MTK1L 1945-46 Twenty-Five Cents

fARV JiaJe ©utecuu.

(A privately supported, state-wide, non-partisan, non-profit organization for the promotion and development of Maine's agricultural, industrial and recreational resources). 1945-46 WINTER 1945-46

J h 7 1 “ < = }**«•: P age That Hardy Perennial, Christmas Robert P. Tristram Coffin 3 Maine's Colleges Look A head ... Charles F. Phillips 7 Winter Time’s the Be s t ...... Dorothy Downes 11 Y uletide Cheer and Purple Shirts .. Helen Hamlin 14 From My Window ...... William L. Robbins 17 Chinooks: Maine’s Own Breed of Dogs Owen M. Smith 20 Maine Communities: Norway and South Paris . .. Richard A. Hebert 25 Famous Maine Rec ip e s...... June L. Maxfield 29 The Making of Maine 4. Union Mutual Life Insurance Company L. Russell Blanchard 32 Around the Cracker Ba r r e l ...... 36 Cultural Ma i n e ...... Inside Back Cover Cover Design and Art Copy by Walter Johnson

THE PINE CONE WINTER, 1945-46 VOL. I, NO. 4

Published Quarterly by THE STATE OF MAINE PUBLICITY BUREAU FORTLAND • YORK CORNER • BANGOR • NEW YORK Main Office: 3 St. John St., Portland 4, Maine

GUY P. BUTLER „■ RICHARD A. HEBERT Executive Manager Editorial Manager PINE CONE SUBSCRIPTION: $1 A YEAR (Printed in Maine on Maine-made Paper) That Hardy Perennial, Christmas

By Robert P. Tristram Coffin An essay from “ Mainstays of Maine” (MacMillan) reprinted by kind permission of the publishers and the famous Maine poet and author.

HRISTMAS is the oldest peren­ the right shapes and sizes in trees. Cnial, maybe, the human race has. They can’t climb as well as their sons. It has outlasted all the hardiest So they let their sons—or their ones perennials in the world, including borrowed for the day—take the sharp phlox and sunflowers. Chances are, axe and go after greens. it will be here when even democracy Christmas has always been green. and the common man are with the do­ It took over that color early from the do and the Hittites, and uncommon Druids. And the Druids knew what seraphs of light run the dynamos of the color of the life everlasting was. reformed man. It was the color of the holly, “ that is This holiday has outlasted them all greenest when the groves are bare.” except May Day because it is built The pagan god of the woods was wise squarely on four foundations of hap­ enough to hitch his go-cart to the piness: They are children, the color Christmas feast the minute it came of the forest, songs, and fine food. to Northei’n Europe. And the Great In that order. You can’t leave out God Green has lasted for that reason. a single one of these foundations for The woods love to come indoors once your Christmas this year. War is no a year, when the snow is deep out­ excuse. You must have them all. doors, and enjoy the man-made sun on And luckily they are not so hard to the hearth. find. Maybe food will be the hardest. So send out the boys to get your But we still have a fair chance of get­ tree. Even if you have to send them ting some in our country. to the store for it. They will get There are plenty children left, and something green and good for them we ought to be thankful for them. by bringing it home on their shoul­ For they come first on every Christ­ ders. If you live in the smaller towns, mas list. Of course, it is nice if they the boys can go out and cut the tree are your own. But people who haven’t for themselves and enter Christmas any at all—or haven’t any left in in the best fashion. A boy of nine their own houses—can always borrow grows three inches in the act. He from their neighbors. They are one holds his breath and walks around a of the household necessities easier to hundred trees till he finds the right borrow than salt or a pint measure. one. Then he fells it and comes home So you have no excuse for not having wading the snow, deep in the life a set of small dresses and trousers everlasting to his blue or brown or sweeping the dust off your plush black eyes. And the stars coming out chairs at Yuletime. The supply of early in the fields of the sky are no hungry and practically bottomless match for his eyes. small boys and bright-eyed little girls is unlimited. You go over and bor­ But once the tree and the green row some next door. boughs are delivered at the house, the girls take over. The boys’ work ends For you need children to bring you with their fixing a base for the tree. the next necessary item—the forest. Maybe it is a backless chair turned Not the whole woods, to be sure, but legs up, or a wastepaper basket a good green part of it. Most fa­ weighted down. But the boys’ job thers by the time they have children ends there. Let the girls fall too. are too stiff in the joints to go and Girls know better than boys where to fetch in the Christmas tree and the place the tree and the boughs and fir boughs. And their eyes are not make the room, for this one night in what they used to be at picking out the year, the ancient forest we used

WINTER, 1945-46 3 to live in when we all wore skins or All grownups will remember the whiskers and heard the old wolves words to at least ten. There are more baying the moon outside our cave. good green Yule songs than songs for Girls have the Christmas touch. any other feast on earth. And as they They can run you up an oasis of all are about the birth of a child and palms out of balsam on the mantel about cows and barnyards—those and make a place for the Wisemen hardy perennials that never go out of to kneel and give their gifts to the date—they are all bound to be good. Holy Child. They can cut the Child And the beauty of it all is that you out of paper, if no small dolls are don’t have to be able to sing very around. And the Wisemen, too. well. Not at Christmas. It is the To people who object to taking hour of amateurs, and green boughs young children into Christmas part­ and night and the stars cover over a nership, when they are supposed to man’s incapacity to hit high C or even believe still that Santa Claus does it to carry a tune far. I say night and all, I can say they are talking a lot the stars, for every good Christmas of nonsense. The veriest believer of song-time ought to overflow on the a boy no taller than a man’s lowest streets of the town and under neigh­ rib will believe all the harder in the bors’ windows and make the welkin Christmas Saint if he is allowed to ring. If candles are blacked out at trim up the house for his coming. our windows, there is no law against What better way to belief is there our letting Christmas go in at the ears. than laying a green carpet for the And darkened streets invite the use mysterious feet that come in the night of lanterns. So that puts the Christ­ to bring gifts? mas celebration right back where it All hands, boys and girls, should began, among sweet-breathed kine have a part in trimming the tree. getting their fodder by taperlight and And they don’t ueed tinsel or the lamplight. spangles that were so plentiful before The Christmas food comes last. the war. Popcorn strings are better But it is also mighty important. Es­ than glass or tinsel, and the popcorn pecially if the children you have bor­ has a good smell on balsam which rowed wear forked clothes and are boughten decorations never had. And growing at the rate of an inch per they look more like snow. Popcorn boy-hour! Such children take a lot balls there must be. The woman of of food at Christmas time. the house can pour on the melted but­ Bulk and flavor are the essential ter and molasses, and all the children things, though looks are pretty vital, can press the balls into shape and get too. I mean a goose is better than stuck right onto Christmas hard and the more expensive and fashionable taste Christmas when they lick their turkey. A goose sends a more heaven­ paws. If mother, or the lady who is ly fragrance through all the rooms of playing the part pro tern, can run up a house. And he takes a better brown a batch of peanut and popcorn brit­ in the oven and looks handsomer tle, now that she has her hands in the flanked by baked potatoes. He is also molasses anyway, so much brighter more traditional, having come down for the eyes of the boys and girls. from our ancestral Europe and cen­ The presents can be homemade, too. turies when the turkey was a wild Little boys would rather have one cart dream on the other side of the world, with spool wheels than a dozen ma­ and no one dreamed of his being good chines that wind up with a key and to eat. A roast goose tastes about ten break down always before Christmas times better, too. He has more fat Day is half over. Rag dolls still feel on him, and he has lived a jollier life best to young mothers. And if the older than the snobbish turkey. These children can take part in making one things count. another’s gifts, so much the greener So let it be goose. And stuff him will the Christmas be. with mouldy breadcrumbs sprinkled with sage until he is of heroic size T he songs will come easy. Every and a third larger than life. Keep child in the world knows two or three. the stuffing dry, as a foil to the rich And the more children you get to­ giblet gravy. It is the marriage of gether, the more songs will multiply. dry and moist which makes a goose

