"Creating Acedia National Park," Talk of the Towns, WERU Radio 4/22/36 Interview by Ronald Beard Listen here, on your radio dial at 89.9 FM in Blue Hill, 99.9 in Bangor and streaming and podcasting world wide at www.weru.org Call in Phone Numbers: 1 866 625 9378 or 469 0500 Talk of the Towns on WERU Community Radio Time and Date : 10-11 AM Friday, April 22 2016 Topic: Creating Acadia National Park - the new biography of George B. Dorr Guests: Ron Epp, author, historian, professor of philosophy Maureen Fornier, Interpretive Ranger, Acadia National Park ?? Joshua Torrance, Woodlawn Museum, Ellsworth ?? by phone ?? Producer/Host Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Draft Outline of Program --Ron Beard introduces overall topic and guests Ron Epp and Maureen are invited to share briefly how they became connected in telling the story of George Dorr, and publishing the new biography as part of the Centennial of Acadia and the National Park Service For Ron Epp- As a historian, you have studied several Massachusetts families and their role in developing both the philosophy and practice of conservation in the late 1800s if you would, share how those stories came together in the life work of George Dorr. What was it about Mount Desert Island that was SO compelling to the Rusticators that they would respond to the call to be involved in the Hancock County Trustees for Reservations? The story of Acadia derives from the relationship between three men, of different generations Charles W. Eliot, President of Harvard University, George B. Dorr and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. What roles did they play and what did you discover about their relationship? Tell us about Old Farm and its role in the life of George Dorr and the creation of Acadia. For Maureen- What would you add to the story of Old Farm, based on your work as an interpretive ranger, helping with a visitor walk and talk called "Missing Mansion"? More broadly, what do you and your Acadia National Park colleagues want visitors to know about the creation of the park how would you like that story to impact their HCTTR lives? archine For Ron Epp-You have said that you had a completed draft of the book when you discovered the first of three caches of new material briefly describe the first two caches and their significance. Around 10:30 Phone call to Josh Torrance-- Josh, you were in a position to help Ron Epp with a third cache of information beginning with a brief description of the connection between the Woodlawn Museum and the Hancock County Trustees for Public Reservations, tell the story of "the third cache". Invite phone calls and questions from listeners during the remainder of the program Listen here, on your radio dial at 89.9 FM in Blue Hill, 99.9 in Bangor and streaming and podcasting world wide at www.weru.org Call in Phone Numbers: 1 866 625 9378 or 469 0500 Questions for Ron and Maureen as time allows: Maureen, in your introduction to Ron's book, you write about how you are glad in your role of promoting the love of Acadia National Park would you read the "Beehive story" on page xiii Ron, how was Friends of Acadia involved in the publication of your book speak about Aimee Beal Church's role as editor Maureen, tell us more about your role in bringing the book to publication. Ron, you have helped dispel the myth that Acadia was created by summer residents your research reveals how important men like Judge Luere Deasy were to the effort tell us a bit about what you found about the contribution of local leaders. Ron, you have written of Eliot, Dorr and Rockefeller : "Solitary self examination and life experience transformed their elitist social inheritances into an appreciation of conservation as vehicle for promoting democratic values." Tell us more Ron, you wove many of the new sources of information into your book, but admit that you have just scratched the surface what stories do you hope new, young historians will discover? George Dorr was not a typical park superintendent, at least of his era. what aspects of Mr. Dorr's approach would you recommend to the current and next generation of superintendents? Maureen. Mr. Dorr must have been the first interpreter for Acadia what approaches helped him inspire both his peers and local community and business leaders to support the creation of Acadia? Listen here, on your radio dial at 89.9 FM in Blue Hill, 99.9 in Bangor and streaming and podcasting world wide at www. weru.org Call in Phone Numbers: 866 625 9378 or 469 0500 Information for Guests on Talk of the Towns Try to arrive at the studio at 1186 Acadia Highway (Route 1) East Orland