(words on this page are written with the book held upside down)
Viola White
The White family came to Alexander about 1935 and lived briefly in the dairy building on the Cooper Road. Charles and Calvin are the brothers.

When you get married and live upstairs,
Come over to my house and borrow some chairs.
Glenna – February 10, 1937
Younger daughter of Harold and Zela Cousins, sister of Clarice, Glenna was 9 in 1937.

I raised my hand to the teacher, and the teacher she said, “No.”
But the joke was on the teacher, for I didn’t have to go.
Your friend, Rowena White – February 19, 1936
Viola’ sister.

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Lemons are sour and so are you.
Your friend, Juanita

Juanita McPheters, daughter of Kenneth, lived on the Airline.

When twilight pulls the curtain down and pins it with a star,
I’ll think of you, dear Ethel, though I may wander far.
Your loving friend, Grace F. – May 19, 1940

Grace Findley lived with the Charles & Evelyn Aylward at the Four Corners. Actually Ethel and her husband Floyd Hunnewell lived between Aylwards’ and Juanita’ houses

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DEAR ELLA BELLE - 1956

Ella Belle Hunnewell at age 14

Ella Belle Hunnewell was the youngest of three children of Ethel (Knowles) and Floyd L. Hunnewell. Their home was in Alexander on the southwest corner of the Four Corners. Ella’s older sisters were Virginia and Louise. The entries are given here in the order of appearance in the book. A few were signatures only. The autograph book was likely a Christmas present in 1956 and may have been from her Auntie Jean. Ella was likely in grade 7 at a one-room school, likely Four Corners School opposite from her house. The next year she was at the new school house at Tyler’s Corner (corner Arm and Cooper roads), and then off to Calais Memorial High School. I suspect these entries were made while Ella was in grades 7 and 8. Editor’s comments are in Italics, identification corrections or additions are welcome. jd

Dear Ella Belle,
As down this road of life you trod,
I hope your name is the autograph book of God
Auntie Jean - December 25, 1956
Jean (McLaughlin) Knowles was Ella’s mother’s brother Merle Knowles’ wife. They lived on the Cooper Road.

Dear Sister,
I wish you health
I wish you wealth
I wish you gold in store,
I wish you have heaven when you die,
What could I wish you more?
Virginia Hunnewell - Ella’s sister

Dear Ella,
Back to back they faced one another,
Drew their swords and shot each other,
A deaf policeman heard the noise,
He came and shot the two dead boys.
Joyce Craft - December 26, 1956
Joyce Craft, wife of Gerald, lived at the top of Lanes Hill on the Airline

Ella Belle is nothing but a big pest,
But she has found a future husband, at last.
Foster Carlow
On December 25, 1957 Foster and Ella’s sister Virginia were married.

Dear Ella,
Remember Grant,
Remember Lee,
Forget them both,
And remember me.
Love, Elsie (Hatfield, one of three daughters of Cecil and Edith (Keen)Hatfield who lived at the foot of Pleasant Lake where Cecil had a mill)

Dear Ella,
2 Y’S U R,
2 Y’S U B,
I C Y R
2 Y’S 4 ME.
Love, Emma (Hatfield, the youngest sister)

Ella, Ella is a good one, too
Daddy – December 25, 1956 – That’s Floyd Hunnewell

I will always hate you
Leslie – Ella’s cousin Leslie Knowles

Dear Ella,
Roses are red, violets are blue,
When skies turn green,
I’ll stop liking you.
Your Friend, Christine Dwelley
Christine lived on the Cooper Road by Pleasant Lake; Hubert was her father.

Dear Ella,
Out in the ocean there is a rock,
On it is written For - Get – Me – Not.
Love Teacher, Bertha Dwelley January 2, 1957
Bertha (1917 – 1998) and husband Frank lived on the Cooper Road by Pleasant Lake.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet,
And so are you.
Lorraine Perkins
Loraine lived on the North Union Road in Cooper with parents Norman and Dorothy.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet,
And so are you.
Linda - Linda K. nfi

Dear Ella,
When you get married and have twins,
Don’t come to my house for safety pins.
With love, Pat - Mc - was she a sister of Jill? nfi

When you get married and have twins,
Don’t come to my house for safety pins.
A friend always, Judy F.
Judy Frost was a daughter of recent widower Donald Frost at the top of Lanes Hill.

