The tokens, available in pewter, bronze and silver, feature scenes designed by David Pearson, the town's assessor. One side bears the Morrison Memorial Building, and the other side features a farmer and a machinist with a motto, "Heart of Maine."

Pearson had submitted the designs for the town's logo contest, but another design, depicting "Nancy," the town clock, was selected instead. Rick Whitney, curator of the Dexter Historical Society Museum, said the members of the historical society liked Pearson's designs so well that they incorporated them on the token. Pearson's initials can be found directly under the scenes.

"For the 20th century, we saw it [the Morrison building] as the symbol for the town," Whitney said.

The society has for sale 150 numbered tokens each in pewter, bronze and silver, in addition to 150 sets of the three tokens. The pewter and bronze tokens are $10.50 each, and the silver is $26.25 per token.

The society members agreed to keep the first minted token for the museum.

The tokens can be obtained at the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

In August, the society will have bicentennial afghans for sale featuring pictures of local scenes in the town. Whitney said 75 afghans have been ordered, and people can reserve one by calling the museum. If there is interest for more than 75, more will be ordered, he said.

The cost of the afghan is $47.25 plus tax.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Saturday, June 23, 2001 edition of the Bangor Daily NEWS and is used here with permission."