You probably drive by the small building at 513 Broadway frequently and never give it a thought. The Electrical Building in Mill Creek has its own interesting history, notably its origin as a project of the short-lived Civil Works Administration in 1934. In early years, if a South Portland resident had a house fire, they […]
local history
Yarmouth Historical Society recognizes student historians
Seven Yarmouth students received the Wellcome Prize for Student Historians for their research papers and films.
Saco historian hosts series of walking tours
Peter Scontras is sharing his wealth of Saco history knowledge with the community through a series of in-depth walking tours.
A Window on the Past: Eleazer Crowell and Edward Fletcher, metal workers and piggery owners
We were recently visited by society member (and former curator) Nancy Crowell who brought in a World War I helmet to donate. The helmet belonged to one of her ancestors, Fletcher Crowell, who had lived at 590 Ocean St. in South Portland. His name sounded very familiar to us – his full legal name was […]
Feds recognize Wabanaki name for Yarmouth waterfall on Royal River
The Yarmouth Community Alliance for Racial Equity reached out to the U.S. Board of Geographic Names to rename the waterfall to its earliest name, Pumgustuck. The name will soon appear on federal maps.
The Alna Store gains national recognition
Tucked away on Dock Road, The Alna Store has drawn praise from the James Beard Foundation to The New York Times. What’s its recipe for success? Owner Jasper Ludwig says it is all about believing in one’s vision and fostering community.
A Window On The Past: The Cookie Jar Pastry Shop
South Portland Historical Society is excited to announce its 2024 landmark ornament – the Cookie Jar. With thanks to Tom and Donna Piscopo, this fundraiser ornament, 11th in a series, commemorates the bakery that has been providing tasty treats to people throughout Greater Portland for nearly seven decades. The history of the Cookie Jar bakery […]
A Window on the Past: Bug Light keeper Parker Haley; lighthouse lecture on Thursday
South Portland Historical Society will present the next in its fall lecture series on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the South Portland Community Center. Lighthouse historian and author Jeremy D’Entremont will give an illustrated lecture on the lighthouses of Casco Bay. For more information about D’Entremont and the lecture, read on to the end of this […]
Bridgton Historical Society hosts historic graveyard tour
The Bridgton Historical Society held a tour of the High Street Cemetery to celebrate Halloween. There, they honored several noble and ignoble residents, mentioning both their contributions to the town and their place in wider American history.
A Window on the Past: Augustus P. Fuller and his varnish factory in Ligonia
We continue this week with more on Augustus P. Fuller and his varnish factory in the Ligonia area of South Portland. Augustus Fuller was working for Joseph L. Kelley, in Kelley’s apothecary business in Portland, when he began to manufacture varnishes in 1844; he was 25 years old at that time. Augustus was Kelley’s partner […]