South Berwick Recreation History

By Ernie Wood
Old Berwick Historical Society Lecture
November 17, 2005

In considering the history of recreational and leisure time activities of the area, I had little idea as to where my research would lead me. I quickly determined that the mother lode of information lay only in the memories of those who lived the times, as there was precious little written about the topic. Why, I even Googled the phrase “Porter Pines” to seek background information, but the site referred me to only to my own upcoming talk!

Well, I said, I better get on with establishing sources for deposing and constructing an oral history. I did find that the South Berwick Chronicle and other vintage local newsprint in the Counting House archives played a huge role in promoting recreational activity. The Chronicle, started in 1925, became the lifeline of information for the town for may years.

None of us are getting any younger and much of the story I will try to convey will be quickly lost in the memories of those who will no longer be with us in body and/or mind. Two months after interviewing Reo Landry, I learned he had died of cancer. I wish to dedicate tonight's talk in his memory. How many of us have wished we had more information from departed loved ones about family, hometowns, and the times they lived? Since September 11, 2001, we have increasingly have been called to explore and reflect on those people, places, and history that mean so much to us.

So without television, computers, camera phones, 100,000 seat stadiums, steroids, and the endless marketing of our sensual and emotional needs, what did the generations before us do to amuse themselves and spend what precious little free time they had? What opportunities did those living in our town of South Berwick have to enjoy their leisure time?

Research and oral history tell me that South Berwick had four distinct sections of town: the Point, the Landing, uptown, and the outlying rural areas. In many ways the distinct sub-cultures of these areas reflected the values and choices made in recreation and use of leisure time. Many I interviewed spoke in detail about what went on at the Point but had little knowledge of what went on at Porter Pines or Quamphegan Park. Some of that can be explained as generational differences but some of it, I believe, is cultural.

So let us begin to explore some of the activities that served South Berwick as recreational and leisure time opportunities. By no means does this talk claim to be 100% accurate or 100% inclusive. You who love South Berwick have your own resources that will add to the story and I invite you to do so. If you would like to participate in a workshop to share your pictures, stories, and resources, please leave me your name and contact information and we will continue the fun early next year.

Early Days – The Grace Darling and Newichawannock Hall
Porter Pines and Radio Ranch
Quamphegan Park
The Palace at Hog Point
Dance Halls and other Gatherings
Team Sports and Horseracing
Amateur Theater in South Berwick
Conclusion

Early Days – The Grace Darling and Newichawannock Hall

Simeon P. Huntress (1844-1923) owned Eagle Stables on Portland Street, at the site of the present Mobil station. In the late 1880s, with the South Berwick and Salmon Falls mills booming but before the advent of trolleys, he operated horse-drawn carriages to the beach called the York Beach Daily Stage Line. His famous horse-drawn omnibus “Grace Darling” still exists at the Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages in Stony Brook, New York.

Across the street from the Eagle Stables was the business block we know today. Upstairs, Newichawannock Hall , located where Wadleigh Ballroom is now, was a center of a variety of recreational activities over the years.

It all started with the Newichawannock Hall Association that formed in the late 19 th century to create a new citizens' hall. Abner Oakes, a noted attorney and judge in South Berwick, headed up this committee at an early stage. Many an act, movie, and activity graced this hall under many different managements.

Over the years the hall was the site of: a dance hall, two movie theatres, a benefit performance hall, club meeting space, boxing, basketball, roller-skating, Mark A. Libbey cock fighting, and Jack Hogan's restaurant.

In the South Berwick Village fire of 1870 , one of the casualties was a community assembly hall, upstairs in a brick building destroyed in the blaze. “It was something of a sigh of regret for the past,” wrote local resident Rebecca Young years later, “that we recall the panoramas, the slight of hand matinees, the exhibition of Tom Thumb and Dolly Dutton and their kind, and also the noisy band concerts.” We believe it was in, under, or near the anteroom of the hall that the fire of 1870 began.

