Background
In collaboration with many local stakeholders, the Mt Blue Area Garden Club (MBAGC) led a restoration of the beautiful granite arch located at the intersection of Main Street and Belcher Road in Farmington. MBAGC’s connection to the arch began in 1969 when it started developing and maintaining gardens in the park as part of its Civic Beautification efforts. In 2021, leaders of MBAGC determined that a significant effort was needed to renovate the arch and park grounds. An application requesting funding from the America Rescue Plan Act was completed by MBAGC and presented to the Franklin County Commissioners in February 2022. Once funding was approved in April 2022, a Stakeholder Advisory Group was formed with representatives from the Farmington Historical Society, Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post 28, MBAGC, RSU9 and Franklin County Commissioners. Restoration plans were made and well underway by Memorial Day. Highlights of the restoration include removing invasive Norway Maples, planting Meyer Spruce trees, cleaning the Arch, as well as installing a flagpole, a parking area, and an interpretive sign that describes the monument’s significance and history.
With the restorative efforts nearing completion, our attention turns to the 100th anniversary of the Memorial Arch dedication which occurred on Memorial Day in 1924. That dedication was a grand affair honoring John M. Teague, a New Sharon native and civil war veteran who bequeathed the entirety of his estate to Franklin County to fund the memorial, as well as unveiling the Arch itself in dedication to those who served in The Great War – the war to end all wars. Post 28 was present at the original dedication and subsequent Memorial Days thereafter. It is fitting that Post 28 take the lead in organizing a grand 100th anniversary celebration that brings Franklin County together to honor the fallen while celebrating community spirit. Ideas for 100th anniversary include a historical reenactment of the original dedication, a public parade, a community barbeque fundraiser, and establishing a time capsule to name a few.
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