Fryeburg Town Column: Chatham Historical Society to present program on secret search for a nuclear waste

The Chatham Historical Society will be presenting an inside look at a secret search for a nuclear waste site that was happening in the Cold River Valley and beyond in the late 1970s. Jim Wilfong will be sharing his story on Friday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. at the old Chandler Farm at 2062 Main St. in Chatham. This event is part of the Historical Society’s year-long schedule of activities celebrating Chatham’s 250th Anniversary of township, and is open to all.

Jeanne Eastman, President of the Society, said, “I was surprised to find out about this.” Last fall a neighbor brought an old wooden box of granite core samples to us. In asking around about what they were for and where they were from, Roberta Chandler of the Lovell Historical Society said, “Oh, I bet they are from when they were looking for a nuclear waste site.” Eastman couldn’t believe that had happened in Chatham, which is known for its beautiful mountains and quiet pools beside popular hiking trails. But in asking around more and sharing this “crazy” thought, she heard from Wilfong of Stow, Maine, who was in the Maine Legislature at the time, “Oh, yes! I helped discover this secret search and put a stop to it.” According to Wilfong, the search extended from the Cold River Valley of Chatham, and Stow to Sebago, Maine. For more information, call (603) 694-3388.