So after the fire, citizens rallied to create a new hall. Newspaper records of The Maine Centennial Biddeford indicate the following activities at the Newichawannock Hall:

-- 11/22/1882 - Gilman's Coronet Band gave an oyster supper
-- 11/28/1883 - E.O. Lord and J.A. Hooper's “Mill Whistle” playing
-- 10/10/1883 - Skating rink opened. Interesting that M.A. Libbey bought his crank organ for Roller Skating in 1888. He may have run the rink here as well as the one later on Highland Avenue.
-- In 1916 the hall was known as the “Home Theatre” and managed by a group out of Boston headed by Dr. Thomas Harward and Mr. F.H. Crane. Various acts and movie billings were the fare.

In the 1920's the hall became the Strand Theatre, “home of good pictures.” Thomas P. Higgins was the manager. At this time, there were also many benefit dances held by groups such as the Katahdin Mountain Boys. Donald Doane was “Slim,” Dave Avery was “Hank,” Louie Hatch was “Blondie,” and Bill Freeman was “Shorty” Carol Paul's aunt married him.

In the 1940's and 50's Newichawannock Hall became the Park Theatre under the management of a Mrs. Fifefield. There are still many recollections of this theatre. Cecil Horr recalls “holding hands with lovely young ladies” including “two sweeties, one already chosen.” Reo Landry recalled the movies at the Park Theatre. There was a double western feature on the weekends for 10 cents.

Carol Paul recalls that Gary Garvin passed out flyers to the movies in order to get in free. She remembers the price at 7 cents. She remembers it being called the “Scratch House.” This is disputed by Tom Keelty who worked the projectors at times. Tom knew a lot about what was going on in town. He claims that Junior Roberge lived a sheltered life in comparison.

The Park Theatre had a balcony, and one 75-year-old gentleman, Russell Rogers from Dover, remembers removing those balcony seats when the space no longer was used as a theatre. He also said there had been cock fighting there, probably at a much earlier time.

Cy Chase remembers Sunday night movies for ten cents. One particular movie stood out for Cy, “You Can't Take it With You.” Seems Robert Chagnon “let a huge gas bomb go, and said as the movie ended, ‘You can't take that with you either.'” Cy says Robert's mother nearly killed him.

Carol Paul remembers the Park Theatre management raising funds for a “cure for polio and its victims.” The management stopped the movie and passed the plate.

Carol also remembers Father Lamb, of the St. Michaels Catholic Church , sending his housekeepers to the theatre to “check up on” the kids' behavior. She said they would then report to the parents on Sunday at services. Carol recalls “a lot of fun being spoiled by those housekeepers. We did not get our 10 cents' worth.”

Porter Pines and Radio Ranch

An area that should attract researchers and yet frustrated this researcher was a place called Porter Pines and the term “Radio Ranch.” They were located on the same land and the latter may have replaced the former as a place to recreate.

The site was near the South Berwick town line bordering Eliot along the Salmon Falls River at the point of Shorey Brook. Mrs. Ray Savage, who is in her 90's, now owns the property. Boats as well as the electric trolley could have accessed the area during the time of its recreational use.

Joe Frost reports that the electric lines had great economic hopes for both Porter Pines and Quampheghan Park. Neither reached its potential for many reasons, especially because of the change in technology, the advent of the automobile and the subsequent decline of the electric trolleys.

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Pictures and post cards suggest that Porter Pines was quite a complex for its day. There was a main lodge, dining hall, a dam holding back a man-made pond, and a seasonal “tent city” -- all ideally situated on tidal water with access to the cultured hustle and bustle of the rest of the world.

In interviewing many, I found most did not know much in the way of detail as to its purpose in the early phases. Most agreed it was a retreat center of sorts and thus explaining the tents.

Of interest, Darby Davis, age 98 and living in Eliot, is former selectman of South Berwick in the 30's. He claims Porter Pines was a Jewish retreat center catering to out-of-staters looking for serenity. He also offered this story: A delivery friend of his reported that it at times might have been a nudist colony. Seems that while making a delivery he was greeted in such a way as to draw that conclusion. Darby saw Porter Pines as a place to rejuvenate the body and soul as well as the mind. The area geographically certainly afforded lots of privacy and probably catered to those from “away” as opposed to the locals, thus the absence of details in people's recollection.

One aspect of the area survived the decline of the trolley lines. The dance hall and country western venue called “Radio Ranch” attracted many entertainers and patrons. Ralph Holmes told me that his father remembers Gene Autrey entertained there. Carol Zamarchi tells of hearing that country western shows would come and go to the delight of many.

