From local publisher Sam Teddy Publishing (South China) are featured the following books in the Waterville Mr. Paperback store:
Centennial History of Waterville (1802-1902): (611 total pages, $27.95) A reprint of the 1902 edition of this book, this book brings to the readers’ mind the way it was back in “the old days.” Covering what started out as Winslow (encompassing Waterville and Oakland), Waterville (which split from Winslow in 1802), and touching on Oakland (which split from Waterville in 1823), this book contains such history of the local area that the readers will immerse themselves into the story. As Fort Halifax is being built; as Winslow increases in size; as bridges are built, Waterville comes to its own; as schools, churches, businesses are constructed, the reader will feel like he or she is there.
With various illustrations from the original printing, this is a most comprehensive history of the Teconnett area of the Kennebec river. Each chapter was written by a different chairman of the Centennial Committee of One Hundred, covering subjects such as the Early Settlers, Military History, the Churches, Schools and Colleges and their Teachers, Social Life, Agriculture of the area, Banking, the Press, Libraries, Doctors and Lawyers, a full picture is built over the hundred years cover 1802-1902.
A final chapter of documents such as Letters, the Winslow Proprietors, the Grant of James Pitt, the Waterville Incorporation Act, and the Waterville City Charter, and more, are included for the reader. A modified every-name index is included as well.
History of Piscataquis County: (272 pages, $14.95) A reprint of the 1880 edition of this book by Amasa Loring the History of Piscataquis County, Maine provides modern generations with a look of the way it was in their county from the beginning.
From brief descriptions of the towns, their beginnings, people, events, and of the county as a whole, we gain a new perspective on the way things are today by looking at what they were then.
This book includes a newly created every-name index, which the original printing did not have.
Old Hallowell on the Kennebec: (414 pp, $21.95) This book covers the settlement of Hallowell on the Kennebec river, including what is today the Augusta-Hallowell-Farmingdale-Gardiner-Chelsea and Manchester area, from its earliest settlement in the 1700s until 1852 when Hallowell became a city. This well-written, informative and educational work is a must-have for any history enthusiast interested in Maine early history. With newly enhanced index.
Salem Witchcraft, Volumes I and II: (Vol. I 328 pp, $16.95; Vol. II 380 pp, $17.95) Believed by many to be the most definitive work ever done on the Salem witch trials, this book is a reproduction of a book published in 1867 by Charles Wentworth Upham. A piece of Massachusetts / New England, history that cannot be forgotten.
Sebastian Ralé, A Maine Tragedy of the Eighteenth Century: (122 pp, $12.95) A reprint of the 1906 book by John Francis Sprague, this book covers the history of the life, work and death of Jesuit missionary and spiritual advisor to the Abenaki Indians of Maine. He was killed while tending his flock in the Norridgewock village in1724. This book is a tremendously fine read and is full of historical material regarding treaties that affected the peoples of New France, New England, Maine in particular.
The Makers of Maine: (182 pp, $12.95) A reprint of the 1912 book of essays of Maine by Herbert E. Holmes, describing the unique history of the State of Maine. Starting with the Viking discovery and “settlement” of our coast, continuing with the French settlements of Acadia, living with the Abenaki Indians - including the death of Father Rale, and showing that Maine was settled by Europeans long before the Mayflower had landed, this book is a must-read for any historian. Index included
The Life of Deborah Sampson: (166 pp, $15.95) The only woman who enlisted (as Robert Shurtliff) as a Revolutionary War soldier. This book is a reprint of the 1916 publication by William Abbatt, entitled: The Female Review; or Life of Deborah Sampson. It follows the reasoning of why Deborah decided to enlist, as Robert Shurtliff, and fight in the War for Independence for nearly three years, was wounded, and finally, just as the war was ending, her sex was discovered. Plenty of commentary, descriptions of the battles from her own journal, and criticism by William Abbatt toward H. Mann, who wrote the first published version in 1797. A good read for the Revolutionary War buff.
The Adventures of John Capen Adams (Grizzly Adams): (238 pp, $13.95) The Adventures of John Capen Adams - Mountaineer and Grizzly Bear Hunter of California, by Theodore H. Hittell (1860, 1911). The man that we knew as Grizzly Adams was born John Capen Adams in Medway, Massachusetts, on October 20th, 1807. He died in Neponset, Massachusetts on October 25, 1860, and was buried in Charlton, Massachusetts. The last quarter of his life was predominately spent in the American west, particularly in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California-Oregon-Washington, and in the Rocky Mountains as well. What follows in this book are his own words, although the original printing came just after his death in 1860. After several attempts at fortune, all ending in financial ruin, he turned instead to the prospect of seeking gold and in 1849 traveled to California for that reason. He soon realized that perhaps the real fortune was in supplying meat to the settlements where the gold seekers were, and thus began what we know as the man called Grizzly Adams. What fascinating tales he provides of his exploits in the mountains of California and Washington, of the Indians that he meets and befriends, the game he kills and captures, of his travels here and there, and his descriptions of the raw lands of California and the prairies to the east. His capture and training of several bear cubs has become legendary. There have been a television series and several films made of this mountain man character. A fascinating set of tales told by the man himself, this book was originally published in 1860, and reprinted in 1861, 1867, and finally in 1911.
