| Chapter VI |
| Social Functions |
| It is difficult to imagine, in this bicentennial period, how the public can enjoy the evening hours, or day time as well, without the entertainment that television provides. And before television and radio was as heavily relied upon to tickle the imagination and delight the humor of most people. But before these electronic devices were available, people resorted to self entertainment, even though it might be a simle neighborhood visit where conversation abounded or molasses taffy, popcorn balls, and apples were devoured to fill in moments of silence. Not a bad practice, for it encouraged people to talk to each other and become better aquainted with one anothers problems. This had the end result of building friendships and roots, for which many were everlasting. Men got together for an exciting game of horseshoes, a few hands of bid whist, or to swap stories over the cracker barrel. Women, too, had their ways of finding outside diversion through quilting bees, sewing circles and the like. Boys found their outlet by jumping in the old swimming pool on Winslow's Stream , sledding on the many hills in Penobscot, kicking the can or playing mumbly peg. Girls found enjoyment in the game of croquet, ice skating on Pierces Pond or Winslow Stream, Jumping the rope or riding the see-saw and swings. Everyone seemed to enjoy the hay rides in summer and sled rides in winter as a collective group of mixed people. Likewise, the marshmallow and corn roasts were equally enjoyed at the brickyards which were burning all night. Then, for those who didn't prefer to participate in any of these activities, a good book, a fast game of checkers, an exciting game of cribbage, or a round of flinch were usually sufficient to entertain. The Grange and lodges were very popular in early days. They provided an atmosphere of belonging to a pillar of security and stability. Some lodges, the Odd Fellows in particular, offered a contribution towards ones burial fund. Others promised a retirement home in later life. In an era where insurance was not a common product, these incentives were greatly appreciated and can be equated with today's "fringe benefits". Needless to say the lodgers were very well and regularly attended, since radio and television were not competitors. It might be added that, in spite of this competition, the Masonic Order, The Eastern Star and the Grange are still very active in Penobscot. Once a year, everyone just had to attend the Blue Hill Fair which extended over three days and ended on Labor Day. The excitement of a huge crowd, collectively gathered, attracted thousands from surrounding towns. They came to enjoy the midway, the horse racing, the baseball games, the livestock and the horse and oxen pulls. After topping it off with the usual hot dogs and cold drinks, which always seem to taste their best, each family would reluctantly return home. Everyone looked forward to the movies (silent ) held at the Town Hall every Saturday night. These were sponsored by Brainard Condon, and operated by Merle Bridges. Tom Mix and his horse Tony were favorites, as were Clara Bow, Theda Bara, Thomas Meighan and Richard Dix. The Movies were well at attended in spite of long distance travel by horse and wagon. Baseball was a favorite sport and well attended, even though the dimond might have been a cow pasture. During the 20's and extending into the 40's, Penobscot sponsored a baseball team and was involved with a seacoast league of eight other teams from surrounding towns. Usually the games were played twice a week, on Wednesday's and Sunday's. Those players remembered are Clyde Leach, Albert and Elliot Wardwell, Wyman Varnum, Paul Hinkley, Fred Mitchell, Rayford Leach, Linwood Leach, Albert Gross, Hollis Bridges, Maynard Perkins, and Kermit Hinkley. There probably were many others but time has erased their memory. Bagaduce Hall, in South Penobscot, was a favorite place to gather and witness the presentation of a play, musical or minstrel show. Local talent from the town, produced, promoted and presented two hors of entertainment to an enthusiastic audience. These programs were frequently held and very much enjoyed, even though the audience viewed amateur talent. Traveling shows, mostly of the vaudeville type were also presented on occasions. Therefore, an opoportunity existed were professional talent was enjoyed. The Town Hall was also used for similar occasions and for dances, in particular. The waltz and foxtrot were the popular dances of the day, in additon to country Virginia reels. Bagaduce Hall photo Frank McDonald photo In spite of the lack of modern radio and television programming, the people of earlier days truly enjoyed diversfied entertainment. Because they were not saturated with it, simply meant tha they looked forward to the next event with great anticipation and appreciation. |
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| Bagaduce Hall |
| Frank McDonald and his Cabinet Dancers Rockland, Maine |