Features
The Miracle of ‘The Old Peabody Pew’
When Kate Douglas Wiggin penned her winsome little drama, she had no idea it would become the longest-running play in Maine history. Image subjects: Tory Hill Meeting House some of the cast of “The Old Peabody Pew some of the cast of “The Old Peabody Pew Location: Buxton Lower Corner
- By: Ron Spomer
- and Marcia Berntson Anderson
- Photography by: Amazeen
Going to The Dogs
It’s called skijoring and it’s gaining popularity across Maine. Image subjects: Labrador retriever pulling skier Husky with skier Labs and skiers two huskies getting ready to pull a skier
- By: Datus Proper
- and Paul Dest
- Photography by: Bill Curtsinger
The Knowing Smile
Until my father came down with Alzheimer’s disease, I don’t think we ever really talked. Now we speak by just being together. Image subjects: collage of salesman in traveling in Maine
- By: J.B. Sterns
- and Bob Noonan
- Photography by: Gay Kempton
The Magic Of Christmas
Portland’s most popular holiday concert offers more than just beautiful music. Location: Portland
- By: Barry G. Davis
Crazy For Candy Canes
Twenty little-known facts about the only store in Maine that rolls its own. Image subjects: display of candy canes workers at Haven’s Candies pouring candy from vat hand twisting candy Location: Westbrook
- By: Robert Post
- and mikeb
- Photography by: Amazeen
Where in Maine?
Many a Yuletide fete filled this now-empty house. Location: Portland
- By: Galen Winter
- Photography by: Randy Ury
Tuba Supreme
It’s noisy, it’s kitschy, and it’s unique, but it’s also the happiest band you could hope to encounter in Maine this holiday season. Image subjects: TubaChristmas – some of the tuba players TubaChristmas – some of the tuba players TubaChristmas – some of the tuba players TubaChristmas – some of the tuba
- By: Priscilla Buckley
- Photography by: Tonee Harbert
The Art Of Giving
A shoemaker’s son who made a fortune, Harold Alfond is now using his capital – and his canniness – to give young Mainers an even break. Location: Dexter Norridgewock
- By: J.H. Hall
- and Edgar Allen Beem
- Photography by: Ron Maxwell
Departments
Sailor’s Delight
Holiday gift ideas abound when there’s a mariner in the family.
- By: John Barsness
- and James P. Brown
Boatbuilder’s Dream
Paul Rollins is a boatbuilder who makes time to own and sail his own boat.
- By: Bill Buckley
- and James P. Brown
Spruced-up Roofs
Santa isn’t alone in caring about Bridgton’s rooftops. Location: Bridgton
- By: C.F. Waterman
Millennial Snowmen
Bethel has come up with another colossal idea. Location: Bethel
- By: Michael McIntosh
New Look
Neither Y2K nor the millennium inspired it.
- By: John Brindle
First Light
The new millennium will dawn in Maine, somewhere.
- By: Bill Buckley
Buying Frenzy
Suddenly it seems every major Maine company is being gobbled up by corporate giants. Image subjects: map showing who is buying Maine companies
- By: Charles Waterman
- and Jeff Clark
- Photography by: Lisa Baker
October ‘Where in Maine?’
Identifying the October “Where in Maine?” at Thomaston. Location: Thomaston
- By: Stuart Williams
- Vic Venters
- and Jan Faulstich
Briefly Noted
Books reviewed include: “Portland & Vicinity Street Atlas” published by DeLorme, “The Maine Poems” by Leo Connellan, and “Russian Voices on the Kennebec: The Story of Maine’s Unlikely Colony” by Robert S. Jaster.
- By: E. Donnall Thomas Jr
- and Paul Doiron
Maine’s Poet Laureate
Kate Barnes takes her appointment seriously but doesn’t expect to be paid.
- By: Steve Grooms
- and Meadow Rue Merrill
Fruity Juice
Fresh Samantha offers Christmas gift boxes.
