Norris's initial letter

Details of Norris' 1991 letter

As previously mentioned, the impetus for memorializing Sampsonville came from Audrey and Bill Norris, members of the class of 1951. The main purposes of these letters was to gather as much information as possible about life at Sampsonville and Charles Sampson's impact on the members of the community. Moreover, Audrey and Bill asked the individuals to send additional addresses so they can try and contact more people. However, there was little evidence of Sampsonville in the Bates Archives so the Norris' decided to send out a letter to fellow classmates. Audrey and Bill admit, "we spent two days going through Bates' Archives and uncovered only one picture of Sampsonville and this was a view of Bardwell with a portion of Garcelon House showing" (Letter from Audrey and Bill Norris). It was clear that the Norris' needed more information on this very interesting but forgotten part of Bates history.

The Norris' and others wanted a memorial because, "time is zipping by faster than most of us would have it, and Sampson and Sampsonville will join other partially forgotten elements of our favorite school's history. We [Audrey and Bill] felt that Charles Sampson's contributions were substantial; some lasting memorial to his memory would be appropriate" (Letter from Audrey and Bill Norris). The Norris' even suggested the layout of the memorial itself. They suggested the idea to have a bench, a tree, and a brass plaque but were also open to other suggestions. The Norris' wanted future walkers-by to learn about Sampsonville through the memorial. They wrote, "Future walkers-by would learn that a grateful group of WWII veterans and their spouses have warm and fond memories of the man and the small community which bore his name" (Letter from Audrey and Bill Norris). Therefore, it was clear that Bill and Audrey Norris, past residents of Sampsonville, felt a strong need to honor Charles Sampson and Sampsonville, and their letters were a great start.