Delve into the pages of Freeland Bunker's journal, a detailed account of his life in Winter Harbor, Maine, from 1871 to 1885. Each entry offers a glimpse into Bunker's daily activities, cherished by our local historical society. Dr. Todd Little-Siebold, a member of the history faculty at the College of the Atlantic, and Dr. Laurie Baker, with the help of the Winter Harbor Historical Society, have led efforts to digitize these diaries with student assistance: Gwendolyn Elkin, Michael Feng, Hannah Frink, Camden Hunt, Olivia Jolley, Adele Wise, and Tristan Lewis. These digitized scans have become primary source materials in his classroom. Students have summarized the diaries from 1876 to 1889, highlighting Mr. Bunker’s extensive travels and diverse engagements in business, fraternal organizations, and community governance.
My project aims to map Bunker's journey over the years, highlighting significant events such as his memorable Atlantic voyage. Through the use of coding tools like R and GIS, alongside HTML and Mapbox GL JavaScript, I'm creating an interactive platform. Here, users can seamlessly explore Bunker's experiences and Winter Harbor's rich history.
The journal begins in the year 1871-1872, marking a significant turning point in Freeland Bunker's life. That year, he married the love of his life, and together they embarked on a new chapter in the quaint coastal town of Winter Harbor. Despite not traveling extensively, Freeland's journal entries are concise in descriptions of his experiences and the places he visited. chronicling the beginning of his professional journey with various meetings and the meaningful work he engaged in. As time passed, Freeland's journal continued to capture the essence of his life in Winter Harbor. He detailed the people he met, the ideas they exchanged, and the impact of his work on the community. The pages reflect a man simple thought connected to his surroundings, finding solace in the town's day to day lifestyles. Through his narrative, eventhough Freeland did not painted a vivid picture of his dedication to personal and professional growth, it feels like he is leaving a legacy of his journeys.
In the years 1873-1874, Freeland Bunker embarked on a grander journey, setting his sights on exploring the vast expanses of the northeastern ocean. This period marked a significant shift in his life as he transitioned from the familiar confines of Winter Harbor to the broader, more adventurous realms of maritime exploration. Freeland's travels took him from one island to another, each stop a new chapter in his expanding narrative. His journals from this time are filled with vivid descriptions of the rugged coastlines, the unpredictable seas, and the diverse communities he encountered along the way. Each island offered new landscapes, cultures, and opportunities, providing Freeland with a wealth of experiences that enriched his understanding of the region and its people. As he navigated the waters around Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, Freeland's relationships grew alongside his geographical explorations. He forged connections with fishermen, traders, and local leaders, each interaction adding to his network and deepening his ties to the maritime community. His entries from this period reflect a man in constant motion, driven by curiosity and a desire to build lasting bonds. The friendships he cultivated and the knowledge he gained during these journeys not only broadened his personal horizons but also contributed to the interconnectedness of the coastal towns and islands. Through his adventures, Freeland became a vital link in the chain of communication and commerce that stretched along the northeastern seaboard, leaving a lasting impact on the region he so passionately explored.
The journal begins in the Mediterranean. Freeland was voyaging around the Mediterranean, along the coasts of France, Spain, and Italy from January 1st until the 22nd, when he jams his fingers. For the next seven days, he tries to continue to work despite having to get his fingers “done up” regularly. On January 30th, he goes into the Hospital to stay. He is in the Hospital for a few weeks. On the 17th of February, his finger had to be taken off just below the joint. On the 28th, he was able to leave the hospital and board his vessel. On March 1st, he went over land to visit the leaning tower of Pisa. March 4th is the day that they sail off from Leghorn, Italy, for New York. It takes them 16 days to pass the Rock of Gibraltar. They arrive in New York 44 days later, on May 3rd. During his stay in New York, he seems to mainly be sending and receiving letters. On May 13th, Freeland boarded another boat as mate. By May 20th, they went to sea bound for Cape Haiti. They arrive on June 4th. They then sail for Baracoa, Cuba, leaving June 10th and arriving the next day. On July 2nd, they load 366 bunches of bananas onto the boat. They leave, bound for New York, two days later. They arrive back in New York on July 17th.
