Where in Maine?
The location of the lovely picture in the January’s “Where in Maine?” is Jim’s Smelt Camp on the Cathance River in Bowdoinham. The river is tidal and just around the corner from Merrymeeting Bay, a tidal estuary. The center of town is just beyond the smelt shacks where you’ll find a country store, G & G Auto, and a great little country restaurant with great pie, named the Town Landing. Bowdoinham is a wonderful town with rural character yet only fifteen minutes from Topsham and Brunswick for eats, entertainment, and the necessary household stuff.
—Charles Lopez
Bowdoinham, Maine

I do believe the “Where in Maine?” is Jim’s Smelt Camp on the Cathance River in Bowdoinham, formerly known as Little Fish. Fact is, Jim also runs a small marina on the downriver side of the green bridge that spans the bend in the Cathance. This hot spot will always remain a favorite pastime of three generations of my family. I can remember when I used to be able to fill a five-gallon pail in the tide with a good run. Fishing that good would keep David Cronk [the January issue cover model] knee-deep in mud for a while. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been able to fish there and sure miss the good folks that run it and the friendly people at the Town Landing restaurant and the Towne Market across the tracks — and just a two minute walk from the boat ramp. Good fishin’ and keep your lines wet!
—Jeff Williams
Norfolk, Massachusetts and Bowdoin, Maine

The photo is of Jim’s Smelt Camp in Bowdoinham. Driving the bridge over the Cathance River, one used to be able to see a sign, leaning into the reeds: “Parking for Little Fish Only.” It always made me laugh, especially in summer, when the smelt camp was not in evidence.

—Charlotte Agell
Yarmouth, Maine

Real Estate Reveries
I just read the “My Maine” and it brought tears to my eyes. That home belongs to a dear friend of mine who pined for Maine herself for years and finally found this residence on Littlejohn Island. Less than two years after buying, her husband’s job was moved to New Jersey. As a longtime resident of Yarmouth, I can attest to the amazing lifestyle and wonderful schools. It’s not a place that’s easy to leave.
—Joi Rand Kressbach
Yarmouth, Maine

What fun it was to read Jon Reiner’s “My Maine.” Having grown up in Philadelphia, but spending summers at camp on Sebago Lake, I also had a great desire to spend my life in Maine. I lived for those summers of hearing the pines whisper in the wind, listening to the loons’ call, loving the beautiful body of water in front of me, and life always so peaceful. Then there is the beauty and smell of the ocean and charming harbor towns. Maine has all that and so much more. I thought Maine would only be two-week summer vacations after that, but, lo and behold, my husband found a job in New Hampshire. I’m so lucky! I do read and devour Down East and spend so much time in the real estate section as well. While enjoying the magazine, I’m transported back to Maine. It still calls to me. Our daughter now resides in Maine, so a piece of me did get there!
—Pat Dugger
Westmoreland, New Hampshire