Leeds Historical Society plans fall walks for October

People can join members of the Leeds Historical Society as they walk and talk about several places in October.

Rain dates and time for all of the walks are the next day, Sunday at 1 p.m., according to a news release from Pam Bell, a member of the Leeds Historical Society Board.

• Monument Hill, North Road: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Leeds has a Civil War peace Monument erected on the highest point in town, elevation 180 feet, by the Howard brothers in memory of the 161 soldiers and sailors who served from this town. Attendees can learn about how, why and when the monument was erected as well as take in the fall views out as far as the White Mountains.

Meet at the trailhead with parking along one side of the road. For those who do not or can not join the 0.8-mile round trip hike up to see the monument, the story of the Howard brothers and the monument will be told before taking the hike.

• Island Pond & Leeds Sand and Gravel: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Join the society on a walk to Island Pond by meeting by the sign for Pike Industries on Route 106. This small pond is tucked away between Route 106 and the Plains Road. A five-minute walk to the water will provide a glimpse of the source one of Leeds’ most important industries, sand and gravel.

First the group will meet at the site of Pike Industries to learn a bit about Leeds’ geological history, specifically the esker made up of material (sand and gravel) left by the glaciers thousands of years ago. This ridge runs south from Chesterville to South Leeds. In addition, people will learn about the industries which have supported the town of Leeds and many of its residents for generations.

After this introduction, the group will travel north a short distance to the entrance to Island Pond. The pond is itself is a bit of a mystery, and some of the stories about its origin and past will be shared.

Knapp/Dead River Cemetery: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28: The cemetery is located on the north bank of the Dead River in an area of earliest settlement of Leeds, or as it was formerly known, Littleborough. Some of the first settlers and many early veterans are buried here. To get to the public access road, take Route 106 north to the intersection with Route 219 and turn left. In about a quarter mile, a pasture and a farm road will be on the left leading up a hill across from the Fish farm.

For more information, call Laura Juraska at 207-524-2324.