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The purpose of the Rodney C. Lynch Photograph Collection is to preserve the history of the people of Camden, Maine and the surrounding area through photographs and their accompanying descriptions. By clicking onto the photograph the historical description or context of the photograph will come up. It is anticipated that over the years more photographs with their historical context will be added to the Collection by others as well as by Rodney C. Lynch and his family members.
Family of Lilsle and Arabel Seana Light Leonard. L to r -- baby Chester Leonard (1910-1978), father Lisle Leonard( 1879-1941), daughter Inez Madell (Ames) Leonard (Lynch) (1908-1962), mother Arabel Light Leonard (1885-1975), and baby Olive (Weaver) Leonard Corthell (1911-1977), 1911 or 1912, Camden, Maine. Photo provided by grandson, MCPO Rodney Lynch,USN (Ret.)
Memorial Day Parade May 25, 26 2014, Camden American Legion Post 30 Honor Color Guard, Rockport Amsbury Hill Old Cemetery. Left to Right: Sandy Lyle: Chief Boatswain Mate, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret); Rosey Gerry, A1C, Air Force holding American Flag; Unknown; Mark Thurlow, Spec. 4, Army; Everett Fizeo, MM2, Navy; Rodney Lynch, Master Chief Petty Officer /Master Chief Storekeeper, U. S. Navy/Naval Reserves (Ret.); Ben Hazen, Staff Sargent, Army/Maine Army National Guard (Ret.).
Copy of B&W photo. Washington Street-Millville Village area of Camden, Maine, either late 1890s or early 1900s. In the center is the former Camden Woolen Mill and Tannery site. In the period when poet Edna St. Vincent Millay and family lived nearby. The left shows the Mountain View Cemetery where Leonard-Corthell-Lynch and Ward families are buried. The family of Lisle & Arabel Leonard Madell, Chester, Olive, Blanche settled at 144 Washington Street in 1911/12. In 2022 descendants of Madell Leonard still lived in Millville , now 5th or 6th generation. Notes by Rodney Lynch
Age 25/26 on the right was taken on the night of April 3, 1969 at the Frances Langford’s Outrigger Pier and Resort, Jensen Beach, Florida on the Indian River near Stuart, Florida. Owner and entertainer Frances Langford (1913-2005) was a singer and Hollywood Actress and may have been at the Resort that evening. Both James and Robert were believed to be working in Stuart at the time. At the same time son Rodney Lynch was in Vietnam and this photo was sent to him.
Large Photo # 7: Senior Chief Petty Officer/Senior Chief Storekeeper (SKCS) Rodney Cornelius Lynch in 1985 at age 40. U.S. Navy/ Naval Reserves June 1, 1967 to January 1, 1998. Born on July 9, 1945, Camden Hospital, Mountain Street, Camden, Maine. Photo taken in Lewiston, Maine by Janet Welsh, and framed and presented to Rodney Lynch by Janet. Retired from U. S. Navy/Naval Reserves on January 1, 1998. Rodney’s named is etched on the Veterans’ Honor Roll, Camden Village Green, Camden, Maine under Vietnam along with brother Robert and Father James under World War ll and Brother Frank Ames Jr. under Korean War. Cold War veteran and served in the Vietnam War, Mekong Delta and Cambodian Border with Navy River Boat Patrol Support detachment YRBM-16, July 24/26, 1968 to July 24/26, 1969. Known as the “brown water Navy”. Camden High School Class of 1963, Camden, Maine and only class member to serve in-country Vietnam. Benefactor of the Rodney Cornelius Lynch Camden High School Class of 1963 Scholarship Memorial Fund for Camden Hills Regional High School and/or its successors as well for other Charitable Donations from the Rodney C. Lynch Revocable Trust to the Town of Camden and its facilities and people.
Children of James and Madell Lynch of Camden, Maine From Left to Right: Rodney Cornelius Lynch Left at Age 6 or 7 years old. Born July 9, 1945 Camden Community Hospital, 19 Mountain Street, Camden, Maine. Camden Resident and Member Camden High School Class of 1963 and named listed on the Camden Veterans Honor, Village Green, Camden, Maine under Vietnam along with Father James Lynch who is listed under World War Two. Deborah Olive Lynch Ward Center at Age 3 or 4. Born June 28,1948 Camden Community Hospital, 19 Mountain Street, Camden, Maine and deceased June 10, 2011 Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine at age 63 and buried in the Lynch/Ward Lot in the Mount View Cemetery, Camden, Maine. Life long Camden resident and Member of the Camden-Rockport High School Class of 1966. Robert Lynch at Right at Age 8 or 9 years old. Born April 23, 1943 Camden Community Hospital, 19 Mountain Street, Camden, Maine and deceased July 4, 2017 Orlando, Florida at age 74 and buried at Mount View Cemetery, Camden, Maine in Leonard/Lynch lot. Camden Resident and member Camden High School Class of 1963 and named listed on the Camden Veterans Honor, Village Green, Camden, Maine under Vietnam along with Father James Lynch who is listed under World War Two.
