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| A welcome for someone |
China is located in Kennebec County, and it was founded in 1774 and named Jones Plantation. That name didn't stick so in 1796 it was incorporated as Harlem. People didn't like that name either, they next chose Bloomville, but the residents of Bloomfield objected, rather strongly. To cease all of the "name confusion" the founder/leader at the time named the Town China. Mr. Washburn's favorite hymn was what is now known as "Jesus Loves Me" but during that time in many hymnals it was known as "China". You can't make things like that up.
China originally was a large area of land consisting of China, Winslow and Albion; now all separate towns. China in the days before the Civil War was known to have a large population of Blacks, who were mostly escaped slaves, there was a settlement in China that included houses, a shingle mill, chapel and cemetery, some ruins can still be found with a lot of work. The black families and individuals chose China because is was a "Quaker town", which wouldn't allow slave hunters so it was a safe place.
One individual who was born in China Mr. Leroy Starret was an inventor. His first invention was an early kind of meat chopper the Hasher. He is better known as the inventor of the combination square, still a familiar tool.
China is still a thriving community, we were there yesterday, known for it's China Lake which is a popular spot, the is one supermarket, several restaurants and services of all types.
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| A view of China Lake |
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| Mr. Starrets' combination square, a recent version not too different from the original. |
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| Maine Towns |
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