Down East December 2000

December 2000

The table of contents from the December 2000 issue of Down East.

Features

Wicked Good Things

Maine inspired Christmas ornaments that would inspire Martha Stewart. Image subjects: Christmas ornaments Christmas tree with humorous ornaments

  • Photography by: Chris Van Dusen
  • and Benjamin Magro
 

The Incredible, Edible Snowshoe Hare

Prized as a midwinter staple by bobcats and lynx, this not-too-dumb bunny seems to recognize it’s at the bottom of the food chain. Image subjects: Showshoe Hare footprints in the snow A Snowshoe Hare

  • By: John Cole
  • Photography by: Len Rue
 

The Thrill of Discovery

New England’s second-largest children’s museum throws open its doors this January in the heart of downtown Bangor. Image subjects: Children playing at the Maine Discovery Museum Location: Bangor

  • By: Virginia Wright
  • Photography by: Michele Stapleton
 

Not Made in Taiwan

Unlike most ceramic red lobsters and other classic “Maine” souvenirs, these little incense-burning cabins are still made here in Maine. Image subjects: incense-burning cabins Location: Auburn

  • By: Elizabeth Peavey
  • Photography by: Benjamin Magro
 

Hosts of Christmas Past

The folks who open their homes for Paris Hill’s renowned Holiday House Tour offer a rare chance to explore a Maine village where time actually seems to have stopped. Image subjects: village green in winter Northlands, Hannibal Hamlin house – snow First Baptist Church – snow home house and barn Location:

  • By: Bob Roundy
  • Photography by: Brian Vanden Brink
 

Sharing The Gift

When Laura Darrell opens her mouth to sing at this year’s “Magic of Christmas” concert, thousands of Mainers will feel the same tingle of astonishment her parents did when they first heard her voice. Image subjects: Laura Darrell rehearsing Location: Yarmouth

  • By: Meadow Rue Merrill
  • Photography by: Benjamin Magro
 

Marching Together

Captains Richard and Janet Munn, the husband-and-wife team who lead the Salvation Army in Maine, work hard to define the modern mission of their time-honored corps. Image subjects: Janet and Richard Munn in Salvation Army uniforms

  • By: Jeff Clark
  • Photography by: Michele Stapleton
 

First Snow

Out on Monhegan the earliest blast of wither can be the hardest – and most magnificent Image subjects: lobsterman’s home in the snow ice and snow covered buildings and truck near landing fisherman rowing out in snow storm snow covered coast Location: Monhegan

  • Photography by: Peter Holzhauer
 

Departments

Dream Tub

Dick Shew and Cecil Burnham have built a tug boat for themselves. Location: South Bristol

  • By: James P. Brown
 

A New Friendship

The Stanley boatbuilding shop is working on a 30 foot Friendship sloop. Location: Southwest Harbor

  • By: James P. Brown
 

This Winter’s Weather

Facts about and from the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

 

Price of Progress

Suddenly Woolwich is in the limelight. Location: Woolwich

 

Island Calling

The general store on Swans awaits a new owner. Location: Swans Island

 

Winter’s Legacy

Sugarloaf celebrates a big anniversary. Location: Kingfield, Sugarloaf, Carrabasset Valley

 

Oil Shortage

Mainers are more than a little panicky over the tight heating oil supply. Image subjects: dog sitting in front of wood stove

  • By: Jeff Clark
  • Photography by: Brian Vanden Brink
 

Where in Maine?

Identifying the September “Where in Maine?” as the Universalist Chapel in North Fryeburg. Location: North Fryeburg.

  • By: Douglas Tate
  • and Brendan Benson
 

A Taxing Situation

More dissatisfaction with the methods employed to assess property taxes. Location: Southwest Harbor

  • By: Arthur L. Johnson
 

Maine Art 102

The Farnsworth has just published a valuable overview of Down East art history. Location: Rockland

  • By: Edgar Allen Beem
 

Briefly Noted

Books reviewed here include: “A Most Remarkable Mix: Sketches of Notable Freeporters” by J.D. Davis, “Not Proven” by Woody Hanstein, “Fanny and Joshua: The Enigmatic Lives of Frances Caroline Adams and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain” by Diane Monroe Smith, and George Sewall’s adventure “To Katahdin: The 1876 Adventures Of Four Young Men And A Boat.”

  • By: Paul Doiron
 

National Park Brouhaha

Kennebec Journal: Meeting to discuss the instituting of a national park in the northern half of the state has been postponed.

 

Fish Warning

Portland Press Herald: Updated and abbreviated version of the health warning about eating fish.

 

A Joyful Noise

Ray Cornils will have his own holiday concert.

  • By: Ed Carroll
  • and Andrew Vietze
 

Restoring the Cod

Maine Sunday Telegram: Politics will fight against those who want to protect struggling fish species.

 

Fine Foods

The Stonewall Kitchen factory store is a great place to shop for Christmas gifts. Location: York

  • By: Andrew Vietze
 

Moving Mrs. Day

Journal Tribune: Waterboro selectmen are dealing with the problem of an elderly woman in a sensitive way.

 

Upcountry Justice

Seeing the butt end of a moose come through your windshield is enough to drive anyone to drink.

  • By: John Sheldon
 

Bethel Inn

The upcountry landmark offers hearty fare in a setting at once elegant and casual. Image subjects: Chef Stephen Stone and Mitzi Naples at Bethel Inn Location: Bethel

  • By: Virginia Wright
  • Photography by: Randy Ury
 

Presents for Pop

Shopping for dad. Image subjects: inside the Leather Bench shop

  • Photography by: Greg Morley
 

Gifts for Girls

What to get little girls for Christmas? Here are some ideas. Image subjects: family window shopping on main street

  • Photography by: Greg Morley
 

Great Gift Books

Choosing a perfect Maine book for a friend or family member.

 

Christmas Comes To Town

List of special Christmas festivals.

  • Photography by: Greg Morley
 

Cut Your Own Tree

If you want to cut your own tree, try one of the businesses listed here.

 

Maine for the Holidays

Tips to make your holiday easier.

 

Gifts from the Heart

Giving a gift from the heart can mean a lot to one of Maine’s non-profit organizations.

 

Toys for Boys

Here are some ideas to help you find the right gift for the boys on your Christmas list. Image subjects: boy inside shop looking over a toy

  • Photography by: Greg Morley
 

To Mom, From Maine

Where to find something special for mom for Christmas.

 

A Season of Shows

A sampling of some of the hottest holiday performances offered this season.

 

Season’s Eatings

List of Maine restaurants that have made a name for themselves.

 

Super Stocking Stuffers

Great ideas for stocking stuffers. What and where to get them. Image subjects: inside the Stonewall Kitchen store

  • Photography by: Greg Morley
 

All Quiet in Kingfield

Horse pulling a plow in the snow in front of the Universalist church in Kingfield circa 1850. Location: Kingfield

  • By: Ellen MacDonald Ward
  • Photography by: Charles G. Wilson