Photo of Fort Fairfield taken between 1867 - 1875A holiday note from the Webmaster:
2024 Year-End Reflection: A Journey of Family, Tradition, and Connection
In 2024, I had the privilege of assisting my father, Rommy Haines Jr., and several of his cousins in organizing a special event and creating an online archive for the Descendants of J. Wingate Haines and Mary Briggs. This project, for me, has been part family reunion, part history lesson, and part personal journey. In honoring the traditions of our Quaker ancestors, we affectionately termed the landmark event “The Gathering.”
2024 Summer Gathering
If you would like to have an 8 1⁄2 by 11 inch color print of the group photo, please email:
The cost for a print is $25 which includes $5 for shipping and handling.
The descendants of J. Wingate Haines had a celebration this summer in Fort Fairfield, Maine! Cousins were invited to come share stories, make new memories, and honor the legacy of J. Wingate Haines.
During the day, cousins had the opportunity to tour and explore The Friends Church. Additionally, visitors could tour The Haines Maple Grove Cemetery and Block House Museum nearby, both of which were open for tours and exploration.
Who we are
Joseph Wingate Haines (1805-1876) with his wife Mary Briggs Haines (1805-1874)
We are descendants of Joseph Wingate Haines and Mary Briggs. We are celebrating and preserving the history of one of the most impactful pioneer settlers of Fort Fairfield, incorporated in 1858, years after our ancestors made it their home.
Known as an “enterprising, progressive farmer” Haines brought thoroughbred Durham cattle to the area. He then established a cattle show which later became the Northern Maine Fair in Presque Isle. He was the first president of the Fair and held that title for many years.
But his long-term influence on the agricultural landscape of the area didn't end with the Fair. Additionally, he served on the state of Maine’s Agriculture Board and five generations of his offspring continued to farm in Fort Fairfield on the same land Joseph Wingate Haines cultivated himself many years ago.
What do we do?
We are proud of our heritage, so we are passionately preserving history of Aroostook County by:
Collecting stories and artifacts from family and historians
Preserving historic buildings and special areas
Connecting with family
Check out some of our other community projects at the link below!