Freeland then leaves on the 27th, passing Fire Island and getting as far as Sandy Hook. The next day they anchored in
Vineyard Haven. They arrive in Boothbay on August 1st. On August 3rd he takes a steamer home from Rockland.
The day after he arrives home he is immediately helping J. I. Kingsley with hay. He attends a wharf meeting (8/5) and a
district meeting (8/7) and begins working in his shop regularly. On August 10th he goes out on a steamer for an
excursion in Somes Sound. He visits Turtle Island on the 26th to get fish from someone.
On October 2nd he receives summons from Ellsworth to serve in the jury. He leaves on October 9th, and spends 10 days on
a series of cases. Once he returns, he begins to go out gunning for birds a few times.
On November 19th, he goes to Rockland to buy coal and provisions, and ends up buying Crow Island in an auction. He
returns from Rockland on the 25th. F
our days later, he and his wife take a steamer to Southwest Harbor, then a boat to Northwest Harbor. They visited
Captain Thomas Bunker on the Cranberry Isles on the 30th, then take a steamer home to Sullivan on the 6th of December.
He does go clamming one time, on December 13th.
March unfolds with a mix of sorrow and activity. On the 23rd, the lonely passing of Mrs. Nathean Hammond marks a somber
moment in the journal's pages. Yet, just six days later, the tone shifts as a horse is acquired from George Westcott,
injecting a note of life amid the mournful. April sees a journey to Brieh Harbor for Charles Grane's funeral,
underscoring the communal bonds of grief and support.
Amidst the narrative, the journal reveals intriguing patterns and snippets of daily life. Entries commence with
meticulous meteorological observations, detailing wind direction and temperature fluctuations before delving into the
day's events. From heavy snowfall on January 10th and 11th to the simple pleasure of a "very pleasant" January 13th,
each day unfolds with its own rhythm. Correspondence weaves through the narrative, from writing letters on January 17th
to receiving them on January 19th, adding depth to the interpersonal tapestry. Meanwhile, professional and social
engagements, such as registering as a Justice of Peace on February 26th or hosting dancing gatherings on January 28th,
provide glimpses into a life both structured and dynamic.
Narrative Highlights
● March 23rd: “Mrs. Nathean Hammond died alone 7 o’clock [illegible]”;Interesting Things
● March 29th: “Bought a horse of George Westcott”;
● April 17th: “Went to Brieh Harbor to Charles Grane’s funeral”
● Entries usually start with the direction of the wind, then moves on two sets of temperatures at different points of
the day before recording other meetings/events during the day;
● Jan 10th & 11th: Heavy snow recorded;
● Jan 13th: “Very pleasant”;
● Jan 17th: “Wrote a letter to L.L. Beerell”;
● Jan 19th: Received letter from G.W. Tracey;
● Jan 21st: “Continued making [illegible]”;
● Jan 28th: “Dancing [illegible] at my house in the evening.”;
● Feb 8th: “[...] a Religious Meeting”;
● Feb 18th: “Got fifty dollars of L.L. Bunill”;
● Feb 20th: “Dancing school”;
● Feb 26th: “Registered letter to Treasurer of State of Maine for a concession as Justice of Peace”;
● March 3rd: “Storm all day.”;
● March 4th: “Work on a [illegible] building one for my self”;
● March 7th-8th: [illegible]
● March 25th: “[...] my self-acknowledged deed for Mrs. May [...]”;
● March 26th: “American Office”;
● May 6th: [illegible]
● October 9th: “thunder & lightning”
This year consisted of writing many letters, going on sleigh trips,
selling sewing machine casters in Bar Harbor, and boat trips to surrounding towns/islands.
I am not sure if the letters were strictly to people Bunker was in business with, or if they are also to friends.
He wrote and read letters almost every other day. For example, he notes that on January 11th he read a letter from Stephen Southand.
