Amos Putnam (1863-1936)-P2

Amos Putnam

Amos Putnam (1863-1936)-P2
Birth: June 16th, 1863 in Houlton, ME
Father: Levi Houlton Putnam (1820-1890)-P4
Mother: Sarah Bradbury (1820-1901)-P5

Married: Cora Margaret Carpenter (1872-1964)-P3 on June 2nd, 1891 in Houlton, ME

Children:
Frank Houlton Putnam (1892-1930)
Ervin Earl Putnam (1893-1988)-P1
Margaret Louise Putnam (1895-1978)
Hariette Carpenter Putnam (1898-1992)
Ruth Lydia Putnam (1900-1978)

Death: May 25th, 1936 in Houlton, ME

1863-1890

Amos Putnam was born to Levi Houlton Putnam (1820-1890)-P4 and Sarah Bradbury (1820-1901)-P5 on June 16th, 1863 in Houlton, ME.  He was the youngest of three children and may have been the only one to have children.  The 1870 U.S. Census has him (age 7) living with his father, mother, sister Caroline A. (age 17) and brother William L. (age 15) in Houlton, ME.  His father is listed as being a farmer.


According to the 1880 U.S. Census he is still living with the family in Houlton.  His sister and brother are both also living in the house and single.  His sister is listed as being a school teacher and brother as being in the Army.  His sister married George Gibson in 1882 and his father died in 1890.

1891-1910

Cora Putnam, Amos Putnam, Della Cox Sto at Drew's Lake,
May 26th, 1901

He married Cora Margaret Carpenter (1872-1964)-P3 on June 2nd, 1891 in Houlton ME.  She was the daughter of Frank H Washington Carpenter (1845-1936)-P6 and Elvira A. Green (1850-1917)-P7.  Sometime before the birth of their first child, they had moved to Oakfield.  On May 29th, 1892, their firstborn son Frank Houlton Putnam (1892-1930) was born in Houlton, ME.  Amos is listed as being a merchant.



On July 9th, 1893, their second son, Ervin Earl Putnam (1893-1988)-P1 was born in Oakfield, ME.  Amos is listed as being a farmer.  Their first daughter Margaret Louise Putnam (1895-1978) was born in Oakfield on October 18th, 1895.  Amos is still listed as being a farmer.  Harriette Carpenter Putnam (1898-1992) was born on March 2nd, 1898 in Oakfield.

At some point between the birth of Harriette and their last child Ruth Lydia Putnam (1900-1978) the family moved back to Houlton.  Ruth was born on January 17th, 1900 in Houlton and Amos is listed as being a clerk.  The 1900 U.S. Census has the entire family living in Houlton.  Amos is listed as being a Salesman of groceries, but this has been crossed out.  He can read and write and owns the house without a mortgage.  The city directory for that year shows him working as a clerk and the house being on Elm St.  Amos's mother Sarah passed away in 1901.


The

1910 U.S. Census shows the family living somewhere around number 6 Green Street.  The documents are a bit unclear as to the exact address.  Amos is a salesman of farm equipment and owns the house without a mortgage.

1911-1936

Amos Putnam in canoe, Gui "Daddy" Carol on log,
Chesuncook Lake, Allagash Trip, 1914

Amos was an active outdoors man and we have many photos of him in the backwoods of Maine. This love has been passed down the generations.

Putnam Family-back row left to right: Ervin Putnam, Ruth Putnam, Elvira Green Carpenter,
Amos Putnam, Charles Carpenter,
front row left to right: Harriette Putnam, Cora Carpenter Putnam, Vie Carpenter

The 1920 U.S. Census shows the family living at 6 Elm St. in Houlton ME.  Amos is living with his wife, Cora, three daughters and son, Frank, as well as Frank's wife Madge.  He owns the house without a mortgage and is employed as a custodian at a government building.

9 Charles St, Houlton ME-1935

His son Frank died on January 29th, 1930.  By the 1930 census, the family has moved to 9 Charles St.  Amos is working as a custodian for the post office.  It is likely that this is the government building referenced in the 1920 census.  He owns the house and it has a value of $6,500.  That equates to a 2016 real value of $199,000.  Cora's Father Frank and Sister Elvira are also living at the house.


