READFIELD — Readfield History Walkers plan to walk into Quimby Bog on Friday, Oct. 30, and afterwards visit the circa 1801 Josiah Whittier homestead on North Road, which harbors restored Moses Eaton stencils.

Participants will meet by 10 a.m. and park at 183 North Road and from there will hike to Quimby Bog on a private trail, according to a news release from organizers. The trek will cover about 1.5 miles round trip and is considered moderate by the landowners.

Quimby Bog is named for Dr. Samuel Quimby of Mount Vernon, an early physician and mill owner. The southernmost part of Quimby Bog can be seen from Route 17 in Readfield Depot, and from there it extends north to Dunn’s Corner, Mount Vernon. The settlement known as Dunn’s Corner developed around Dr. Quimby’s grist mill, sawmill and shingle mill which he managed from about 1810 until 1850, according to the release.

Upon completion of the hike participants will return to the Josiah Whittier homestead.

Whittier was a son of Moses, who came to Readfield from Raymond, New Hampshire, with his wife and 10 children about 1788. Moses settled 200 acres on the road then called “Whitcher Road” (the old spelling and pronunciation for Whittier), but known today as North Road. Moses’ sons Josiah, Beniah and Moses Jr., and three grandsons, Hiram, Joseph and True Whittier, followed in his footsteps. Some of Moses’ daughters married men from this area of town and also settled nearby — one being his son-in-law Nathaniel Jose for whom Jose Hill is named.

In that area of town there remains four original “Whitcher” homesteads.

History walkers can view the restored Moses Eaton stencils inside the Josiah Whittier homestead. Eaton was from New Hampshire, born 1792, and apprenticed under his father, Moses Sr. He struck out on his own as an itinerant artist and his travels brought him into Maine where examples of his work still exist. Eaton stenciled inside both Josiah Whittier’s house and his father’s house next door, according to the release.

The start point, 183 North Road, is located 0.8 miles after turning off Route 17. Walkers will receive information about the Whittier family and their contemporary neighbors, Samuel Wing and his son Daniel, who arrived here about 1780. Walking sticks and sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended.

Those who wish can bring a sandwich to eat lunch with the group afterwards. There is no fee for Readfield History Walks.

Donations in support of the historical site markers project are welcome. Checks can be made payable to Readfield Historical Society.

For more information, visit readfieldhistorywalks.blogspot.com or email crossings4u@gmail.com.

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