Where in Maine?
Think you recognize this historic hamlet and its 1820s Congregational Church?
Photograph by Keven Shields
The holidays mean a little something more in this midcoast town. Some historians now believe that the first Thanksgiving in the New World was actually celebrated four hundred years ago not far from the site of this pretty white church. (Sorry Plymouth. Nice rock, though.) Don’t care much about history? Perhaps beaches and celebrities are more your thing? Then you’ll be glad to know that one of the finest strands in Maine can be found here. This beach town (population 2,100 or so) played host to the 1999 flick Message in a Bottle, starring as the strand on which the very message of the title washes up (Kevin Costner and Paul Newman co-starred). The people who live here tend to associate themselves with several distinct villages — what Maine town isn’t broken into several villages, by the way — and you can bet they’re thankful to call this place home. Have you ever celebrated Thanksgiving here? If you think you recognize this historic hamlet and its 1820s Congregational Church, send us a comment here, drop us a note at PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843, or whip us an e-mail at editorial@downeast.com.
Comments may be edited for spelling. Profanity is discouraged. If you'd like your comment considered for inclusion in the magazine, please include your hometown and state.
Reader Comments:
The beautiful church in your December issue is the Congregational Church in Phippsburg, ME. I preached my first sermon in that church in August of 1955. I was spending the Summer washing dishes at the Sebasco Lodge before my second year at Boston University School of Theology.
Rev. David W. Bell, Laconia, NH and formerly of New Harbor, ME
Phippsburg (Popham Beach)
I think the beautiful Congregational Church pictured
in your December issue is in Boothbay Harbor, ME.
We always admired it when we came to visit. Boothbay
Harbor was a favorite destination for us every fall.
This beautiful church is in Phippsburg,ME (Popham Beach). I've been visiting this wonderful little town during the summer almost every year since I was born. I'm now 37. I hope to someday own a place there of my own, I love it there so much!!!!
This beautiful, historic church in the December issue is the Phippsburg Congregational Church in Phippsburg, ME. I first noticed this beautiful church 20 years ago while boating on the Kennebec River. It's a beautiful setting. The view from the church of the river is just as spectacular. Little did I know, way back then, that I would move to Maine and get married in that very church 15 years later. The people there are a great group and the pastor adds to the wonderful character of the churh.
Jeff from Bath
Re: Where in Maine January 2008 issue
The lighthouse is the Winter Harbor Lighthouse located on Mark Island in Frenchman's Bay. Cadillac Mountain is the backdrop. It is a very inspirational place. The views are amazing. Truly a special location in Downeast.
Thank you! I received my January'08 issue today and what a wonderful sight to see the "Where in Maine"!
That is the Winter Harbor Lighthouse with Cadillac Mountain in the backdrop on your way out to the ocean from the harbor or on your drive thru Acadia National Park. My family has been going to Winter Harbor for vacations since the 1950's when my father was stationed at the Navy Base. The drive thru Acadia's quiet side has got to be one of the most beautiful places God created! Thank you for always bringing us all the different reasons we love Maine!
Cyndi Knight
Bel Air, Maryland
I was thrilled to see a photo of Winter Harbor Light in January 2008 issue. I had just had Christmas cards made up of my mother, Connee Jellison's painting of Winter Harbor Light on Mark Island, which sits across Frenchman's Bay from Bar Harbor, where I grew up.
My mother also had a painting featured on the cover of Downeast in October 1983. I have a photo of the cover as well.
My inlaws sent us a subscription to Down East that we enjoy thoroughly every month living in Florida!
D.J. Taylor
Bartow, FL
The "Where in Maine" scene in your January issue is the Winter Harbor Lighthouse on Mark Island. Whenever I am home visiting my family, I go for a run in the largely unknown section of Acadia National Park in Winter Harbor and am always awed by this view, with Cadillac Mountain in the background. Along the road, there are frequently artists trying to capture this scene. Looking at this picture, I can smell the crisp clean air and hear the thoughts that always go through my head as I run (e.g., "Why don't I live here?" "Gosh, the air smells good here," and "Buck up, soldier, there's a hill coming up!") Thanks for the memories...
Your January "where in Maine?" is a picture of Mark Island Light in Winter Harbor with Mt. Cadillac on Mt. Desert Island looming in the background. It appears the picture was taken from the Schoodic Point Road a section of Acadia National Park. This whole Downeast area is the place of my souls rest...a true heaven on earth!!