Maine Memory Network

Contributed by Maine Historical Society and Maine State Museum

Description

Fred Ryder was an orphan who lived with his uncle in Bangor. He sold candy on the streets. In cold weather, he visited John Martin's store on Center Street and asked for work.

Martin (1823-1904) hired Ryder to deliver goods for him. Martin provided the boy with some clothes and boots and employed him for 16 months until April 1864 when he found him work on a farm and a chance to go to school.

The illustrations, on page 596 of the Martin's "Journal" that he wrote and illustrated beginning in 1864 reflecting on his life and activities, show Ryder, at left, as he looked when he began working for Martin and the boy, at right, after he had been on the farm for six months.

Martin wrote, "I claim the change in this boy which I wrought wholly by my advice and kind usage, and he is the third boy which I have influenced and started in the same way."

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About This Item

• Title: Fred Ryder, Bangor, 1864
• Creator: John Martin
• Creation Date: 1864
• Subject Date: circa 1864
• Location: Bangor, Penobscot County, ME
• Media: Ink and watercolor on paper
• Local Code: Coll. 1972; 1997.16.4
• Object Type: Image

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Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Bangor (Me.)--History
• Diaries
• Martin, John, 1823-1904
• Orphans--Maine--Bangor
• Stores & shops--Maine--Bangor

People

• Martin, John
• Ryder, Fred

Other Keywords

• Artwork
• Charity
• Drawings
• Journals
• Work farms

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society and Maine State Museum
489 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101
207-774-1822 x230
Website

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