Nominate your favorite Maine businesses for Best of Maine!
Down East December 2012

December 2012

The table of contents from the December 2012 issue of Down East.

Features

A Holiday Unwrapped

In this excerpt from We Took to the Woods, Louise Dickinson Rich extolls the virtues of an upcountry Christmas.

 

The Ledge

More than a century ago, three lives were lost on this ledge. A father, a son, and another young boy spent the day hunting, but as the tide rose, their boat disappeared, and they were left to perish in the frigid December water. This tragic event might have been forgotten if not for a Bowdoin professor who immortalized the dark tale in what is undoubtedly Maine’s most famous short story. By Edgar Allen Beem.

 

Moonbat Kingdom

People say there’s something in the water in Belfast — and it’s no longer chicken grease. With a thriving downtown and bustling harbor, the city is having one big crazy party and all are welcome. By Will Bleakley

 

Hamabe’s Maine

Artist Francis Hamabe came to love Maine as much as Maine loved him. In a new book, The Art of Francis Hamabe, Carl Little looks back at the former Down East art director’s enduring legacy.

 

Departments

Where in Maine?

Can you identify this quiet village and its gazebo?

 

Editor’s Note

Looking back at former Down East art director Francis “Frank” Hamabe.

 

The Mail

Letters from our readers.

 

Your Maine

Down East readers describe their favorite Maine holiday traditions.

 

The New Land Barons

The country’s largest private property owners stake a claim in Maine.

 

What’s in a Picture?

Department store Santa.

 

A Whole Lotta Shakin’

A small earthquake triggers a seismic overreaction in Maine.

 

Happy Thirtieth Birthday, Bart

Maine’s most famous eagle is living the good life in Freedom.

 

TAO vs. Tao

A Las Vegas nightclub is suing a Brunswick family restaurant, claiming consumers might confuse the two. Huh?

 

Seeds of Discontent

Aroostook County potato farmer Jim Gerritsen leads organic growers’ fight against genetically modified foods.

 

Beauty on a Budget

A Portland architect’s energy efficient, single-family home.

 

Just Warming Up

After nearly forty years in business, Cuddledown continues to find new customers and make new products.

 

Down East Decoration

Celebrate the season with these unique homemade decorations.

 

Home Cooking for the Holidays

In her new book, Sandra L. Oliver, food columnist for the Bangor Daily News, gathered recipes from readers across the state that are sure to inspire this holiday season.

 

The Stage is Set

A visit to Merrill Auditorium for a Christmas show brings back a flood of memories.

 

76 Pleasant Street

Elizabeth Peavey reviews this charming restaurant in Norway, Maine.

 

Postcard: Brunswick

Located right along the coast and just thirty minutes from Portland, busy downtown Brunswick is a popular destination for summer people “from away.” But this former mill town, located at the juncture of Route 1 and the Androscoggin River, lights up in the winter with more than enough shops, restaurants, and art spaces to keep the locals busy through the spring thaw.

 

Back on the Moosepath

Author Van Reid offers another installment of his quirky Victorian melodramas.

 

December Calendar

Go here. Do this. See that.

 

‘Tis the Season

Holiday celebrations across the state add a festive glow to winter.

 

From our Archives December 1991

A look back at Down East twenty-one years ago.