Good times and rough times followed, as remembered by those attending the dance hall. Most I interviewed remembered the rough crowds at the dances where fights, alcohol, and promiscuity were the attraction. Seems the authorities were called upon to restore order late in the evening much to the concern of neighbors in the early 40's. According to Mrs. Savage, the present owner, she and her husband were threatened to be run out of town if they continued with the dance hall when they bought the place in 1945. The Savages had no desire to continue with this economic enterprise, and another chapter of recreational entertainment in South Berwick came to an end.

Of note: According to Ralph Holmes, a public beach existed across from where the South Berwick boat launch is now located. The locals used it.

In the same vein as Porter Pines was the “Lake View Farm” for summer boarding, operated by E. H. Knight. It was located on Knight's Pond Road overlooking the South Berwick Junction train station.

Quamphegan Park

Quamphegan Park was an amusement and recreational park located in the area of what is now Waterside Lane not far from the Route101 bridge on the Salmon Falls River in South Berwick. It was operated by the electric railway company to encourage leisure time trolley riders at the turn of the century.

In addition to tourists and nearby patrons, several local churches held their annual picnics at Quamphegan Park. The park covered about four acres surrounded by huge beautiful pine trees.

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Over time, there was a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, a dance hall, a penny arcade, a restaurant, a bandstand, and a small pond. Of note: The merry-go-round was powered by a steam engine that was built by Mark A. Libbey of South Berwick. We will meet Mr. Libbey later in my talk.

A Mr. Swasey operated the park for the trolley company. He built a cottage there where his family used to stay each summer. His daughter, now Mrs. Cora Currier, always looked forward to being at the cottage during the summer vacation months. Her brothers sold popcorn during the entertaining bandstand concerts. Mr. Swasey's wife, Cora's mother, cooked at the restaurant where hot dogs and hamburgers were sold. Every Sunday, Mrs. Swasey would make a fish chowder complete with pickles and crackers. Price was 25 cents.

When Cora Currier turned 14 in 1920, Quamphegan Park was declining, as ridership on the electric trolleys gave way to America's love affair with the automobile. A new era in transportation was to have a huge impact in attitudes and practices on American recreation.

The Palace at Hog Point
Lower Main Street (Salmon Street)

In the 1930's and 40's, the place to be on a Friday night was the Palace in South Berwick. In today's terms it was hardly a palace, but it attracted hundreds in a 50-mile radius each weekend for recreation of all sorts. Reports of cars parked on both sides of the street from Rollinsford to Rollinsford were no exaggeration. Despite all this traffic and parking issues, there was only one policeman, Richard Dione's dad.

According to many, South Berwick was “alive” with entertainment on a Friday evening and most of it centered at the Palace. It was owned and operated by Leo “Ben” Vachon, who had many infamous friends combining to make the Palace an institution. Many claimed they never entered, but no one I interviewed denied hearing or knowing about it.

The Palace was located on Salmon Street, now lower Main Street, on the right hand side as you head toward the river, just below Reo's barber shop beyond the brook today. It was a two and a half story building approximately 80 feet long and 30 to 35 feet wide, a sizeable structure for the area, according to the tax maps.

As you entered the Palace from the front, you passed some unusual steps made of concrete with glassy marbles inlaid into the concrete. Many a youngster would comment on that as they scurried by not daring to look in. Mothers did not want their children “hanging around.” According to Cliff Cleary Sr., the inside walls on the first floor were a dark mahogany finish. “It was very dark inside,” he said, adding to the mystique.

The first floor contained three bowling alleys and three or four pool tables, depending on whom I asked. The pool tables were on the left and the alleys situated on the right. The pins were set manually, a chance for kids to make a few cents.

The second floor consisted of “open space” where at different times boxing, basketball, roller skating, and movies took place:. There may have been more activities but this is a family-oriented OBHS-sponsored lecture!

Reo Landry told me that a David LePage managed the bowling operation and he would call Reo to set pins. The building had a wood stove and Reo, about 10 years of age, would tend it at times. Mr. Cleary recalls that the bowling alleys never really took hold even though leagues were attempted.

Sunday afternoon was roller skating time on the second floor at the Palace.