4 THE PINE CONE dinner the peak of all dinners.. For trees I am sure the Abenakis planted. another thing;, you ran show the chil­ They were very small and tough and dren what kind of Winter it is going sharp crabapples that grow wild in to be by the goose’s breastbone. And Maine pastures, turn deep red when I never knew a turkey to have such an the frost hits them, and have a taste interest in meterology! Yes, a goose like the smell of a wild Rose of it must be. And turnip mashed and Sharon and Western Hemisphere Ce­ peppered brown, and cranberry jelly, dars of Lebanon. made in star-shaped moulds in sym­ If you can’t get that kind of ap­ pathy with the Star in the East, a ples, others will have to do. But you whole star for every last boy and girl, must cast your pudding big and boil and two or three for father—whose it in a pail set in hot water inside a ceiling for cranberry jelly is prac­ giant iron kettle. You start with a tically infinity. The cranberries are pint of flour, a teaspoon of cream of another foil—a flavor sharp as the tartar and a half teaspoon of salera- new moon to cut through the full tus. You sift the flour and knead in­ moon of the fat of the roasted goose. to it a teaspoonful of lard with your And of course, being red, cranberry loving hands. Then comes the milk jelly goes perfectly with all the greens —old milk with the suggestion of of the season in boughs and boys and souring. Stir this in. You slice the piping shrill voices. apples thin as rose petals and insinu­ If you cannot afford a goose, then ate them into the mass gradually. three fat ducks will have to do. They Dash in half a teaspoon of salt, a must be baked and stuffed the same thin powder of cinnamon, and three way, only with a little more moisture mystic drops of vanilla. Grease a in the stuffing. And all thi'ee ducks large lard-pail, put your pudding in, must come to table on the same plat­ cover it, and set it in the kettle. Blow ter. Three ducks add up to one up the fire. (It should be beechwood.) goose, and are essential. For I am Boil your pudding right up and down going on the principle that you have hard for two or three solid hours. at least four of your own children When the pudding is done, turn it plus five of your friends’, or else have out of the pail, rush it to the table, been loaned at least nine by the neigh­ and stand it before the children’s bors. starry eyes. And the man of the house will stand up—this is a man’s But it is really the pudding that work and requires strength and male makes Christmas. It has always been finesse—and lasso the smoking moun­ so, ever since our British forebears tain with a loop of string and slice dyed their bodies blue and sang off slice after slice to the pudding’s Heigh-Ho, the Holly, with the white- base. Mother will pour on a thick bearded Druids beating out the tune lemon sauce, as each hot slab of with a goose’s drumstick. The goose steaming apples and heaven goes by. is just an excuse to work towards the The little girls will nip at it delicately. vital part of the feast. He is just But the little boys will bite into its the appetizer and whetstone to put hot heart, burn their mouths till the the children really on edge. tears flow down, but swallow it as the Now there are puddings and pud­ old Red Indians used to, and they will dings, of course. But my Great-Aunt be on the outside of its glory and Sally’s Plain Apple-Pudding, handed beaming and looking for more before down to my mother, is the only one the girls have barely begun. And that will do. Plain!—that’s a Yankee Christmas will be in them deep! witticism for a thing as subtle and Children, fir balsam, God Rest You wise as the Indians. I think my Merry, Gentlemen, and Plain Apple- Great-Aunt Sally’s pudding came Pudding! These four. These are the from the Abenaki Indians, too. Any­ foundation of the hardy perennial way, the apples for it came from the men call Christmas.

WINTER, 1945-46 5 > r™ ( i i t i l #

e t1 i y Maine Colleges Look Ahead

By Dr. Charles F. Phillips President, Bates College

The Bates Plan, a program of one Maine college to meet the need for well-trained leaders and edu­ cated citizens.

"DATES COLLEGE was founded in and have geared their programs to '1863, at one of the crucial periods meet the great need for well-trained of the Civil War. It was the leaders and educated citizens. As era of hoop skirts and burnsides, part of this looking ahead, this au­ homesteads, and the Indian plains. A tumn at Bates College we have intro­ student entering the college in that duced a program—the Bates Plan, we year probably came from a farm or call it—which aims to equip young a small town, since five-sixths of the men and young women for tomorrow’s entire American population lived in world. these places. This student knew in­ Specifically, the Bates Plan has timately the country store and the three distinct goals. First, to pro­ cracker barrel, town meetings, the vide each student with an understand­ village blacksmith, kerosene lamps. ing and appreciation of the main What background did the student fields of human knowledge; second, to of 1863 have for advanced education? give each student a sequence of lib­ Some came from New England’s eral arts courses that provide the academies; others from the Little Red foundation for a successful career; Schoolhouse and the 3 R’s. What did and, third, to help each student de­ he study in college? The prescribed velop attitudes and abilities without classical curriculum. which no amount of knowledge can But that was at the time of the produce an educated individual. The Civil War—82 years ago. What about Plan must never become an inflexible the freshman of today? Although he program, but must remain one that may come from a farm or small can be constantly adjusted to meet town, probably he comes from one of the conditions of a changing world. New England’s industrialized cities. The broad background that the He is more familiar with “ The Town Plan gives to all students recognizes Meeting of the Air” than with town the value of a liberal education for meetings; with filling stations, ga­ living in the modern world. Whether rages and airports than the village graduates go into the field of science, blacksmith; and with power com­ engineering, law, medicine, business, panies and electricity than kerosene teaching, or homemaking, they live lamps. He has grown up in a world fuller lives, make better citizens, have which emphasizes science, large scale a greater appreciation of human organizations, and which has just values if they have had this basic lib­ emerged from its second world war. eral arts education. Moreover, the For him the classical curriculum of Plan recognizes that man today must 1863 is no longer adequate. make his decisions based upon all the Maine’s colleges have looked ahead factors in any situation. The busi-

-«=— Top, learning by experience. From, the Control Room of the Bates Broadcasting Unit, a student director guides the radio artists and sound effects man. Bottom: A freshman confers ivith a faculty committee which helps him select those courses best related to his career objective.

WINTER, 1945-46 7 Here three students discuss with the Placement Director the opportunities afforded by some specific career.

nessman cannot decide matters of la­ recognizes that a liberal educational bor policy, for example, on business background with a carefully selected or economic considerations alone. He sequence of courses is the best basic must, in addition, take into account training for any life’s work. It also psychological, political, sociological, makes it clear that the college believes and other factors. Through this part it has an obligation to help students of the program, the college hopes to get started on their careers. develop the broad point of view that Finally, the Plan holds that knowl­ is so essential to sound policy-making edge alone is not enough for success­ in any field. ful living and successful careers. The career emphasis set forth as Every possible effort must be made the second goal takes advantage of toward developing those attitudes and the commonly acknowledged fact that abilities without which knowledge may students do best in those things in become a liability to society rather which they are interested—and they than an asset—for example, attitudes are most interested in the things of willingness to work hard, to take which they believe have some value the initiative, to assume social and to them in their future careers. It civic responsibility.