This photograph is of Thomas's Nation Wide Megunticook Corner Store in the Millville Neighborhood or section of Camden, Maine owned by Frank and Helen Thomas. The Megunticook Marketplace in now located at this location on the corner of Washington Street and Gould Street. At one time there were three stores in Millville: Megunticook Corner, Felton’s Store and Bishop’s Market. This photo shows the store in the 1950s and 1960s.
U.S. Naval Service School Command, Storekeeper “A” School Class 5-68 for 10 weeks, 11 March 1968 to 17 May, 1968, Naval Station, 32nd Street, San Diego, California. Seaman Storekeeper (SKSN) Rodney C. Lynch, USNR, Second Row first person on far Left. Age 22. Born 7/9/1945. US Navy/Naval Reserves 1967-1998.
Reserve Field Reporting System (RESFIRST) Training Course, Naval Reserve Personal Center, New Orleans, LA, February 1, 1982-February 12, 1982 (Mardi Gras). Chief Petty Officer (CPO)/ Chief Storekeeper (SKC) Rodney C. Lynch Second Row 5th Person from left. Age 37. Born 1945. U.S. Navy/Naval Reserves 1967-1998.
This photo was taken on November 11, 2014 at 11:00AM at the Winslow-Holbrook Park, Main Street, Rockland, Maine in recognition of two soldiers from Rockland who were killed in France in World War l and for whom the park is name for. Cheryl Walker Bhaer, Great-Niece of Private First Class PFC Arthur E. Winslow, U.S. Army is shown receiving the World War 1 Victory Medal and Maine Gold Star Medal and Certificates on behalf of the family of her Great-uncle Arthur Winslow Including Cheryl’s mother and Arthur’s niece Shirley Eaton Porter, Niece Thelma Winslow and great-niece Brenda Eaton Jonasen from the Maine Bureau of Veteran Affairs. PFC Winslow was a member of the 103rd Infantry of the Maine Army National Guard (MeANG) of the famed 26th Yankee Division when he died in France at age 23. PFC Winslow (1895-1918) was born in Rockland, Maine and is buried in the Rockland Achorn Cemetery after being interred in a military cemetery in France. Winslow- Holbrook American Legion Post #1 of Rockland is also named for these two WW l soldiers. Making the Presentation Left to right in the Photo: The Director of the Maine Bureau of Veteran Affairs, Lieut. Colonel Peter Ogden, MeANG (ret.), Cheryl Bhaer, and Maine Adjutant General, Maine National Guard, Brigadier General James Campbell. Cheryl Walker Bhaer was a member of the Camden High School Class of 1965.
Camden High School Class of 1963, June 1963, at the "Bok Amphitheater" in Camden. Rodney C. Lynch, first row far left (Master Chief Petty Officer/ Master Chief Storekeeper, US Navy June 1, 1967 to January 1, 1998, Naval Reserve Retired. Retired on December 1, 1997, Brunswick, Me. Naval Air Station. (Vietnam War July 22, 1968-July 22, 1969, and only person in Camden High School Class of 1963 to serve in the Vietnam War). Notes by Rodny Lynch.
This photograph of the house at 123 Summer Street, Rockland, Maine was taken in 2013 or 2014. The 2-story Federal style home was built in 1930 by Theodore S. and Ruth L. Bird owners of the Three Crow Company and One-Pie Company of Rockland and Waldoboro, Maine . The addition on the left was added in 1949-1950 by the Birds and consisted of the first floor Den and fireplace and a half-bathroom off the kitchen and on the second floor a master bedroom suite with full bathroom, closet and anteroom. At the same time the kitchen was renovated and replaced. The Architects were John Howard Stevens, A. I. A. and John Calvin Stevens 2nd, AIA, 187 Middle Street, Portland, Maine. Rodney Cornelius Lynch purchased the property from the sons Lawrence Bird and Henry Bird and from the estate of Ruth L. Bird on November 30, 1998 for the sum of $150,000. In 2017-2018 owner Rodney Lynch made substantial renovations and upgrades to the house consisting tearing out and renovating the kitchen and the half-bathroom on the first floor and two full bathrooms on the second floor. The estimated cost was $138,000. The Architect was Eric Allyn of Allyn and Russillo Architecture (A+R), 359 Main Street, Rockland, Maine. The Contractor Builder was Karl Meklin, Meklin Builders, l4 Sunrise Summit, Rockland, Maine. The architectural plans and drawings for the 1949-1950 new addition and renovations and the 2017-2018 renovations can be found in the cedar chest drawer in the attic closet. As of May 1, 2023 Rodney Lynch was still living in the house and was only the second owner in nearly 100 years.
Family of Lilsle and Arabel Seana Light Leonard. L to r -- baby Chester Leonard (1910-1978), father Lisle Leonard( 1879-1941), daughter Inez Madell (Ames) Leonard (Lynch) (1908-1962), mother Arabel Light Leonard (1885-1975), and baby Olive (Weaver) Leonard Corthell (1911-1977), 1911 or 1912, Camden, Maine. Photo provided by grandson, MCPO Rodney Lynch,USN (Ret.)
