Wiggin lecture topic

Author Nancy Ponzetti of Hollis will speak about Kate Douglas Wiggin when the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, at its headquarters, 100 Main St. (Route 4A), in Bar Mills.

The society said Ponzetti will share “her love of history and fascinating research perspective on Wiggin in her presentation, “Kate Douglas Wiggin: From Celebrity to Obscurity.”

Wiggin was a famed children’s author who wrote “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” and “The Old Peabody Pew,” a play that the Dorcas Society of Hollis and Buxton stages annually. Wiggin lived at Quillcote in Hollis and founded the Dorcas Society, a charitable organization.

“In 1915  Kate Douglas Wiggin was named as one of the six most distinguished women in the world by the Women’s Board of the Exposition for the San Francisco World’s Fair,” Meg Gardner of the historical society, said in an announcement of next week’s meeting.  Their citation called her “one of the feminine luminaries of art, learning, and achievement.”

Ponzetti’s research was supported by a three-year Teaching American History grant awarded through School Administrative District 11 in Gardiner. She completed her project by writing a biography of Wiggin that was chosen for publication by the Maine Humanities Council.

The Buxton-Hollis Historical Society museum and historical library are open from 4-8 p.m. every Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon on Saturdays (except for holiday weekends).  The historical society will be closed on Saturday, June 18, because of the Buxton town meeting and several area community activities.

The historical sopciety can be reached at 929-1684 and it  generally requests donations of $10/$8 for seniors for programs.  Donations are used solely to maintain its history center and to offset program expenses, if any.

Dorcas car show

Vintage car enthusiasts can display their treasures in the second annual Dorcas Cars and Coffee Show at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Brewster Mansion at Tory Hill, intersection of routes 202 and 112, in Buxton. Car show proceeds benefit Buxton and Hollis charities.

Features include a 50/50 raffle and lunch will be available. The event includes complimentary coffee for participants and spaces are free of charge but limited.

To reserve space, call 929-4871.