Storyteller Jo Radner

Drawing on her interviews with townspeople, as well as letters, photographs, and newspaper

reports, Jo Radner tells the history of the furious October 1947 wildfire that in a few hours

destroyed almost all of the little town of Brownfield in western Maine. Brownfield residents

responded to the fire with courage and care – and even obstinacy in a few cases like that of

retired schoolteacher Mabel Stone, who chose to stay home with her beloved dog, Woofie, and

fight the fire with a broom, a bucket of water, and her snow rake. Neighbors saved what they

could and supported one another, then returned to the devastated town to rebuild their

community. In the Brownfield citizens’ own words, Jo tells an epic story of terror, courage,

generosity, and hope. One-third of tonight’s revenue will go to the Brownfield Historical Society,

which is working to find and preserve records of the town as it was before the fire. For more

information, visit http://joradner.com/burnt-into-memory

$10 for adults. Free for UMF students. Community youth 18 and under also free through

ArtsFarmington’s Arts Inspire Youth fund. Tickets online at http://artsfarmington.org

or at the door.