8 THE PINE CONE T he actual procedure in career dent seeks the aid of a committee guidance deserves further mention. made up of experienced faculty mem­ Through a college Placement Bureau, bers. During the second semester of students are given maximum aid in his freshman year, the student meets selecting careers. As a foundation with this committee and lavs out his for a comprehensive guidance pro­ program of study for each of the next gram, each freshman takes a battery three years. In this way, all his of psychological, personality, and vo­ courses can be correlated to give him cational-interest tests. He learns of the preparation he needs for his the requirements for various careers chosen career or graduate school. through a series of lectures given by The last step in the guidance pro­ the Director of Placement together cedure is sound placement following with experts from many fields who graduation. After the close relation­ are brought to the college for this pur­ ship which has continued for four pose. Further progress is made years, the Director of Placement through individual interviews with knows the student intimately and can the Director, as well as with the stu­ judge what type of activity he is best dent’s faculty adviser and department suited for in his chosen field. The head. For those who wish it, the Di­ Director is in touch with opportuni­ rector of Placement undertakes to ar­ ties throughout the Northeastern range for summer employment so that states, and he uses his knowledge of they may have work experience which the student in recommending him to will aid in their ultimate decision openings that are appropriate. about the type of work for which they are fitted. The freshman is then given a se­ In brief, throughout the entire col­ quence of courses—a program of lege program, we are attempting to study—which prepares him upon place the focus not upon the ultimate graduation to enter either the career award of a diploma and a degree, but selected or an appropriate graduate rather upon the years of living to fol­ school, if advanced study is required. low college days and the making of a In developing this program, the stu­ well-rounded, educated citizen.

Nearly six million bushels of Maine potatoes will be shipped to European countries this Winter, mostly through the Port of Portland. New techniques in handling and storing potato cargoes have been developed. * * * #

W ith a $350,000 construction and repair program for the current year being completed, the International Paper Company Mills at Livermore Falls plan to spend an even larger amount for the same purpose in 1946. Several machines will be changed to make a better grade of paper. The company employs 800 men and has a weekly payroll of $40,000. Present orders exceed production. * * * *

Goodall-Sanford, Inc., of Sanford, employing 2,600 workers, has announced an educational scholarship pro­ gram to develop supervisory employes and technicians from employe ranks. Employees selected will be sent each year to a school of their own choosing to study textiles, business administration, techniques or designs. Full tui­ tion and expenses will be provided, in addition to the em­ ployee’s regular salary.

WINTER, 1945-46 9

Winter Time’s The Best

By Dorothy Downes

Maine Winter provides the best fun of all, as those who have known one can testify.

TTI NEVER forget the psychologi­ and the figure-eights, fancy dips and c a l shock I received when my new trick skating of the older boys and roommate, from Texas, said to me: girls was a sight to see. Roswell Pond “ I made a trip to Maine one Sum­ was a busy place during those weeks, mer and it was lovely. But what in especially in the evenings, and the the world do you do up there in the grownups had just as much fun as us wintertime?” youngsters. Since then I’ve found out that a lot On a real cold evening, there were of other people besides her simply always one or more good-sized bon­ have no idea at all of the fun one can fires going near the shore of the pond have in Maine in Winter, especially and in our own group we usually had when there is plenty of snow or when a bag or two of marshmallows to the ponds are frozen over and the toast. Some nights we popped corn skating is magnificent. when the fire had burned down to red To me, wintertime was always the hot embers and perhaps stayed out best, for that was really playtime and quite late, say ten o’clock, especially there was so much going on that the if there were no school the next day. winter season passed all too soon. We could always depend on a real Summer was work time, although of snowstorm, or maybe several together, course there was always a chance for about the third week in November, if fun then, too. not earlier, and then the best fun of Fall, for a good many years—too all started, with sliding down Scott’s few, I realize now—meant the begin­ Hill, which we did every afternoon af­ ning of school term and all, but it was ter school until supper time. Brother really only the gradual approach to Bill, a few year’s older than I, al­ the year’s best days of enjoyment. ways made it a point to shine up the How well I remember, when I was sled runners with emery paper from very young, the thrill that came with Dad’s workshop and by the time the the first snow fall. In our part of snow on the steep hill road was well the State that was usually around the packed down by the dozen or so of us first of November and the ground that were out sliding the sleds fairly had been frozen for several weeks— flew along near the foot of the hill. although I can remember years when the snow came early, say about Octo­ W hen I was a few years older and ber 20; or there were other years went out to play after supper I had when we had a mild, long Fall and my first ride on Tom Daggett’s bob­ we didn’t get any real snow until sled. It would seat six and we all about the first of December. hung on for dear life as it whizzed There were many years when the down the half-mile or so of hill road. ponds were well frozen over by mid- The walk back up the hill seemed November, or slightly earlier, and for much longer then than now, but the several weeks, if the weather stayed ride down seemed to take only a few cold and there was no real snow, the seconds before we had levelled out on skating was something out of this the Marsh Road and went another world. The ice was like glass then good half-mile before stopping. Tom

-<---- The horse-drmvn Ski E x c e s s picks up its passengers outside the Fryeburg railroad station where they have just arrived on a snow train from Portland.

WINTER, 1945-46 11 steered most of the time and took his and Dad hitched up the pung to take responsibilities very seriously, al­ the five of us over there. Blackie had though he would let the other boys a real brass bell hooked to the hames take turns steering, too. buckle and I don’t think I’ve ever As I recall it now, there must have heard sweeter music before or since. been quite a bit of danger to bob­ After the feast, when we reached sledding, since we were travelling so home again long after dark—happy, fast, but we never thought of such tired and full—young dreams played things then. I never took a spill in back the fun, excitement and pleasant all the times I rode on Tom Daggett’s memories of another happy family bob-sled, but of course Tom was a Thanksgiving. I can still see, from good driver and he and his father had the back of the pung, the lights from built the sled themselves. Grammy’s house as Blackie crunched Skiing was not such a popular sport up over Dyer’s Hill and as we went when I was a youngster, although I over the knoll the silver moonlight re­ have since come to enjoy it very much flecting on the snow in the fields .... and believe I have some passable skill In a few weeks it was Christmas at it now. We had a little fun, and there was the sparkling tree in though, on skis which Bill made for the living room to greet us when we himself and me out of oak barrel came downstairs with the first crack staves. He used molasses barrel of dawn. Santa brought my first staves because they were thicker and skates when I was five and they were he could tack on leather toe straps double runners mounted on a thick made from old pieces of harness. He wooden sole. In later years I was old sandpapered them down to a smooth enough for clamp-on skates and still finish and we used them on the small later what a thrill it was to get real slopes in back of the house and had a shoe skates. lot of fun when the snow was packed The sleds then were all of wood down and had a little icy crust. Ski with a metal runner and there was a wax and “ dope” and such were things light sled for me and a bigger, we learned about later on in life when stronger flyer for Bill and was he everything seemed more complicated. pleased! We could hardly wait to get When the snow got quite deep, both finished with breakfast before we were Bill and I had our own snowshoes out in back of the house to get the which Santa Claus brought one runners sharpened up on the crusty Christmas when we were in our early snow. teens. Tracking across the fields to Christmas vacation was always Lucy’s house on a Sunday afternoon, gone before we knew it and on every or putting them to real work use good day a crowd of us would be slid­ when we had to go out during a heavy ing on Scott’s Hill or skating on the snowstorm was a lot of fun. The pond if they had plowed out a good knack of walking with snowshoes is space with the horses. Lucy and easily acquired and I can’t remember Agnes had birthdays a week apart that it was very difficult. Of course during the holiday season and their when we were running and playing mothers always had parties for them, on them and they crossed over we which were sort of neighborhood gath­ would take a tumble in the soft snow, erings for the other mothers and us but that was part of the good time we youngsters. Of course you couldn’t had. keep Bill and Lucy’s brother Jack and some of the other boys away either, T he real winter season seemed to especially since Bill and Jack churned start with Thanksgiving, for it was the ice cream freezer, using rock salt always the last Thursday in the and snow. The boys always played month in those years, and I can re­ around in the barn or made a bi*ief member only one or two years when appearance in the kitchen while the we didn’t have a good covering of parties were going on, until the sun snow for Thanksgiving. went down and it started to get cold. Until I was 15 we always went over Then they would come in for a piece to Grammy Downes’ for Thanksgiving of birthday cake and ice cream and dinner. That was about five miles soon afterwards all would start for from our house on the county road home with sisters or mothers.

