Maine's Ramshackled Beauty

There’s just something about the backdrop of autumn against dilapidated barns and other aging things. Perhaps it’s the contrast between weathered wood and vibrant colors. Whatever it is, these photos prove that such beauty is found in all sorts of places.

A basement window in need of repair

(downtown Damariscotta)

The roof may need new shingles,

but the rest of this Augusta structure appears rock solid.

One of my favorite photos from early autumn.

(between Augusta and Damariscotta)

Toward the end of the Civil War (1861-1865),

President Abraham Lincoln designated Togus as

the site for the first veterans home in the United States.

Building #36 (above) was the original nurses quarters.

Weathered barn on South Belfast Avenue in Augusta

Peeling paint on the door adds a touch of

shabby chic to this brick-and-mortar renovation.

(Augusta-Windsor city line)

Afternoon Jaunt to Southern Maine Coast

One of the perks of my job is working only a half day on Fridays during the summer. And there’s no better way to enjoy that perk than with a camera in hand and a destination in mind.

On a recent Friday, my afternoon destination included Old Orchard Beach.

The last time I visited that coastal town was in the dead of winter. By chance, I happened to photograph a surfer walking along the shoreline just beyond a snow-covered beach. What's unique about that scene is how the design of his surfboard resembles the reflection of the pier pilings in the standing water.

My intent on this recent June afternoon was to photograph that same pier from a different vantage point in the summertime.

After snapping the photo above, I took a stroll on the pier and spotted one of the most notorious Caribbean buccaneers from the 1600s. Sir Henry Morgan, a.k.a. "Captain Morgan."

As I scanned the beach from my perch on the pier, a nearby Ferris wheel had me reminiscing about a vacation at the Jersey shore years ago. I can’t recall the name of the town, but I do remember riding a rollercoaster at the boardwalk and eating typical beach fare.

Ferris wheel at Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Talking about food, is there any better way to take in a beach scene than by relaxing on the deck of an oceanfront eatery? A fruity beverage and a tasty lobster roll hit the spot.

After that late lunch, I hopped in my car to head back home. But first, I decided to do a little sightseeing in the town of South Portland. Spring Point Ledge Light, which resembles a spark plug, opened in 1897 at the shoreline of Fort Preble. Both the lighthouse and fort provided a perfect photo opportunity.

Spring Point Ledge Light on Casco Bay - South Portland, Maine

Rampart of Fort Preble - South Portland, Maine.
The fort was a bit player in the War of 1812 
and saw action during the Civil War.

View through a cannon port at Fort Preble - South Portland, Maine

However, a pesky drone had a different idea for a photo op. The antagonist kept hovering overhead. I assumed it was capturing video footage that included me. Using the same method of intimidation, I pointed my camera at the little booger. Immediately, it flew away!

Well, I’ll sign off for now and leave you with an image of a summertime portal.

Saco, Maine

Until next time…

The Old Road: Farm’s Historic Past With Gettysburg, Civil War

If the walls of a certain Pennsylvania farmhouse west of Cashtown could talk, they would tell about a war-torn America in the 1860s. My ancestors who lived in that farmhouse witnessed Civil War history in the making as Confederate troops marched on by. The soldiers were on their way to fight in one of the war’s most infamous battles—Gettysburg.

The newspaper article displayed below tells about a road that passes in front of the farmhouse located seven miles west of the battlefield. A newspaper editor wrote the piece in 1992 after interviewing my great aunt, Grace Kane.

In addition to reading “The Old Road,” take a look at my blog entry I posted here in December 2011 entitled “Gettysburg, a Ford Mustang and Family Folklore.” I wrote the story about the history of the farm after my son and I visited the area in the summer of 2011.

Right-click on the article above and select from the drop-down box
one of the "open link" options (preferably "open link in new window").
Then zoom in or enlarge the article for easier reading.