- By: Robert Hitt Neil
- and Andrew Vietze
Snow Picnic
The Maine Market restaurant opens in Bethel. Location: Bethel
- By: Andrew Vietze
- and John Brindle
Tops in Charity
Kennebec Journal: Maine had the lowest income level in New England, but ranked the highest on the Generosity Index.
- By: John Falk
Too-Easy Test
Sun Journal: Has the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) test been dumbed-down.
- By: John Rosenburg
Hodgdon’s Big Encore
Tim Hodgdon of Hodgdon Yachts is at work on a new 151-foot ketch designed by Bruce King. Location: Boothbay
- By: Charles Waterman
- and James P. Brown
Extending I-95
Bangor Daily News: Debate over extending Route 95 beyond Houlton and the effect it might have. Location: Houlton
- By: Barry G. Davis
Saving the Bowdoin Mill
Times Record: Sea Dog Brewing Company restaurant opens at the Great Bowdoin Mill. Location: Topsham
- By: Tom Huggler
A Joyful Noise
The first time I went caroling in Bath, I was so self-conscious I could barely appreciate the merriment. Location: Bath
- By: Steven Dodd Hughes
- and Ken Textor
Gifts For Maine Millionairs
Expensive gift ideas (humor, maybe) for those with no concern about the cost.
- By: Jim Bashline
Big Sales
Savvy shoppers know when and where to find things on sale. Here is a list of shops and towns that have special winter or Christmas sales.
- By: Steven Dodd Hughes
Maine Gifts Just for Dad
What and where to buy for dad for Christmas. Maine gift ideas.
- By: Tim Leary
Nifty Gifts For Junior
Shopping ideas for the young man at Christmas. Image subjects: shop at Christmas time
- By: S.G.B. Tennant Jr
- Photography by: Sara Gray
Treat Yourself to the Season’s Top Shows
Christmas concerts are a great way to spend an evening in December.
- By: Michael McIntosh
Maine Books Worth Giving
Maine books worth giving at Christmas time.
- By: Datus Proper
Admire Some Festive Open Houses
Visit one of these historic homes decorated for the holidays.
- By: Dave Carty
Winter Weekend Vacation Packages
Want to get away for the weekend. You can save money with these weekend get-away vacation packages.
- By: Bill Baines
Christmas Gifts From Maine for Mom
Some Christmas gift ideas for mom and where in Maine to find them.
- By: Michael McIntosh
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Finding and cutting your own Christmas tree on a wood lot is much more fun than going to the shopping mall for one. Here is a list of places offering cut-your-own trees. Image subjects: close up view of a branch of a decorated Christmas tree
- By: John Falk
- Photography by: Sara Gray
Great Stocking Stuffers
Some stocking stuffers from Maine Image subjects: holiday goods inside a shop
- By: Galen Winter
- Photography by: Sara Gray
Maine for the Holidays
Tips to make your holidays easier – and merrier.
- By: Tom Davis
- Photography by: Nance Trueworthy
- and Sara Gray
New Year’s Extravaganzas
This list represents the sort of events several Maine communities are offering on New Year’s Eve.
- By: Michael McIntosh
Presents for Sis
Christmas gift ideas for your daughter or sister. Image subjects: woman standing in front of shop window in winter
- By: Vic Venters
- Photography by: Sara Gray
Outdoor Skating Rinks
When any local pond won’t do, try one of these skating rinks.
- By: Ron Spomer
Community Celebrations
For information on holiday events from York to Madawaska, just call a the local chamber of commerce.
- By: Vic Venters
Holiday Dining
Here are some of the best restaurants in Maine and they are open for your holiday enjoyment.
- By: Dave Carty
One-Stop Shopping
Circa 1960’s photo of Daniel Winchenbaugh from Waldoboro buying a Christmas tree in Florida.
- By: Randy Lawrence
- and Ellen MacDonald Ward