SWAN’S ISLAND — Whether it’s a wedding, reunion or holiday celebration, photographers often struggle to get all the key family members in their shots. Imagine how hard it was for Miranda Battiste to capture the family that is the island’s year-round population. By most measures, Batiste succeeded. Not only are the images—as evidenced by those
Wood heat welcome as an old friend
It’s nearly impossible to disagree about anything of consequence when settled comfortably near a companionable wood fire. We live in a big three-story house right in the village. It was built around 1850 as a Greek Revival—but without the pilasters. Not long after, a two-story kitchen wing was added on the north side, 16 feet
Beacon and bell, significant to fishermen, to be restored
ISLE AU HAUT — When the town took over ownership of Isle au Haut Light in 1998, the selectmen made a pledge to residents never to use taxpayer money in its upkeep. The town formed a lighthouse committee that raised $62,000 for a restoration of the lighthouse tower that was completed in June 1999. Sixteen
Small island schools get creative for phys ed
OK, now squats with our arms up! Let’s count down”¦ 20″¦19…18…17″¦ Straight arms! Pretend like you’re sitting in a chair. Early on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in a few island schools along the coast, the video conference meeting ring comes through, lights flicker on, and faces showing varying degrees of sleepiness come into focus on
Marketing lobster, restoring old ships and the winter of 1914
Waterfronts and those coastal towns that bustle with visitors in the summer tend to go quiet after the new year dawns. But that doesn’t mean decisions affecting those waterfronts and towns aren’t being made. In banks, in local and state government meeting rooms, and around conference tables at nonprofits, things are happening. The effort to
On Swan’s Island, conserving land could mean economic problems
SWAN’S ISLAND — Most everyone can agree that habitat and wildlife protection is a good thing. But converting private lands into conservation property can potentially benefit and hurt the larger community. It can mean that undeveloped land, formerly in private hands, is now open to the general public to enjoy. But it can also mean
Managing expectations: Working waterfront towns warn newcomers about sounds, sights, smells
Residents of active coastal fishing communities want newcomers—or potential newcomers—to get real. Yes, coastal communities are picturesque, with sweet houses clustered on rocky shores. And yes, the ocean is stunning and the salt air is invigorating and the pace of life is calmer than in the cities. But coastal communities are not Fantasy Island. They
Portland promotes cigarette butt recycling to make downtown friendlier
PORTLAND — Mike Roylos is old enough to remember when offices, restaurants and other businesses featured strategically placed ashtrays. Though they were filthy and smelly, often holding a still-smoldering cigarette, they served a purpose. Today, ashtrays are long gone. Smoking rates are down, and those who do smoke, must do so outside those offices and
Tightening Maine’s connection to the high seas
Maine’s coast and islands and their relationship to the sea are something we return to again and again as we think about improving the region’s economic plight. In an era when many are more focused on links of the digital variety, we sometimes forget about the role the sea has played, and will play again,
On the islands, past and present flow back and forth
Until recently, my vision of historical research consisted of a pile of dusty books, a cup of coffee and a comfy chair tucked away in the marble halls of the Wisconsin State Historical Society. Then, I came to the Cranberry Isles. As an Island Institute Fellow, my project is to work with the Great Cranberry