Camden High School Class of the 1963 Trip to Washington D. C. Class Picture April 1963 First Row Left to Right: Judith Morang, Carol Simpson, Linda Bean, Virginia Scruton, Sandra Hendricks, Sylvia Sleeper Janice Phillips, Brenda Chapin, Rose Hansen, Karen Guptill, Ellen McPheters, Pamela Dwinal, Rita St. John, James Joy *. Second Middle Row Left to Right: Gerry Durkee, Robert Berry *, Linda Barker, Jane Duncan, Jessie Heal, Carol Leadbetter, Jackie Young, Diann Robarts, Susan Blaisdell, Pamela Grey, Geraldine Dickey, Diane Pitcher, Nancy Bridges, Shelia MacFarland, Mary Connell, Nancy Burkett, Thomas Flagg +, and Peter Wentworth. Third Row Standing Left to Right: Bus Driver, Rodney Lynch *, Gregory Allenwood, Alton Reed +, Ronald Fairbrother, Wayne Hansen, David Smith *, William Morong, Stephen Boutelle, Duane Ford *, Mr. and Mrs. Burkett and Mrs, Ivan Sherman, and Teacher Ivan Sherman (Chaperons), Richard Allen, John Michaud *, Brad Knight +, Rusty Crabtree, Philip Bhaer, David Roundy *, David Ames, Robert Milliken *, David Dority and the same Bus Driver again. * Denotes listing on the Camden Veterans Honor Roll, Village Green, Camden, Maine. + Denotes listing on the Lincolnville Honor Roll, Veterans Park, Lincolnville Center, Maine. Other Classmates who are listed on the Camden Veterans Honor Roll but not shown in the photograph are Gerald Dailey, William Drinkwater, Averill Engstrom, Ernest “Ben” Erskine and Thomas McGrath. Other classmate listed on the Lincolnville Honor Roll but not shown in the photograh is Norman Carver. As of December 17, 2022, 15 members of the class shown in the photograph were deceased including 9 women and 6 men.
Command Master Chief Course, Naval Reserve Personnel Center, New Orleans, LA, 1993: Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO)/Master Chief Storekeeper (SKCM) Rodney C. Lynch, USNR, Command Master Chief (CMC), Naval Reserve Center, Augusta, Maine, first row third person from left. Age 48. Born 1945. U.S. Navy/Naval Reserves 1967-1998.
James Lynch on the left is shown in his Army Transportation Corps Merchant Marine Uniform at age 38 and born July 7, 1907 with son Robert James Lynch born April 23, 1943. This original photograph was taken in Camden, Maine in 1945 when Robert was 2 years old. He was born at the former Camden Community Hospital, 19 Mountain Street, Camden, Maine. Parents were James and Inez Madell Leonard Lynch.
Children of Lilsle Leonard (1879-1941) and Arabel Leonard (1875-1975). Left to right, Madell Leonard Lynch (1908-1982), Chester Leonard (1910-1988), Oive Leonard Corthell (1911-1977), and Blanche Jenny Leonard Secotte Bridges (1918-September 11, 2001). Photo taken in 1920 or 1921 at 137 Washington Street, Camden, Maine, with Mount Battie and the Megunticook River in the background. The children resided at 144 Washington Street. From January 17, 1975 to present, Madell's son Rodney Lynch has owned and improved the property. It was purchased from his Aunt Olive Leonard Corthell. Both Lisle and Arabel are buried in Mount View Cemetery in Camden. Madell Lynch and Olive Corthell are buried in the same lot as Lisle andArabel, Chestre Leonard is buried in the Oak Hill Cemeery in Camden, Maine. BLanche Bridges had her ashes scattered off Maiden's CLiff aby the cross overlooking Lake Megunticook. Notes by Rodney Lynch
This photo shows Cheryl Walker Bhaer (right pretty lady) born 1947 and Senior Chief Petty Officer Rodney C. Lynch, U.S. Naval Reserve (left) born 1945, at the 18th Annual Military Ball, Augusta State Armory, Augusta, Maine on Saturday night, February 27, 1988. Rodney and Cheryl dated at Camden High School in 1962-63. Best looking couple and best dancers on the dance floor of the ball.
Photo of James Thomas Patrick Lynch March 17, 1995 at age 87 dressed in his usual St. Patrick’s Day greenery at the Megunticook House in Camden, Maine where he was a resident. James was born on July 7, 1907 in Syracuse, New York of Irish Catholic parents Cornelius Lynch (b.1876) and Anna Thompson Lynch (b.1876). His older siblings were Brother Jack and Sisters Anna May and Gertrude. (Either Anna May or Gertrude was a Nun.) He attended Catholic Schools. He celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by always wearing green and often going out to a local pub with son Rodney Cornelius Lynch for an Irish beer. This tradition continued after his death by Son Rodney and Grandson James Thomas Patrick Ward.
