We take a look this week at a lesser-known location in South Portland, Germania Park, and the interesting couple who opened it in 1900. Harry Callan was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States circa 1884. His name was not originally Harry Callan, however. On a naturalization record from 1890, his name was […]

Now that November is here, the South Portland Historical Society’s museum at Bug Light Park has moved into its holiday hours. We are open on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Dec. 17. If you haven’t come in to see this year’s immigration exhibit, we encourage you to plan a visit soon. […]

Winter is coming and that means snow and ice and, invariably, an increased risk of falling. A program from South Portland Public Works and Age Friendly South Portland, hopes to make winter a little safer. Seniors (age 65 and older), and any other residents with mobility challenges, can receive a 5-gallon bucket of sand/salt mix, […]

It’s that time of year again. There’s a crisp chill in the air, the fall foliage is in full bloom, and the leaf blowers are blaring. Did you know that the loud sound these pieces of equipment make are not only extremely irritating, but also harmful? The gas-powered equipment generates loud noises which are disruptive […]

Happy Halloween! In honor of this spooky holiday, let’s take a look at the large Victorian home at 161 Preble St. (formerly known as 84 Broadway) in South Portland. Known as “Hillside House” today, the building has long been rumored by college students and others to be haunted and some local storytellers have claimed it […]

For those who have lived in South Portland for a lifetime, the hole left by the closing of Stuart’s Men’s Shop can still be felt. There has never seemed to be a store like that since, where if you just want to go and pick out a tie or a shirt, you need go no […]

South Portland Historical Society will present the next in its fall lecture series on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the South Portland Community Center. Author Michael Connolly will share his research on the lives of Irish immigrants in greater Portland. As we prepare for that lecture, let’s take a look at one Irish […]

Winter will soon be upon us, and snow will be falling. Age Friendly South Portland will once again promote the Golden Shovel program for the businesses on Ocean Street – from Mill Creek Park to Thomas Knight Park. This will be the fourth annual Golden Shovel year, and the Golden Shovel has previously been awarded […]

Discussing climate change is complex. Oftentimes, we’re bogged down by the terminology, or the mixed messages we see in the media, or through our experiences that make discussing climate change unapproachable. Terms like global warming and even sustainability have confusing definitions. Unusual weather conditions like this year’s unseasonably wet summer doesn’t necessarily imply climate change, […]