Popham Colony 400th Anniversary
The Popham Circle
The Popham Circle is a non-profit organization that is sponsoring several key events at our celebration. Their history in the fabric of the village of Popham Beach is included below. They have been an integral part of our community since the 1880s and continue to do public service in support of the community not only by helping enormously with this Popham 400th celebration in countless ways but as caretakers of the grounds and facilities of the Chapel House and the Chapel for the entire community. They have offered up some of the only open space in the village to the celebration, and without this support we would not have space for the events we have planned.
The Circle has organized a variety of our events, helped out with almost all others in one way or another and so we are very indebted to their efforts.
- On August 23rd, the Circle will sponsor “The Taste of Sagadahoc”, from 11:30 to 4:30, a bountiful array of delicious food from nine local premier restaurants. for more info, click here.
- The Circle will open the “Circle Café” selling white bag lunches – crab or ham salad rolls or vegetable wraps with chips and a sweet surprise, with drinks and water, as well as a “Bake Sale” featuring home baked pies and other goodies.
- On August 25th, the Circle is sponsoring over 40 Craft Vendors from 10am – 3pm. where the Circle Table will feature all the Popham 400th related merchandise. Please see below for a list of those items.
- Of special note is the “Phippsburg Quilt”, stitched by the Circle Ladies, and raffle tickets for the quilt will be available.
- All proceeds from sales of this non-profit organization benefit their community related efforts. We encourage you to support them through their sales and sponsored events.
The Popham Circle started as the “Ladies Sewing Society” in the early 1880’s, a group of ladies meeting weekly at each other’s homes. On December 29, 1887 Mr. P. O. Vickery deeded them land adjacent to Atkins Bay, for the purpose of erecting a building. Through the efforts and hard work of the Ladies Sewing Society and volunteers, Society Hall was built, and equipped with dishes, silverware and tables and chairs which were delivered by ox-cart from Bowdoinham. Society Hall was used for many social activities, such as card parties, concerts, plays, dinners and dances, as well as religious services
During WWI & WWII , Society Hall was turned over to the army for the duration of both wars. Interestingly, during WWII Battery D used it for a mess hall while the new army barracks at Ft. Baldwin was being built. In the early 40’s Society Hall, much in need of repair, was returned to the ladies. Sadly the hall was dismantled and the contents and funds were turned over to the newly formed Popham Circle. Over the years, the Circle dwindled to just a couple of members, but was revived in 1981, when efforts to raise money to totally repair the Chapel became their focus.
Currently the Popham Circle has more than 30 members who’s primary role is to raise money for the Chapel and Chapel House, which are used for multi-denominational worship and fellowship. Today they are a gathering place for weddings, funerals and meetings ….and just.like the 1880’s …community suppers. In its good neighbor role, the Circle also responds to local community needs.
The Popham Circle will support Popham’s 400th Celebrations, in Popham Beach on August 23 –26, 2007.
