By Mike Davis

Hello neighbors!

This story comes from April 24, 1896, and concerns somewhat happier matters than the last few weeks have brought us. It concerns the celebration of “Uncle Joseph” Ingalls’ 90th birthday, which just so happened to coincide with that year’s observance of Fast Day.  What was Fast Day? Well, it’s another one of those bygone holidays not likely to be remembered by many now living, being in this case a highly regional New England custom which finds its roots far back in the misty days of 1670. Recognized in Massachusetts – and thus Maine – together with New Hampshire, this holiday was celebrated for centuries as a day “of public fasting and prayer.” Typically a Wednesday, schools and Academies gave the day off, families joined together at their churches, and state governors usually issued a proclamation to mark the date. All in all, Fast Day enjoyed a very similar position to the status of Thanksgiving, prior to President Roosevelt’s address of 1941, which officially recognized it as a federal holiday.  But no federal recognition ever came for Fast Day, and Massachusetts replaced it with Patriot’s Day in 1894 to commemorate the casualties of the Revolutionary War.  Maine held out a few years longer, as we can see by this 1896 celebration, but by 1900, we too dropped Fast Day in favor of Patriot’s Day, becoming the second and only other state to do so.  

But Fast Day was not ended, not for almost another hundred years, which is why come still living may remember it, for in New Hampshire, just a stone’s throw from us here in Bridgton, Fast Day lived on through regular state proclamations until 1991! There remains a minor yet vocal contingent in at least that state seeking to see it re-instituted. Old habits, it would seem, die hard.  What do you think?

“His Ninetieth Birthday Anniversary, A Red Letter Day in the Life History of Joseph L. Ingalls

The notable event of Fast Day hereabout was the hospitable reception tendered Joseph L. Ingalls by his neighbors and friends on the Highlands, and by large delegations from other portions of the town, in Walker Memorial Hall. Occurring as they did after our paper for this week was made up, we can only briefly epitomize the very pleasant affair. The floral display was very beautiful. There was a large company, well-filling the capacious hall, delegations being present from the Centre and North Bridgton, and from Naples and Windham. The Ridge was out in force and geniality and jollity pervaded the assembly. “Uncle Joseph” was in excellent health and spirits, and very keenly enjoyed his birthday party. The presents were numerous and some of them quite valuable. Rev. Mr. Woodwell presided and very pleasantly voiced the congratulations of the assembly, read the many letters from those abroad, including a touching poem by a former pastor, Rev. Mr. Rogers, and presented the gifts. These included a nice easy chair from the friends at the Centre, a valuable cane from Mr. Charles Rogers of “Stoneleigh,” Providence, R.I., and many others. The entire list will be given next week. At 5 p.m., the party repaired to the banqueting tables, where a most appetizing repast was served and which was as heartily partaken of as if Gov. Cleaves had never mentioned “fasting” in his nicely and piously worded proclamation!

It was in all respects a most successful affair and in conception and execution most creditable to the parties originating it. To the honored guest of the occasion, it was, verily, “a feast of fat things.” Mr. Ingalls was born on the homestead farm on the Highlands, April 23, 1806. His father, Reuben Ingalls, was among our earliest settlers. Of their large family of children, Joseph is the sole survivor. He married Amanda Hale of Denmark, who has been dead many years. Eight children were born to them. Of these, one son was killed at Spotsylvania; two others are deceased; and there survive, one son and four daughters – Owen B., Julia A. (Mrs. Horace Record), Eliza M. and Annie B.  All his life, Mr. Ingalls has been a hard-working man; worthy and highly esteemed, and is a veteran member of the Congregational Church. He is today the oldest man living in town. Mrs. Dixey Stone and Mrs. Frederick Brocklebank are slightly his senior in years.  It was remarked as a matter of keen regret that these could not have been present to congratulate their young friend!”

Till next time!

Mike Davis of Bridgton is the assistant executive director of the Bridgton Historical Society. This column is part of The News’ 150th year of publication.