at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the scheduled program, which will give time to go over the mechanics of the program, to talk about how the conversation will begin and for everyone to calm any "pre- broadcast jitters". The program airs live from 10-11 a.m. If you are scheduled for a phone interview, please provide your phone number to Ron (land lines preferred for clearest signal). During the program, we will be encouraging listeners to phone the station with their reactions, comments and questions. If you know of any area citizens for whom this topic is of interest, you might encourage them to listen, and, if they like, to call in. You'll have a chance to respond to callers and Ron will keep the whole "conversation" moving with questions and comments. Ron works off a rough outline, with opportunities to follow up on points raised in your conversation and in phone calls from listeners. For your information, WERU is at 89.9 FM for mid coastal Maine and the studio phone number for call-ins is 469-0500. Our shows are now archived, available for podcast a day or so following the live show. Go to www.weru.org and check out the archives section of our website. WERU listeners are found from Jonesport to Waldoboro, along the coast, and inland to Bangor, Waterville and points in between! (and beyond, because since July, 2004, WERU streams live at www.weru.org ) The studios of WERU are at 1186 Acadia Highway (Route 1) in East Orland, 13 miles from Ellsworth and 6 miles from Bucksport, located on the north side of the road, across from Whispering Pines Campground on Toddy Pond. For questions, give Ron a call at 207 288 5468 or email: ronald.beard@maine.edu TALK OF THE TOWNS was created for WERU Community Radio by Ron Beard and former State Senator Jill Goldthwait, in November of 1993. Their hope was to offer a variety of people the opportunity to share experience, concerns and perspectives with their neighbors, over the airwaves of community radio. Jill's election to the Maine Senate in November of 1994 precluded regular duties on the radio, but she has returned to co-host with Ron when her schedule allows. TALK OF THE TOWNS was modeled on FAMILY RADIO FORUM, first produced for WERU by Don Bruce in 1990. Following Don's retirement in August of 1992, Ron became host and producer of Family Radio Forum. Both programs were aired monthly until February of 2008 when we focused on Talk of the Towns. TALK OF THE TOWNS is produced with support from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, where Ron is a faculty member, until his retirement in 2013. The mission of Cooperative Extension is to put knowledge to work with the people of Maine. Happily, that fits nicely with WERU's mission to be a "voice of many voices". TALK OF THE TOWNS serves as a public affairs program that goes beyond headlines, helping make sense of issues facing Maine families, showing how communities work, giving citizens ideas for how to participate effectively, and introducing workable solutions. Listen here, on your radio dial at 89.9 FM in Blue Hill, 99.9 in Bangor and streaming and podcasting world wide at www.weru.org Call in Phone Numbers: 1 866 625 9378 or 469 0500 Historian Ron Epp's new book Creating Acadia National Park, focuses on the life, and life's work, of George Bucknam Dorr. He tells of the remarkable relationship between Dorr, Charles W. Eliot and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. that led to the founding of Acadia, at the time, the only national park east of the Mississippi. This is Ron Beard, for University of Maine Cooperative Extension. As Acadia and the Park Service celebrate their centennial, we are pleased to have Ron Epp as our guest on Talk of the Towns, sharing insights gained in his research and his writing. He'll be joined by Maureen Fournier, a ranger who helps park visitors learn about George Dorr in a interpretive program called Missing Mansion, about the Dorr family home in Bar Harbor. Please make a note to join us with your own insights, experience and questions, Friday morning, April 22nd from 10 to 11, when the Talk of the Towns will be Creating Acadia National Park, the biography of George B. Dorr, only on WERU Community Radio, 89.9 FM in Blue Hill, 99.9 in Bangor, and streaming everywhere at weru.org 2/11/2016 XFINITY Connect XFINITY Connect eppster2@comcast.net + Font Re: radio interview From Maureen Fournier Thu, Feb 11, 2016 05:59 PM Subject : Re: radio interview To Ronald Epp Dear Ron: If both you and Aimee have confidence in me and think I will best represent you and the book, well then that is good enough reason for me to accept. I