Indians at the Centennial


Wabanaki encampment at Deering Oaks Park during Centennial, Portland, 1920

Wabanaki encampment at Deering Oaks Park during Centennial, Portland, 1920
Item 5381   info
Maine 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.

William Neptune, Portland, 1920

William Neptune, Portland, 1920
Item 12290   info
Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media

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, Portland, 1920

Clara Neptune, Portland, 1920
Item 5270   info
Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media

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

Wabanaki participants at the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920
Item 5275   info
Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media

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

Newell Francis and Julia F. Mitchell, Portland, 1920
Item 5274   info
Maine 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

Dignitaries at the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920
Item 5269   info
Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media

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

Sarah Mitchell and Mary Newell at the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920
Item 5281   info
Maine 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

Susan Neptune, Fannie Newell, and Mary Frances at the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920
Item 5268   info
Maine 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

Horace Nicholas guides Governor Milliken in canoe, Portland, 1920
Item 5295   info
Maine 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

Mary and Benjamin Neptune, Portland, 1920
Item 5380   info
Maine 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

Sabattus Lola and Sabattus Mitchell, Portland, 1920
Item 5282   info
Maine 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

Clara Neptune at the "Indian Village" during the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920
Item 5294   info
Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media

A member of the Passamaquoddy tribe smokes a pipe during the encampment that was part of the Maine Centennial celebration.

Wabanaki man, Portland, 1920

Wabanaki man, Portland, 1920
Item 5293   info
Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media

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."


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