The highly stylized rooster contained in the Bridgton Historical Society's logo is a representation of that found on the Lombard weathervane given to the Historical Society on exhibit at Narramissic. The Rufus Porter museum here in Bridgton has two weathervanes attributed to Mr. Lombard, and another is owned by the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont.
Early in 20th century, James Lombard, of Bridgton, designed and carved woodern weathervanes. These weathervanes are highly desirable examples of native Maine folk art. The most distinguishing features of the Lombard weathervanes are the stylized versions of hens and roosters, particularly the imaginative treatment of the tail feathers. Simple in design and execution, Lombard weathervanes were usually sawed from pine planks with the woodern legs attached separately.
Born in 1868, Mr. Lombard lived and worked at the family farmhouse on South High Street which was located on the present site of Becky Cook's barn across from the Catholic Church. The farmhouse was destroyed by fire. Mr. Lombard was the father of Perley Lombard, who worked for The Bridgton News as pressman for thirty-five years. Many will remember Perley and also Bill Lombard and other members of the family.
It is believed that Mr. Lombard might have been an itinerent wood carver in his earlier years because of the distribution of his weathervanes in various areas of Maine.