Rock Bound

Working Waterfront

Maine—as it should be, as it is

On a recent rainy day, I was able to indulge two interests—history and journalism. I was researching 1980s history for a story for our annual Island Journal about working waterfront access in Portland. Those who were here then will remember the turning point moment when condos—large, four-story structures—rose on Central… SEE MORE
A lobster wharf at Bernard with a view across to Bass Harbor. Photo by Willis Humphreys Ballard (1906–1980). PHOTO: COURTESY SOUTHWEST HARBOR PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Working Waterfront

MDI region’s history now gathered and shared

Historical societies, libraries, and museums of the Mount Desert Island region have long been assembling evidence of local history in records and artifacts. Through the History Trust, these organizations are now working together to digitize, preserve, and share the results. The idea for the History Trust began to take shape… SEE MORE
Members of the Passamaquoddy nation gather at a tribal ceremony. FILE PHOTO: LESLIE BOWMAN

Working Waterfront

Maine’s not-so-clean history on race

Early in his presentation, Todd Little-Sebold shows a photo of a Ku Klux Klan gathering in 1926 that drew about 30,000. Mississippi? Georgia? Nope. Portland, Maine. The photo often prompts the question, “You mean the Klan was active in progressive, hip Portland?” he said. “And the answer is yes.” A… SEE MORE
Maurice Freedman (1904-1985), Stonington Pier, 1954, oil on canvas, 30 by 40 inches. Courtesy Greenhut Galleries.

Working Waterfront

Maurice Freedman’s Stonington pier

The town of Stonington’s fish pier has a Facebook page. In addition to informational posts, the page features photos of the pier and its surroundings taken by visitors. There are views down Main Street, a shot of William Muir’s monument to local stonecutters, and a study of colorful lobster buoys.… SEE MORE