 Amos died on May 25th, 1936 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Houlton, ME.  Given the mark on his grave stone, he was a mason but I haven't researched this part of his history.

Amos Putnam's Grave with Masonic mark

Next I will be putting together a write up on Cora.  Cora was an amazing woman and I will only scratch the surface on her accomplishments.  Even that will take me a bit of time to pull together.

Sources:

• 1870 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1870; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: M593_; Page: ; Image: .
• 1880 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1880; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: 477; Family History Film: 1254477; Page: 430C; Enumeration District: 218; Image: 0134.
• 1900 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1900; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: T623_31077_4119816; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 0028; FHL microfilm: 1240589.
• 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: T624_537; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 0035; FHL microfilm: 1374550
• 1920 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1920; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: T625_641; Page: 40B; Enumeration District: 32; Image: 235.
• 1930 United States Federal Census: ear: 1930; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: 829; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 39; Image: 53.0; FHL microfilm: 2340564
• 1900 Maine City Directories, Houlton, ME
• 1900 U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989, Houlton, ME
• Web: Maine, Find A Grave Index, 1700-2012, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=PU&GSpartial=1&GSbyrel=all&GSst=23&GScntry=4&GSsr=1361&GRid=15976563&
• Cary Library Genealogy Database, http://www2.cary.lib.me.us/GenDB/searchdb.asp?Rec_ID=931541497

The Aroostook Historical and Art Museum of Houlton

Hey, if your on Facebook and from the Putnam side of the family you might find the The Aroostook Historical and Art Museum of Houlton site interesting.  They post a lot of information about the Houlton area and photos.

Hunting near Griswold, ME-1922

We have a number of photos from a hunting trip Ervin Earl Putnam took to Griswold, ME in 1922 so I thought I would share them.

Ervin Putnam in camp at Griswold, ME-1922

Left-Ervin Putnam in Griswold, ME 1922

Left-Gui "Daddy" Carroll, Right-Ervin Putnam, Griswold, ME

Ten pointers and a "yearling" Ervin Putnam on right, Forest Bradstreet on Left, Griswold, ME 1922

I missed a few World War I photos

Ervin Earl Putnam, WWI photo

Going through the photos I had, I have noticed a few I forgot to include.  So I am adding them here.  I'll also go back and add the barracks one where I believe it falls.

Barracks, Paris France: Ervin Putnam is second from left at the table

Plum Pudding, the Conclusion

After Steaming

So we tried it on Christmas Day and I though I would give you a report.  FIrst, I'll go through the last steps.

First, I removed it from the fridge and re-steamed it for 2 hours.  I forgot to sprinkle it with sugar.  I the put some brandy on it and light it on fire.

Flaming

Cut a served it.   Some people had it with the Brandy Butter Hard Sauce, others did not.

Of the testers (victims) one did not enjoy it, but she does like much and dislikes raisins so I am discounting here vote.

Everyone else said they enjoyed it though it was a bit rich.  Some liked the Brandy Butter, others did not.  I did not that it was a bit dry toward the center, so maybe I should steam it a bit longer for serving.  Also, the Brandy Butter was a bit strong, next time I'll actually try Merrick's recipe.  Overall, I would call it a success, and will try and do it next year early enough so it can age properly.

First Piece

With Brandy Butter

So, here is the final recipe, please let me know if you try it.

Merrick’s Old England’s Plum Pudding

1 lb raisins

1 lb currants

½ lb citron (thinly sliced)

¼ lb candied lemon peel (chopped)

½  teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon mace

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon allspice

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 lb suet

1 ½ cup brandy

1 lb bread crumbs

1 cup scalded milk

6 eggs
1 lb Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda

1 cup molasses

1 teaspoon salt

Blend raisins, currants, citron, lemon peel, cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, ground cloves, allspice, black pepper, and suet in a bowl.  Add ¼ cup brandy.  Cover tightly and refrigerate for 4 days, add ¼ cup brandy each day.

Soak bread crumbs in milk and brandy.  Combine with well-beaten eggs, flour and molasses.  Blend with the fruit mixture.  Add flour, baking soda, salt and mix thoroughly.  Put the pudding in  buttered bowls or tins, filling them about ⅔ full.  Cover with foil and tie it firmly.  Steam for 6-7 hours.    Add a dash of brandy to each pudding, cover with foil and keep in a cool place.

