In Maine we’re entering the reflective season, the time of year when weather conditions nudge us indoors. Readers will turn to their books; those with a bent for history or crafts or cooking will head for libraries, workshops or kitchens. If you’re into civic engagement you’re watching local government or the legislature. The pace along Maine’s coast and islands doesn’t slacken one bit — the activities merely change location.
While there’s no shortage of news in this two-month issue of Working Waterfront, we’ve also chosen to stress one theme — books — with an extra dose of reviews at the back. And at the front we have featured a profile of a Maine author whose prominence dates to the mid-20th century, but which endures to this day.
Literature is only one part of our seasonal picture, however. In this issue you’ll find a profile of a family that has owned a pier on Portland’s commercial waterfront for more than two centuries. It’s the second time we’ve asked the Poole family for their thoughts on the waterfront, in fact; 14 years ago we did much the same thing in the wake of a debate over the waterfront’s future, and this time — as Portland moves toward a long awaited decision on Maine State Pier — we’ve turned again to the Pooles for their long view.
The schools are in session at this time of year, of course, and one group of Maine students invited us along (in a story, at least) on its trip to Newport, Mystic Seaport and the New York Yacht Club to research the connections between Deer Isle and the America’s Cup.
But in the end it’s the news we’re all about here, and this time it includes what’s happening to working waterfronts the length of the coast. Indirectly at least, Portland voters have spoken about the Maine State Pier, while citizens in Camden and Wiscasset have made their feelings known about local projects in those towns. Statewide — and this is very good news — voters passed another bond issue to provide funding for further efforts to enhance Mainers’ access to their working coast.
A reflective season, to be sure, but one with plenty of action as well.