Readfield historian and author Dale Potter-Clark will give a presentation about the research and writing done about “The Founders and Evolution of Summer Resorts and Kids’ Camps” on four lakes in Readfield, North Wayne, Winthrop, West Mount Vernon and Fayette.

The presentation is scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Maranacook Community School.

Tamsonhurst was one of the many hotels in operation on Lake Maranacook. Founded by Ed and Tamson Nelson in 1903, it was located on the northern shore of Maranacook Lake in Readfield. In later years it was known as Millett Manor.
Tamsonhurst was one of the many hotels in operation on Lake Maranacook. Founded by Ed and Tamson Nelson in 1903, it was located on the northern shore of Maranacook Lake in Readfield. In later years it was known as Millett Manor. Photo courtesy of the Nelson family
Tamsonhurst was one of the many hotels in operation on Lake Maranacook. Founded by Ed and Tamson Nelson in 1903, it was located on the northern shore of Maranacook Lake in Readfield. In later years it was known as Millett Manor.
Tamsonhurst was one of the many hotels in operation on Lake Maranacook. Founded by Ed and Tamson Nelson in 1903, it was located on the northern shore of Maranacook Lake in Readfield. In later years it was known as Millett Manor. Photo courtesy of the Nelson family
Tamsonhurst was one of the many hotels in operation on Lake Maranacook. Founded by Ed and Tamson Nelson in 1903, it was located on the northern shore of Maranacook Lake in Readfield. In later years it was known as Millett Manor.
Tamsonhurst was one of the many hotels in operation on Lake Maranacook. Founded by Ed and Tamson Nelson in 1903, it was located on the northern shore of Maranacook Lake in Readfield. In later years it was known as Millett Manor. Photo courtesy of the Nelson family

Potter-Clark and co-author Charles L. Day Jr. recently released a 356-page book about this topic, which includes chapters on the history of all the various hotels, summer resorts and kids’ camps on Torsey, Lovejoy, Maranacook and Echo lakes. Also featured is the coming of sports, summer tourists and the trolley; and more than 200 vintage photos — most from Day’s postcard collection.

The presentation will include a slideshow of some of those photos as well as background on many of the establishments, of which very few remain in business today. Following the presentation, Potter-Clark will be available for a book sale and signing.

The $12.50 registration fee will help fund Readfield Historical Society’s Museum in the Streets historical site markers project.

To register, call Maranacook Adult and Community Education at 685-4923, ext. 1065, or visit maranacook.maineadulted.org.

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