A glimpse into the world of Joseph Jones, who operated a scow shipping business along the Sheepscot at the turn of the century, will be the topic of a presentation given Doreen Conboy at the Village School in Alna on Friday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m.

The historic school building is located behind the Alna Post Office on the corner of Route 194 and Dock Road.

In the days before tar roads, massive trucks and super highways, scows played an important role in river and coastal commerce. Many personal papers and business records belonging to Jones were saved by family members, passed down and later donated to the Town of Alna .

The various documents dating from 1895 to roughly 1945 were organized and cataloged by Conboy, a member of the Committee for Alna History who volunteers as archivist for the town.

“The collection is significant in that it covers a broad period and really describes in a personal way, not only the life of a scow man, but the era in which he lived," explained Conboy. Her further research added to the body of material and the Jones story is enhanced with early photographs, anecdotes, and the recollections of relatives, all included in the hour long presentation.

Conboy was asked to repeat this program that was first given in the Lincoln County Historical winter lecture series a year ago, where it was well attended and enthusiastically received.

Admission is free. Donations to the Committee for Alna History are gratefully accepted. FMI 586-5051