12 THE PINE CONE January and February were al­ made it easy to travel many miles to ways busy months and the snow was reach the best snow slopes and winter plenty deep for skiing and toboggan­ sports centers. I never heard any­ ing, which were growing more popu­ body call it “ winter sports” then—I lar every year. Grange suppers, guess it was just our accepted way of birthday parties and an occasional life. But I do know that back in the trip into the city for shopping and country districts the youngsters still movies made the time fly. In Feb­ have as much fun, if not more, than ruary there was Lincoln’s Birthday, we did. True, sleighing is not as Valentine’s Day, when each year we common now that most of the roads took turns having a party in our are kept plowed, but back in the coun­ homes, and then a sort of Winter’s try roads there’s still a thrill in rid­ climax, Washington’s Birthday. ing a pung and sleighbells still make The night before was Tarbucket music. Night and the older boys would pre­ Besides there’s a new sport now, pare for it days in advance, hauling skijoring behind a fancy stepping old barrels, sleighs, brush, old logs and horse. Skiing has become an art, with what have you down to the open field almost a new language of its own, yet near Roswell’s Pond. Most years there are few thrills keener than mak­ there was good skating, if the snow ing a skillful downhill run over an in­ was not too deep to plow away, and teresting course. Snowshoeing is still the whole town, young and old, turned wonderful exercise, but one can take out to see the giant bonfire and toast longer treks now and know that a car, marshmallows and hot dogs at dozens a thermos of coffee or a blazing fire­ of smaller fires. place will be waiting at the end of Crack-the-whip (the skating version the hike. Skating, too, has taken a of the conga line, I suppose), dancing fancier turn, with some of the young­ on skates to gramaphone music and sters today executing twists, turns just plain skimming around with a and hops that would have been in partner while some of the older boys the “expert” class a few years ago. showed off by darting in and out Organized winter sports classes in the among the throng of skaters made schools have done wonders to bring the scene unforgettable. the youngsters of today perhaps The next day, Washington’s Birth­ greater fun and thrills than their day, there were school skating and parents knew in wintertime playing. snowshoeing and skiing contests, with Then, too, there are outing clubs, prizes put up by the local merchants. ski huts, lodges with roaring fireplaces We girls didn’t take part in the con­ and all the congenial companionship tests, but it was fun to cheer and and new acquaintanceships of resort whoop it up, especially when one of inns and hotels where the entire fam­ our own boys beat the show offs. A ily can take winter vacations and have dance in the Grange Hall that night both fun and comfort. And we can topped off the celebration and when expect all such trends and develop­ I was old enough to go and take part ments to multiply many fold in the in both the old fashioned and modern years immediately ahead. dances I knew I had grown up. It’s a far cry to the simple joys we had in Winter when I was younger, W inter sports have come a long but I wouldn’t care to argue that it’s way in Maine since those early days not a better set up. To me winter­ —not really so many years ago—and time in Maine was—and still is—the the automobile and plowed roads have best fun of the year!

WINTER, 1945-46 13 Yuletide Cheer and Purple Shirts

By Helen Hamlin

A “different” Maine Christmas story by the young author whose “ Nine Mile Bridge”, an account of life with her game warden husband, Curly, in the northern Maine wilderness, is one of the best Maine sellers of the past year.

HRISTMAS morning was bright ored mukluks with brown spots on Cand sunshiny. Frost glimmered them. I set them to soak in a pail of and sparkled under sunlight, and water to soften them, and started frost encrusted window panes spar­ making pies for dinner. Curly kept kled in the brightness. Curly had been strutting around in his purplish shirt, up early lighting buth fires in the getting in the way. cook stove and the bulldog stove, and “ Gee Pooie, where did you ever get I heard him rummaging among the it?” parcels we had piled up on the desk. “ At" Chuinards in St. Pamphile,” I “ No fair peeking till I get up,” I said. “ It was the only one of its called. kind.” “ You’d better get up then,” he said, “ Gee Pooie, it sure is a swell blue “ I’ve found two neckties already.” color.” I jumped out of bed onto the cold “ It’s not blue. It’s purple.” floor and went out into the warm “ Purple! Holy old Mackinaw. I kitchen. The little tree we had deco­ can’t wear a purple shirt. It’s blue, rated looked quite gay in the small isn’t it?” he pleaded. room. Luckily the road wasn’t closed “ No, it’s purple.” yet and we had been able to get our mail. We had quite an array of curi­ T he telephone rang two long and ous looking packages piled under the a short and I answered it. Anna tree. When Curly went out for two wanted us to come up to Churchill for pails of water he called to me to come dinner. The Bridges and the Druins out and see the partridge. and Mr. Tarr and Miss Colson were We had seven of them in the door- to be there. yard that morning. Two of them “ What can I bring?” I asked. “ I were perched in the bare tree in front have two pies in the oven.” of the cabin while the others were “ We have plenty, but you can bring huddled around the porch. They what you want to,” Anna said. looked forlorn and lonesome in the “ We’ll be there.” white snow and they watched us with “ Where?” Curly asked. beady, unafraid eyes. I emptied the “ Churchill, up to Deblois’. Anna bread jar for them and added the few wants us to come up to dinner. We’ll pieces of johnny cake we had left over wait for the pies and then get start­ from the night before. The partridge ed.” scuttled away when we thi*ew it out We snowshoed out to the main road to them but after we were back in the where we left our car. Two other camp we could watch them pecking cars had gone by since that morning away at the crusts. and we knew the Bridges and Druins I dressed hurriedly in my slacks were ahead of us. It was bright and and shirt so we could unwrap what crisp outdoors, and although the ther- Santa had brought. Curly had only mometor registered twenty below it two neckties this time, but he had a didn’t seem cold because the air was purplish woolen shirt with a greenish dry and crackling. The trees and grey plaid, an elegant Canadian hills were veritable Christmas cards dream. We had some badly needed with the blue, blue background of sky sheets and dish towels, and Curly pre­ and the sunny sparkle on the snow. sented me with a pair of cream col­ Curly drove along gingerly.