There were silent movies featuring Alice Dube at the piano for the non-talkies.

The Palace had a “back room” on the first floor where Palace owner Ben Vachon, with his friends and invited guests, played poker, threw dice, and engaged in other gaming activities. Owen Stevens tells me that Mark Gagnon's grandfather, Peter, played a little cards there. Poker weekends were common. Some left rich and others broke.

But by far the best-known recreational activity at the Palace was boxing. There are lots of stories, some true, and more embellished. Many legends and “want-to-be” fighters passed through the Palace's boxing ring, while neighborhood kids like Albert “Junior” Roberge dreamed.

Mr. Cleary tells me that the Palace opened for boxing events in the spring of 1932 and he was there for opening day. Let's explore some of the personalities and stories that made for a colorful if not 100% accurate history.

Maynard “Skeeter” Corson was one of those stories, who in 1938 was a 16-year-old kid who loved to box, and in need of some money came to fight all comers in his weight class. Skeeter, now in his 80's and a 65-year resident of South Berwick, recalls some of those who fought at the Palace:

Jake Desentel
Donna Parent
Jackie Ledger (father of Pat McCarthy)
Bill Constine
Charlie Welch (father of Veronica Dupuis)
Ray Vachon
Joe Nadeau
Eddie Le Tourneau
Lefty LaChance
“Tiger Tom Dixon” Elmer Wormell

Some boxers came from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and even Canada.

Now picture 500 to700 fans packing the second floor of a wooden building. The outer edge, beyond the floor seats surrounding the ring, were bleachers rising up to the rafters of the building. Picture inadequate escape routes and smoke so thick you could not see the fighters in the ring from the last few rows.

Every Thursday morning, Cliff Cleary Sr. would deliver fight cards -- all 1000 to 2000 of them -- to the following towns in the following order: North Berwick, Sanford, Springvale, East Rochester, Rochester, Gonic, Dover, and back to South Berwick.

The very first fight he went to, he sat on a radiator. He later became an “official” judge at the fights as well as “time keeper.”

Cliff also dabbled in managing fighters. Best known was his next door neighbor Dona Parent, a “southpaw” and a damn good fighter according to Cliff.

Reo Landry remembered Cliff as the timekeeper who rang the bell. Reo also recalled, with a smile, selling peanuts at the fights as a kid. They were 10 cents a bag. His commission; one cent per bag. He admitted he found more money under the bleachers than he made in commission.

According to Skeeter Corson, South Berwick had 15 to 20 fighters over time, other similar communities more. Skeeter fought as a lightweight, 118 pounds. He recalls having about 30 fights in his career. “I won a few and lost a few”

Ben Vachon once told Skeeter to take it easy on his opponent at the time, Al Vileneau,. What Skeeter did not know was that Vileneau was to fight at the Boston Garden the next week and did not want to be hurt. As a result of those instructions, Skeeter said, “ I never took such a licking.”

Charlie Welch's fight record was 128 fights, 99 wins, 13 losses and nine draws.

Most fights were three to ten rounds. Five fights on a card per night consisted of three prelims, one semi, and the main attraction. Fighters were from all classes and weights but were never weighed in.

Pay was approximately $3-$15 for a fight depending on the billing. Promoter Ben Vachon would pay the preliminary fighters by dropping quarters into a young fighter's hands. Skeeter says he never smiled during this ritual as that was a sign you were satisfied. The quarters would then stop flowing.

Cost of witnessing this was 35 cents early on and increasing over the years. Ladies were given a discount, but I never got the feeling they were encouraged to attend.

Skeeter recalls that one famous fighter who came to the Palace to referee a boxing match was the former heavy weight champion of the world, Jack Johnson. Johnson recently was the subject of a PBS television documentary. He appeared in South Berwick as guest referee and dignitary. Skeeter recalls that when “Mr. Johnson” came through the door, he filled it-- a perspective of a young, impressionable fighter, I am sure.

Owen Stevens recalls a memorable moment when Charlie Welch was to fight a good Boston fighter. Charlie Bonsaint was the timekeeper for that fight it seems. After a couple of rounds, after ringing the bell, Bonsaint was heard to say, “Keep it up Charlie ---you are doing great---he never laid a glove on you.”

