What’s in a name? Bog Hoot. Jericho. McFalls. Mechanics Falls. They are one and the same town. Eriks Petersons, president of the Mechanic Falls Historical Society, sent along this history of the town’s names:
“The earliest records indicate that Mechanic or Mechanics Falls was the unofficial name for the village. At the time prior to its becoming a town, Mechanic Falls was listed as a village which saddled the Little Androscoggin River on the Minot and Poland sides.
“In 1841 a post office was established in the village under the direction of S.F. Waterman and the official title became Mechanics Falls — the word ‘mechanics’ being attributed to the kind of work being done at the mills by the laborers. But the letter ‘s’ at the end of Mechanics was usually dropped off. In 1887, under the direction of the postmaster in town, Frank A. Millet, Mechanic Falls became the official designation.
“Since 1823, when more people started arriving, the village was given a variety of ‘nicknames’ such as Bog Falls, Jericho, Groggy Harbor and Bog Hoot, but none passed muster. The nicknames are an amusing sidelight and now are merely used as advertisement features.”
The name “Bog Hoot” came about because the area was swampy and there were a lot of owls who took up residence there.
There are some great things to do and see while you are in town. During June each year, you can take part in the annual Community Day celebration. There is usually a road race, parade, arts and crafts vendors, antique car show, fair food, games, a book sale, a chicken barbecue and more.
Goss Berry Farm, 311 Elm St., 207-346-6811
www.gossberryfarm.com/
Owners Walter and Sharon Goss have pick-your-own high bush blueberries and raspberries in season. There are 10 acres devoted to the berries, which will all be ready to pick around the first of July. But don’t wait till then, stop by and see the farm.
Harvest Hill Farms, 125 Pigeon Hill Road (Route 26), 207-998-5485
www.harvesthillfarms.com
This is a large farm that serves up great pizza, hosts Pumpkin Land in the fall, raises and sells range-fed beef, and has a farm market that sells fresh baked breads, pies, fine wines, beef, poultry and more.
The Falls Country Gift Shoppe, 33 Elm St., 207-345-9208
This is a great shop to visit. They are open Wednesday through Saturday, Sundays by chance, and are filled with country crafts, gifts and antiques. Find them on Facebook or visit their blog at http://fallsprimitives.blogspot.com/.
Mechanic Falls Historical Society, 64 Elm St., 207-345-2871 (Town Office)
The Society is run by a group of volunteers for the purpose of planning, collecting and displaying historic memorabilia related to Mechanic Falls and the immediate area. The group meets monthly and hosts fundraising activities for the financial support of their home, the Congregational Church at 64 Elm Street. Their goal is to slowly convert the church building into a museum and community center. Society President Eriks Petersons is the person to talk to if you need information. The historical society recently moved into its new home, which was formerly the Congregational Church. They serve up “almost famous” roast beef dinners at various times, so look for public announcements and join them for those dinners.
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- H. Joie Crockett photo The Mechanic Falls Historical Society building on Elm St.
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