Family, friends, philanthropy

OXFORD – In the Oxford Hills area Terry Twitchell is well known as a banker, drummer and old car buff, but there is so much more to this native son.

Q: Where were you born and where were you brought up?

A: I was born at 105 High Street in South Paris. When I was two we moved to Hill Street also in South Paris.

Q: Do you have many siblings?

A: A brother Ben and two sisters, Carol and April.

Q: What did your parents do?

A: My Father was a foreman at Paris Mfg. Co. and, in later years, was the Director of civil Defense in Oxford County. My Mother was a homemaker.

Q: What was it like growing up?

A: It was great! Our neighborhood was one big family, our folks always knew where we were and that we would be home at meal time. There were three places where most of the kids could be found. The Card family barn, Joe Thurlow’s Barn and a sawdust pile where we played baseball in summer and sledding in the winter.

Q: Where did you go to school?

A: Oxford Hills High School.

Q: Did you get into mischief or play pranks?

A: Yes, I certainly did. When I was 3 and my brother was 5 we decided to walk to my aunt’s house on Park Street. On our way we saw a rowboat tied up by the bridge near the ice house. I got in the boat and my brother untied it and pushed me out. Thank goodness he grabbed the rope to pull me in. We were just going for a boat ride.

Q: What have you had for jobs?

A: I worked as a Bank Teller and Summer Manager for Casco Bank. I worked for Schiavi’s of Bridgton as a salesman. I worked at AC Lawrence Leather. I was Collection Officer for Norway National Bank and later was Branch Manager and Vice President for Key Bank.

Q: When and how did you meet your spouse?

A: I met her in 1968 at my sister, Carol’s, wedding.

Q: What did you do for work when you got married?

A: I was a Teller at Casco Bank in South Paris.

Q: Anyone ever said you look like someone famous?

A: Not that I can remember.

Q: Did you do much traveling?

A: Not a lot. I was stationed in New Jersey, North Carolina and Georgia while in the military and when our three sons were small we went to Disney World.

Q: What place was the most fascinating and why?

A: The Magic Kingdom. When you walk through the gate you can leave your cares behind and be a kid again.

Q: Did any influence you to the point of changing your direction in life?

A: My Father and Mother influenced my direction from the beginning.

Q: Do you collect anything or have a hobby?

A: I collect post cards and pictures of our local towns. I enjoy antique automobiles, currently restoring a 1955 Chevrolet. Music has been a lifelong hobby.

Q: Organizations?

A: Norway/Paris Lions, Oxford Hills March of Dimes, Oxford Hills Tech School Director, Paris Cape Historical Society, Dollars for Scholars, Norway Fire Department, Paris Alumni Association, Boy Scouts, Order of DeMolay, Maine National Guard.

Q: What subject do you wish you knew more about?

A: Local history. There is so very much to learn about our wonderful community.

Q: What is the one thing you would not give up?

A: Helping others that are in need.

Q: What is the one thing you would happily do over again?

A: Marry my wife Jane and live the life we have been blessed with.

Q: Do you have any children?

A: We are proud parents of three wonderful sons; Michael, Jeffrey and Timothy. They all reside in Norway.

Q: What was the best memory this interview brought back?

A: Growing up in a close caring community and having been able to give back to that community a small portion of what it gave to me throughout the years.

Q: What would you like people to know about you?

A: That I appreciate life and am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to make the many acquaintances and friendships that I have made throughout the years. I was placed on this earth to help others.

Q: Last day on earth what would you do and with whom?

A: Take my entire family to Disney World.

Q: If anyone could walk in right now, who would you most like to see.

A: My Mom and Dad and two very special friends, William Gatchell and James Hooker.

Q: Any regrets?

A: I regret that I didn’t take the time to spend more time with my Dad in his woodworking shop. I regret not letting those who are no longer with me know how much their friendship meant to me.

Photo:

Terry Twitchell in high school.

Photo: Sharon Bouchard

Terry Twitchell