That got a response out of fighter Welch. “You better check the referee then,” he said, “because someone is beating the hell out of me”

Lawrence Kimball remembers a Ken Hill, who was a neighbor of Kimball's dad, fighting at the Palace. Although Kimball never ventured into town to see the fights, he remembers Ken Hill sparring in a neighborhood barn.

“Awful thumps were heard,” recalls Lawrence. “Scared us kids to death.”

Boxing also took place in two other locations in South Berwick, the Park Theatre downtown at the former Newichwannock Hall, and an outdoor ring off Agamenticus Road. This last location was the result of the burning down of the Palace in 1949 on the eve of Junior and Gloria Roberge's wedding. Their lives together have flourished. The burning of the Palace was the end of an era.

The outdoor site where boxing programs resumed in the 1950's was in back of the Bray house on Agamenticus Road. The ring was surrounded by a pit wall, which then had bleachers on all four sides.

Joe Scanlon recalls being the water boy at the earlier Palace events, creating his interest in the sport, then started boxing at the outdoor ring as an amateur. He fought in Berwick Town Hall in the early1950s, and went on to become Golden Gloves Champ in 1956. We all know Joe today as our “downtown traffic officer” with the quick hands waving us on at 4:00PM.

Joe indicated that many of the fighters used aliases when fighting professionally to protect their amateur status. Later Joe promoted fights and had Jack Sharkey as a guest of honor at a fight card in the old Marshwood High School gym.

Joe recalls that other recreational activities also were held in the open field where boxing took place. Single engine by-plane rides were available, and Floyd Bubar parachuted down to the amazement of on-lookers.

Dance Halls and other Gatherings

In early 20 th century South Berwick, those who did not have the pleasure attending boxing matches passed the time listening to the radio to sporting events and programs like the Jack Benny Show and Amos and Andy.

There were also places of recreational interest outside the downtown areas.

Lester Littlefield ran a dance hall called the Crystal Ballroom located at the corner of Agamenticus and Knights Pond Roads, next door to where Pete and Bulla St. Pierre live today. This building was once a general store and post office opposite the railroad junction.

Bulla St Pierre recalls the dances being held on the first floor on a beautiful hardwood floor. Between 50 and 100 people attended each Saturday evening. The Littlefield girls were the musicians, with help from those wanting to join in. Velma played the piano, Bulla the accordion, and Leona the drums. They were good and the tempo fast according to Bulla. The Virginia Reel and the like were favorites. Ballroom-style dancing and jitterbug dancing were also popular. Each of the girls played multiple instruments so as to mix and match, as others joined or sat in for a set without pay.

This took place in the 1940s when the Littlefield girls were in high school. Military service boys stationed at Mt Aggie loved to come to the dances and have a good time. Seems the sisters were so talented that they had other engagements that paid them $15 a night in Portsmouth at the Townsend Club and other dance halls. Bulla says they played almost every night while still getting good marks in school. Lester and his wife Sarah kept a close eye on them and made sure their love of music was tempered with good behavior and good grades. “Sadie,” as she was called, was always on the watch for undesirable behavior. Lester also had a policeman come by to curb the drinking and rough behavior sometimes associated with dance halls.

Lawrence Kimball remembers his dad playing there as well as the talented Littlefield girls. Others remember Montana Fat playing at the dances. Owen Stevens had this take: “it was a place to have fun and meet women--- wild times with moonshine.” Owen obviously did not meet up with Sadie Littlefield or the local constable.

The Quamphegan Grange Hall located on Knights Pond Road across from the Town Farm beyond Pond Road leading to Spring Hill, were another popular place for dances. Mrs. St. Pierre remembers she and her sisters playing there as well. Pat Krupsky has converted the Grange into her home.

Anyone remember the “Muck?” Ice-skating was very much in favor during the 30's. In a low-lying area of Powder House Hill, the “muck” was a place to lace up the ice skates, according to Cecil Horr

Many community benefits were held in halls and private homes. Accounts and announcements were circulated in the local newspaper. The South Berwick Woman's Club held concerts and benefits. The Red Men held dances regularly on the third floor of today's Civil Consultants where, I am told, under the present carpet lies a beautiful rock maple dance floor. Junior Roberge told me that someone once brought a dressed up sow pig to a Sadie Hawkins dance there. Pranks were fun and innocent enough in those days.

