OLD ORCHARD BEACH  — Some of you may already know me. I hope you’ll be patient while I introduce myself to those not aware of my illustrious personage, er crustacean-age … is that a word? It should be.

This, in brief, is the story of how I became associated with Libby Memorial Library. I became bored spending my time dodging rubbish and evading lobster traps. I made my way to Old Orchard Beach, where I hoped to take the Downeaster to Boston. I wanted to visit Uncle Luigi at the Aquarium. He said he knows some great molting bars in the Back Bay. Whoa boy! I never saw anything like it.

Excuse me, I got distracted for a bit. You’re wondering how I became associated with Libby Library.

As you know, the trip to Boston takes a few hours. I went to the library to get some reading material to pass the time.

In case you were wondering how I paid for the train trip… We crustaceans have a special pass. It’s called the menu. I was able to escape from the kitchen by making triangle ears from napkins, and using pipe cleaners as whiskers, I passed myself of as that new cutesy kids’ idol Hello Crusty.

Once again, I digress. Anyway, when I first entered the library, I was enchanted by the friendly staff, and the warm, welcoming environment. Other than the endless jokes about buttering me up, it’s been terrific. Also, their displays and exhibits are both eye catching and informative. The latest display, called ‘Got Memories,’ to benefit the Old Orchard Beach Museum in the Streets project, is an excellent example.

The ‘Got Memories’ exhibit consists of 62 historical photos of various Old Orchard Beach locations dating from the 1920’s through the 1970’s. They really brought back memories for me! Come on in, share some of your memories of these hot spots and help us put together an OOB Memory book to raise funds for the Museum in the Streets project. 

Some from the 20’s reminded me of the story told by Grandpa Lazlo. Inspired by all the science fiction he read, he wanted to be the first lobster to orbit the Earth. He almost succeeded until his rocket encountered a young Charles Lindbergh, who was flying to New Jersey to visit his aunt. Lazlo flew through the cockpit and landed on the plane’s instrument panel.

By the time Lindbergh recovered from his shock and confusion, he found himself flying over a vast body of water. At first he thought his aunt had caused her toilet to overflow again. The sight of an ocean liner quickly dispelled that thought. He rapidly effected repairs to his navigation equipment and found he was only a few miles from the French coast. He thought “what the heck,” and went on to complete the first trans-Atlantic flight.

Lindbergh was greeted like a hero by the Major on his landing in Paris, Lazlo somewhat less so, and expressed as much to Lindbergh, who asked, “Why are so afraid of the Major?

“Maybe it’s the bib, and barely concealed vat of melted butter in his vest pocket!”

Anyway, Lindbergh and Lazlo flew back across the ocean. Lazlo made a quick run for Saco Bay once they landed here in Old Orchard Beach.

That’s my memory of historic Old Orchard Beach. Come on down to Libby Library to see these fascinating old photos. They’re on display in the Main Entrance, the Community Room and across from the Circulation Desk. You’ll also find some pens and colorful paper in which you can write down your own colorful memories that these photos recall.

 These photographs will be on display through Labor Day. After that, these memories will be collected, and published in book form. So, if you want to take part in writing a lively, colorful history of our town, stop by Libby Library and help bring new life to these old photos.