Unravelling the Mysteries of West Bethel History!
Join us on Thursday, June 5 to celebrate the latest issue of Goose Eye!
The new issue of Goose Eye, the annual history journal of the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, has been sent to the printer, and copies should be delivered to our doorstep soon.
We invite you to attend a special party to celebrate the launch of Goose Eye No. 5 at the Pleasant Valley Commons, located at 721 West Bethel Road, West Bethel, Maine on Thursday, June 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This is a free event, but registration is encouraged.
The Commons, formerly the Pleasant Valley Grange Hall, has been beautifully restored by its new owners, Celina Adams and Cameron Wake. It’s the perfect venue to unveil the new issue of Goose Eye, which focuses on the history of West Bethel village.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and we will be serving a traditional Grange-style public supper —think baked beans, ham, mac and cheese, homemade rolls, and more. You’ll also have a chance to pick up your copy of the new issue, chat with Goose Eye contributors, and see what the new owners have done with the place.
At 6:00 p.m. we’ll connect live with America’s Puzzlemaster, Will Shortz, who will share a few brief remarks. Then, Goose Eye contributor Larry Glatz will present a program on Edwin R. Briggs (1841-1923), a nineteenth century puzzle editor from West Bethel, Maine.
What’s in the New Issue?
Goose Eye No. 5, titled “West Bethel’s Enigmatic History” takes a slightly different approach from previous editions. For the first time, our focus is not a broad theme, but a single place: the village of West Bethel.
At the heart of the issue is Larry Glatz’s study of Edwin Briggs, also known as “Ruthven,” a prolific puzzle-maker whose work appeared in newspapers across the country. Will Shortz has praised Larry’s article, “a masterful history of Briggs and puzzledom as it existed in his day . . . wonderfully colorful, richly detailed and researched!”
But that’s not all! The issue also features:
A transcription of a 2001 interview with Pauline Applin, longtime member of the Pleasant Valley Grange, conducted by sound artist Dianne Ballon
A history of the Whitten & Dennison Post Card Company’s rise and sudden relocation by William F. Chapman
The “Gander Corner Bugle,” a delightful handwritten newspaper produced in the village
Gander Corner Bugle A selection of photographic postcard views from the Libbie Kneeland collection
An essay on the importance of context in local history by David R. Jones.
Copies of Goose Eye No. 5 not picked up at the event will be mailed out beginning the following day. If you’re not already a member, purchase a membership through our museum shop—or become a paid subscriber to our Substack by clicking the button below—to make sure you receive yours!