Photo # 6: Senior Chief Petty Officer/Senior Chief Storekeeper (SKCS) Rodney Cornelius Lynch USNR in 1985 at age 40. U.S. Navy/ Naval Reserves June 1, 1967 to January 1, 1998. Born on July 9, 1945, Camden Hospital, Mountain Street, Camden, Maine. Photo taken in Lewiston, Maine in 1985 by Janet Welsh, and framed and presented to Rodney Lynch by Janet. Retired from US Navy/Naval Reserves on January 1, 1998. Rodney’s named is etched on the Veterans’ Honor Roll, Camden Village Green, Camden, Maine under Vietnam along with Brother Robert and Father James under World War ll and Brother Frank Ames Jr. under Korean War. Served in the Cold War and in the Vietnam War, Mekong Delta and Cambodian Border with Navy River Boat Patrol Support detachment YRBM-16, July 24/26, 1968 to July 24/26, 1969. Known as the “brown water Navy”. Camden High School Class of 1963, Camden, Maine and only class member to serve in-country Vietnam. Benefactor of the Rodney Cornelius Lynch Camden High School Class of 1963 Scholarship Memorial Fund for Camden Hills Regional High School and/or its successors as well for other Charitable Donations from the Rodney C. Lynch Revocable Trust to the Town of Camden and its facilities and people.
Military Sealiift Command (MSC), Bayonne, New Jersey, February 1976. Petty Officer First Class / First Class Storekeeper (SK1), Rodney C. Lynch, U. S. Naval Reserves, Second Row first person standing at the far right. Member MSC Naval Reserve Center, Bangor, Maine. Age 31. Born 1945. U.S. Navy/Naval Reserves 1967-1998.
Frank Daniel Ames Jr., born Camden, Maine May 16, 1930 son of Madell Leonard Ames Lynch and Frank Ames and died March 18, 2002 in Camden, Maine. Marker at Mount View Cemetery, Camden, Maine. Served in the U.S. Navy from 1947-1952 as Petty Officer Third Class Aviation Boatswain’s Mate and in the Korean War including the Landing on September 15-19, 1950 at Inchon and served aboard the USS Antietam CV36. Brother to Robert and Rodney Lynch and Deborah Lynch Ward. Married to Hazel Lunt Ames and owned Frank Ames T.V., Appliances and Furniture Store in Camden. He attended Camden High School (Class of 1948) but like a lot of boys at the time he dropped out of school and joined the Navy or another branch of the service. Photo taken in 1951 or 1952 at age 21 or 22. Frank Ames Jr.’s name is listed on the Camden Veterans’ Honor Roll on the Village Green under Korean War. His father, Frank Ames, is listed under World War ll. This photo has been digitized by Ken Gross and can be found in the Lynch Family Collection at the Camden Public Library, Walsh History Center, and Camden, Maine.
This photo of Navy Petty Officer Third Class Storekeeper (SK3) Rodney Cornelius Lynch (born July 9, 1945 and Camden High School Class of 1963) in his Summer Whites Uniform with National Defense, Vietnam Campaign and Vietnam Service ribbons, was taken in August 1969 after returning from serving with the U.S. Navy in the inland rivers of Vietnam from July 24, 1968 to July 22, 1969 aboard the YRBM-16 in the Mekong Delta. The photo was taken while on leave at the house of his Grandmother Sena Arabel Light Leonard (1885-1975) at 1 Thomas Street, Camden, Maine.
Camp Fox, Fernald's Neck, Lake Megunticook, Lincolnville, Maine owned by Lisle and Arabel Leonard of Camden 1920 or 1921 Back row left to right: Arabel Leonard, Jesse Cross, Mabelle Cross, Marjorie Mank (behind her unknown), Sydney Mank and Lisle Leonard Front row children: Olive (Corthell) Leonard and Irville, Susan, Evelyn Mank and Vernette (Robarts) Cross, Madell (Lynch) Leonard and Chester Leonard. Madell Leonard Lynch First row 2nd from right and mother of Frank Ames and Robert and Rodney Lynch and Deborah Lynch Ward, all of Camden.
Photo of James Thomas Lynch at about age 79 in 1986. Born July 7, 1907 Syracuse, New York and died October 17, 2022 at age 95 while still in fairly good physical and metal health. James moved to Camden in about 1929 or 1930 where a cousin lived. He was a Camden resident for 72 or 73 years. One of his first jobs in Camden was working on the construction and landscaping of the Camden Public Library Grounds and Amphitheater. Part of his job involved driving the contractor, Gillis, around looking for rocks for the wall and trees for the landscaping. (Please refer to publication: James T. Lynch: A Life of Memories by Heather Bilodeau and published by the Camden Public Library in 2005.)
Photo #4: Cheryl Walker Bhaer (left) born August 2, 1947 and Camden High School Class of 1965, Camden, Maine for whom the Camden Hills Regional High School (CHRHS) Cheryl Walker Bhaer Camden High School Class of 1965 Scholarship and the student scholarship for attending the Midcoast School of Technology in Rockland is dedicated to and named for. Photo of Cheryl is taken in 1962 or 1963 at age 15 or 16 at 42 Sea Street, Camden, Maine. Cheryl is the Camden High School girlfriend (1962-1963) of Rodney Lynch. Cheryl is the daughter of Shirley Eaton Walker Porter of Camden and formerly of Rockland. On the right is step-sister Donna Porter Age 16 or 17 born 1946. Donna is the daughter of Captain Jim and Audrey Porter and sister of Audrey Porter Jr.