14 THE PINE CONE “ One more storm will close the had her best china out. There were road.” pork roasts and chicken, mashed po­ He shifted into second to climb the tatoes, gravy, Harvard beets, squash, long hill. The old deserted lumber molded salads, raised rolls, and cakes camps along the road looked quite and pies. Joe Deblois brought out cozy under their heavy blanket of glasses of golden dandelion wine for snow. It took us an hour to drive the everyone. ten miles to Churchill. We stopped “ Mange! Eat!” at Giguare’s cabin to see their Christ­ Mrs. Deblois’ cheeks were pink mas tree and the new sleds the young­ from the heat of the stove. None of sters had. All of them were outfitted us had to be coaxed. The children with new boots and mittens too. noisely settled themselves at the table “ Merry Christmas!” Joe Giguare while we established a plate filling shouted, “ Come in, come in. I got some brigade for them. The food was de­ potato wine. I make it last year!” licious and we ate until we were Mrs. Giguare poured us a small stuffed. glass of the clear potato wine. “ This is the last time this Winter “Mon Dieu!" she exclaimed in I’ll get any cake like this,” Curly said French. “ See Curly’s shirt!” with his mouth full. “ Don’t forget “ By damn m e'” Joe said, “ I al­ to get some eggs, Pooie.” ways want a blue shirt like that!” “ I have six dozen for you,” Mrs. “ It’s purple,” I said. Paquet said. “Mais oui,” Mrs. Giguare said, “ It’s going to snow for sure,” com­ “ C’est violette” mented Louie. The potato wine was cold and dry “ Did you bring your records, Mrs. tasting. Bridges?” Anna called from the other On our way to the boarding house end of the table. of the Deblois’ we met Mrs. Paquet “ Yes, sir, I sure did. Going to sa­ with two huge thickly frosted cakes. shay up and sashay down once more “ Merry Christmas!” Curly nearly this year. Won’t get in here again went off the road. “ One cake for me this Winter.” and one for the rest of the gang!” “ All right if you can eat it all,” W ith dinner over we washed dishes. Mrs. Paquet laughed. “ Come give me Narciss had the phonograph going a hand with these. Louie is bringing and was dancing Mrs. Deblois around over some gravy.” the kitchen, dodging the stove and the wood box. E verybody was in the kitchen at “ Have to kiss the cook!” Narciss the boarding house. shouted. “ Come on, Bridgie.” “ Merry Christmas!” they shouted. “ We’ll all kiss the cook!” Bridgie “Joyeuse Noel!” Narciss Drum yelled. “ Come on, Curly, come on, roared. “ See the blue shirt Santa Louie!” Claus bring to Curly!” “Non, non!” Mrs. Deblois protested, “ It’s red,” Bridgie said. blushing furiously, but she was “ It’s purple!” Mooney laughed. soundly kissed just the same. “ God’s sake, Bridgie, can’t you tell We had time to dance one “ Lady of the difference between red and pur­ the Lake” and a “ Dive and Six” be­ ple?” fore we noticed the snow. Joe Deblois was the only man there “ Here it is,” Bridgie said. “ Better who wasn’t color blind. get your coat, Mooney, we’ll have to “ He’s purple,” Joe. affirmed. “ I hurry with forty-five miles ahead of never see a pui-ple shirt.” us.” Anna and Mrs. Deblois already had Everybody got ready to leave. This the table set. was the storm that would close the “ Someone ring the gong,” Anna road. The Bridges didn’t linger as said, “ and bring the children in.” they had the farthest to go. I grabbed for the big spoon. “ Be sure you call us on the phone,” “ I’ve always wanted to ring that Anna said to them, “ so we’ll know if thing. Let me do it!” you got there.” A feast was laid out on the long The Druins and Mr. Tarr and Miss table in the kitchen and Mrs. Deblois Colson left next, and Curly and I

WINTER, 1945-46 15 weren’t far behind them. Mrs. Pa- Curly pumped up the gasoline lantern quet brought over our eggs and a and I tux-ned on the radio. large mysterious looking package. “ Are we going to eat?” Curly “ It’s for you, Curly,” she whispered. asked. “ They didn’t eat it all.” “ What!” I almost shouted. “ Holy smokes! Thanks!” Curly “ Well, we can eat the cake,” he nearly burst. We said goodby to all SU^GSt6d. of them. “ And coffee,” I added. “ Mooney “ See you next May,” I shouted, should call in an hour or two.” “ Merry Christmas!” “ Ummm.” Curly gingerly un­ It was dark and snowing heavily wrapped his cake and stuck his finger by the time we parked the car in the in the frosting. garage at the main road and strapped We were warm and cozy when we on our snowshoes to go into camp. got the fires going again, and it was All we could see was the white blur vei’y quiet outside, a deep, peaceful, of the trail ahead of us. It was Christmas quiet. There was no frost warmer now and the world seemed to on the window panes and we could see have closed in around us. The cabin the soft white flakes of snow piling up was still warm when we got inside. on the outside sills.

Former Gov. William Tudor Gardiner, back from a bril­ liant service record overseas, highlighted by an important role in the sux-render of Italy, has been appointed to the Maine Aei'onautics Commission, which is building up an adequate aviation program for the Pine Tree State. In­ terest of smaller communities in developing airport facili­ ties is greatly accelerating and a widespread expansion during 1946 is anticipated.

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Gathering of sea moss is a new Maine seashore indus­ try and moi’e than half a million pounds were bought and processed by Marine Gi’owths, Inc., managed by Elroy Johnson of Bailey Island tuna fishing fame. The final derivative of sea moss is used as a stabilizer in dairy prod­ ucts and in many types of pi’ocessed cheese. The demand is large and the supply along the Maine coast seems unlimited. Harvesting season extends fi-om June to Sep­ tember and some moss rakers made as high as $200 a week during the past season.

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Peck’s Department Store in Lewiston has a well- rounded checking service for women shoppers. They can: Pai’k the car in a neai'by lot; park parcels and wraps in the basement; park husbands in the Third Floor Lounge, with plenty of magazines and ash trays. So say the ads.

16 THE PINE CONE / T'DILL and Mrs. Robbins go to New York each year to spend Christmas \-*-*with their children and grandchildren. How the editor and publisher of the Deer Isle Messenger found the Christmas spirit right in the center of the busiest place in the metropolis is unfolded in this editorial sketch. A reprint of his first book of sketches, “From My Window" is now ready and another edition is underway. Our thanks to Bill for permitting us to use this sketch).

GRAND CENTRAL STATION ■^"OWHERE, I think, would the pulse of this nation be so evident as in Grand Central Station in New York City where, as* in a great heart, the lifeblood of the most marvelous city in the world flows constantly, in and out—now fast, now slow—never ceasing. Mother and I came into the station one afternoon during Christmas week after we had been to the matinee of a grand new musical show, “ Sing Out, Sweet Land”, and with the dear old melodies of this broad land of ours still humming in our memories, we stopped on the balcony, leaned on the stone parapet and looked down on the flow of human life in the concourse below. A long time we stood there and watched the fascinating scene. Like swarms of bees drawn to a hive crowds gathered at the different train gates, disappeared and were gone. Other swarms came out as trains arrived and melted into the crowd. Five o’clock came with the throng of commuters from the offices and stores, going home. Swiftly the personnel changed—new faces drifted into view and were gone—in every direction. Soldiers, navy men, sailors, girls in uniform of all the women’s services, foreign service men. Too many men in uniform went by on crutches or leaning on canes or bore other evidence of battle in­ juries. All were cheerful, though, evidently taking what came to them in stride.

WINTER, 1945-46 17 A sailor boy stopped just beneath us, dropped his heavy duffle bag to the floor and watched the scene for a few minutes. Then as he started away, a neat kick of his foot and a quick jerk of the hand and the bag again rested on his shoulder. Two women in the queer peasant garb of a European country came into the scene, each bearing one end of their odd-looking trunk. Just beneath us they set the trunk down, one sat on it and the other went off dazedly looking for something. All the time as we stood there organ music filled the air, unobtrusive, satisfy­ ing and strange to say not a bit incongruous in a place like that. Said I to Mother, “ Let’s see where it comes from,” and we walked around to the other end of the balcony. There behind a great pillar was the console of the organ, a sweet-faced middle-aged woman was playing the songs and Christmas carols everybody loves. Grouped around her were 15 or 20 men and girls in service uniform happily blending their voices in the familiar tunes. Others in uniform drifted up to look and listen. The organist smiled at them—“ Come in,” she said. As we walked down the stairway to the lower level to take our train the music followed us, coming now from a big pillar, near the foot of the stairs and it softened the whole atmosphere of tHe great place and made it sweeter. As Mother and I took our seats in the train we felt that we had indeed had our ears close to the breast of a great city—of the nation—and the heart beats we listened to are steady and sure and good. If the heart is right the whole body must be sound. Praise God, our nation is just that!