The old town hall was the center of a lot of activity in the 30s and 40s before burning in 1950. Located where Ocean National Bank is now, the building held the fire department in the basement, town offices, and a big hall for recreational use. Basketball games, dances, benefits, shows, and other assorted recreational activity took place.

I found a 1937 clipping describing an all-female 20-piece band headed by Babe Sutherland playing there.

Cy Chase remembers the lights being shot out there at one of the dances. Seems someone took the weapon right out of the policeman's holster and shot out a light.

(Of note: Cy confirmed my earlier suspicions that the up-town, Point, and Landing kids didn't get along. Fights were a rite of passage among the young. This might explain why some remembered going to the Palace while others never set foot in it.)

Back to the old town hall: Owen Stevens remembers George Jutras being the only referee at the BA basketball games played there.

Owen also remembers court being held there. Seems Judge Spinney and recorder Roger Miller were processing a rental dispute case involving two women. Judge Spinney traveled by train from North Berwick to Cummings Station where he would head for the Town Hall to hold Court. During this case, recorder Miller was also tending the wood stove. Suddenly, the judge remembered he had another appointment. Since both he and Miller had previously heard the case, Judge Spinney asked Miller to render the decision. Upon being asked later about the verdict, the woman who lost the case remarked, “Of course I lost. The judge heard the case and the janitor made the decision.”

Teen Haven was a popular recreation spot for teens in the area. My interviews gathered conflicting views as to its location although it may have moved. Joe Scanlon recalls it being in a wooden barn like structure probably the area where the Vet clinic is now on Goodwin St. The old Legion Hall possibly? Others remember it at the Central School gym, home of the recreation department of the era. In any event, teens looked forward each week to the dances with live bands like The “Twilighters” with Eddie Hersom on trumpet as a feature. Estel Keelty ran the center for a number of years and was coincidentally the first female police officer in South Berwick.

Another teen hangout, according to Tom Keelty, was the vestry of the Federated Church. There was a room with snacks and a bowling alley.

On Highland Avenue in the early 1900s, the bicycle shop of inventor Mark A. Libbey was located where Dr. Zois's dental office is now. Inside, high-wheeled bicycles were ridden to music.

Later Mr. Libbey used the crank organ to play music to roller skate to. The organ is still in great working order today, and preserved by Bill Johnson on Route 1 just north of where you turn off to go to Kennebunkport.

One cannot forget our local fraternal organizations with their rich historical past. Two early ones come to mind. On June 3, 1845, ten South Berwick men founded a chapter of the Order of Odd Fellows . Charter members included three doctors, one of whom was Theodore H. Jewett, age 30, recently married and soon to be father of author Sarah Orne Jewett. The South Berwick chapter was named Olive Branch Lodge No. 28. The three-story brick building housing the 3 rd floor meeting hall was built the same year for $5000.

An even older fraternal organization, the Masons, had formed a South Berwick chapter, St. John Lodge, about 18 years earlier on February 13, 1827, and apparently built their Masonic Hall at the site of Civil Consultants today. Later the Masons moved to the end of the business block where SoBo Books is now. Remnants of the original Masonic Hall foundation and walls remained when the first building was remodeled as the Huntress/Ross block in the late 1800s.

Parades were a favorite form of recreation throughout the 19 th and 20 th centuries.

Team Sports and Horseracing

Team sports in South Berwick were part of the recreational activity lore. Berwick Academy was of course the local public high school in those days. Many towns in the area in addition to the local secondary schools had town teams. South Berwick was no exception.

Playing field hockey was student Joyce Pray, later Joyce Borkowski, shown here five from the left. English teacher Marie Donahue is the coach on the far left.

Joe Scanlon remembers the town baseball team of 1950-52, which played area teams behind Central School . Some noteworthy names included by position:

Dick Gagnon 1 st base
Lefty Baron pitcher -- later a Red Sox minor leager
Sammy Cerrette catcher
Tim Flynn catcher
David Fogarty shortstop
Joe Scanlon 3 rd base
Bob Hasty left-handed pitcher

Area teams played from the early 20s and continued for over 50 years. Reporters' notes have been found in the South Berwick Chronicle . In 1932 the Odd Fellows and Masons also had teams in South Berwick.

