Turner Historical Museum
Rich in history and culture, the Town of Turner has a dedicated Historical Society that is dedicated to preserving our community's unique sense of place by showcasing Turner's past. The Turner Historical Museum is located on the fourth floor of Turner's historic Leavitt Institute Building in community's village center.
The Museum is currently open for public viewing on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:00pm to 5:00pm., and Saturdays by appointment. Call 225-2629.
After some controversy the meeting house was completed in 1782. The town was responsible for the construction of the meeting house and the support of the pastor as part of the incorporation of the town. It was difficult to call a pastor and there were times when there was no settled pastor. At one time Rev. Charles Turner was the pastor and it was him for whom the Town received its name. This building was located on the east side of Upper Street at the junction of Pearl Road.
Walter Lawrence Store and Post Office. The store in Turner Center,” became the “Grange” store, later known for many years as “Walter Lawrence & Son. The hall over the store was dedicated in October, 1874, where the grange met until November 1898.
The North Turner Chair Factory was named Keen & Brown and employed 35 people. The structure burned February, 1886 and was rebuilt under the Washburn Chair Co. This factory was the first one in Maine to manufacture willow chairs.
After some controversy the meeting house was completed in 1782. The town was responsible for the construction of the meeting house and the support of the pastor as part of the incorporation of the town. It was difficult to call a pastor and there were times when there was no settled pastor. At one time Rev. Charles Turner was the pastor and it was him for whom the Town received its name. This building was located on the east side of Upper Street at the junction of Pearl Road.
A Pictorial History of Turner
Turner Public Library
Music at The Gazebo
With its history playing an integral part in its unique sense of place, the Town of Turner is incredibly proud if its beginnings. While these photographs (above) may be set in the distant past, many of the scenes are reflected in the present.
The public is cordially invited to attend the Music for Mavis summer concert series each Tuesday evening at The Gazebo. The Gazebo is located on the lawn at the Leavitt Institute Building in the historic village center. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. (6:00 p.m. during September). So bring a lawn chair and consider pitching in when the hat is passed -- $5.00 is suggested -- that's how the musicians get paid. For more information, call 207-754-0954.
The 2023 performance schedule is:
May 16 - Mary Murphy
May 23 - Stan & Brian
May 30 - The Cobblestones
June 6 - Jody Boys
June 13 - Bobby Reed and the Wild Horse Band
June 20 - Malinda Liberty and Tedd Hamilton
June 27 - Uncle Terry and the Milltown Girls
July 4 - Continental Shakedown (no evening show)
July 11 - The Backwoods Road Band
July 18 - Maggie and Robby Coffin
July 25 - Bonnie Edwards and the Practical Cats
August 1 - Christine Poulson and the Social Club
August 8 - Denny Breau & Friends
August 15 - Always Sometimes
August 22 - Kevin Libby & Company
August 29 - Dirty McCurdy Band
September 5 - Preston & Curry Duo
September 12 - Jim Sharkey
September 19 - Hot Damn
We pass the hat to pay the musicians. Suggested donation $10.00 per person. Bring a chair, bring a blanket, bring a friend. FMI: 754-0954; 240-4591; 249-8046. See you at the GAZEBO!
Turner's Public Library maintains an extensive collection of books and materials for visitors of all ages and interests. They also offer a broad range of programs sure to pique your interest. Click here to be taken to their website for up to date information.