GULLS KNOW BEST HERE is a big flat expanse out there from my window—it’s the frozen T Harbor, and the fresh clean snow with the sun reflecting from it is dazzling to look upon. Almost exactly in the center of the space is a dark blotch, which on examination proves to be made up of a number of smaller spots—as if a giant had given his pepper shaker a sprinkle, just once. One of the specks spreads a set of wings and flies into the air. The others remain motionless. All of a sudden the whole group shivers into action and the air is full of flying gulls, wheeling around and then flying off in the direction the first gull took. Evidently they suspect he knows something and they want to be in on it. Food, probably! and food in these days of ice-covered clam flats and snow covered ground must not be overlooked, wherever it may be found. After a period of apparently aimless flying about one gull goes back and settles to the ice again. Obeying the suggestion the others circle about, ever flying lower and soon the splotch on the Harbor looks exactly as it did before. It is inter­ esting to note that day after day the gulls occupy the same identical spot. Why? Probably because they have warmed it up and it’s more comfortable there. Why they squat on the ice at all is one of the things we humans can’t understand. I suspect, though, it is because they are gulls. If the wind should spring up now and blow a living gale every bird would be in the air, riding in the wind, swirling, swooping and gliding—as eager for the exercise and the excitement of it as a kid with a sled on an icy hill. How they love it.

18 THE PINE CONE NEW SNOW T snowed last night. There was not a breath of wind and the light feathery Iflakes settled on every branch and twig and bough and piled up and up until even the slenderest had a deep burden of the pristine element. I came down the lane just as the first tinge of dawn appeared in the east. There was a ghostly eeriness all about—an unearthly light from the white-laden branches of the bushes and the trees—veritable fairyland it was, and even though I knew that the first breezes would topple the delicate ribbons of snow to earth there was an unrealness about the scene that made me feel as if I was in a world not of this world.

Out of the feathery lacework of the bushes the evergreen trees arose, with dark trunks and brush showing through the masses of white on their heavy, thick branches. Along the road the telegraph wires were massive and gleaming white as they dipped and rose from pole to pole. As the daylight came the scene was even more marvelous as the full beauty of the countryside was revealed. Then the breeze came and the snow disappeared from the windward side of the bushes and trees and gradually the dark tracery of the twigs and branches returned to their winter normalcy. But we had had a picture that only God can paint and that only we who live in this climate can see and enjoy.

Commander Donald B. MacMillan is readying his schooner “ Bowdoin” for another expedition to Greenland next year. During the war he made an elaborate survey of the area for the Government and named several previ­ ously uncharted islands and fjords after scientist friends. He calls Greenland “ The New Empire of the North”.

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Community Christmas trees and brilliantly lighted shopping section decorations sponsored by merchants re­ turned to the Maine scene this year, along with outdoor- home lighting for the first time since the blackout started. The effect on many Maine communities is the most hearten­ ing since the war began.

WINTER, 1945-46 19 CHINOOKS: MAINE’S By Owen M. S mith Perry Greene of Warren, famous Maine guide, is the world’s only breeder of the famous Chinooks, unexcelled as sled dogs and also highly intelligent and affectionate house companions.

NCE IN A million times—or per­ ever alert for that millionth chance, Ohaps it is ten million—there comes which will bring better fruit, grain, to nature a “ sport” , the remark­ or animals for the benefit of man­ able combination of two individuals kind. which produces a new strain that Right here in New England such breeds true. a combination of outstanding indivi­ Burbank’s knowledge of this duals produced the now famous Chi­ brought the wonder varieties in fruit nook breed of dogs. They are heavier, and flowers. Hybridizers today are stronger and tougher-footed than the

20 THE PINE CONE savage, wolf-like huskies of the Arctic Other Chinook qualities also were North. And yet in the home they are put to the test in the rugged, 502-mile gentle, friendly and affectionate, for trip. Friendliness, “gentlemanly” con­ there is no husky blood anywhere in duct in the face of all manner of dis­ their makeup. tracting temptation, strict obedience When Perry Greene, famous Maine to every command both in the midst guide and world’s champion wood of city crowds and on the lonely, wind­ chopper, drove his seven-dog team of swept country reaches—these were Chinooks from Fort Kent to Kittery but a few of the traits exhibited by in February of 1940 he not only com­ the magnificent canines. pleted the longest sled trip ever made Physically, the dogs completed the in the United States, but he estab­ trip in better condition than when lished the stamina and “ heart” of this they started. Weight changes of only unique breed of dogs beyond any a pound or two were registered by shadow of doubt. each Chinook and severally actually

WINTER, 1945-46 21 gained a little poundage from the ex­ hind legs and strike out with their perience. forepaws. They have also been known to pin a man down in an emergency. Performing feats that make them The present stock of Chinooks avei'- the greatest of all sled dogs was noth­ ages about 100 pounds in weight and ing new to the Chinook breed. The will outwork any other breed of dog founder of the breed, old Chinook now extant. himself, had made a great name for himself on Admiral Byrd’s first An­ One lucky boy in Worcester, Mass., tarctic expedition. Later, a seven- is the proud owner of a Chinook. Day dog team of Chinooks hauled four after day the dog hauls his young times their weight, one and one-half master to school either by sled or by tons of cargo, on the 40-mile trek to cart. One day, the boy’s mother has Byrd’s base in Little America. written to Perry Greene, while the Arthur T. Walden of Wonalancet, Chinook was taking the boy to school N. IL, was the first man who first dis­ in the dog cart it was attacked by a covered the gi’eat sled dog qualities big German police dog. When the in the first Chinook. This famous dog terrible fracas was over, the police sled driver, veteran of the Byrd expe­ dog, severely mauled, quit the fight ditions, found in Chinook the combina­ and ran away; but the Chinook was tion he had been seeking for years. still in harness and had not even up­ Strength, endurance and discipline set the cart in which was his terrified were his primary goals in a sled dog young master. and with Chinook he started to de­ Since Arthur Walden first founded velop a breed that would be unique in the breed there have been 28 genera­ the sled dog world. tions of Chinooks—AKC rules require His work was catried on by Mrs. only four generations to establish a Julia Lombard at the Wonalancet- true breed—and it is estimated that Hubbard Kennels and i> was this re­ there are only between 300 and 400 markable woman who first noticed true bred Chinooks alive today. the innate gentility of the Chinooks Twenty-eight of these, comprising the and began selective breeding to ac­ true foundation of stock, are kenneled centuate this characteristic. at the Perry Greene farm on U. S. The genetic composition of the Chi­ Route No. 1 at Warren, Maine, just nook is such a closely held secret that 69 miles east of Portland. only four persons in the world know exactly the blood lines in the dogs’ How Perry Greene acquired own­ make up. These are Mr. Walden, Mrs. ership of the Chinook breeding stock Lombard and Mr. and Mrs. Perry is one of those experiences which keep Greene. people’s faith in each other alive. Of one fact they make no secret. Fourteen years ago, at the age of There is no strain of “ husky” in the 40, and after a varied but exciting Chinook. Most sled dogs in the snow lifetime as a lumberjack, guide, pros­ country have a strain of “husky” or pector, sled dog driver and all round wolf in them. Not so the Chinooks. outdoor man, Perry began to come That’s what makes them valuable not into prominence at guide’s tourna­ only as obedient sled dogs, but makes ments and sportsman’s shows. An ex­ them unequalled as companions and pert with either saw or double-bitted house dogs. axe, he soon established world’s The sight of one of the big Chi­ records in log chopping that have nooks frolicking with little children never since been equalled. is one of the things that amazes the It was at the famous New England person with an average knowledge of Sportsman’s Show, held annually at dogs. True stories of their rescue Boston, that Perry first made friends feats, their “guardian” instincts, their with the Chinooks, then being exhi­ uncommon intelligence and suscepti­ bited by Mrs. Lombard. During the bility to training are legion among slack hours of the morning he would the families who own them. They take the lead dog out for exercise on have never been known to bite a hu­ Boston Common. Perry and that par­ man, according to Perry Greene, but, ticular Chinook were together only a when attacked they will rise on their week the first year, but when he re-

