Getting to know Monson:
Census 2000 (last time they needed to know) population 666
The following are churches or non-profit ministries based in Monson as of July 2004:
AIIA Institute - an international apologetics ministry, offering a reasonable defense of the Christian faith
Monson Community Church - a local church on Main Street in Monson.
Monson United Church of Christ - a local church on North Guilford Road in Monson.
Monson was incorporated as a town February 8, 1822 from a grant from the Legislature of Massachusetts to Hebron and Monson Academy, with a provision that a certain number of settlers should become residents of this township within a specified time. Monson Academy offered a grant of 100 acres to actual settlers.
Monson was for many years a slate mining town (1870), and an important part of Monson history is a related Scandinavian immigration to Monson in the late 1800s. A Finnish Hall is located just south of town on Route 15. An old Swedish Lutheran Church (today Good Samaritan Mission) is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The grave markers of both John F. Kennedy & Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in Arlington Cemetery are made of black slate from Monson, Maine, and were also engraved there. The abandoned slate quarries and land once owned by Monson Maine Slate Co. was sold to Kennedy Slate in 1988.
The kicksled was introduced to Monson by Mr. Gust Johnson, a Swedish blacksmith. This became a unique and extremely popular sport in town, it being a great thrill to fly downhill and over icy lakes on a kicksled. Unfortunately, plowed and sanded roads retired this delightful pastime(progress continues).
Moosehead Manufacturing, a large furniture making operation is Monson's largest industry. Other residents are employed in actual woods operations, or in nearby wood and textile mills. A significant number run small business of their own, including lodging facilities for Appalachian Trail hikers passing through town - last supply point south of the 100-Mile Wilderness leading to Mt. Katahdin
Why the history on a Monson?
Monson Town Historian Althea Haggstrom French wrote at the town's 175th anniversary: "Monson was fortunate as many of the first settlers were educated as well as having a strong religious background which had a tremendous effect on the growth of the town."
"The first public building to be built in the village was a small schoolhouse. This building known as the Centre School was utilized not only as a school but also where meetings and religious services were held."
"The small settlement known as "Cademy Town" was incorporated on Feb. 8, 1822 as the Town of Monson. The incorporation of Monson would bring about the Construction of many buildings in the center of town, which included the erecting of the Congregational Church in 1831, the Baptist Church in 1845 and Monson Academy in 1847."
"In March of 1860, the first Monson Academy burned. Construction of a new building was underway. when on a Sunday in May, the word fire was heard again. When the sun set that evening the fire had destroyed the Congregational Church, homes, stores and two hotels. A total of 40 buildings lay in ashes. One can only imagine what the people were feeling. Certainly one of hopelessness and despair but with the strength, hope and faith in God, people began to build a new and better town.
Now, the town risks being sued if the folks in Monson continue to thank God, as did their ancestors at the opening of municipal meetings.
Any legal eagle want to take on the MCLU for the little town of Monson, Maine?