Posted inTimes Record

America’s Declaration of Independence was signed by a son of Brunswick

Two hundred and forty-nine years ago this week, one of the greatest documents in world history was penned. This “Declaration of Independence” shed the most powerful nation on Earth, created a new nation “conceived in liberty” and became a worldwide model of self determination. And this document was signed by a man who once lived […]

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Remembering a Civil War hero of the 20th Maine — no, not that one

One of the least-remembered heroes in Maine history is a man who “participated in many of the most severe battles” of the American Civil War, then returned home to become a commercial success and popular political leader. This hero was a man from Topsham. Holman Staples Melcher was born in Topsham to James and Nancy […]

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A look back at Brunswick’s storied Hotel Eagle

One of Maine’s most popular destinations, in the 20th century, had modest beginnings which sprang into a true and enduring legend. And that destination was located right in the heart of downtown Brunswick. Fred J. Harrigan first opened his small “lunchroom” in 1902, “at the head of Middle Street,” where Hannaford stands today. It was […]

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A legendary Freeport-made ship haunts Harpswell waters

In the winter of 1815, at the end of the “Second War of Independence” against Great Britain, the legend of “one of the most successful Yankee Privateers in the War of 1812” was cemented in Maine’s maritime lore. And despite her mysterious disappearance in January 1815, this great “Ghost Ship” has been known to haunt […]

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Brunswick Mall memorial honors Maine’s sacrifice in Spanish-American War

On a small triangle of land at the southern-most end of the Brunswick Mall stands a nearly forgotten monument to a nearly forgotten war. But almost 100 years ago, the placing of this monument captured headlines, became an event in Brunswick’s bicentenary celebrations and was marred by added tragedy. On Feb. 15, 1898, the island […]

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Phippsburg got its name from a Maine knight who ended the Salem Witch Trials

One of the great legends in New England history rose from modest beginnings on Maine’s Midcoast. He became the first man knighted in the North American Colonies, the first royal governor of Massachusetts and he ended the most notorious mass hysteria in American history. William Green Phips was born at Nequasset in present-day Woolwich on […]

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When a spark from a train set Brunswick on fire

One of the worst disasters in Brunswick history began on April 26, 1912, when the noon train of the Maine Central Rail Road pulled in on schedule. Suddenly, phones in Bath, Portland, Topsham and Lewiston began to ring off the hook; one caller crying out, “Brunswick is burning!” Sparks from the noon train had set […]