22 THE PINE CONE turned the following year, the dog in­ stantly recognized him and appeared overjoyed at the sight of his friend. For several years at the shows, there was always a reunion between Perry and his Chinook friends, much to the keen interest of Mrs. Lombard, who was grateful to Perry for his sincere interest in the dogs and his assistance with them at the shows. When the time came, in 1940, when Mrs. Lombard wished to be relieved of the responsibility of the Wonalan- cet-Hubbard Kennels and its founda­ tion stock of Chinooks, there was only one person in the world whom she wanted to continue her work and that man was Perry Greene. Today Mrs. Lombard is a periodic visitor at the Greene farm at Warren and keeps a keen interest in the affairs of the unique breed she helped develop over many years.

To keep the breed intact and under strict control, only male and spayed female pups are sold to the public. The going price today is $150 a pup Linda and pal and the demand, of course, exceeds wheels for use over bare ground at the the supply. Purchase applications pull of a lever. A pack bag design have been received from all sections for the dogs to carry mail, food, or of North America, for the fame of the other items also is being made for Chinook has spread far and wide. Perry by a Maine concern. Scientific breeding selections keep a supply of the puppies coming along W hile the war was on, Perry did at a fairly regular rate. his part in the skills he knew best, Some assurance that the puppies working with his educated axes and are going to a good home and will re­ adzes on the wooden ship construc­ ceive the proper care also is a con­ tion in Maine ship yards. He also sideration in the sale of Chinooks, built up a small herd of registered both because of their scarcity and also Ayrshires on his farm and, like so because puppies soon become definite many other Maine people, did double pets with the Greene household. Perry duty in the war effort in both farm­ is able to say, and it doesn’t seem an ing and industry. immodest boast, that every person to Today he has already started on his whom he has sold a Chinook, has de­ postwar projects and has begun con­ veloped into a personal friend and a struction of a 100-foot long log house booster for the breed. In many cases, for use as a showroom for his Chi­ the person who owns one Chinook soon nooks and as a sportsman’s rendez­ is requesting another, for there is vous. All the logs and lumber for something about a pair of them that this and other construction have been is highly desired by people who like cut on his Warren farm and by next dogs, whether it’s the companionship Spring he hopes to have one of the feature or the tremendous amount of showplaces in his section of the State. hauling a two-dog team can do. Perry is also in great demand as a There is also a demand for one- lecturer and recently completed a lec­ dog sleds and Perry has one of his ture tour through Massachusetts, own design, which he is ready to turn Connecticut, New York and Pennsyl­ over to a manufacturer. He also has vania. His treasure of woods lore, worked out a design for a sled which his inexhaustible fund of camping will lift up on small, rubber-tired and fishing stories and his own per-

WINTER, 1945-46 23 gained a little poundage from the ex­ hind legs and strike out with their perience. forepaws. They have also been known to pin a man down in an emergency. Performing feats that make them The present stock of Chinooks aver­ the greatest of all sled dogs was noth­ ages about 100 pounds in weight and ing new to the Chinook breed. The will outwork any other breed of dog founder of the breed, old Chinook now extant. himself, had made a great name for himself on Admiral Byrd’s first An­ One lucky boy in Worcester, Mass., tarctic expedition. Later, a seven- is the proud owner of a Chinook. Day dog team of Chinooks hauled four after day the dog hauls his young times their weight, one and one-half master to school either by sled or by tons of cargo, on the 40-mile trek to cart. One day, the boy’s mother has Byrd’s base in Little America. written to Perry Greene, while the Arthur T. Walden of Wonalancet, Chinook was taking the boy to school N. H., was the first man who first dis­ in the dog cart it was attacked by a covered the great sled dog qualities big German police dog. When the in the first Chinook. This famous dog terrible fracas was over, the police sled driver, veteran of the Byrd expe­ dog, severely mauled, quit the fight ditions, found in Chinook the combina­ and ran away; but the Chinook was tion he had been seeking for years. still in harness and had not even up­ Strength, endurance and discipline set the cart in which was his terrified were his primary goals in a sled dog young master. and with Chinook he started to de­ Since Arthur Walden first founded velop a breed that would be unique in the breed there have been 28 genera­ the sled dog world. tions of Chinooks—AKC rules require His work was catried on by Mrs. only four generations to establish a Julia Lombard at the Wonalancet- true breed—and it is estimated that Hubbard Kennels and it was this re­ there are only between 300 and 400 markable woman who first noticed true bred Chinooks alive today. the innate gentility of the Chinooks Twenty-eight of these, comprising the and began selective breeding to ac­ true foundation of stock, are kenneled centuate this characteristic. at the Perry Greene farm on U. S. The genetic composition of the Chi­ Route No. 1 at Warren, Maine, just nook is such a closely held secret that 69 miles east of Portland. only four persons in the world know exactly the blood lines in the dogs’ How Perry Greene acquired own­ make up. These are Mr. Walden, Mrs. ership of the Chinook breeding stock Lombard and Mr. and Mrs. Perry is one of those experiences which keep Greene. people’s faith in each other alive. Of one fact they make no secret. Fourteen years ago, at the age of There is no strain of “husky” in the 40, and after a varied but exciting Chinook. Most sled dogs in the snow lifetime as a lumberjack, guide, pros­ country have a strain of “husky” or pector, sled dog driver and all round wolf in them. Not so the Chinooks. outdoor man, Perry began to come That’s what makes them valuable not into prominence at guide’s tourna­ only as obedient sled dogs, but makes ments and sportsman’s shows. An ex­ them unequalled as companions and pert with either saw or double-bitted house dogs. axe, he soon established world’s The sight of one of the big Chi­ records in log chopping that have nooks frolicking with little children never since been equalled. is one of the things that amazes the It was at the famous New England person with an average knowledge of Sportsman’s Show, held annually at dogs. True stories of their rescue Boston, that Perry first made friends feats, their “ guardian” instincts, their with the Chinooks, then being exhi­ uncommon intelligence and suscepti­ bited by Mrs. Lombard. During the bility to training are legion among slack hours of the morning he would the families who own them. They take the lead dog out for exercise on have never been known to bite a hu­ Boston Common. Perry and that par­ man, according to Perry Greene, but, ticular Chinook were together only a when attacked they will rise on their week the first year, but when he re-

22 THE PINE CONE turned the following year, the dog in­ stantly recognized him and appeared overjoyed at the sight of his friend. For several years at the shows, there was always a reunion between Perry and his Chinook friends, much to the keen interest of Mrs. Lombard, who was grateful to Perry for his sincere interest in the dogs and his assistance with them at the shows. When the time came, in 1940, when Mrs. Lombard wished to be relieved of the responsibility of the Wonalan- cet-Hubbard Kennels and its founda­ tion stock of Chinooks, there was only one person in the world whom she wanted to continue her work and that man was Perry Greene. Today Mrs. Lombard is a periodic visitor at the Greene farm at Warren and keeps a keen interest in the affairs of the unique breed she helped develop over many years.