To use, steam again for 2-3 hours and unmold. Sprinkle with sugar; add heated french brandy. Ignite and bring to the table.  Server with Merrick’s Plum Pudding Sauce.

Mapping the 1975 Coppermine River Trip

So, using Dad's mileage entries, I mapped the locations of each days stopping points.  There is likely to be errors, but the points should be withing a mile or two of the actual locations.  Each point has a link to the relevant blog post.

Coppermine River Trip-Camping Equipment List

Coppermine River Trip-Camping Equipment List

Camping Equpment

Tent/Fly
Extra Stakes + Tie Ropes
Heavy Duty Knife
Sharpening Stones
4 Bottles Insect Repellant
Small Axe
Saw
Vinyl Tarp
Sleeping Bag
Foam Pad/Foam Pillow
Small Stove
Gas and Can
Bottle for Gas
Funnel
Water-Proof Matches

Coppermine River Trip-Clothing List

Fire Starter
Pots etc
Knife/Fork/Spoon
Duluth Pack
Plastic Bags
Rec. Pack
Cloth Bags
Small Pack
Rock Hammer + Guide Book
Compass
Map

Soap
Towel
Tooth Paste/Brush
Razor + Soap
Comb

Coppermine River Trip-Misc List

Deodorant

Glasses

Clothing
Boots
Sneakers
Wool Socks
Other Socks
Long Underwear
Normal Underwear
2 Jeans
Long Sleave Cotton Shirt
Long Sleave Plaid Shirt
Sweater, Wool
Jacket
Rain Suit
2 Hats + Netting
Belt
Hankerchiefs (Carol's)


Misc.
Camera
Film
Water-proof Bag

Life Jacket
Paddles
knife Pads
Duct Tape

Spin Rod
Reel
Line
Lures

The Plum Pudding Saga Continued

So, over the last few days I have been working on the Plum Pudding.  I know it was suppose to be done earlier in the month and let rest for weeks but that wasn't possible this year.

The final mixture

Working with my kids I mixed the dried fruit with the rest of the ingredients and put them in a pudding mold.  I then steamed it for seven hours.

The pudding mold in the steamer.

I then removed it from the steamer, wrapped it in foil and am now letting it rest till Christmas Day.  The recipe produced enough "batter" that I may be able to make on for New Years as well, but will see how the first one comes out before attempting it.  I ended up not making Merrick's sauce recipe.  Their were enough unanswered questions that I fell back to one I found online for Brandy Butter Hard Sauce.  I'll post the results and reviews after Christmas.  

I hope everyone has a Happy Christmas!

Plum Pudding

Coppermine River Trip-Food Lists

August 4th, 1975 Food list

Aug 4th Food Summary

Putnam:
BF NO5 2X 1/2 BF No3
L NO2 2X
L NO3 2X
L NO6 2X
D NO3 2X
D NO6 2X
D NO7 2X 1X
Cutlets + sugar

Bond
BF NO6 2X
BF NO7 2X
L NO7 1X
D NO6 6X
Gorp + Hudson Bay Bread + Cutlets

CSC
BF NO4 6X
BF NO5 2X
L NO5 2X
L NO6 4X
D NO1 4X
D NO3 2X
D NO5 2X
D NO7 6X
Odds + Ends+ Cutlets
2 DOT + BFs + Cutlets

PH/KC
BF NO1 6X + odds + ends
BF NO2 2X + extras
BF NO3 4X
L NO1 2X
L NO2 4X
L NO3 2X
D NO2 6X

Food and Camping Equipment List

D-7 Lasagna
L-5 Tuna
B-4 Ham/Eggs/Hash browns
D-3 Dumplings
D-1 Chili Mae
D-6 Stroganoff
B-5 Omelet/Coffee Cake

I'll transcribe the Camping Equipment list next time.

Coppermine River Trip-August 20th, 1975

Coppermine River Trip-August 20th, 1975

Aug 20
Sluggish AM. Char for B.F. Lunch at Falls.  Brad H. played in Rapids. Paddled 10 m to Coppermine in 3 hrs

Largest Eskimo village in N. America.
250 kids, 200 adults, 50 whites, 1 Indian.

