How local news can help your family tree

By Nancy Battick

Those of you who read this column regularly know that I’m always advising genealogists to tap into local resources that may not have an online presence but may have materials that will help you in your research. One of my favorites is local newspapers. 

Here in Maine, there were many small newspapers dedicated to local news though many carried some material from other areas as well. Some took strong political positions, others were more general. The problem is that these papers may be out of business, or their early editions may no longer survive. 

The Piscataquis Observer was founded in 1838 as the Piscataquis Herald, renamed the Piscataquis Farmer in 1842 and became the Observer in 1847. This Dover-Foxcroft paper is a treasure trove of material from the joint towns of Dover and Foxcroft as well as surrounding communities. 

At one point the surviving issues were microfilmed. The Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft had a copy of the microfilm but it was hard to read due to scratches and fading. When the microfilm was digitized, the scanner used in the project omitted lines, misread letters, and created problems in searching for specific material. While the library placed the copy online, it was difficult to use and discouraging, though it was still a useful resource for researchers. 

After a successful fundraising drive, the library has now announced they have re-digitized the Observer for the years 1921 to 1986. I decided to check the new resource, and I’m delighted to report that these new images are sharp and clear. 

I’m always skeptical of claims that a search engine is easy to use, but this one truly is. As with all search engines the more information you can provide, the faster you’ll find what you’re looking for, but I would give it a solid A+. 

I went online and did a name search. My first effort failed because I spelled a surname as it was originally. I amended my search and was instantly rewarded with a series of hits that were easy to read. I found information on the entire family I was researching. I also did a place search, which I had to amend since I received too many hits to go through. 

The wonderful thing about this archive is that it is free to use. If you’re not tech savvy the staff at the library can help you learn how to navigate the new resource. It isn’t hard. If you’re searching on your home computer go to the library’s website at https://doverfoxcroft.historyarchives.online/home.  

In addition to the Observer, you’ll also find Foxcroft Academy yearbooks from the years 1940 to 2021. I checked these out and discovered a photo of my uncle I’d never seen before. You can also contact the library by telephone at 207-564-3350, or you can e-mail the library director at director@thompsonfreelibrary.org.  

The library has a webpage at www.thompsonfreelibrary.org. You might also check out the library’s activities and upcoming programs. 

Columnist Nancy Battick of Dover-Foxcroft has researched genealogy for over 30 years. She is past president of the Maine Genealogical Society, author of several genealogical articles and co-transcribed the Vital Records of Dover-Foxcroft. Nancy holds an MA in History from UM. Reader emails are welcome at nbattick@roadrunner.com.