Master Chief Petty Officer Rodney Cornelius Lynch U. S. Navy-Naval Reserves (Ret.) 1967-1998 and Vietnam War (July 22,1968-July 22,1969) shown in Navy Dress White Chocker Uniform with Medals and Ribbons. Born July 9, 1945 in Camden, Maine. Graduated from Camden High School Class of 1963. Photo taken in 1997 at Age 52. Medals include National Defense (2 awards), Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (with Gallantry Cross with Palm), Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service (3 awards), Republic of Vietnam Civil Action (with Palm), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Naval Reserve ( 7 awards) and Armed Forces Reserve with Gold Hourglass for 30 years of Service. As a civilian he served as a Planner for the Midcoast Regional Planning Commission and the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, Principal City Planner for the City of Auburn, Maine and Town Manager of Bethel, Maine and Norridgewock, Maine and Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Rockland, Maine. Bachelor of Arts Degree, Ricker College, 1967 and Masters’ in Public Administration Degree, University of Maine at Orono, 1972 and Member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, 1991. The Navy Dress White Chocker Uniform shown in the photo can be found at the Maine Military Historical Society Museum, Camp Keyes, Augusta, Maine along with many of the other original Navy uniforms and medals and ribbons worn by Rodney Lynch over his long 30 years and 7 months of Regular Navy and Naval Reserves service from 1967-1998 as well as, the military service records of himself and other family members. (Notes by Rodney Lynch)
Millville neighborhood of Camden, Maine 1892 or 1910s or about the saem time poet Edna St Vincent Millay and her sisters and mother lived on Washington Street in Millville. Background is the Camden Woolen which later became the Camden Tannery in the 1950s and later abandoned and torn down. Mountain View Cemetery to the left in the photo is where members of the Leonard-Corthell-Lynch-Ward family are buried. (Notes by Rodney Lynch)
Rodney Lynch on May 26, 2016, at the Veterans Moving Wall, General Knox Montpellier Mansion, Thomaston, Maine in his original Navy Vietnam fatigues with YRBM-16 unit sleeve patch which unit served in the Mekong Delta as part of the river patrol boat force. Shown as a Petty Officer Storekeeper Third Class pointing to the name of SK3 Glenn Howard who died serving on the YRBM-16 on Deember 16, 1969. Lynch later visited his family and gravesite in Illinois.
Photo #5: Left to Right: Airman 3/C Robert James Lynch, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam Era and Cold War Veteran. Robert’s name is etched on the Veterans’ Honor Roll, Camden Village Green, and Camden, Maine under Vietnam. Born April 23, 1943 and Died July 4, 2017 at Age 74. Photo taken in 1961 or 1962. 2nd photo is the children of James and Madell Lynch: Rodney Lynch Age 7/8 born July 9, 1945; Deborah Lynch Age 4/5 born June 28, 1948; and Robert James Lynch Age 9/10 born April 23, 1943. Photo taken in 1953 or 1954 in New Hampshire at Santa’s Village (?) or Benson’s Wild Animal Farm (?). 3rd photo is Robert Lynch Age 11/12 and Rodney Lynch Age 9/10. Photo taken in 1954 or 1955 at their home at 103 Washington Street, Camden, Maine.
Millville neighborhood of Camden, Maine 1890s or 1910s or about the same time poet Edna St Vincent Millay and her sisters and mother lived on Washington Street in Millville. Background is the Camden Woolen which later became the Camden Tannery in the 1950s and later abandoned and torn down. Mountain View Cemetery to the left in the phto is where members of the Leonard-Corthell-Lynch-Ward family are buried. (Notes by Rodney Lynch)
Robert Lynch Left Age 3 or 4 years old. Born April 23, 1943 Camden Community Hospital, 19 Mountain Street, Camden, Maine and deceased July 4, 2017 Orlando, Florida at age 74 and buried at Mount View Cemetery, Camden, Maine in Leonard/Lynch lot and Rodney Cornelius Lynch Right at Age 2 or 3 years old. Born July 9, 1945 Camden Community Hospital, 19 Mountain Street, Camden, Maine. Photo taken in 1946 or 1947. Children of James and Madell Lynch of Camden, Maine. Robert was a member of the Camden High School Class of 1961 and Rodney a member of CHS Class of 1963.
Camp Fox, Fernald's Neck, Lake Megunticook, Lincolnville, Maine, when the water was high. Owned by Lisle and Arabel Leonard, and for over 100 years the family of Arabel and Lisle Leonard and their descendants: Dickeys, Corthells, and Lynches have owned camps and cottages on Lake Megunticook and the adjacent and connectrd water body, Nortons Pond.
Thomas Cornelius Lynch, Grandfather of James Thomas Lynch and Great-Grandfather of Rodney Cornelius Lynch both of Camden, Maine. Thomas C. Lynch came from County Galway/Galway Bay or the Beara or East Beara Peninsula, Ireland Circa 1878. He came to Canada and then migrated via the Great Lakes and/or St. Lawrence River and Seaway into New York State and to Syracuse NY. He may have worked on the Erie Canal in New York.
