Wabanaki encampment at Deering Oaks Park during Centennial, Portland, 1920
Item 5381 infoMaine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
The Passamaquoddy Indian Village at Deering Oaks Park was a popular attraction at the Maine Centennial Exposition June 26-July 5, 1920.
Most events were held at the Exposition Building and were intended to showcase Maine-made goods, foster unity among businessmen, strengthen the state's industrial and agricultural interests, and develop the state's resources.
Passamaquoddy Governor William Neptune, 45, and his family were on hand at the Indian Village at Deering Oaks.
The official Centennial program pointed out that Deering Oaks was "the scene of one of Portland's greatest Indian battles, a tablet erected there commemorating the event."
It also noted that "Bullets that were fired from the guns of the early pioneers in these engagements with the Indians are still found in the trunks of some of the old trees."
Clara Neptune was among those who dressed in traditional finery and camped at Deering Oaks Park during the week-long centennial celebration that included musical concerts, sports programs, a large parade, and exhibits of warships, airplanes, submarines and U.S. Cavalry troops.
Wabanaki participants at the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920
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Most Passamaquoddies, from Washington County, worked as basket-makers or laborers at the time of the Centennial.
The local newspaper, The Eastern Argus, wrote "Indians made many sacrifices to come here."
Also encamped at Deering Oaks Park were Boy Scouts, many of whose programs were based on Indian traditions.
Newell Francis and Julia F. Mitchell, Portland, 1920
Item 5274 infoMaine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
While in Portland, Indians demonstrated their basket-making skills and other crafts and sold items they made to the crowds of onlookers.
Each day of the Centennial had a theme -- History, Music Festival, Exposition, State of Maine, Women, Mardi Gras, Veteran Firemen, Church Service and Independence.
Dignitaries at the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920
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Passamaquoddy Governor William Neptune told the local newspaper that Indians were losing fishing and basket-making time by attending the event in Portland.
Sarah Mitchell and Mary Newell at the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920
Item 5281 infoMaine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
Sarah Mitchell was the wife of the last surviving veteran (tribal) from the American Civil War, Peter Mitchell. She is with her granddaughter, Mary Newell.
Susan Neptune, Fannie Newell, and Mary Frances at the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920
Item 5268 infoMaine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
Susan Neptune, left, her mother, at right, and an unidentified woman. Throughout the 10-day centennial, the Passamaquoddy Indians displayed their cultural traditions to the crowds.
Horace Nicholas guides Governor Milliken in canoe, Portland, 1920
Item 5295 infoMaine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
Passamaquoddy Governor William Neptune paddles Maine Governor Carl E. Milliken across the Duck Pond at Deering Oaks Park on July 2, 1920.
The Indians gave Milliken a ceremonial bow and arrow and performed a tribal dance.
Mary and Benjamin Neptune, Portland, 1920
Item 5380 infoMaine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
Benjamin and Marie Neptune were among the children at the encampment.
Benjamin's father was Passamaquoddy Governor William Neptune.
Sabattus Lola and Sabattus Mitchell, Portland, 1920
Item 5282 infoMaine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
Sabattus Lola, left, 55, was a basket dealer and Sabattus Mitchell, right, 36, was a basketmaker.
Clara Neptune at the "Indian Village" during the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920
Item 5294 infoMaine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
A member of the Passamaquoddy tribe smokes a pipe during the encampment that was part of the Maine Centennial celebration.
Governor Neptune told the local newspaper that 65 years earlier, Indians hunted and fished and did not have to make baskets to sell to make a living. "White people have stripped us from top to bottom."