Our city is abuzz since the rollout of 100 Resilient Yards on March 1. To keep that momentum rolling, we’ll answer some of your questions about the project’s impact and the outcomes we hope to see this summer. Participant applications are open through April 1 and available online at https://tinyurl.com/100-Resilient-Yards and in hard copy at […]

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” – John F. Kennedy I have the most intimate memories of soaring down a neighborhood hill on my blue, childhood bike. I was a fearless kid who took frequent, unplanned trips to the emergency room, and although I had a deep love for that bike, […]

As we were researching the Lamport family recently, my friend Jackie Dunham came across some great news articles related to Charles and Thomas Phinney and their ice cutting operations on the west side of South Portland. Our historical society does not have any photographs of the Phinney ice houses, unfortunately, but I hope that this […]

Transportation is integral to our livelihoods in Maine. We use transportation not only to move from place to place, but also as a means of work, and a way to transfer goods and services across great distances. Suffice to say, a well-functioning, reliable, and safe transportation system is crucially important to our community. As sustainability […]

When we wrote about Joseph Lamport last week, we mentioned his grandfather, George Lamport. The Lamport family were Orthodox Jews – George and Ida Lamport and their children belonged to the Bas HaKnesses Anshe Sfard synagogue at 216 Cumberland Ave. in Portland. According to Jay Lamport, “My father’s grandfather George was president of that congregation […]

We’re revitalizing South Portland, one yard at a time. The Sustainability Department is excited to announce the launch of our 100 Resilient Yards program, a collaboration that will help our city protect the health of our community and its unique ecosystems, and promote a transition to more sustainable land care practices community-wide. The 100 Resilient […]

The Lamport family has long been associated with South Portland. The patriarch and matriarch of the family, George and Ida Lamport, were Russian immigrants who lived on Walnut Street. Even today, one of the ponds at Hinckley Park is known by locals as “Jake’s Pond,” named for George’s son, Jacob “Jake” Lamport. We’ve written previously […]

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, whose stores were more commonly known as A&P stores, was the retail giant of the early-1900s. Even more so than Walmart today, the A&P stores proliferated in almost every town across America. Because of their smaller size, it was easy to have A&P stores pop up in any […]