In addition to team sports, would you believe that South Berwick also had a horse race track, located on the grounds of the present Outlook golf course? In talking with Junior Roberge, Tim Flynn and others, I learned a racetrack for the locals was located here. Informal races and betting were observed from the cupola atop the brick farmhouse on the golf course. Lena Battis, who lived in the brick farm house where the golf course is now, was allowed at times to join the men in the cupola to watch the races.

Malcolm Kenney's dad trained horses on his property nearby. Unlike the regulation track previously mentioned, Mr. Kenney's training oval was for his own horses. “Victory K” a successful horse of Mr. Kenney raced at Rochester and other New England tracks.

Amateur Theater in South Berwick

"As the Earth Turns" shown here in 1936, is an example of South Berwick enjoying amateur theater productions. Author Gladys Hasty Carroll, whose best-seller by that title was published in 1933, is the woman at the center of the group (third from the left). It was performed during the summer on an outdoor set in the Dunnybrook part of South Berwick.

By the 1960s, theatrical shows were being “cooked up” in Cora Currier's living room by a group of Berwick Academy alumni as a means to raise funds. Most of the cast of characters but not all were BA grads. Doris Bernier and Cynthia Gagnon were the directors and many local people became involved. Cynthia tells of some arm-twisting and some alcohol that were used to recruit participants.

The first “Itsariot” was produced in 1961 and then another in 1963. Performed at Central School, they had about 12 acts, each wackier than the previous one, such as skits involving men dressed in drag. They were tremendously successful beyond the cast's expectations, brought the community together and allowed newcomers to get acquainted with the natives. Where else could you get to see the local insurance agent, doctor, veterinarian, banker, superintendent of schools, principals and teachers dance around in long underwear and ballet slippers with sequined bras?

Bob Gagne was one of those performing a singing belly-button act known as “The Whistler.”

One skit featured Albert Roberge and two other men in a bed in a hillbilly, moonshine drinking act. They hadn't really learned their lines too well, so they had playbooks under the covers with them.

Another featured Cliff Ham dancing to “The Flight of the Bumble Bee”. He had a large furry bee suit with matching antenna. A ramp was added to the stage so as to engage the audience more.

The first year, the male ensemble spent at least a month learning to dance “ballet moves” so that they could dance to “The Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy”. Their costumes consisted of long white underwear, pink net tutus, and sequined bras and rather large homemade ballet slippers with ribbons up their legs. Among this group was Dick Gagnon, Albert Roberge, Owen Stevens, Michael Kenney, and Joe Powers. Also very active in Itsariot were George and Dorothy Anderson, and George and Dorothy Michaud. Cynthia notes they were actually good!

The second year the ballet was replaced by a fashion show. Elsie Gagnon acted as the style commentator as many stunning outfits were paraded Tim Fogarty in an “Itsy Bitsy, Teeny Weeneie, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” Try to also picture 6' 4” Bill Murdock as the blushing bride in the finale.

I am happy to report that Cynthia is working on remaking her 8mm film of some of this on to a DVD for OBHS and posterity.

The cast of “Itsariot” later transformed into another group that called themselves “The South Berwick Players.” This group did a series of one act plays one year, and then performed the three-act play “You Can't Take It with You”. These last two shows were done on the stage at St. Michael's. The final show and proceeds honored Dr. John Murphy when he retired in 1981-- community recreation with a purpose.

In the 70s, Bonnie Cabe revived the effort to have fun and raise money for good causes. Some of the productions included such as slapstick comedies “Indian Love Call,” starring Bob Paige and Kitty Davis; “This is Your Life,” with Junior Roberge; and “Dallas Cow Flaps.”

Recreation Talk Conclusion

Every town has its story of the “who, what, where, and why” of leisure time activities and recreational pursuit. South Berwick was no different.

There are three important points I would like to leave with you.

1.  Oral historical interviews are fun and a crucial piece of the research that preserves the history and memories of a community.

2.  The activities we choose to fill our leisure time can build our community or isolate us.

I recall the books Brave New World and 1984 , required readings at my high school in the late 50s. One of the future dangers we were warned of was screen addiction. The forecast of 50 years ago is a reality today.

Thank you!