Maine Memory Network Community Projects

Skowhegan Area Middle School

written by Megan Perkins

image of moose
A Friend in Need, but Perhaps Not So Recognized

A game warden first noticed the poor moose and tried unsuccessfully to help this poor defenseless animal, but unfortunately she didn't recognize it as such, and scrambled to the other side of the pool.

We do not know when this chilling incident happened. We guess it would be around the 1920’s. A 700 hundred pound moose fell through the ice, likely between Norridgewock and Skowhegan. Freezing in the cold waters of the Kennebec, this distressed animal helplessly tried to escape the icy chunks and freezing rapids.

Thankfully, a game warden happened to see the moose stuck in a pool of freezing water and ice. Carefully walking across the frozen water, he manages to reach her. Its amazing how much the people of Skowhegan and Norridgewock felt for this poor frozen mammal.

Citizens of the two towns stopped and tried to help her, but she didn't realize her luck. Instead of coming to them she swam to the other side of the glaciered pool, still trying helplessly to reach the shore.

The men finally lassoed her and pulled her to the edge. I guess you could say the best friends of the moose that day turned out to be the citizens of Norridgewock and Skowhegan. So Madame Moose wandered back into the thick wilderness and lived happily ever after or so it seems. Do you think the Gifford Moose could be Madame?

image of Cow Moose Has Broken Thru the Ice
Cow Moose Has Broken Thru the Ice

In this picture a female moose that fell through the thin, frail ice and into the frigid icy water. Swimming throughout the glaciered pool, she helplessly tries to escape from chilling death.

image of moose
Many Willing Hands Aid in the Rescue

Here in this picture more help has arrived, and the determined citizens attempt to pull her out of the chilled water. By using a rope and a thick two by four, they were able to pry this gentle giant out of the water.

image of moose
Exhausted and Cold, but Safe

Here she is safe and sound, yet cold and drenched, as she wanders into the forest.

Megan Perkins is an eighth grader at Skowhegan Area Middle School.

"This exhibit
was created for the Maine Memory Network (www.mainememory.net) through a
partnership between SAMS, the Maine Historical Society, and the Skowhegan
History House. For more information, please visit:
www.mainememory.net/schools_community"