Julius P. Maine during one of his annual Marble and Penny Scrambles in Florence, circa 1910-1917.

Children and onlookers swarm around Julius P. Maine during one of his annual Marble and Penny Scrambles near "Post Office Corner" (later known as Bird's Store) in Florence, circa 1910-1917. Photograph by Walter E. Corbin. After the passing of his wife Aurelia and only daughter Florence in the Spring of 1910, Maine organized the yearly children’s event called the “Marble Scramble.” at which he would move through the crowd of children and throw marbles and later pennies. As many as 3,000 people were reported to attend the annual event, the date of which was often a mystery until the last minute. The location was nearly always the center of Florence though the library also has images of a "Maine scramble" on the corner of Strong Avenue and Main Street in Northampton during this period. He also donated the land that became known as Maine's Field in Florence, established an endowment for Florence's annual Memorial Day parade, donated the fountain in Florence Center in honor of his brother George and the old fountain in Spring Grove Cemetery, in addition to many other generous gifts to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, the Lathrop Home and other local institutions.

Walter Corbin

circa 1910-1917