have emailed Aimee and told her that I will be there. Ron, I had no idea Aimee was going through a serious health challenge, and it does sound serious enough if radiation therapy is involved. I had stopped in to see her at FOA yesterday and was told she was out but I had no idea why. I am so sorry to hear this news - although I do not know Aimee more than on a professional level, I am so impressed with the quiet, organized and expert way she carries out all her FOA responsibilities including your book, the FOA Journal, social media exposure, etc. I am hoping and praying for her, that she pulls through what must be a most scary time for her and her family and she can be return to us in Acadia with renewed strength and good health. On a personal health note, I had my annual cardiology appointment today and all systems are go status quo, which is very good! I am now 100% ready for our 40th anniversary bucket list trip to New Zealand, leaving March 31st and returning April 18. I should be sufficiently refreshed for the interview (and after a few days coping with jet lag). Gerry and I are very excited for this trip, especially as we get closer to the date. And so, my friend, I will miss you for the book launch and your first week or so while in Acadia (and my birthday on the 9th - it's a big one I get my senior pass :) but will be in touch as soon as we return. I suppose if there's any reading I need to get done for the interview, I should do it before March 31st ? By the way, Catherine Schmitt asked me to proofread her book, Historic Acadia, last week. It is quite good, very different in the way it is arranged and in her distinct writing style and she manages to include a lot of information in a relatively short text (200 pgs). Of course, her background is the history of science, and there is much of that, but I am most happy with her inclusion of the Champlain Society and many women of Acadia I think you will be impressed? At the Historical Society, we are moving forward with the Champlain Society exhibit and I push through logbooks to Maine Memory Network (3 more coming online in the next 2-3 weeks). New this summer is the exciting possibility that we are trying to attract an MLS (archives/special collections) intern to help with collections. Tim Garrity does a fine job there! I will be thinking of you undergoing your CAT scan, and hopeful that all goes well. Thanks again for your continued friendship and vote of confidence! I think the radio interview, if like our luncheon get-togethers, will be fun and I look forward to it. Fondly, Maureen On Thu, Feb 11, 2016 at 4:15 PM, Ronald Epp wrote: Good afternoon, Maureen, From sunny Cornwall following a seven -inch snowfall Tuesday. This morning I had my annual physical so I can answer that I appear to be well. Need to have a Cat-scan tomorrow on a node in my lung. But by the end of the week I expect to hear from Aimee that the galleys have been sent to the printer. I agree, the cover is striking. Someday I will share with you the many, many ways in which Aimee not only included me in decision-making but on a few occasions deferred to my judgment. Now she is challenged with two weeks of radiation in Boston that overlaps with scheduled events on MDI. Yes, is tears my heart out to bear witness to her ongoing battle with cancer--and to be reminded of the overlap with Elizabeth's battle. But we need to make Aimee proud of us and so I entreat you to do this interview with me. The three of us know the most about Dorr and constitute our own Triumvirate. Other ANP staff could be supportive but not speak with your authority and passion. Have I convinced you??? On the issue of inexperience with media interviews, I have never done something of this sort. But I did meet Ron Beard back in 2006 when we both worked on the Spirit of Acadia celebrations and I have confidence in him. Aimee will provide him with a copy of the completed galleys within the next ten days and he will frame a series of questions for us. I've checked out "Talk of the Towns" programs on WERU and am comfortable with the format. He seems comfortable with guests who engage in some degree of banter, so we should behave authentically as though it is one of our luncheon get togethers. We should also feel comfortable taking his questions directed at one of us and re-directing it--after responding or not--to one another. When Aimee told me of her conflict she asked if I had any thoughts on a substitute: you were the only one who came immediately to mind. I can't wait to hear you talk at length about the mansion tours, walking Dorr's trails with Gerry, and transcribing Champlain