Ben Franklin Scarecrow Flies Kite at Waldenwoods Entrance

Name: Alex McFarland

Business or group: 

Location of scarecrow: Entrance of Waldenwoods, 2975 N. Old U.S. 23

Theme of entry: Historical figure

With 20th century industrial titans such as Henry Ford forever linked with Waldenwoods' early years, staff member Alex McFarland choose to concentrate on history for its scarecrow.

“My first thought was to do Thomas Edison since we actually have some history with Thomas Edison out here at Waldenwoods,” McFarland said. “But there wasn’t a specific image that would have been recognizable so I decided to go with Ben Franklin instead.”

Franklin's ties to electricity also fit Waldenwoods founder, J. Robert Crouse, who's legacy as business owner was to encourage cooperation in the growing electrical industry in the early 1900s.

Flying his kite high and surviving the rain and wind of the past few days, Ben Franklin continues to stand at the entrance of the resort — a location that's visible from the bustling U.S. 23 highway.

How to vote

If you'd like to vote for Ben Franklin in the heritage day scarecrow contest, you can vote at , the or email info@hartlandchamber.org or cmarlow@comaine.org. Votes must be received by Friday, Sept. 16. Winners will be announced around noon at the chamber Saturday, Sept. 17, on heritage day. Vote categories are: most interesting, most historic or most colorful.

Heritage Day contest entries

Note: A link will appear once we profile each scarecrow.

Where's Patches?

You can enter a drawing to win a $25 gift card to by being the first to tell us on our website where Hartland Patch's scarecrow is today. On Thursday, he was at the and Alex Cushing correctly pointed it out, so he's the sixth in the drawing. There is one more chance to get in.

Click for complete contest rules.