Cherryfield> Local town history centennial projects written by students about their communities

Editor’s Note: This is the 22nd in a series of local town history centennial projects written by students about their communities in the Bangor Daily News readership area. Students were asked to compile a timeline of important events in the 20th century, to write an essay about what has set their community apart, and to choose a photograph that sums up something important about their community’s history.

By Melissa Barbee, eighth grade, Cherryfield Elementary School; with teacher Maria White

Cherryfield, a small town of about 1,100 people, is located in the heart of Washington County, where it was incorporated in 1816.

The town is not known for cherries, but is famous for its huge production of wild blueberries. It is called the Blueberry Capital of the World. In the summer, migrant workers come to rake blueberries on thousands of acres of flat, fertile barrens.

Cherryfield is also a tourist attraction. Sportsmen from almost every state have come here to fish for the elusive Atlantic salmon in the Narraguagus River, which runs through the center of town. Recently, however, the Atlantic salmon population has decreased dramatically, and the fish may be placed on the endangered species list.

Other sportsmen come to tramp through our lush forests to hunt deer, bear, moose and birds.

Some people just come to Cherryfield to take pleasure in our scenery and wildlife, or to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

People who have never visited Cherryfield might have the impression that we live in the boonies, or that it is a boring place. However, we have many activities that keep us busy, and plenty of hard-working, neighborly residents.

Whether it’s summer or winter, we always have things to do. In the winter we go sledding, ice skating and ice fishing, and ride snowmobiles.

In the summertime we swim, water-ski and go boating on the many surrounding lakes. For the Fourth of July, the people of Cherryfield know how to celebrate. For three days we have parades, pie-eating contests, lawn mower races, bed races and fireworks.

And, of course, we support the area’s high school’s Narraguagus Knights while they play basketball at the Bangor tournaments.

We have had great athletes come from Cherryfield. Carlton Willey played for the Milwaukee Braves and the New York Mets in the 1950s and ’60s. Andy Santerre, also a native of Cherryfield, races in NASCAR Busch Grand National series.

Our peaceful town is one of a kind, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

1935 The covered bridge across the Narraguagus River is removed, and a new bridge is built the next year.

1942 The Narraguagus River floods and Alvin Worcester drowns.

1952 Cherryfield Elementary School opens. An addition is added in 1987.

1957 Cherryfield holds its bicentennial.

1958 Carlton Willey is named Rookie of the Year for Milwaukee in major league baseball.

1958 The last Cherryfield Fair is held.

1965 Carlton Willey retires.

1967 Cherryfield Academy closes, and students go to Narraguagus High School in Harrington.

1990 The Cherryfield Historic District is admitted to the National Register of Historic Places.

1991 The Ricker House is named one of the 50 best inns in America.

1993 Andy Santerre starts a career in NASCAR auto racing.

1999 Cherryfield Elementary School is recognized as the Distinguished Title 1 Maine School based on its MEA composite scores.