Dear Ella, when you get old and blue,
Always remember this page,
And who wrote it.
Love, Norma – Alexander, Maine – January 4, 1957
Norma Jean McArthur, a fellow student, lived on the McArthur Road. Her parents were Benjamin and Constance McArthur.

Dear Ella,
Don’t be B
Don’t be #
Just be 4
Merle, Jr, - age 10. 1957
Merle was Ella ‘s cousin, son of Merle and Jean, older brother of Leslie.

Dear Ella,
By hook or by crook,
When you come to my house,
You had better eat what I cook.
Love, Maxine
Maxine Berry lived kiddy-corner from Ella. Her parents were Max and Alberta Berry.

I wish you luck
I wish you joy
First a baby boy
Who begins to grow
Then I wish you
A baby girl.
Mary Baker – we do not know Mary Baker.

Dear Ella,
When you get old and cannot see,
John P and I’ll hold the pot so you can pea.
Always, Maxine - January 7, 1957
Another entry from Maxine Berry

Roses are red; violets are (blue)
Sugar is sweet and so are you
EBH – Ella Belle Hunnewell wrote in her own book.

Dear Ella,
Roses are red, violets are blue,
When the sky turns green, I’ll stop loving you.
Love – Sister Louise – June 9, 1959

Dear Ella
2 Y’s U R
2 Y’s U B
I C U R
2 Y’s 4 Me
A Friend, Freda (Hatfield) – January 2, 1957

Roses are red, violets are blue,
When the sky turns green, I’ll stop loving you.
Geraldine - Geraldine Craft, daughter of Gerald and Joyce on Lanes Hill

Donna Williams age 11
Donna lived with her parents Lyman and Rose (Niles) Williams at 51 Arm Road.

When you get old and have a baby
I bet he be a pretty one.
Robert McArthur – He lived on the McArthur Road. His parents were Lawrence and Arlene.

Dear Ella,
When you are old and gray,
I’ll bet you’ll be a real old hen!
Richard E. Hunnewell
Richard was a son of Elden and Beulah Hunnewell, a distant cousin of Ella’s.

Dear Ella,
I will always be your friend.
Love, Donna
Donna McArthur lived at the top of Gooch Hill, across from Cedar School. She is a daughter of Elbridge and Barbara.

Dear Ella,
I wish U R,
I wish U B,
I see U R,
2 wise for me.
Love Lorna
Lorna Dwelley lived beside Pleasant Lake with her parents, Everett and Viola (White) Dwelley

First comes love,
Then comes marriage,
Then comes Ella Belle
Wheeling a baby carriage.
B. P.
Barbara Perkins, daughter of Ben and Eula, lived on the North Union Road in Cooper.

When you get married (and) have twins,
Don’t come to my house, and borrow safety pins
A friend always – Jill – who was Jill Mc?

Dear Ella,
To make room for your friends,
And room for your lover,
So to make room for both, I’ll write on the cover.
Love, Ellen

Ellen Berry, daughter of Max and Alberta McArthur) Berry, lived on the opposite corner from Ella.

*******************************

School Day Treasures of Dyer Crosby

Mr. Dyer Crosby, Grove Maine – Grammar School Grade VII

January 13 ’37 – Dear Dyer,

Remember me early, Remember me late,

Remember me always, As your old schoolmate.

Carroll Flood

Jan. 14, 1937 – Dyer,

It’s easy enough to be pleasant when life goes along like a song

But the man worthwhile is a man with a smile when everything you did goes wrong.

Dorothy Flood

Jan. 14, 1937 – Dear Dyer:

Cows like pumpkins, Pigs like squash

I like you, I do by gosh.

Your old schoolmate - Carlton Cooper

Jan. 13, 1937 – Dyer – may you never feel the color of this page! (green)

Life is like a mighty ocean;

We are swimmers, you and I.

May the little way you are riding,

Toss you to success on high!

Your friend and teacher – Florence Carlow – Robbinston, Maine

Yours till the board walks!

When you get married and have twins,

Come to me for safety pins.

Dan Sullivan

June 30, 1937 – Dyer

Last night as I lay on my pillow,

Last night as I lay on my bed,

Dyer stuck his feet out the window,

Next morning the neighbors were dead.

Genevieve (Flood)

June 27, 1937 – Dear Brother

I like pumpkins, I Line squash,

I like you I do by gosh.

Your sister – Jane Crosby

June 30 1937 – Dear Brother

If the ocean was whiskey and I was a duck.

I would dive to the bottom and never come up.

