The Voice of Getchell: Life "In Behind the Mountain" Carroll, Maine — Early 1900s


You won’t find “In Behind the Mountain” on any official map — but for generations of Maine families, it was home. Nestled in the shadows of Getchell, Bald, and Bowers Mountains near Mill Privilege Lake in Carroll, Maine, this tiny settlement quietly shaped the lives of lumbermen, farmers, and families from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s.
In this deeply personal and historically grounded book, author Nannette Richford shares stories passed down from her mother’s childhood — blending firsthand memories with carefully researched facts to preserve the spirit of a place that history nearly forgot. From the rugged work of the lumber camps to the quiet strength of women tending farms and raising children, The Voice of Getchell paints a vivid portrait of life in rural Maine.

Inside, you’ll discover:
  • Life in the lumber camps and the waterways that carried timber to Milltown
  • Homelife when the men were away — farming, cooking, and preserving
  • School days, children’s toys, and everyday village life
  • Humorous tales of real people and events
  • Authentic recipes from the time
  • A heartfelt poem by the author’s mother: The Voice of Getchell
This book is both a tribute and a time capsule — honoring the voices, traditions, and quiet resilience of those who lived “In Behind the Mountain.”

📚 For Educators and Historians

The Voice of Getchell offers a unique lens into rural Maine life in the early 1900s — blending firsthand stories with carefully researched historical context. It’s a valuable resource for:
  • Local history units in Maine classrooms
  • Community heritage projects and oral history archives
  • Rural studies, women’s history, and labor history
  • Creative writing prompts based on real people and events
  • Discussion of historical preservation and memory
  • Comparative studies of early 20th-century life in New England
The book includes authentic recipes, descriptions of lumber camp life, and vivid portrayals of home and school — all grounded in the lived experiences of real families. The poem The Voice of Getchell, written by the author’s mother, adds emotional depth and a personal voice to the historical narrative.
If you’re an educator or historian interested in using this book in your classroom, archive, or local history project, Nannette welcomes collaboration and conversation.
Written by Nannette Richford — author, nature photographer, and former educator dedicated to preserving emotional truth and rural heritage.
© 2018  Nannette Richford