THE DEDICATION OF THE MEMORIAL STONE FOR WILLIAM BLAKE, 1 MASS. REGIMENT(HOBB'S) WAR OF 1812

REFLECTION

   Sunday, October 2, 2016, proved to be a much better day than the earlier forecasts had predicted.  Though it was relatively cool and cloudy, Mother Nature was good to the twenty-five or so 'Friends' that gathered to honor William Blake, a man born in 1774, two hundred and forty two years ago, who served in the most contentious and misunderstood War of 1812, where all through the State of Maine, many Veterans have been forgotten.

     For me, it was an opportunity to continue the work of Samantha Allshouse and Kayla Theriault to "Unearth the Roots of the Back Cove and East Deering Communities" by bringing to light the story of this early citizen and patriot, and to bestow on him this simple recognition and honor for services rendered to his community and nation.

     There were some poignant moments for me that answered the question I posed in a previous post: "What Does It Matter?"  When our friend, Herb Adams who has been a constant help and support to this reclamation project from the beginning said," Today, William Blake, you are no longer forgotten."  I was moved to tears. 

Herb Adams and Samantha Allshouse Unveil the Memorial Stone

     Samantha Allshouse, now a second year science and advanced placement biology teacher at Lisbon High School,  spoke about how much has changed since she and Kayla took on this project, and,  how terrified they were with the task at hand,  when they committed to the work of bring back to life the all but forgotten and destitute cemetery.  Sam also expressed her hope that other young people would continue to value and care for this small,  but significant historic site.

     A wonderful surprise for me,  was when Larry Glatz, who had been away, appeared out of the blue, and was ready and willing to share his knowledge and understanding of the significance of the War of 1812 and its impact on Portland during this critical period. To say I am grateful, is an understatement.  

     I was particularly moved,  when at the end of his speech,  Larry reflected on the fact that only a small fraction of those who served in the War of 1812 ever received recognition in the form of military benefits.  He stated:

So I am hoping today, we can give them a small amount of memory and recognition they deserve. Don't forget these fellows!

    

     I asked Larry Glatz, retired teacher and historian of the War of 1812,  for permission to publish his speech.  I'm sure that readers will gain a new perspective of the events of the war and its significance to Portland's history. It is also a well researched  testimony to the importance of the service given by William Blake, his fellow patriots interred here at the Grand Trunk Cemetery, and, to all those who protected the Port of Portland and the coast, who traveled from neighboring towns and villages throughout the district of Maine.

     Here then, are photographs taken during the ceremony by Kristina Heng, one of my former Girl Scouts, and a member of our Troop which supported the reclamation project. She is just one of the many people who contributed to the success of the day, including all those who participated and contributed to the collection of daffodil bulbs to be planted on Sunday, October 16th in memory of William Blake and our other Veterans. 

      Special thanks to  Portland Park Rangers Jill Mulkern and Kyle O'Neil, and to Portland Police Officers Poisson and Haley who represented the City of Portland, Mrs. Elaine Thurlow-Falconer, our song leader, The VFW Deering Memorial Post 6859, Honor Guard, Commander Joel Demers, Chaplain Christopher Chesley, CSM Joel W. Chapman (retired), Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Herbert Adams, Mr. Larry Glatz, and Ms. Samantha Allshouse, our speakers, Ms. Lingling Oum, hostess, at the refreshment table, Mr. Robert McMann, Mr. Chris Peterson and their crews from the City of Portland Cemeteries Division, Mrs. Elaine Spring and Mr. Joseph Dumais for their continued help and encouragement for the reclamation of the Grand Trunk Cemetery, and finally, to the "Friends of the Grand Trunk Cemetery' for their avid interest and care for this cemetery and those interred here.

     Final Thoughts

     A funny thing happened on the way to the mailbox; a mysterious poster was left by our door, by a yet, unknown neighbor or friend.  It was from the Massachusetts Historical Society of the 1769 Chestnut Hill Meeting House showing the ancient graveyard, stones in remarkably good condition.  More important to me is the caption.

"Don't Let Bygones Be Bygones"

     I thought it was very appropriate to the occasion we had just celebrated, and quite obviously, so did the secret giver of the gift. 

