PHILLIPS — Ambleside, a stately, three-story brick home, was built alongside the Sandy River by Seward Dill, his wife Shuah, and their son Harrison in 1865. Over the past two years the building, owned by the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad (SR&RLRR), has undergone extensive interior restoration, and during Phillips’ Welcome to Summer weekend offered its first living history experience to a group of high school students.

Six students and two teachers from Maranacook Community High School spent four days and three nights preparing meals on a wood burning stove, drawing water from a hand pump, dining by the light of oil lamps and candles, and experiencing life as it was in the late 19th century. Their hosts were living history specialists Corey Ellis (who adopted the persona of Harrison Dill, Seward’s son) and Deb Frino (who played Emma, Harrison’s housekeeper).

Ellis and Frino, who have had extensive experience doing living history at Morrill Farm B&B in the summer, have also spearheaded the renovation of Ambleside, together with assistance from SR&RLRR members and volunteers from the community. Though work is ongoing, seven of the home’s 15 rooms have been partially restored, enough to launch the first of what they hope will be many living history experiences. When completed, the house will also accommodate a two-room railroad museum.

Participating Maranacook students, who also adopted 19th century garb and personas during their stay, were Chris Beckwith (Hiram), Kyle Brundige (Captain Lewis), Gavin Pottle (Moses), Hannah Woodford (Fanny), Ashley Harmon (Alberta), and Claire Fromberg (Harriet). Teacher Mike Streeter assumed the role of Antipass, and teacher/chaperone Scott Harmon played Joseph.

During the Welcome to Summer weekend, Ambleside was open for tours by the public.

Funds for the project have come from several sources, including local grants and contributions from the community, including two separate donations of $10,000 each from an anonymous source. For more information, call Corey Ellis at 446-6411.