An architect of New Deal measures like Social Security and the 40-hour work week, Perkins returned throughout her life to a home in Newcastle that had been in her family since the 1750s.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Do This
Why Toad the Wet Sprocket’s frontman loves coming to Maine
Glen Phillips will visit his daughter in Deer Isle when he comes to Maine this week and can’t say enough nice things about Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield.
advertisement
Posted inDo This
Visiting Acadia? Check out these Bar Harbor hot spots
Walking paths, shops and breweries are among the quaint seaside town’s attractions.
Posted inDo This
From landmarks to lobster rolls, 6 ways to play tourist in your own state
Because summer fun in Maine shouldn’t only be for people from away.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Do This
For author in Midcoast, the ideal day includes dog friends, pub fries and football
With a house full of pawed pals, mystery writer David Rosenfelt imagines the best way to spend time in autumn (minus the marathon).
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Local & State
Maine’s rustic summer theaters struggle to keep cool as temperatures rise
Summer heat is affecting actors and audiences alike, and some venues have been forced to consider expensive alterations to their spaces.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Local & State
Julia Gagnon’s birth mother, who helped inspire her ‘American Idol’ journey, has died
The Cumberland singer posted on Instagram Wednesday about the death of her birth mother, Sara Ramos.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Do This
At Circus Smirkus, coming to Maine on Aug. 5-6, kids entertain kids
The Vermont-based family circus will stage shows in Cumberland, Kennebunkport and Fryeburg.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Books
Maine island mystique: Why so many books feature these isolated settings
Authors say these often idyllic locales – where there’s nowhere to run or hide – present opportunities for heightened drama, suspense and romance.
Posted inDo This
Author’s perfect day includes Ogunquit-area spots that help inspire her writing
J. Courtney Sullivan’s new book, “The Cliffs,” is set in a Maine town inspired by Ogunquit, where she visits every summer.