Why does he need to remember that? To ensure that he writes a correspondence? The journal starts and ends with sleigh conditions,
which I’m assuming he needed to be aware of in order to haul merchandise to and from his store with
(January 5th, sleighing conditions are over on March 23rd).
Sewing machine casters seemed to be a prominent object to sell and I wonder why in Bar Harbor specifically
(April 10th & 22nd to 24th). Did Bunker sell whatever was in high demand or was there a specific market he operated from?
1879 was a year of continued boat trips, I’m assuming on the same routes he has been traveling on for years.
He often travels on the mail route to bring items out to sell.
While Bunker’s life revolves around several daily boat trips,
he also is involved in seasonal activities and social events.
In the winter he is fishing, hauling wood (February), and practicing wood carving,
while in May he finds pride in his farming. I enjoyed reading about his potato patch,
from seed to a several bushel harvest. He is involved in at least two Masonic lodges,
although I’m not sure if Eureka is a Masonic lodge. It seems like he meets up with clients at the lodge.
He also participates in elections and mock court several times throughout the year, as he did in Birch Harbor on January 29th.
The beginning of January seems to be consumed with Bunker delivering mail. He has moments where he interacts with specific people in the community and goes to religious meetings–he also focuses heavily on when he writes to someone or receives a letter, which he does often. In February, Bunker spends a good deal of time gathering firewood. Other than that, he is very brief. He spends time working for other people, often N.A. Bickford, but does not specify what that work entails. He continues to attend religious meetings In March, he continues to work in an undescribed way, still with N.A. Bickford. I’ve noticed the fish house is mentioned only briefly in specific places, which leads me to wonder how much information we’re missing. He mentions working on boats (specifically skiffs), and continues to detail religious meetings and writing letters. In April, he works a good deal with his own boat and other people’s. This seems to include aspects of building and repairing. He also works with docks and on the water almost every day. He continues the regular activities. In May, Bunker begins to go out fishing. Basically the entirety of this month is details on weather and fishing. In June, Bunker begins farming and gardening with little detail as to what he is farming or gardening. He continues to fish and work on people’s boats, as well as do unknown work for several people. He continues to note the letters he writes.
In July, he basically does the same thing as June. He notes his work on a sail, which adds some dimension to his previous comments about working on boats. I’m wondering if the religious meetings he often attends are still happening–he has stopped mentioning. Maybe he considers fishing more important. In August, he discusses almost only fishing. See above three months. In September, he continues to mention everything from the past four months. He places a little more emphasis on building boats, but not a ton more. In October, he continues to fish and farm, but seems to be at least a little focused on preparation for the winter–he gathers potatoes and treats some fish. He continues to give little outside of that information. In November, he continues winter preparation, marked by multiple instances of salting fish. He begins to do more work a la boat building/repairing or wagon repairing, likely so these vehicles can last through the winter. In December, Bunker travels downeast and spends time in Lubec and Eastport. He spends time working with herring catches and finishes out the year loading frozen herring.
Highlights:
1/10–Bunker certifies a marriage
2–Works often for N.A. Bickford. Who is this person?
3/19–Becomes a road surveyor
3/25–Paints his skiff. What colors?
March to April–males himself a boat
4/22–Launches his boat
5/5–Made a floating stage to dress fish on
5/30–List of people baptized
6/16–Gets a discharge from debts
6/27–More baptism
7/5–Sees fireworks. For some reason, not on the 4th.