Your sister – Joyce

Dec. 27, 1938 – Dear Dyer

In your mind, think the truth;

In your heart, love the truth;

In your life, live the truth.

Your friend and teacher – Olive Edgerly

April 16, 1938 – Dyer

Roses are red

Violets are blue

The girls all like Dyer

I know they do.

Friend – Wilfrid Seamans – Woodland, Maine

April 16, 1938 – Dyer

When you get married and live upstairs,

Don’t come to me and put on airs.

Jane Crosby

April 17, 1938

Birds of a feather flock together,

We will see if any of them stay with you.

John M. Dudley

April 30, 1938 – Dyer

You may fall from a mountain,

You may fall from above,

You may fall from most anywhere,

But you can’t fall in love.

Thursa (Cousins)

April 30, 1938

When you are married and have some twins,

I will lend you a pair of safety pins.

Phyllis (Clark) nickname Phill

April 30, 1938 – Dyer

I thought, I thought, I thought in vain,

At last I thought I’d sign my name.

Maxine Frost

Dec. 27, 1938 – Dyer

Some folks say this is a sad old world,

For them it may be true,

But I think it is a good old world,

With folks for friends like you.

Your teacher – Olive Edgerly – Yours until the pig iron grunts!

(undated) – To Dyer

When you read this,

may it bring back to your memory,

Our happy days and nights together.

Alfred (a state child from Calais who lived with the Crosbys)

(undated)

When I am dead and in my grave

And all my bones are rotted,

This little book will tell of me,

When I am forgortten

Chaunsey A. Ireland

May 18, 1938 – Dear Dyer

I wish you happiness, I wish you joy,

I wish you first a baby boy,

And when his hair begins to curl,

I wish you then a baby girl.

(When your married, that’s understood)

Sincerely, Rita ( ) – Your teacher for a day

Remember the teasing last Thursday nite (April 28, 1938)

You know who

Who wrote cards?

JES to Mrs. E. Lane? Em to Yola?

Jan from Boston? Eula from Kittery?

Mary from LA? Mary E. from Portland?

Yippie from Mt Carriga NH?

Memories of Uncle Dyer by John Dudley

Not many weeks after I was born, Dyer came to live with my parents at 7 Calais Avenue. Dyer was enrolled in Calais Academy, Class of ’43. My mother Audrey was his older sister, and I was his first nephew. Of course I didn’t know that in March 1941 his grandmother had died, his sister Joyce was killed in a car accident and that his father, my grandfather injured in that same accident, Dyer went home to help on the farm, and returned to CA to graduate in 1944 and just 3 months later he married Hilda and went off to war.

Dyer wasn’t shy. One summer day in 1947, Coburn, his invalid father, wanted to help hay. Dyer took him out, got him up on the hay-rake seat and tied him down. Coburn drove off with a smile on his face. Yola, Dyer’s mother came out of the kitchen yelling for Dyer to get Coburn off that rig. He could get hurt. Dyer responded, He is happy, he doesn’t want to die in bed, he wants to be out here working.” Yola went back to the house crying, and I learned that a woman loves her man differently than an adult son loves his father.

I visited with Dyer and Hilda frequently, especially starting in June of 1954 when with my brand new driver’s license; I always was allowed to go see Dyer and Hilda. He loved to work, like Coburn, and I do also. He taught me to rake blueberries; I like to eat blueberries. He loved his big dapple grey horses, I was afraid of them.

I visited Dyer and Hilda at the potato farm on the Flat Road. Sometimes I helped move the irrigation pipes, but mostly watched and talked. I growled at him once for not wearing protection when spraying. He smiled and replied, We all will die, I hope to die doing what I want. Don’t you?”

Marie and I visited with the Crosbys when home from Rumford, more often after we moved back. Dyer dug the cellar for the house we built. He avoided my trees, but hated them, “wish I lived in Kansas where trees don’t grow!” He left his equipment here for me to use landscaping.

And Marie and I visited. Dyer shared family pictures and stories that are now filed at this house he helped build. And Dyer & Hilda would stop to share white perch caught through the ice down on Pokey. And we all grew older, then Dyer died.

I helped Hilda. Dug the grave for Dyer, almost fell in when I put his ashes into the earth where his parents, sister and grandparents were buried. And Marie and I visited Hilda and I helped as I could, Cousin David did what he could and we buried her beside Dyer.

I liked Dyer as he was, and he liked me as I am.

j.d.