Skowhegan author David L. Richards will be present to celebrate his new book, Poland Spring: A Tale of the Gilded Age, 1860-1900. The detailed independent work, published by the University Press of New England, recounts in detail the same unique piece of Maine history celebrated by Poland Spring Heritage Day. Also present will be special guest George Ricker, a member of the founding Ricker family, and current head of the Poland Spring Preservation Society board.
In the 19th century, Poland Spring was both a water bottling company and a renowned resort destination. Long before air-conditioning and automobiles, people came from all over to stay at Poland Spring. They sought rejuvination through fresh Maine air, the outdoors, rural life, and clear Maine spring water. They sipped water in carafes filled by white-gloved men drawing from the source with silver ladles.
That is part of the history that inspired Richards to write Poland Spring: A Tale of the Gilded Age. The independent work follows Richards’ 1997 doctoral thesis, “A City of Vivid Contrasts: Antimodernity and Modernity at the Poland Spring Resort, 1860-1900.” Richards holds his Ph. D. in History from the University of New Hampshire, as well as a M.A. in New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine, and a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Bates College. He is currently Assistant Director of the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegan.
The celebration included a book signing, special presentations and tours of Poland Spring’s historical Preservation Park and museum in Poland Spring. Public officials, librarians and educators from Poland, Hollis, Fryeburg and Kingfield; Governor Baldacci; Maine’s congressional delegation; members from the Maine historical society; and many others were invited to attend. Speakers included the author, Poland Spring’s staff historian and representatives from Poland Spring Water Company.