Col. John Allan, 1746-1805, Maine’s Unsung Hero
Chris Groden, Historian
Wednesday, November 13, 2013, 7:00pm
•Bridge Academy, Dresden


Join Friends of Merrymeeting Bay (FOMB) on Wednesday, November 13 at 7pm for the 2nd presentation of their 17th annual Winter Speaker Series. This program entitled Colonel John Allan, 1746-1805; Maine’s Unsung Hero features amateur historian Chris Groden.

John Allan, an expatriate of Nova Scotia, was appointed as a member of his personal staff  by General George Washington with commissions as  a Colonel in the Continental Army, Commander of the Machias, Maine Militia and first Superintendent of Indian Affairs in our history. His exploits during the Revolutionary War were crucial to Maine and to the success of the Revolution itself. The exciting story that was his life has gone largely untold and the very few historians who have penned it agree that he never received the recognition he deserved. Without John Allan, our border with Canada would probably be the Kennebec. His legacy belongs to all Americans and all who seek liberty, justice and understanding have a hero in Colonel John Allan.

Christopher Groden with a background in theater, has had a lifelong interest in history, and particularly in the culture and history of Native American Indians and their influence on Euro- America. He came to Maine eight years ago to research the story of Colonel John Allan and his work with the Wabanaki and settlers of eastern Maine during the Revolutionary War. He currently resides in Belfast, Maine.

The FOMB Winter Speaker Series takes place monthly from October-May on the second Wednesday. The series, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by Friends of Merrymeeting Bay with support and valuable door prizes from Patagonia Outlet in Freeport. The next FOMB presentation of this season on December 11th at the Bowdoinham Town Office building is entitled A River Lost and Found: The Androscoggin in Time and Place and features photographer Michael Kolster and Environmental Historian, Matt Klingle.

To receive more information on FOMB’s programs call Dup Crosson, Coordinator/Organizer, Chair, Friends of Merrymeeting Bay, at 666-1118 or fomb@comcast.net.
Watercolors by
Sarah Stapler