Camped next to H. Bay Store. Visited school teachers for tea and mgr. of H.B.C. for coffee.
Beautiful dogs
Persistant kids
Saw Masdon et al

Mr. & Mrs. Maeue
Hudson Bay Co.
Coppermine, M.W.T.

Beautiful view of polar sea-islands mirages-big blocks and p___ ice. Ice on Coppermine ___ s____ ago.

Coppermine River Trip-August 19th, 1975

Coppermine River Trip-August 19th, 1975

Extremely hazy(___________) till 10:00 then brilliant.
Chuck up early- caught char ___ _____ in heavy water. Can see small char running falls.  Char for breakfast. Obviously just not ____; very z____. small eggs. (upstream brilliant char had fully developed eggs.

Brad H. played in main falls. Lots of good movies.

Had a lot of trouble with some of the writing on this one.  Did the best I could but couldn't identify some of the words.

Coppermine River Trip-August 18th, 1975

Coppermine River Trip-August 18th, 1975

Very hazy in north; otherwise brilliant.

Off at 10:30. Stopped at two lakes at 11:30. Hiked + climbed. Back to boats at 3:30. Ran down to Bloody Falls. (Windmills Huge) 
(also rapids most of the way to stop)

Portaged around falls - 1/2-3/4 mile.

3 major drops- last is worst.

Eskimos + Amer__ sports gigging char at falls. To bed at 11:30.
Tired!
10 miles

Not sure what the word after Eskimos is meant to be, if anyone has any guesses let me know.

Coppermine River Trip-August 17th, 1975

Coppermine River Trip-August 17th, 1975

 Another beautiful day. No clouds. Even warmer. Strong south winds.

Off at 10:30. Hawks in nest, guarded by adults.  Whitish underneath, stopped to photo.

Rapids all day. Stopper at last of 3 islands for lunch. Lovely waterfall.
Canyons all day.
Ran Escape Rapids as follows.

• Scouted from west canyon top.
• Ferried from west to east.
• Scouted again; changed plans
• Ferried back to west between Class 5 monster - below one on west slope, above one on east.
• Ran next set rapids along west bank.
• Camped at end of Escape Canyon.

All but Chuck went swimming and then sunbathed - 15 m from Arctic O.

Made 9 miles

Coppermine River Trip-August 17th, 1975 Cont.

Demolished 12-man Stroganoff dinner
Afterwards, I went for a 3 mile round trip on barren ground east of river.


The map below represents my best guess of where they were at this point.

Coppermine River Trip-August 16th, 1975

Coppermine River Trip-August 16th, 1975

Another beautiful day. C.C. up at 6:00 - wadded to canyon - got many clear photos of caribou. Off at 10:00. saw caribou again - many photos. C.C. reported muskox - unconfirmed.

Lunch on island in first drop of sandstone R. then downstream thru more or less continuous rapids.  Ran 2nd long section of sandstone about 2' off left cliff face.

Stopped at eagles nest with 2 golden eagles. Saw several other eagles.

Camped at last big level of 25'/mile section.  Dot + Chuck upset.

Canyons all day!

11 miles.

Coppermine River Trip-August 15th, 1975

Coppermine River Trip-August 15th, 1975

Aug 15

Beautiful Day-no clouds-wind gradually building to strong from south.

After Dot caught Char/togue/grayling in am in Melaile; I find char below outfall in main river. An orgy ensued.  I caught 4, 2 female, 2 male.  caught male 10 lb.  caught female 14 lbs, 35" all but one on #8 gray shut, 4th on Dare Devil. Others caught many char. Started paddling at 12am

Lunch above Mailbox rapids, then on to rapids.  Many bald eagles, 3 above Mailbox. Ran all of Mailbox except last short drop. R.H. and B.H./D.H. ran all.  

Copper in Mailbox rock walls.  Orgy of rock hounding.

12 miles.
Camped at Williams Creeks.

Merrick's Plum Pudding in process

So, I forgot the flour in the recipe.  I've gone back and added it to the former post.  I've had a hard time find the ingredients, but finally started to make it last night.  Here are some photos of the process:

Some of the ingredients

The fruit mixture