James Secotte, son of Blanche Leonard Secotte Bridges and Eddy Secotte, rear right. Photo from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center Illinois 1959. Served in U. S. Navy 1959-1966. Joined the Navy at age 17 on May 28, 1959. Served on the USS Alcor and USS Robert A. Owens including the Cuban Missile Blockade 1962, Cold War Era and Vietnam as Seaman and Gunner’s Mate. Born Nov. 2, 1941 Camden, Maine and died Nov. 5, 2022 Kingfield, Maine at age 81. James Secotte is listed on the Camden, Maine Veterans Monument under Vietnam. His father, Eddy, is listed on the Monument under World War ll. James or “Jimmy” lived in Millville at 14 Thomas Street, Camden where he attended the Camden Mary E. Taylor School and Camden High School He was member of the CHS Class of 1960. In both elementary and high school he played Little League Baseball and high school basketball. Community involvement included Commander of VFW Post 1398 in Skowhegan, Maine. Jimmy’s siblings included Sisters Elaine A. Secotte, Sonia Bridges and Eva Secotte and Brothers Lisle Secotte and Mike Secotte. Other relatives Included Grandparents Sena Arabel and Lisle Leonard; his Aunt Olive Leonard Corthell and Uncle Harold Corthell who he lived with while attending High School in Camden; and First Cousins Rodney Lynch and Blanche “Bebe” Leonard Goodwin. In life, Jimmy was always known as a hard worker in whatever he did. Also, he was bit of a salesmen having worked in the Haskell & Corthell Clothing Store on Main Street in Camden. Jimmy is a Leonard through his mother Blanche.
Petty Officer/Storekeeper First Class James “Jamie” Thomas Ward, US Navy (1987-2008). Grandson of James Lynch. Photo taken in 1998 at Brunswick Naval Air Station, Brunswick, Maine. He was born February 18, 1969 in Camden, Maine. Persian Gulf War (1990-91), Operation Enduring Freedom 2003-4, Global War On Terrorism. Grandson of James Thomas Lynch. Camden-Rockport High School Class of 1987. Retired as Senior Chief Petty Officer, United States Navy in 2008 from Naval Supply School Athens, Georgia where he served as the Command Senior Chief Petty Officer (Enlisted Grade-8). James Lynch (World War II), Robert and Rodney Lynch (Vietnam) and James Ward (Persian Gulf) names are listed on the Camden Veterans’ Honor Roll on the Village Green. (Notes by Rodney Lynch)
Deborah Olive Lynch Ward’s Mary E. Taylor Knowlton Street Grade School picture at age 8 or 9 taken in 1956 or 1957. Born June 28, 1948 Camden Community Hospital, 19 Mountain Street, Camden, Maine daughter of James and Madell Lynch and deceased June 10, 2011 Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine at age 63 and buried in the Lynch/Ward Lot Mount View Cemetery, Camden, Maine. Life long Camden resident and Member of the Camden-Rockport High School Class of 1966.
Location Camp Fox, Lake Megunticook, Lincolnville, Maine. The photo shows the Cross and Leonard families. Picture taken at the "Tree" about 1919. Madell Leonard Lynch is shown on the 3rd row and 2nd girl in from the right sitting on the Tree. Arabel Leonard is in the first row and first woman on the left. The Cross and Leonard families were neighbors on Washington Street and spent time at Camp Fox together and the children played together. Photo provided by Vernette Robarts. Camp Fox was later dragged across the ice to 143 Washington Street and became the first home of Chester Leonard and children: Francis, Morris or Mo, Blanche or Bebee, and Richard or Dick. As of 2022 only Blanche (Bebee) was stil lliving.
Rodney Cornelius Lynch Biography and Camden High School Class of 1963 Graduation Photographs taken in October 1962 at Age 17. Born July 9, 1945 Camden, Maine. Parents James and Madell Lynch. Attended Mary E. Taylor School, 1950-59. Graduated Camden High School (CHS) June 13, 1963. Graduated Ricker College, Houlton, Maine June 4, 1967 with Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) ranking 3rd in a class of 51 with 3.29 GPA. Graduated University of Maine at Orono, Maine Master of Public Administration Degree (M. P.A.) June 5, 1972 with 3.10 GPA. American Institute of Certified Planners, AICP, July 12, 1991. Spouse/Partner/Significant Other: Cheryl Walker Bhaer, CHS 1965. After High School attended Ricker College in Houlton, Maine and graduated in 1967 with a B.A. in Social Sciences (History, Political Science and Economics). Joined the Navy June 1, 1967 four days before graduation (see military service below). After leaving active duty on October 15, 1969, as a result of reduction in forces, attended the University of Maine at Orono for Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 1972. Continued military career by serving in the Naval Reserves. From 1973 to 2011 worked as community planner for the Midcoast Maine and Androscoggin Valley regional planning commissions; Principal City Planner for the City of Auburn, Maine; Town Manager for the Towns of Bethel and Norridgewock, Maine; and Community Development Director for the City of Rockland, Maine. Retired from Rockland in 2011 after 13 years and 3 months of service and worked as a private planning consultant focusing on municipal clients from 2011-18. The practice included work on the 2012 Camden Maine Downtown Mater Plan. Fully retired in 2018 after 45 years. Military Service: U.S. Navy/Navy Reserves 1967-1998 with active duty February 26, 1968 to October 15, 1969. Retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) on January 1, 1998. Master Chief is the Navy’s highest enlisted rank. Service included the Vietnam War,
Back row is Madell Leonard Lynch born June 2, 1908 died June 2, 1962. Front row left to right Evelyn Mank, Olive Leonard Corthell (1911-1977), (Aunt Olive to Rodney Lynch), and Vernette Cross Robarts born 1913 (Vernette celebrated her 100th birthday on May 15, 2013, attended by her daughter Diann Robarts Henderson and Rodney Lynch, who were Camden High School Class of 1963 classmates. Vernette was the last surviving playmate of Madell Lynch and the people photographed at Camp Fox. Photo take 1919-1920 at Camp Fox, Megunticook Lake, owned by Lisle and Arabel Leonard. Photo provided by Vernette Robarts.
