Farmington in Franklin County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Dr. Rock's Rock
Photographed by Conrad Ward, October 5, 2025
1. Dr. Rock's Rock Marker
Unearthed during excavation for UMF's ground-source heating system, this large boulder caught the attention of Dr. Thomas Eastler, Professor Emeritus of Geology (1942-2018). "Dr. Rock," as he was fondly known, became intrigued by its enigmatic occurrence with near-shore sands, which were deposited at the end of the last ice and upon which our campus is built. At Tom's request and with help from Ben Pratt, former Director of Facilities Management, the boulder was moved to its present location to serve as an exemplar of the geologic forces that shape our world.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Natural Features • Science & Medicine.
Location. 44° 40.09′ N, 70° 8.864′ W. Marker is in Farmington, Maine, in Franklin County. It can be reached from Main Street. Located near Ricker Hall on the campus of the University of Maine at Farmington. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Farmington ME 04938, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Western Maine Lakes and Mountains
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Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Votes For Women (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); University of Maine at Farmington (about 500 feet away); John Frank Stevens (approx. Ό mile away).
Regarding Dr. Rock's Rock. Dr. Eastler was also instrumental in making Maine one of only two states where race walking is a high school sport, the other being New York State. He coached his son, Kevin Eastler, to compete in the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympics for racewalking. Dr. Eastler also had a thirty year career in the United States Air Force, most of which was in the Active Reserve.
Photographed by Conrad Ward, October 5, 2025
2. Dr. Rock's Rock Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 39 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
