Nordica, Lillian

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Lillian Nordica, courtesy Maine State Museum

(1857-1914) was born on the family farm in Farmington as Lillian Bayard Norton. According to one observer, she was “America’s first and most glamorous opera singer to attain true international prominence.” After the financial failure of the farm and, two years later, the tavern they bought, her family moved to Boston in 1864. Eventually Lillian…

Meader, Abbott Vaughn

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Abbot Vaughan Meader (1936-2004) was born in Waterville on March 20, 1936, using Vaughn Meader as his professional name in the entertainment industry. After his father’s death he was, according to his wife, sent to a brutal children’s home in Massachusetts. Thereafter he attended several schools, including five high schools, before graduating. Meader was best…