 

     The opportunity to tell the story of these early pioneers and patriots is an honor, and admittedly, it is sometimes frustrating, but none-the-less, it is worth every  effort.  Picking up the threads of William Blake's life was sometimes difficult. However, on this day, October 2nd, 2016, we were able to restore a well deserved honor to him, a Veteran of the War of 1812, and, in my mind,( and perhaps in yours, dear reader,)  also honor every Veteran who has served to defend and protect our Nation. 

"What Does it Matter?"

     In a few weeks; three to be exact, from tomorrow,Sunday, some of us will gather at the ancient East Deering/Grand Trunk Cemetery in Portland's East Deering neighborhood to dedicate a memorial marker in memory of a man who was born 242 years ago.  This man, William Blake, served in the militia during the War of 1812, a war that still confounds and confuses us today.  

     Why take the  time to commemorate one who never saw 'real' combat?  Most of his fellow patriots whose stones grace the Grand Trunk Cemetery Veterans Memorial,  never did either. Only those who served during the Revolutionary War and one who was a Civil War soldier were engaged in actual battle and danger. The stones that memorialize  the Veterans of the War of 1812,  honor men who were all volunteers,  called into service to defend the Port of Portland, without benefit of support from Massachusetts or the Federal Government.  The district of Maine, still part of Massachusetts,  was left to fend for itself.

     In the light of all that's happening in our nation and state today; a most contentious Presidential election, major political and cultural animosities, real concerns over the economy and safety here and abroad, at a time when tensions are high and civility in discourse is lacking, why bother to plan a ceremony, or take an hour from all these concerns to attend one?  

     I  can't answer these questions for you, dear reader; nor would I ever attempt too.   For myself, the ceremony planned for October 2nd is a means of weaving together threads in the tapestry that depicts the history of Portland, and particularly the Back Cove/East Deering Community.  It is a continuation of the project begun by two former Girl Scouts in 2010: "Unearthing the Roots of the Back Cove and East Deering Communities."

     William Blake was just an ordinary man, not one of Portland's greats. He made no outstanding contributions to history, the arts or commerce that I am aware of.  He was in all probability, a farmer and a citizen - soldier, a volunteer from Westbrook.  At that time, the area known today as East Deering was part of Westbrook, not the city of Portland.  

     The militia is the historical foundation for  what we know today as the Maine National Guard.  Since 911, the Maine National Guard has served in the hotbeds of conflicts in the Middle East,  and has supported the United States regular army.  They have, and continue to serve with honor and distinction at home and abroad.

     I found this historical piece on their webpage:

     On October 2nd, The VFW Deering Memorial Post will provide an Honor Guard, a patriotic song will be sung, a few words shared, the stone unveiled and a wreath lain, to honor an ordinary citizen - soldier and a patriot and pioneer from Portland.  My hope is that those of you who are willing and able, will join us at the Grand Trunk Cemetery.

     This year, we are inviting participants who wish, to bring along a bag of daffodil bulbs in memory of William Blake or any of the other Veterans interred at the Grand Trunk Cemetery. Each fall and spring, Portland Girl Scouts, Friends of the Grand Trunk Cemetery and neighbors give an hour or two of service to plant and cleanup the site.  This year's Daffodil Planting Party is on Sunday, October 16.  

     I have already received a donation from my dear friend, Sharon Lee Quincannon to purchase bulbs.  Each year since 2011, when we instituted the 'Adopt A Veteran' project to pay the fee for procuring the military records for our Veterans, Sharon has given a donation in memory of Lieut. Crispus Graves.  I am most grateful.

       Here are some of the notes for media outlets, should they decided that this little ceremony is worthy of coverage.  Jessica Grondin, from the City of Portland has been always helpful and encouraging over the last several years.

The wreath which will be placed on October 2nd in memory of  William Blake.

GOOD NEWS WILLIAM BLAKE

William Blake To Be Honored

     I am happy to announce that a granite marker has been donated and Richardson's Monument company will engrave the stone in memory of William Blake.  Plans are underway to hold a Dedication Ceremony on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at 2 PM at the East Deering Grand Trunk Cemetery.

     Thank you to all of you who sent encouraging words to keep looking for a way to overcome the obstacles to finally honor William Blake for his service during the War of 1812.  I hope that those of you, particularly any Blake descendants, will be able to join in the celebration on October 2nd.

     As plans come together, I will keep readers informed and issue a formal invitation in the weeks to come.