Portland Public Library Special Collections and Archives

A photograph from the July 17, 1942, Portland Sunday Telegram shows “Mrs. Carl C. Corson (left) and Mrs. G. J. Arzonico” of Yarmouth (following the convention of the time, the women are identified only as “Mrs.” followed by their husbands’ names) tending their victory garden. According to the caption that ran alongside the photograph, the women were preparing for a “Victory Market held early in September under the auspices of St. Mary’s Garden Club of Cumberland Foreside,” with plans to donate the proceeds to the war effort. Also pictured are John Alden Corson and his younger brother, David Jackson Corson.

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

In a similar scene from May 6, 2015, K.E. Smith and Nini McManamy begin spring planting at the North Street Community Garden in Portland.