Upton June 24

Greetings from Upton, friends. The weather on Father’s Day was crazy, hot, humid, rain, cooler temps, then hot, humid, etc. Typical New England weather!

Bobby Thompson of Hampton, N.H., and his son, Rob, of Texas were at camp on Back Street over the weekend. Bobby loans his camp out to fishermen friends from all over the country. Bobby gave me copies of his 2010 “camp journal” in which visitors describe highlights of their visits. Most visitors so far this year expressed regret from not having Bobby there and commented on how much they liked both his camp and the setting. On June 4-6, Stoughton brothers, Preston, David, and Frank, wrote that the rain didn’t hinder their visit or fishing. Dave wrote that even without Bobby’s company, they enjoyed outside fireplace every evening while listening to the Red Sox game games. On June 20, Jim Mercier of Epping, N.H., wrote that the fishing was great. He cooked the “monster trout” on the grill and had his first “trout eyeball” which tasted like Bobby’s steamed clams.

More comments from the journal to follow:

By Thursday when you read this, Ladies Aid members will have the second quilt to be raffled on Aug. 21 pretty much done. Plans for Upton’s Fun Day/Sesquicentennial celebration are ongoing. There’s still plenty of time slots, space and volunteers needed to make the day successful and fun for everyone.

Recently I was part of a conversation in which we were asked “if you could live anywhere and expense was no issue,” where would you choose to live? I realized that I would be no happier living anywhere else. The drawbacks of living in Upton wouldn’t pertain to other locations, but there would be other drawbacks in all other places, of course. Contentment and happiness, I realized, have little to do with location in and of itself. Therefore, since we live in Upton by choice, we want to do whatever we can to help make our community the best it can be, and that involvement, whether it be in town offices, volunteering, clubs, or being a good neighbor helps offset any drawbacks that exist because of the location, size, political dissension, potholes, weather, or other physical malfunctions.

Krystal Bernier of Mechanic Falls will be having surgery this week. We hope your recovery is complete and expedient, Krys. I know that your mother-in-law will enjoy her time with Jes while you’re in the hospital and recovering.

Potholes continue to be filled in around town and culverts are being replaced.

Do any of you know how the library obtained the round, oak stove? Was it donated or purchased? By whom? When? Any info will be appreciated.

If you have any artifacts pertaining to Upton’s history or past residents or way of life— objects letters, diaries, pictures or documents— that you’d be willing to donate or lend to the Historical Society, please contact Joe Bernier at 533-2010. The display will be open to the public on Upton’s Fun Day, Aug. 21.

Enjoy your week. Selah