In mid-October 1907, one of the greatest financial panics in American history sparked when a stock takeover by “one of the most powerful bankers in the nation” failed. That banker was a man from Bath. Charles Wyman Morse was born in Bath on Oct. 21, 1856, to Benjamin W. Morse and Anna E.J. Morse. The […]
local history
This Bath-built ship refused to launch — until John Wayne gave it a push
In September 1976, a crowd of thousands gathered as a dramatic scene took center stage when one of the newest warships of the United States Navy defied launching — that is, until a true American legend stepped up. It was America’s bicentennial year and the USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7) was the first in a […]
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 […]
Westbrook Notes: Author talk at Community Center
Hear about ‘Sutton Tales’ Local author Larry Dyhrberg is hosting a free book launch and discussion from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, in the Redwood Room at Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge St. An engaging afternoon of live readings is promised as the center celebrates the release of his latest book, “Sutton […]
Bridgton Historical Society hosts Revolutionary War exhibit in honor of 250th anniversary
American Revolution Experience is part of a multiyear, nationwide tour that focuses on a variety of firsthand perspectives.
The two Brunswick men lost with the Titanic
In April 1912, one of the greatest maritime disasters in history claimed the lives of 1,517 people. Among these lost souls were two men — a father and son — from Brunswick. By the start of the Bowdoin College winter semester in 1912, 21-year-old Richard Fraser White had already completed all of his academic requirements […]
Kennebunk’s Methodist Meetinghouse renovation aims to preserve history
Since the beginning of the renovation three years ago, contractor Nate Michaud has focused on keeping historical elements of the building intact.
It Happened in Windham: High Tea at High Noon at historic Little Meetinghouse
In January 2025, the Windham Historical Society was rocked by some sad and shocking news. Their secretary, Karen Lougee, had passed away after a brief illness. This was a great loss to the organization since Karen was not just an officer on the board of directors, she was an active vibrant member of the society. […]
A Window on the Past: Sagadahoc Farms becomes the Port O’Maine Airport, part 2
We pick up where we left off last week with Harold Troxel. In January 1935, Harold Troxel and F. Gilbert Pond had just purchased Portland Flying Service, Inc. The company had previously been located at the Portland Airport in Scarborough, but moved its operation instead to the expanding Portland City Airport, soon to be known […]
The capture of the British ship Picaroon at Cundy’s Harbor
As the final days of the American Revolution were nearing, British pirates — known as privateers — were still harassing Coastal Maine waters. But one local group of Harpswell men were determined to stop one of the most menacing of these privateers in Casco Bay and take his ship as a prize. Ever since 1775, […]