When you meet Roger Odiorne Philbrick, you never suspect a thing. You first notice an unassuming man, dressed in work clothes with the rugged look of someone who’s been outside for most of his life. His smile is broad and you know he means it when he says “nice to meet you.” And then, it hits you. The names. Odiorne. Philbrick. They are among those founding families who are front and center of the town’s 400th celebration. He is a man who not only personifies the concept of Rye400, but also continues to make and live history in the town. Roger and his family still own and work the last of the original Rye-family farms, now baling hay on about 60 acres off today’s Central Road. He’ll talk about the history of the farm and lead you to the spot on the property where the original Central Road was located. The stone walls that define the old byway are still there as well as a tree that has been blooming since the 1760s. It’s a look back at time unlike any other. He’ll take you into the shack where he and friends make maple syrup; talk about how he makes apple cider “the way they used to;” and how, every Thursday, extended family still gets together for dinner to make sure the connections remain strong. It’s a simple life, reflective of the past and he’ll tell you he wouldn’t have it any other way. And then, he lets you into the Philbrick story. It starts with the formal genealogy dating back to 17th century England, leaving no doubt of his direct-line descendancy; then the family photographs — working the farm, having fun around town; out come the diaries detailing everyday life in Rye — weather, expenses, meetings, feelings; and scrapbooks, one of which, for example, details obituaries for 80 or so years. If that’s not enough, there are also local historical topics of interest that he’s written about — some typed, some handwritten. It’s a treasure trove of information, the envy of any historical archives and sought after by local researchers.
The public will have a chance to hear and interact with Roger when, as part of the Rye400 speaker series, he talks about his life, the history of his family and Rye on Tuesday, October 24,2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Rye Congregational Church.