Older girl is Vernette Cross Robarts neighbor of the younger girl, Blanche Leonard (born 1918). Photo taken at 144 Washington Street, Camden, Maine c. 1923 or 1924. 144 Washington Street was the home of Lisle and Arabel Leonard and children: Madell, Chester, Olive, and Blanche. Photo provided by Vernette Cross Robarts.
Robert Lynch was born April 23, 1943. This original photograph was taken in 1951 when he was age 8 years old in the Third Grade at the Mary E. Taylor School, Knowlton Street, Camden, Maine. He was born at the former Camden Community Hospital, 19 Mountain Street, Camden. Parents James and Inez Madell Leonard Lynch.
Sergeant James Lynch US Army, uncle of James Thomas Lynch. SGT. Lynch Served in the Philippine Insurrection or the American War, 1900-1904. May have also served in World War 1 and may have served as Master Sergeant at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina but not able to verify either. (Notes by Rodney Lynch)
Camp Fox, Fernald's Neck, Lake Megunticook, Lincolnville, Maine owned by Lisle and Arabel Leonard, parents of Madell, Chester, Olive, and Blanche. c 1920. Left to right, Lisle Leonard, Mabelle Cross, Marjorie Mank, and Walter Shaw. Front row: Vernette (Robarts) Cross and Evelyn Mank. The camp was eventually moved on ice to 143 Washington Street (across from 144 Washington Street where the Leonard children grew up), Camden, to become home of the Chester Leonard and children Frances, Maurice or Mo, Richard or Dickie, Blanche or Bebe. As of April 26, 2022,only Bebe was still surviving at 88 years old. Camp Fox was connected to a tragic incident on Labor Day weekend 1925. On Saturday evening September 5, 1925 a tragic accident occurred on Lake Megunticook, Clyde Leighton 17, who was the boyfriend of Madell Leonard, and Frances Light 15 (who was a cousin of Madell and her mother Arabel) were drowned when they attempted to escape from a motor boat. They were en route from the fish hatchery (Megunticook Fish and Gun Club) to a cottage (Camp Fox) on Fernald's Neck when the accident occurred. As told to Rodney Lynch by his uncle, Chester Leonard, when he was 15, he came upon the accident and helped retrieve the bodies. He believed the accident took place near Balance Rock on Fernald's Neck. Chester never forgot it and was always saddened when he talked about it. In honor of Clyde and Cousin Frances, Rodney Lynch visits Fernald's Neck on September 5.
This photo of the house at 1 Thomas Street, Camden, Maine was the home of Sena Arabel Light Leonard (1885-1975). It is located in Camden’s Millville Neighborhood or section of Camden. She lived in the house from approximately 1942 to 1970. Arabel was the wife of Lisle Leslie Leonard (1879-1941) and mother of Inez Madell Lynch (1908-1962), Chester Lisle Leonard (1910-1988), Olive Leonard Corthell (1911-1977), and Blanche Jenny Leonard Secotte Bridges (1918- September 11, 2001) as well as the Grandmother of Rodney Lynch who lived with her in the summer of 1966 and who stayed in this house in August 1969 after returning from the Vietnam War. House photo taken in the 1940s or 1950s.
Photo #2: Cheryl Walker Bhaer born August 2, 1947 and Camden High School Class of 1965, Camden, Maine for whom the Camden Hills Regional High School (CHRHS) Cheryl Walker Bhaer Camden High School Class of 1965 Scholarship for attending a community college in Maine and the Midcoast School of Technology in Rockland is dedicated to and named for. Photo is taken in December 1987/January 1988 while cross-country skiing at Sunday River, Newry and Bethel, Maine at Age 40 and while X-C skiing with Rodney Lynch Age 42. Cheryl is the High School girlfriend (1962-1963), and long time Significant Other and companion of Rodney Lynch.
Bessie Light, left, standing. Madell Leonard Lynch's aunt. c. 1918-1920 probably Washington, Maine. Notes by Rodney Lynch B&W postcard addressed to Miss Madell Leonard (no stamp) "This is wishing you a very happy birthday and many of them. You will see on the other side of this card is my pretty face and Miss Elsie and Edith Turner. Are you coming up this summer. From Aunt Bessie."
