A little history of “Our Town.”

Some of you may not realize that we are named for Naples, Italy, not Naples, Fla. Although our area was initially settled in 1790, the town was not incorporated until March 4, 1834. We had some industry, a canning factory, cooperage, a carriage manufacturer and produced boots and shoes.

Prior to our incorporation, the Songo Lock was built. The Lock linked us to the outside world via Sebago Lake, allowing passage of boats from Harrison to Portland through the Oxford-Cumberland Canal in Standish. The access to our area and its simple beauty is what ultimately made tourism our dominant industry.

Some special visitors included Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Nathaniel Hawthorne (although he lived just off Raymond Cape Road, I believe today he would be called a flatlander).

Charles Goodridge of the Sebago Lake, Songo River & Bay of Naples Steamship Company built a hotel on a knoll overlooking the White Mountains and on the shores of Long Lake in order to accommodate his passengers from the coast, Massachusetts and New York. Designed by John Calvin Stevens, The Bay of Naples Inn opened on July 26, 1899, (although most of us refer to it as the “old” hotel). Sadly, it only remained open through the 1951 season and was ultimately razed around 1964.

Souvenirs

When all the professional salvagers were through getting what they wanted, I remember we were allowed to go in and pick what we wanted. Although I probably was no older than 12, I armed myself with a screwdriver and plastic bag because I knew exactly what I wanted, all the glass doorknobs that were left. I kept that bag, ultimately a plastic container filled with the doorknobs and hardware with me all through high school, college and finally into my first home in Newton, Mass. Today some lucky family gets to view a little history every day!

I thought I had hit the jackpot with the doorknobs, but I was to be undone some 40 years later when I met a woman who would become my friend, Nancy Hanson. She got the entire cupola from the east wing of the hotel (shown on the left hand side of the picture). Nancy is donating the cupola, through our Naples Main Street project to the town. We just need to find the perfect spot as a final resting place for the last vestige of our proud hotel! If you have any ideas or suggestions, Naples Main Street would be happy to entertain them.

There are so many wonderful things about our town and I truly hope that all of you will want to share items. There are things I don’t remember as I was here for summers, but to those of you have always lived here; we would love your thoughts.

Tee time follows toe tapping

The Project Graduation Dance for the Middle School was a great success. They raised over $500 toward their goal. The next big event is the Project Graduation Golf Tournament, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6th with a noon shotgun start.

Individuals as well as teams are welcome. The cost is $55 per person and includes golf, carts, prizes, fun and food. For more information or for registration forms contact Connie Eldridge at 693-7298 or e-mail Kathy Sweet.

Get involved, don’t get angry

Monday, Sept. 17, a public Town Meeting was held at the Naples Town Hall to discuss comments received on the proposed zoning ordinance. There was very little turn out, but the few who attended had some concerns. I have to say, since I moved here several years ago, I have heard a buzz about the fact that there is no zoning here in “our town.” You can pick up copies of the ordinance proposals at the town hall during operating hours and also view the comprehensive plan map in the selectperson’s room at the town hall.

Recipes wanted

I heard a lot of talk today about apple picking. That surely means the Fryeburg Fair is fast approaching. I would love to get your very best recipe for anything apple for next week’s column. Just e-mail me and you could soon be sharing it with “your town.”

From me to you, this is “Our Town.” As always, your input is vital to making all residents of our community informed and involved!