Summary of Old Kittery 1647-1947 by Douglas Dorothy Vaughan Armsden

Journey through Kittery's rich history from 1647 to 1947 in 'Old Kittery 1647-1947' by Douglas Dorothy Vaughan Armsden. A humorous and nostalgic exploration!

Welcome to Old Kittery 1647-1947, where time travel isn't necessary because this book serves as a glorious portal to the past! Authored by the talented Douglas Dorothy Vaughan Armsden, this historical gem takes us on a journey that spans over three centuries, chronicling the vibrant history of Kittery, Maine, from its founding in 1647 to the eve of its centennial celebration in 1947. So, grab your powdered wig and buckle shoes, we're about to relive some major milestones (minus the actual time travel).

The book kicks off in the year 1647-yep, way back when people were more concerned about surviving than about their Instagram feeds. Kittery was established as a bustling hub of trade and settlement. You can almost hear the clop-clop of horse hooves on dirt roads as the early settlers grappled with daily life, Mother Nature, and those pesky Native Americans who were, let's be honest, just as tired of the colonizers as we are of being pestered about politics on social media.

Fast-forward a few decades, and we encounter a whole array of historical happenings. The book details Kittery's growth in the sphere of shipbuilding and trade, proving that this little town was far from just a sleepy dot on the map. "If you're not building ships, are you even living?" one might ask-and Kittery certainly took that to heart.

With the years marching on, we enter the Revolutionary War period (cue the dramatic music!). Kittery, naturally, wasn't just going to sit idly by while the British were plotting-oh no! The residents toss in their lot with the patriots, and we get a front-row seat to their struggles and triumphs. Spoiler alert: The British weren't winning this one.

As we plow through the 19th century, more change and progress flood into Kittery. The Industrial Revolution makes its way to the backdrop, bringing not only new opportunities but also a hefty dose of pollution and those lovely urban problems of the time. But hey, at least progress came with steam power, right?

The book closes with reflections on life in Kittery around 1947, just as the town prepares to celebrate two centuries of existence. Here, Armsden captures the quirky, often chaotic blend of past and present, where you can find families gathering together to reminisce about the "good old days" while the younger generation is, no doubt, trying to figure out how to get Wi-Fi.

Each chapter brings to life the quirky anecdotes and notable characters that shaped Kittery's identity, all wrapped in a humorously nostalgic tone. You might not come away with all the exact dates and events (and let's be real, who can remember those?), but you will have a pretty vivid picture of a town that has seen its fair share of drama and charm.

In the end, Old Kittery 1647-1947 is not just a book; it's a love letter to a town that braved the odds and kept its spirit alive despite everything. So next time you think your life is tough, just remember the fine folks of Kittery who had to scratch out a living while fending off Mother Nature's worst!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.