NOTE:
Note: the Buckfield Sign photo is placed on the railroad
trail (#9 on map) going North. Do not publish this note. Thank
you.
By H. Joie Crockett
Special to b
Buckfield is a quiet town located northwest of Auburn on Route 117, at the east and west branches of the Nezinscot River. It was incorporated as Buckfield on March 16, 1793.
The town is surrounded by hills, and early inhabitants found the soil great for growing corn, apples and grain. The river gave rise to mills that produced lumber, barrel staves, shovel handles, snow shovels, powder kegs, leather harnesses, men’s boots and more. Glen Holmes, today’s town manager, says that in its heyday the population of the town exceeded 3,000, in comparison to today’s 1,600.
The town is home to a number of families with long histories in the town as well as to many family businesses, but it’s probably best known currently for its connections to the entertainment industry, from home-grown to Hollywood.
• Patrick Dempsey, Dr. McDreamy on TV’s “Gray’s Anatomy,” grew up in Buckfield and spent three years at Buckfield High School, graduating from St. Dominic Regional High School.
• Fred “Garbo” Garver, a juggler of note and the voice of Barkley the Dog on Sesame Street, lives there.
• That dynamic duo Stephen Voltz and Fritz Grobe, who recently won a second Webby Award for their “sticky notes” advertisement and are known worldwide for their Mentos and Coke demonstrations, are based in Buckfield.
• And no less than Mike Miclon, the creative force behind Buckfield’s unique and highly praised Oddfellow Theater, lives and works here.
Not enough for a visit? The town also offers fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the Nezinscot, trails and hiking on Streaked Mountain, snowmobiling in winter, greenhouses, honey from a local apiary, an extraordinary lumber yard and some of the best, freshest meats to be found.
Make a day out of it and discover Buckfield!
Buckfield Mall
8 East Buckfield Road (Route 117)
Buckfield
336-2314
A convenience store located at the junction of Route 117 and East Buckfield Road, you can find everything from video rentals to pizza to fuel (and so much more) at the “mall.”
Tilton’s Market
11 Turner St. (Route 117)
336-2191
A family-owned market that not only has great homemade pastries, but some of the freshest and best meats in the state. People are said to drive from all over to buy their meats.
Tony’s Honey
95 Paris Hill Road
336-2343
An apiary where you can buy fresh honey by the jar, or hire some bees to pollinate your crops.
Jack’s Greenhouses
Norman F. & Anna Jack Farm
123 Earl Jack Road
336-2973
A family business that has been serving the community for 35 years. This greenhouse is up on a hill, with not only beautiful views, but four greenhouses full of plants for all your gardening needs. The greenhouses were made from cedar that was harvested on the farm. Follow the signs to the farm.
Streaked Mountain
On Route 117 between Buckfield and Paris
http://www.amateur-hikers.com/mountain.asp?id=2440
This is a very steep climb with an elevation of 1,750 feet. The top also is home to an old fire tower (not accessible) and many cell towers. On a clear day you can see the Presidentials, Sebago Lake and much more. A great hike!
Railroad bed recreational trails
A trail more than 11 miles in length with 5½ miles within Buckfield town limits. The trail can be accessed on Depot Street (Route 117) or off John Ellingwood Road. The south trail goes a mile to South Pond and at the far end of South Pond, you can switch to another trail that will take you to Streaked Mountain, but this is a long hike so be prepared if you try it. The trails are flat ground, easy walking, and used by hikers, ATVs, horses and snowmobiles in winter.
The Oddfellow Theater
Route 117, in the heart of Buckfield
336-3306
http://www.oddfellow.com/
It offers a variety of regular and special shows. Check out the Web site at www.oddfellow.com. The next Early Evening Show comes up on June 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Mike Miclon, well known for his comedic skits. A great night of family entertainment.
Hart’s
7 Depot St.
336-2555
Hart’s is open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop in for some good homemade cooking — everything from French toast to pizza.
R.E. Lowell Lumber Inc.
132 North Hill Road
336-2901
A family-owned lumber business that does it all, from log to finished wood products. They also have a hardware store/home center at the location and you can find everything you need here.
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