Carmel pair safeguard town history

CARMEL – A maroon and gold letterman sweater hangs in the corner, gilded trophies line the back wall and yearbook photos of years past tell decades-old tales of the town’s schools, families and culture.

As soon as Marvin and Connie Graves walked through the “schoolroom” door at the town’s historical society, stories began to flow.

The couple, who were part of Carmel High School’s Class of 1952, spouted memories of the 1947 state basketball title, favorite teachers, the travels of fellow classmates and the summer jobs available at the infamous Auto Rest Park.

“People who come back to visit, this is where they want to see,” said Connie Graves. “They want to see the old yearbooks and photos.”

Former town residents travel to the heart of the village in search of the memories stirred by the historical society and its contents. Some of those remembrances may have been lost if not for the Graveses.

The couple took it upon themselves to create the historical society after a friend, and selectman, said they would be perfect for the task. Doug and Gloria Small purchased the historical society property, which the organization later repaid, and with the help of a few volunteers, the Smalls included, the building was renovated by June 1996.

Connie Graves served as the society’s first president, and has held the post twice since, including her current term. Marvin Graves was president for a one three-year term, but enjoys his role as treasurer since his time is divided between a town veterans memorial project, the Masons and his role as commander of the American Legion Post No. 107.

The Graveses milled around the building last week, describing each donated item’s origin and the genealogy of each donor family.

“We really believe in the small community and what we do,” Connie Graves said.

The society’s dining room table, china hutch and buffet table were donated by Connie’s mother, while the horse-drawn carriage kept in the barn was part of her uncle’s family.

The Graveses admit the historical society is a little different from others of its kind because it’s interactive. Visitors are allowed to touch and handle parcels of the town history, while adults are encouraged to bring their children or grandchildren in tow.

“We’re very hands-on,” Connie said. “The stuff is not all old, old. This is the way it should be – open and accommodating to the community.”

While most items in the society date back to the first half of the 20th century, the group recently has acquired a bugle played during the Spanish-American War and a drum used by Samuel Philbrook in the Company B, 30th Maine Regiment, Drum and Bugle Corp. during the Civil War.

The society and its treasures truly tell the story of the community, Marvin Graves said, and provides a way for everyone to reconnect with the history of their families, homesteads and community.

Besides the artifacts, the community may benefit the most from the Graveses’ dedicated service and their desire to link residents with their pasts.

A few years ago, a fellow classmate of the couple drove up from New Hampshire to visit the schoolroom and look through old yearbooks. The man was raised in foster care and wanted to find copies of his school pictures. Connie Graves said she made all the yearbook copies he wanted, but then took one extra step that “tickled” her old schoolmate. Connie tracked down an old friend of the visitor and the two were able to meet for lunch a few weeks later.

“It really makes this worthwhile,” Connie Graves said. “All the stories, and making people happy is a good feeling.”