Dear Friends of Ruggles House:

We sincerely hope that your summer was pleasant. It would seem that Maine's July and August were a bit cooler than ordinary with an average amount of rainfall BUT September has been an endless summer. Although warmer than usual, the nights are comfortably cool and the leaves are beginning to turn various colors, reminding us to enjoy this while we can as the short days and long nights of winter are coming.

At the July annual meeting of the Ruggles House Society, several new folks were added to our roster. Eric Columber was elected to be our clerk. He is a graduate of Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio in 1996, Vermont Law School in 2000 and is presently an associate at the law firm of Roy, Beardsley, Williams and Granger LLC in Ellsworth, offering general legal advice including estate planning, real estate and civil law. He's living in Sedgwick with his wife Kelley and their handsome son Ellis (cutest toddler on earth) and enjoys time with his family, playing his guitars and watching boats.

Three directors were elected. They are Peter Winham of Cherryfield who runs the Englishman's Bed and Breakfast. Peter and his wife Kathy are both archaeologists and at their B & B offer gourmet teas. That business is called Teas of Cherryfield and you may see their picture on their web site and may order teas by telephone. They supplied and served tea at the Ruggles House Christmas Tea in 2006 and we look forward to a repeat in December 2007.

Las Harrington reports that she and Rod have taught in Maine and Connecticut for over 30 years. His BA is in painting with an advanced degree in American Folk Drama. He taught theater and television and ran a 24 hours cable station for the school. Her degrees are in Literature and Creative writing. She taught English, Humanities and Journalism. They have three adult sons. The Harringtons enjoy music, outdoor sports, writing and other creative hobbies. They live in Milbridge and have a farm in Harrington.

We welcome all to the board.

In addition Carmen M. Look, CPA, of Columbia, Maine, has agreed to assist us with our tax filing. You may wonder why a non-profit might be concerned with tax data as our IRS status suggests that no taxes be filed. We still must file a volume, called a #990, which is a difficult form to master. We thank Joanne Willey who formerly helped us but is now downsizing her clients.

In August Ruggles House sponsored an appraisal day with Kaja Veilleux of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries. Before the appraisers left for the day, they visited the house. An item that caught their eye was a piece of pottery called Liverpool English Transferware You probably know all about this item but I had to investigate. On the "web" I found that transferware was developed by John Sadler and Guy Green in 1756 in Liverpool, England. Apparently a design was engraved on a copper plate which was then covered with linseed oil. The surface was then wiped clean, leaving the oil only in the engraved lines of the design. Next a sheet, called an ink tissue, was laid on top of a piece of already glazed ceramic, usually creamware. As the sheet was lifted the design was transferred to the ceramic. Lastly it was dusted with colored or black powdered oxides. The piece was fired again at a lower temperature than first baked and the color adhered to the glaze.

In the June, 2000 issue of "Early American Homes' many examples are pictured and one begins to wonder why there are so many patriotic examples of American gentlemen, events and ships from an England company. The article explains that in 1783 the Treaty of Paris formally ended the Anglo-American hostilities with the colonies emerging independent and with great patriotic pride. Liverpool was a seaport and enterprising potters were all too ready to see to it that the colonies, who were not able to import ceramics during the war, were able to get what they wanted. In addition the War of 1812 seemed to spawn naval themes and more patriotic pieces of art. There were many "factories" who made transferware but did not mark them for identification so makers remain (for the most part) unknown. As pottery is fragile, not many pieces remain whole or otherwise. "Early American Home" says, "Even one piece displayed on a sideboard is impressive. This is authentic Americana.

Our one piece is not a Ruggles piece but a piece donated many years ago by those generous families of the early years of Ruggles House Society when they were furnishing the house with age-appropriate items and making the house look lived in. We should never cease to be appreciative of their taste and generosity. An item which was presented at the Board's July meeting was the observation that, here in New England, cemeteries, which were used in the early days, now have no financial support to maintain our forefathers' graves. Funds for perpetual care have been used long ago as a dollar today is not a dollar of long ago. Some cemeteries are Town owned and supported; others are owned by associations. There is a "Ruggles Cemetery" near the house and in times past the Society has replaced and maintained a few stones. We will continue our discussions and hope that some local people might be willing to lend some financial support to lighten the burden for a small town. If you live in a small community, you might also think about those who came before us.

We have a happy occasion for celebration. Dick Grant, past president of Ruggles House, local historian and preservationist, educator and administrator and family man will celebrate his 80 birthday in November. Here's wishing you a happy day, year and future, Dick.

In the recent past we have mentioned that Ruggles House and six other museums have been collaborating in order to develop an Eastern Maine Historic Museum Tour. As we become more familiar with one another, the ideas seem to flow more easily. We are six museums of different focus and time yet we have much in common - accessible to U.S.Route #1, each has a compelling story, tourists will enjoy the unhurried area and we are open all summer, some of longer duration. We are making great strides but we're not there yet. Stay tuned.

Again we remind you of our delightful web site www.ruggleshouse.org where you can visit the house often and see items offered in the gift area. Nancy Herr, V.P. has never-ending orders for note cards and Christmas cards which she has created, using Elizabeth and Emily Ruggles' drawings. "The girls" were Thomas Ruggles' granddaughters and Lizzie was the last occupant of the House. If you have any interest in ordering Christmas cards, do so soon as orders are made as received.

You also might like to participate in a raffle for a hand fabricated quilt. The pattern is of butterflies, an old, traditional pattern. Drawing for the winner of the quilt will be at the 3rd annual Christmas Tea on December 2nd. Once again Kathy and Peter Winham will be present with their Teas of Cherryfield and will be happy to discuss teas and will have a supply for sale. It's a great afternoon as the house is tastefully decorated with fresh boughs. Toward late afternoon the window candles are illuminated. It's a lovely time.

In the past we have borrowed tea cups and saucers; something we can continue to do. However we'd like to grow our own collection. Should you have one or a few tea cups and saucers awaiting the next yard sale, please think of the Ruggles House. Please call the house 207-483-4637 or 207-546-7903.

Speaking of Christmas, although it is only early fall, we do wish you all a joyous holiday season and look forward to seeing you in 2008 when the house will be open once again.

From all the Directors of the Ruggles House Board, we thank you for your support throughout the year.

To one and all, be well.
Linda Long, President