Friendship, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Friendship, Maine
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Location in Knox County and the state of Maine.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Knox |
| Incorporated | 1807 |
| Villages | Friendship East Friendship Lawry |
| Area | |
| • Total | 31.37 sq mi (81.25 km2) |
| • Land | 14.10 sq mi (36.52 km2) |
| • Water | 17.27 sq mi (44.73 km2) |
| Elevation | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,142 |
| • Density | 81/sq mi (31.3/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04547
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-26805 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582484 |
Friendship is a small town located in Knox County, Maine, United States. It was once known as Meduncook. This town is about 31 miles (49.9 km) southeast of Augusta, the state capital. In 2020, about 1,142 people lived here.
Contents
Exploring Friendship's Past
The area now known as Friendship was originally called Meduncook by the Abenaki Native Americans. Meduncook means "bay at the end of the sandbar." The first European settlers arrived around 1750. They built a fort, called a garrison, on Garrison Island. This island connects to the mainland when the tide is low. By 1754, about 22 families lived in Meduncook. Many of them sought safety in the garrison during the French and Indian War.
Attacks During the French and Indian War
During the French and Indian War, the community faced two attacks. The first attack happened on May 22, 1758, by the Abenaki. Joshua and Hannah Bradford and their baby son were killed. Five of their other children escaped to the fort. However, two of their sons, Cornelius (21) and Joshua (12), were captured and taken to Canada.
Later, in September 1758, a group of Native Americans and Acadians attacked the village. They were led by a French officer named Boishebert. Eight British people were either captured or killed during this raid.
Becoming the Town of Friendship
On February 25, 1807, Meduncook Plantation officially became the town of Friendship. By 1859, the town had a population of 691. It was known for its busy industries. There were two shipbuilders, two gristmills (for grinding grain), one shingle mill, and three sawmills.
By 1880, the population grew to 938. Other businesses included making sails, carriages, boots, and shoes. However, boatbuilding remained the most important industry. Friendship became famous for creating the Friendship Sloop. This is a special gaff-rigged sailboat designed for lobstering and fishing. Every summer, the town hosts the Friendship Sloop Races, celebrating this unique boat.
The famous author John Cheever wrote his 1957 novel, The Wapshot Chronicle, while visiting Friendship.
Places to Visit in Friendship
The Friendship Museum opened its doors in 1964. Before it became a museum, this building was the Friendship Grammar School from 1851 to 1923. The museum is a typical one-room schoolhouse. It measures about 20 by 25 feet. Inside, you can find many interesting items. These include models of ships and plans for the famous Friendship sloops.
Understanding Friendship's Geography
Friendship is located on a peninsula. This means it's a piece of land almost surrounded by water. It sticks out into the Gulf of Maine. The town sits between Muscongus Bay and the Friendship River. Friendship also includes several islands. The largest of these is Friendship Long Island, also known as Meduncook Island.
State routes 97 and 220 pass through the town. Friendship shares its borders with Waldoboro to the northwest and Cushing to the east.
The town is also home to the Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge protects important wildlife and their habitats.
Friendship's Climate
Friendship has a humid continental climate. This type of climate means there are big differences in temperature throughout the year. Summers are warm to hot and often humid. Winters are cold, and sometimes very cold.
Population Trends
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1810 | 480 | — | |
| 1820 | 587 | 22.3% | |
| 1830 | 634 | 8.0% | |
| 1840 | 725 | 14.4% | |
| 1850 | 691 | −4.7% | |
| 1860 | 770 | 11.4% | |
| 1870 | 890 | 15.6% | |
| 1880 | 938 | 5.4% | |
| 1890 | 877 | −6.5% | |
| 1900 | 814 | −7.2% | |
| 1910 | 776 | −4.7% | |
| 1920 | 696 | −10.3% | |
| 1930 | 742 | 6.6% | |
| 1940 | 747 | 0.7% | |
| 1950 | 772 | 3.3% | |
| 1960 | 806 | 4.4% | |
| 1970 | 834 | 3.5% | |
| 1980 | 1,000 | 19.9% | |
| 1990 | 1,099 | 9.9% | |
| 2000 | 1,204 | 9.6% | |
| 2010 | 1,152 | −4.3% | |
| 2020 | 1,142 | −0.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
As of the 2010 census, Friendship had 1,152 residents. There were 508 households in the town. The average age of people in Friendship was 50.1 years. About 17.2% of the residents were under 18 years old.
Education and Learning
Friendship is part of the Maine School Administrative District 40. Young students attend Friendship Village Elementary School, which is located right in town.
Older students go to Medomak Valley Middle School and Medomak Valley High School. These schools are in the nearby town of Waldoboro.
The Friendship Public Library is also an important part of the community. It provides books and resources for everyone.
Famous People from Friendship
- Allen Alexander Bradford, a U.S. congressman
- Jayne Loader, a director and writer
See also
In Spanish: Friendship (Maine) para niños