7/9–Notes somebody dying
Early August–mentions fishing for mackerel for bait
9/3–starts writing in pen rather than pencil
9/6–back to pencil
9/13–goes to state election
10/1–digs for potatoes
10/15–Wants to see if he’s discharged from debts
11/2–Hauled rockweed and went to presidential election
11/12–Salted fish
For January and February, Bunker was very much sticking to land and doing work in Winter Harbor. Starting in March, even with the weather seeming to still be cold winter storms, he ventured out onto the water and started going on trips near and far to transport goods. He went to a variety of places in Maine but even went as far as Boston, Massachusetts, and New York. These voyages continued almost nonstop until they slowed down in October. Bunker makes his first mention of his wife on September 3rd. I almost forgot he had a wife until that reminder. I was surprised by how much time he spent consistently on the water after these voyages began; I was expecting him to be going out for a few weeks before returning home and spending some time in Winter Harbor before heading back out to sea, not get home in the evening and then head out to a new place the very next morning. It was a useful reminder that when you work on the water, your work days are dictated by the waves and the water, not a schedule removed from what’s going on in the world around you. The number of places he references on some of these days also surprised me, but the fact that he made sure to note those places when he passed by them conveyed to me the importance of familiarity with place. He wasn’t stopping at all of these places each time, but just passing by them was important enough to note in the few sentences he could fit in his daily journals.
The stories that seemed to interest me the most were those of the evening event mentioned multiple times--the Lyceum Question--and some of the mentions of legal proceedings scattered throughout. I’m curious if the Lyceum Question only included people from Winter Harbor or if it was an event that drew a crowd from nearby, too. The event is mentioned on January 18th, January 25th, and February 5th and the philosophical discussions that Bunker briefly addresses seem like the kinds of topics that would appear in a university classroom. I wonder if the people in attendance viewed these discussions like an informal higher education. The legal story that stuck in my head was the one mentioned on February 15th where Bunker was preparing to defend someone in court: “Emma Sargent alleges that Herbert Tracy promised to marry her and sues him for breach of promise. Damages to the amount of $40,000. Verdict -- guilty.” That story raises so many questions. How could you prove a breach of promise? Did Bunker know both of these people? Were either of them from away? Did he have a choice in defending Herbert Tracy? Was $40,000 at that time an appropriate amount for damages? What kind of damages would that account for?
I was also very interested in the work Bunker did outside of things related to the water and how, in a roundabout way, that illustrates his connection to the sea. In addition to activities that seem to be community expectations like shoveling the highway and attending town meetings, his legal activities such as writing deeds and mortgages seem to speak to a trend I’ve been exposed to through this course and previous courses: Mainers don’t usually rely on one source of income. Not only does Bunker have this intellectual life going to Lyceum Question evenings and maneuvering legal documents and duties, but he seems to choose being at sea over staying home. I’m not sure if it’s because transporting goods was where the money was at, but the sentimental side of me likes to think it can partially be attributed to the draw of sailing life and the desire to be on the water. Having grown up with this idea from academia that being an educated and well-known person is the ideal people to strive for, the fact that Bunker belonged to two very different professions that are associated with two very different sets of values and lifestyles stands out to me in particular. This train of thought relates back to what Diana was saying about older fishermen looking down on themselves because they feel like their profession is lesser and that they cannot be as intelligent as someone like a lawyer. Just from reading a couple sentences a day from a year of Bunker’s life, I’m amazed at how much he knows.
During the year of 1883, Bunker started off the year in New York travelling up the coast and dealing with multiple weather delays and waiting for the ice to melt. Finally returning back to Winter Harbor in late January, Bunker helps to break the ice in the harbor to help vessels move. His vessel is named Chromo. Throughout the year, while in Winter Harbor (which he refers to as “home”) he mentions attending the lyceum, which was held at the town hall. In February, Bunker gives the first mention of his wife. On the 12th of February, Bunker noted that the barn and house of a man named Henry Sarguet was burned. Not much more was mentioned, other than that the furniture was saved.
While back in Winter Harbor in early March, Bunker recorded doing some boat maintenance such as painting. On March twenty-fifth he notes that his tooth had been broken off by his Doctor who was trying to extrude it. No further notes were made on this. On April 9th, the first mention of loading stones appears. On the fourteenth he records that his vessel carrying rocks hit some rocks with “great force” which resulted in water to enter the vessel. The following weeks Bunker records the troubleshooting, waiting and reshipping the load onto another vessel. On April 23rd he reports going ashore to attend a “Negro Jubilee Concert comprised of singing.” Ultimately on April 24th, Seth Ann is the vessel that ends up taking the load for reshipping. After the majority of the load is transferred to the Seth Ann, surveys are taken to determine the damage on the original boat.