Photo #1; Cheryl Walker Bhaer born August 2, 1947 and Camden High School Class of 1965, Camden, Maine for whom the Camden Hills Regional High School (CHRHS) Cheryl Walker Bhaer Camden High School Class of 1965 Scholarship for attending a community college in Maine and the Midcoast School of Technology in Rockland is dedicated to and named for in recognition of her varied skills. Photo is taken in December 1987/January 1988 in front of the house of Rodney Lynch, 160 Paradise Hill Road, Bethel, Maine at Age 40. Cheryl is the Camden High School girlfriend (1962-1963), and long time Significant Other and companion of Rodney Lynch.
Left: Robert James Lynch 10 or 11 years old, and Rodney Cornelius Lynch 8 or 9 years old. Photo take about 1953 or 1954. Location at their home at 103 Washington Street, Camden, Maine, Robert was born April 23, 1943, and died July 4, 2017. Rodney was born July 9, 1945. Both boys were born during World War II. Both suits are boys' sear-sucker suits worn on Easter Sundays. Background is Camden Tannery and former Camden Woolen Mill. (Notes by Rodney Lynch)
Elaine A. Secotte, oldest daughter of Blanche Leonard Secotte Bridges and Eddy Secotte. Photo believed to be high school photo. Elaine served in the U. S. Navy during the Cold War Era. She was born June 10, 1939 Camden, Maine and died March 25, 2007 Tampa/Clearwater, Florida at age 67. Because she was a veteran she was buried in a National Cemetery which could be the Bay Pines National Cemetery in Tampa, Florida. At her burial an American Flag was presented to her family which is in the possession of the family. Elaine lived in Millville at 14 Thomas Street,Camden where she attended the Mary E. Taylor School and Camden High School. She was known for her good looks and beauty. Elaine’s siblings included Sisters Sonia Bridges and Eva Secotte and Brothers Lisle Secotte, Jimmy Secotte and Mike Secotte. Other relatives included Grandparents Sena Arabel and Lisle Leonard and First Cousins Rodney Lynch and Blanche “Bebe “ Leonard Goodwin. Elaine is a Leonard through his mother Blanche.
Photos of James T. Lynch Winter February-April 1969 while working at the Seminole Hotel in Winter Park, Florida at age 61. Born July 7, 1907, Syracuse, New York and died October 17, 2002 in Rockland. He was a Camden, Maine resident from 1929/1930 to 2002. Before and after World War II it was common for Camden and Rockport people to work at the hotels, restaurants and estates in Camden and Rockport during the summer months and then travel to Florida to work in the hotels, restaurants and yachts during the winter months. Because of their work ethic there was always a demand for Maine people to work in Florida on the yachts and in the hotels and restaurants. James Lynch was one of them as he started doing the Maine to Florida routine before World War II. (He was interrupted by service in World War II in the Merchant Marine Army Transportation Corp. out of Searsport, Maine and Boston, Mass.) James worked at the Seminole Hotel for a number of years along with other Camden people such as Estelle Carr and Darrell Micue until it was torn down around 1980 (?). His jobs included houseman, bellhop, dinning room and general maintenance man. The hotel employed members of the local Black Community as housemaids and members of the hotel crew. Son Robert (1943-2017) also plied the Maine to Florida seasonal employment trade working as a cook and chef in the restaurants and hotels.
Photos of James T. Lynch Winter February-April 1969 while working at the Seminole Hotel in Winter Park, Florida at age 61. Born July 7, 1907, Syracuse, New York and died October 17, 2002 in Rockland. He was a Camden, Maine resident from 1929/1930 to 2002. Before and after World War II it was common for Camden and Rockport people to work at the hotels, restaurants and estates in Camden and Rockport during the summer months and then travel to Florida to work in the hotels, restaurants and yachts during the winter months. Because of their work ethic there was always a demand for Maine people to work in Florida on the yachts and in the hotels and restaurants. James Lynch was one of them as he started doing the Maine to Florida routine before World War II. (He was interrupted by service in World War II in the Merchant Marine Army Transportation Corp. out of Searsport, Maine and Boston, Mass.) James worked at the Seminole Hotel for a number of years along with other Camden people such as Estelle Carr and Darrell Micue until it was torn down around 1980 (?). His jobs included houseman, bellhop, dinning room and general maintenance man. The hotel employed members of the local Black Community as housemaids and members of the hotel crew. Son Robert (1943-2017) also plied the Maine to Florida seasonal employment trade working as a cook and chef in the restaurants and hotels.
Photo # 3: Cheryl Walker Bhaer (the pretty lady) Age 40 and Senior Chief Petty Officer Rodney C. Lynch (Age 42), U.S. Naval Reserves, at the 18th Annual Military Ball, Augusta State Armory, Augusta, Maine on Saturday night, February 27, 1988. Rodney and Cheryl dated at Camden High School in 1962-63. Best looking couple and best dancers on the dance floor of the ball! The Camden Hills Regional High School (CHRHS) Cheryl Walker Bhaer Camden High School Class of 1965 Scholarship and the Midcoast School of Technology scholarship for attending MCST is dedicated to and named for Cheryl.
