Monson (Maine)

Piscataquis County

23-46580

Monson is a town in Piscataquis County, Maine in the United States. According to the census of 2010 had 686 inhabitants. The village lies on the Maine State Route 15, the main road north to the Moosehead Lake region very well known, is sometimes held to the Monson for the driveway. This route leads ultimately to the Canadian province of Quebec.

The place is relatively well known in the local and in the history of the state of Maine. This situation illustrates that it is the last town on the Appalachian Trail before the start of the 100 -Mile Wilderness. Many hikers stay again and stock up on supplies before heading through the wilderness.

History

Monson was founded on February 8, 1822 by a legislative act of the State. Before the town is part of Hebron Academy and Monson Academy was by land allocation of the state of Massachusetts 1811. On April 22, 1822 Place had its first meeting of the Council to justify the administration. After the clearing of the land came in 1816 the first inhabitants.

1870 slate was discovered by a resident of Wales and over the next few decades created many slate quarries, which became a growing population as well as a good source of income of the inhabitants. Because of the large-scale action was a narrow gauge railway, the Monson Railroad for more than four locomotives that were used for the slate transport and for the transportation of passengers for the greater Bangor and Aroostook Railroad in Abbot, built. The slate industry declined after the First World War.

Economy

Today, Sheldon Slate Company is the only company in town, although there is still a small company that sells roofing slate are. For this slate from Monson is Kennedy's grave stone in Washington DC In 1945, the company bought after a fire at Moosehead WoodCrafters in Greeneville, the building of the former slate company and made it a Moosehead Manufacturing, which produced 2007 furniture for over 60 years until its closure. The company has a sister plant in Dover - Foxcroft and a shop in North Carolina and shipped its products in the state and also in countries like Japan. The company secured approximately 250 jobs over many generations and was an important source of revenue for the city.

Tourism

The town had a hotel and a steamboat, tourists of the late 19th and early 20th century brought to Lake Hebron. Since the 1990s, Monson worked - after the closure of Moosehead Manufacturing - increasing amount of tourism and many (including the Piscataquis County) hold Monson for the ideal place to promote tourism. This is reflected in the increase of antique shops, a new bar and lodge and an increasing number of several different shops on Main Street.

Train

Monson has a primary school and a secondary school, both as Monson Academy known. Although only 1847 classes were taught, the last major building in 1861 a fire fell to the victim. The school was opened in 1968, when the buildings were remodeled and the 7th through 12th grade were moved to Dover - Foxcroft. The Academy has also won basketball tournaments in Maine in the 1950s and 1960s. Many of the trophies and other souvenirs are on display in the Museum Monson. The school team was known as the Slaters and their colors were orange and black. Today, the primary school and the gym, which is used for local and private events, at the site of the original school building. Recently, the bandstand was restored. The primary school has been around since the 1980s; an expansion took place in the 1990s, this is a space for a new library and classrooms were built. At the school, only 40 students were enrolled. The classes 1-4 it is to be expected as preschool. The elementary school is part of the MSAD 68 Until the decision of the State of Maine in March 2009, the directors of the MSAD 68 who voted for the closure of the primary school in Monson and bus transportation of students to Dover - Foxcroft. It starts in the 2009-2010 school year; be due increasing enrollments and costs.

Local Events

The place has held several events spread throughout the year and are based on the active participation of the residents. From such a celebration of the 175th anniversary of the town resulted in an original draft motor, which is for ceremonies in Monson in operation. This train rides for visitors are offered. Also the Snow Roller Day - a celebration of the natural " snowballs " of the city, events like a Ice Fishing Derby, a snowmobile race, a bonfire on the lake, ice skating and other similar events are held.

• Memorial Day Parade - Despite the size of the place, a Memorial Day parade is held annually.
• Spring Clean -up - local children are encouraged to " clean up" the city. Do you get a free hot dog, soda and potato chips.
• Summerfest - not a typical event, usually to celebrate the summer.
• Fall Festival - A celebration of autumn and sometimes includes a small parade, horse races, pumpkin painting / carving, book fairs, storytelling and other events for children. Fireworks will take place at night often later.
• Bandstand Events - Until recently, there were a number of concerts by local swing and classic bands that used the bandstand near. These concerts were very successful. There are also days when the bandstand for a barbecue that would win an organization in the city ( eg, American Legion ), will be used.
• Kris Kringle Fair - An event that takes place during the Christmas season, many local artists sell their handmade products. There are also food and live music.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of ​​127.6 km ², of which 121.9 km ² land and 5.6 km ² are (ie 4.41% of the total ) are water.