Down East October 2009

October 2009

The table of contents from the October 2009 issue of Down East.

Features

Autumn in Paris

Paris Hill has been called Maine’s Mount Olympus for its powerful residents, but what accounts for the village’s enduring allure? By: Edgar Allen Beem Photography by: Dean Abramson

 

Little Shop of Colors

A former church in Lisbon Falls is now home to one of the most stunning collections of spiders and butterflies. By: Meadow Rue Merrill Photography by: Benjamin Magro

 

Behave Yourself!

How people from away can avoid conflicts, dust-ups, and misunderstandings with the natives. (And vice versa.) By: Rob Sneddon

 

Flagstaff Found

A forgotten town is remembered through the eyes of a former schoolteacher. By: Jane Lamb

 

Old Port, New Vibe

Today’s Commercial Street in Portland is a hipper, livelier version of its former self. Photography by: Jennifer Baum

 

Home Again

Maine’s about as far from Hollywood as you can get. And we mean that metaphorically, too. Celebrity simply doesn’t matter as much here. But Turner native Patrick Dempsey has demonstrated how fame can be used the Maine way — to improve the lives of others. By: Kathleen Fleury

 

Get On Your Skates!

Rumors of roller-skating’s demise are premature, says a dedicated community of Maine rink regulars.

 

Departments

Sticker Shock

Who is Maine’s vehicle inspection scheme actually protecting? By: Peter Zinn

 

A “Tun” Of Fun

Whether you’re looking to take an afternoon leaf-peeping cruise or to sneak up behind a loon for the perfect picture, the innovative TunnyCraft (25 James Drive, Waterboro, 207-247-5767, www.tunnycraft.com) makes it easy. This electric personal watercraft, recommended for use on lakes and ponds, is composed of a canvas lounge chair astride two aluminum pontoons.

 

A Tasty Tavern

Freeport’s Broad Arrow Tavern at the Harraseeket Inn focuses on local food with flair. By: Virginia Wright Photography by: Hannah Welling

 

Dolce Dessert

What do you get when you mix the sponginess of tiramisu and the custard consistency of sabayon, and then mash the cold, creamy result between two chewy cookies? Dolcelinos, the gourmet ice-cream-like sandwiches that have put Swan’s Way Catering (25 Fernalds Neck Rd., Lincolnville, 207-763-3996, www.cateringmaine.com) on the frozen-treat map. Try one (or several) in traditional flavors such as coffee and chocolate-chocolate, or go for the lemon ginger and the adventurous “Aztec” (vanilla custard with a chili powder kick). Photography by: Jennifer Baum

 

Discovering Acadia

An essayist takes a journey into the soul of one of America’s most popular national parks. By: Susan Hand Shetterly

 

Briefly Noted

Camden’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Richard Russo, casts his spell again with his eighth novel That Old Cape Magic(Knopf, New York, New York; hardcover; 272 pages, $25.95). This time, Russo takes a look at marriage in all its forms by delving into the family life of middle-aged protagonist Jack Griffin. The plot centers around two weddings, that of his daughter’s best friend in Cape Cod and, a year later, his own daughter’s in Maine. Amid others’ blissful marital beginnings Griffin also has to examine his own fraught union of thirty years.

 

Where in Maine?

Do you recognize this busy boatyard? Photography by: Dean Abramson

 

Letters to the Editor

 

The Maine Viewpoint

Editorial opinions from across the state.

 

Men Behaving Badly

A fund-raiser in 1913 brought out some unusual models. By: Joshua F. Moore

 

Cordwood Memories

For one Arrowsic writer, the annual woodpile is more than just a source of heat. By: Ken Textor

 

Editor’s Note

Mainers know how to tell good manners from bad. By: Paul Doiron Photography by: Benjamin Magro

 

North by East

Down East editors discuss how to count ticks on a moose, the benefit of saving old tools, and more.