Maine Books

This is possibly the best (definitely one of the best) existing books on the history of Old Orchard Beach. The book's format makes a fascinating subject also an easy read. It is extemely unfortunate that the book is out of print--if you have any interest in Old Orchard Beach's history, this book is a must read.

This is the first of this author's novels that I've read but I logged on to go read more about her. This novel set before the American Revolution draws on the perspectives of many characters tied together by the murder of one family in Maine by the British. It's beautifully written.

If you're traveling our northeastern border (or even want to), you need this book. Populations are sparse in this region but artisans abound. You won't want to miss the opportunity to find the best. Easy to use and quite well illustrated.

For all of you out there who have a special place in your heart for Maine hunting and fishing memories, I believe that you'd really like this book. I grew up in the Maine outdoors and Tom brings back many memories of "old timers" and trips from years gone by. Maine, named appropriately as God's country, is a very unique and special state that has left its mark in many of those who were born here. Tom really brings this out in a profound way through his stories and remarkable drawings!

Keep your family warm or do knitting for charity; either way, this book is charming and useful.

The book has Maine-inspired designs such as Blueberries, Pine Trees, and Puffins (cute penguin-like birds) and such charming motifs as Country Geese and Crayon Kids. Also has two patterns for Christmas stockings. For Mainers, there is also a State of Maine pillow.

Everyone can use a hat or an extra pair of mittens and they don't take a lot of wool to make. See my list (listmania) for other hat and mitten books.

The Henhouse: A Ture Story Of Life On A Maine Farm is based on a personal childhood adventure of author Carol Shorey in a charming, instructive story of a young girl who begs her father to let her help him take care of the chickens. There, young Carol encounters the sights, sounds, and smells of hundreds of roosters and hens -- and is pecked by aggressive roosters until her father comes to the rescue, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her away to safety. Very highly recommended for school and community library collections, this thoroughly entertaining picture book story is wonderfully illustrated in watercolor artwork by Sandra Dunn.

Like the book My wife and I like going to new places for a weekend .

This book covers in a unique way the period when railroads were still making the transition from a ubiquitous public carrier to a limited market high volume transportation mechanism (one that the Boston and Maine never fully made). It was a period of optomism that technology and good management could change things even in the face of the decline of the New England mill economy.

But this is no dry economic tome. Neal covers the Boston and Maine through a series of vignettes of the diverse work force that keeps a railroad going. Each is interesting and well written. With a perspective of 50 years in the future we can see Neal was overoptomistic and maybe not challenging enough at times, but book freezes a railroad in time in a manner which can sustain multiple readings. My dog eared copy is a prized treasure.

This is an excellent reference guide to placenames, geneaology, streets, and early title chains for these three communities. In addition, it is full of anecdotes regarding colonial life in Mid Coast Maine from the late 17th century almost to the end of the 19th century. Published in 1877-8, it is surprisingly accurate in its portrayal of events which took place two hundred years before. Most of the information comes from the records of the Pejepscot Proprietors, a group of wealthy men who had the grants from the King necessary for selling property to settlers. This book has been my best aid for framing out the history of a parcel or area of land in any of these towns. As a Professional Land Surveyor, I could not work in my field and have the most complete information in my files without it. Bruce Martinson, PLS Dirigo Land Services, Inc. 927 Old Brunswick Road Bath, Maine 04530

This book by Geraldine Spooner has everything you want to know about the history of Bucksport-hence the name. It's pages chronicle the life and times of the Buck family up to the year 1857. The engagements, marriages, children, details that bring the families alive in your mind. It's a must read for anyone who wants to be "in the know" about Bucksport!