Society log book evidence of conservation in the decades preceding the HCTPR. If you still have reservations, let's talk on the phone. When are the dates of your April vacation? Where are you off to? https://web.mail.comcast.net/zimbra/h/printmessage?id=353427&tz=America/New_York&xim= 1/2 2/11/2016 XFINITY Connect I'll be staying April 4-9 at 5 Eden Street as a guest of Carole Beal, an arrangement that her daughter Aimee facilitated. Beside the book launch on the 7th, I hope to do some work in the Chapman map room. The CLIR-Mellon application is due on 4/6 so that will be out of my hands before I arrive. I'll spend the next two weeks at various places in southern New England before returning for the WERU interview and the day after I'll do a book signing at Sherman's Book Store before heading south to give a talk to the University of Hartford Board of Directors on "Lessons from the Archives," which I have yet to write. Busy, Busy. Not to mention writing a 10-15 page Introduction to the second edition of S.A. Eliot's "Historical Sketch and Record of the HCTPR," due out in mid- summer. Warmly, Ron From: "Maureen Fournier" To: "Ronald Epp" Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2016 8:05:35 AM Subject: radio interview Good morning, Ron from gray and snowy MDI. I hope this email finds you well. I received an email yesterday from Aimee showing me the cover of your book, and I have to tell you first off, what a wonderful choice of photos it is! Like I told Aimee, it is the George that appeals to me the most the warmth, his hands-on character, his seemingly casual nature that makes me want to know more about him. Exciting to see all your work reach this final stage and I couldn't be happier for you! She also asked me if I was interested in joining you for the WERU interview, which once again is an honor. My first instinct is that it should be her or another FOA staff person, Aimee being the natural choice for all the immense work she has done. She tells me she has another commitment and cannot. So before I say OK, I wanted to brainstorm a little with you to make sure that you have a colleague who adds the most to the interview FOA staff to represent the publishing body, perhaps Becky for the NPS and cultural resource connection? I want to make sure you have someone who will be to add the most to the plate and possibly someone with a bit more experience than I with media interviews? I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts. I did tell Aimee I would give her an answer today or tomorrow, but I wanted to hear from you first. Please know that my feelings will not be hurt if you think someone else would be better suited for the job!! What are your plans for stays on MDI this very busy year??? Fondly, Maureen https://web.mail.comcast.net/zimbra/h/printmessage?id=353427&tz=America/New_York&xim= 2/2 2/11/2016 XFINITY Connect XFINITY Connect eppster2@comcast.net + Font Size radio interview From Maureen Fournier Thu, Feb 11, 2016 08:05 AM Subject : radio interview To : Ronald Epp Good morning, Ron from gray and snowy MDI. I hope this email finds you well. I received an email yesterday from Aimee showing me the cover of your book, and I have to tell you first off, what a wonderful choice of photos it is! Like I told Aimee, it is the George that appeals to me the most the warmth, his hands-on character, his seemingly casual nature that makes me want to know more about him. Exciting to see all your work reach this final stage and I couldn't be happier for you! She also asked me if I was interested in joining you for the WERU interview, which once again is an honor. My first instinct is that it should be her or another FOA staff person, Aimee being the natural choice for all the immense work she has done. She tells me she has another commitment and cannot. So before I say OK, I wanted to brainstorm a little with you to make sure that you have a colleague who adds the most to the interview FOA staff to represent the publishing body, perhaps Becky for the NPS and cultural resource connection? I want to make sure you have someone who will be to add the most to the plate and possibly someone with a bit more experience than I with media interviews? I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts. I did tell Aimee I would give her an answer today or tomorrow, but I wanted to hear from you first. Please know that my feelings will not be hurt if you think someone else would be better suited for the job!! What are your plans for stays on MDI this very busy year??? Fondly, Maureen https://web.mail.comcast.net/zimbra/h/printmessage?id=353279&tz=America/New_York&xim 1/1