On May 5th Bunker and the crew were advised to work on the keel in Rockland railway station. These repairs continue until the eighth of May. On the 14th of May, Bunker records continuing to load stones, as well as receives notice that someone has died. The following day, he attends the funeral with his wife and mentions that his wife will traveling to Philedelphia, leaving their daughter at the grandmothers house. Bunker leaves soon after that, travelling to Port Richmond, having to wait a few days to unload. Returning back home with his wife on June 19. On June 28th he attended a travelling exhibition at the hall in winter harbor along with his wife and daughter. While traveling down near Vineyard, he reported going on shore on July 4th, but reported “nothing of importance was going on.”
Much of July, August, and September consist of trips back and forth down the coast with loads of stone. On October 17th, Bunker records travelling to a lake to search for the bodies of a captain A. L Mitchell from Milbridge and another boy who had drowned. The captains body was recovered.
On November 29th he acknowledges the holiday with by saying “Thanksgiving.” In December Bunker attends a sociable at the hall with his family which was intended to raise money for a graveyard fence. The next day on the 20th he travels to Gouldsboro to a Sardine Factory for a town meeting. Throughout the year he mentions attending Lycuem’s in the Winter harbor hall. They all begin with Question Resolved, and followed with: that it was better for the people of the US to have the property equally divided, there be no restrictions in voting on account of self, that a single man can live a happier live than a married man, and holding sociables is a greater evil to the community than dancing.
Bunker’s begins in early January at his home in Winter Harbor. Each entry starts with the wind direction and or brief description of the weather. This is the case even on days when Bunker is not on the Water. On January 14, Bunker writes: “Went to the town Harbor after a stick for a flying jibboom for (Seh A. G. Brooks)” On this day, the wind was southwest, free of snow. For the next few days, Bunker’s journal entries are filled with mentions of the jibboom: Jan 20, “Worked most all day for J.H. (smalleagle) on flying jibboom”. Jan 21, “Finished jibboom for A.G. Brooks”. Throughout the Winter much of Bunker’s entries involve prep work and up-rigging, on his ship the “Chrono”. On March 14, Bunker writes: “Made fenders in shop for Chrono”. March 26: “Worked on Chrono all day”. On April 2, Bunker eventually sets sail, and heads for West Sullivan. On May 13, Bunker again writes about finding a “stick” for a jibboom. For the next several days, until May 27, Bunker works on making and rigging the jibboom. From here on out most of Bunker’s entries include weather descriptions and port locations as he sails along the North East coast, discharging goods such as coal. On May 30th, Bunker writes about reaching Gloucester. On June 10th, He reaches Philadelphia. After this, Bunker sails back up to Maine.
On June 21, he went to a singing concert at the meeting house in Kennebunkport. On July 4th, Bunker gets ready to go back to Philadelphia again. He writes about celebrating the holiday, but also loading and securing heavy rocks to the “Chrono” in order to prepare for heavy weather. On July 20th, Bunker reaches the Philada river and complains about the temperature reaching 100 degrees. He continues to mention the heat the following day as he waits for the discharge of goods at Philadelphia Wharf. On July 28, Bunker leaves again for Kennebunkport. He arrives on August 11th and discharges coal. On september 2nd, Bunker writes about working on “Chrono” all day in Ellsworth harbor. On September 12th, Bunker leaves Winter Harbor again, this time for Washington DC. On October 29, Bunker writes: “40 years old today”. From here, Bunker stays at home for a couple weeks, and then leaves for New York on Nov. 16th. On November 27th, Bunker goes to a meeting with the Salvation Army in Salem. On December 15th, he arrives in New York. Finally on christmas day Bunker is in New Jersey waiting to load a shipment of coal, but is frustrated because no one is working during the holiday. The last couple entries of the journal are spent complaining about this delay. On December 28th, Bunker finally gets the coal shipment.