Fairfield, who died Monday at the age of 99, wrote several books on local history, and also authored books of fiction and poetry. He also taught at the college level for many years.
Fairfield was known as the city of Saco’s historian. On Dec. 4, 2006, Fairfield, along with fellow historians Sallie Huot and Fred Clark, received the key to the city for his contributions to the research of local history.
Old Orchard Beach Historian Dan Blaney recalls first reading Fairfield’s “Sand, Spindles and Steeples, A History of Saco, Maine,” when he was in high school. The book was first published in 1956 and details Saco’s history during the perioe between 1830 and 1950 including social, economic, political and cultural analysis. Blaney said the book has one of the most comprehensive accounts of Old Orchard Beach separating from Saco in 1883. He said Fairfield’s research and use of primary sources was impressive.
“It’s a great resource,” said Blaney. “I’ve used it hundreds of times.”
Blaney said he enjoyed reading Fairfield’s books on local history, and he also enjoyed going to lectures put on by Fairfield.
“He was one heck of a nice guy and one heck of a historian,” said Blaney. “He’s going to be sadly missed.”
Fairfield donated his personal papers and many historical documents to the Dyer Library in Saco, which are housed at the library in the Roy P. Fairfield Maine History Room.
“Roy was one of the kindest men I’ve ever met, and probably the most dedicated local historian. He was always so happy to help someone with local history, and his eyes always lit up when he could talk to someone about an archival project,” said Camille Smalley, former collections and research manager with the Dyer Library and Saco Museum.
Smalley said she met Fairfield about 10 years ago, at a gallery opening of her first exhibit as a University of New England student. She said she had used his book “Sand, Spindles and Steeples” and was amazed to meet him. Smalley said Fairfield was very knowledgable about Saco and Biddeford and had many great stories about growing up in Saco.
“He really lived and breathed history,” Smalley said.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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