To keep the breed intact and under strict control, only male and spayed female pups are sold to the public. The going price today is $150 a pup Linda and pal and the demand, of course, exceeds wheels for use over bare ground at the the supply. Purchase applications pull of a lever. A pack bag design have been received from all sections for the dogs to carry mail, food, or of North America, for the fame of the other items also is being made for Chinook has spread far and wide. Perry by a Maine concern. Scientific breeding selections keep a supply of the puppies coming along W hile the war was on, Perry did at a fairly regular rate. his part in the skills he knew best, Some assurance that the puppies working with his educated axes and ax*e going to a good home and will re­ adzes on the wooden ship construc­ ceive the proper care also is a con­ tion in Maine ship yards. He also sideration in the sale of Chinooks, built up a small herd of registered both because of their scarcity and also Ayrshires on his farm and, like so because puppies soon become definite many other Maine people, did double pets with the Greene household. Perry duty in the war effort in both farm­ is able to say, and it doesn’t seem an ing and industry. immodest boast, that every person to Today he has already started on his whom he has sold a Chinook, has de­ postwar projects and has begun con­ veloped into a personal friend and a struction of a 100-foot long log house booster for the breed. In many cases, for use as a showroom for his Chi­ the person who owns one Chinook soon nooks and as a sportsman’s rendez­ is requesting another, for there is vous. All the logs and lumber for something about a pair of them that this and other construction have been is highly desired by people who like cut on his Warren farm and by next dogs, whether it’s the companionship Spring he hopes to have one of the feature or the tremendous amount of showplaces in his section of the State. hauling a two-dog team can do. Perry is also in great demand as a There is also a demand for one- lecturer and recently completed a lec­ dog sleds and Perry has one of his ture tour through Massachusetts, own design, which he is ready to turn Connecticut, New York and Pennsyl­ over to a manufacturer. He also has vania. His treasure of woods lore, worked out a design for a sled which his inexhaustible fund of camping will lift up on small, rubber-tired and fishing stories and his own per-

WINTER, 1945-46 23 sonal ideals of sportsmanship, plus a and mark it as such for the interest flare for liking other people, make of the tourists and travelers who an­ Perry one of the State of Maine’s nually find Maine the ideal vacation most ardent salesmen. and touring State. There’s a “gleam in his eye”, too. You’ll be seeing Perry and his Chi­ Besides his love for his Chinooks, his nooks if all goes well, at the Sports­ cultivation of purebred Ayrshire man’s Shows this Winter. You may stock, his plans to “ put Warren on the be seeing him at Guides’ Tournaments map”, and his unbounded devotion to and sports shows in Maine next Sum­ boosting the State of Maine, he wants mer. Or you may be lucky enough to to hand something else on to his pos­ hear him tell of the Maine woods on terity. He wants the “ little tykes”— one of his lecture tours. But you can his grandchildren—to have something always have the thrill of visiting him to be proud of. even if it’s just a name and seeing his Chinook dogs almost or an idea. He would like to see the anytime at his farm at Warren, for State of Maine designate the I’oute there the latch string is always out he traversed on his epic Fort Kent to and the welcome mat face up in the Kittery trip as the “ Chinook Trail” , true spirit of Maine hospitality.

24 THE PINE CONE Maine Communities Norway and South Paris By Richard A. Hebert Twin towns of Southern Oxford County, in the grip of a postwar industrial boom, stand on the threshold of great community, industrial and busi­ ness expansion.

TF SOMEONE should ask, “ What is In such a situation, the housing -Mhe busiest, boomiest community in shortage in the area is more than Maine today?” the twin-town area acute; in Norway and South Paris of Norway-South Paris certainly surplus housing is nonexistent. There would rank high on the list and by is no such thing as an available rent several factors would be absolutely and the going prices on homes has in­ on top. creased 50 per cent or more in the Here, on the southeastern fringe of past few years. Business and indus­ Oxford County and only 44 miles trial leaders have begun infoi’mal northwest of Portland, are no less talks on organizing a 50-home con­ than 15 established, hustling indus­ struction project, which they hope to tries, giving employment to approxi­ get underway by next spring. mately 2,500 workers; yet the two towns have an overall population of Biggest industrial development un­ only 7,500 men, women, and children. derway is a $300,000 modern steel, The answer is that many of the work­ concrete and brick plant being built ers come daily to the factories by bus for the Wilner Wood Products Com­ and automobile from a 30-mile and pany in South Paris. Now nearing longer radius. completion, the plant will have the A month ago business and indus­ latest equipment for taking rough logs trial leaders of the two communities in one end and delivering the finished made a survey of employment needs. product, wedge heels for men’s and They found that 675 men and women women’s shoes, out the other. A big workers were needed in the industries saw mill, batteries of dry kilns, wood covered and it was estimated that 600 working machines, etc., will be all in new workers could be given employ­ the process. ment within 30 days, if they were Joseph R. Wilner, president of the available, in industry alone. Such a company, is one of the progressive situation can compare only with the type of manufacturers that have a early days of the war, when workers way of developing in Maine. Coming from all over the Maine countryside to Maine not so many years ago, he flocked to the coastal shipyards. From went into the wood heel and wedgie Norway alone eight buses made three business and now is the largest manu­ trips daily to the South Portland ship­ facturer of that product in the world. yards. More than 400 are now employed in Today the situation is reversed and his present Norway plant, besides buses and automobiles from Mechanic similar operations at Mechanic Falls Falls and Auburn and points north, and Auburn and subsidiary operations south and west bring workers to Nor­ elsewhere, and when the new plant is way and South Paris. Every indus­ completed, shortly after the first of trial manager in the area, based on the year, he hopes to boost his Nor­ orders already on hand or in good way-South Paris employment to prospect, is thinking in terms of em­ around 600. ployment expansion as soon as work­ Besides morning and afternoon rest ers become available and other factors periods, now in effect, the new plant such as tax burdens, price ceilings and also will have various modern facili­ national economic trends are straight­ ties for employees, such as a large ened out. cafeteria. Wilner has a high regard

WINTER, 1945-46 25 for Maine workers, to whom he at­ area of Norway and South Paris than tributes the greatest measure of his any other place in the world. success in the business, and has be­ Wood products and shoes are the come an ardent booster for the State principal industrial output of the two of Maine. His over-capacity of orders towns, but there is also a large tan­ is such that one of his constant activi­ nery, a feldspar plant and severai ties now is to sell out-of-state manu­ large canning plants. facturing friends on the Pine Tree State. T hree basic factors, inherent in all successful Maine industry, seem to be N orway and South Paris can claim exemplified to the highest degree in more “ firsts” and “ only’s” than almost the Norway-South Paris industrial any other community area in the pattern. State. The Town of Paris, of which There is, first, a fundamental “ pride South Paris is a part, has a most un­ of product” , exhibited in the skill and usual historical background and prob­ craftsmanship which go into the ably has contributed more famous men area’s products. It is a spiritual as­ to the world, than any other Maine set which seems to permeate every community. Such men would include working activity from top manage­ Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, ment down to the newest worker. Postmaster General King and the Generally speaking, any item less than Maine Governors during 12 terms in perfect, never goes out as a standard office. From Norway came Sylvanus product. The Novelty Turning Com­ Cobb, Hugh Pendexter, Artemus pany alone produces moi'e than 100 Ward, C. A. Stephens of Youth’s million turnings a year, ranging from Companion fame, Don C. Seitz, asso­ small wooden beads and buttons to ciate of Pulitzer, Mel^e Dunham and irregular shapes for therapeutic pur­ a host of others of artistic, literary poses, yet each item is visually and and public affairs renown. manually inspected before it is The Paris Manufacturing Company shipped. is the largest manufacturer of sleds, Secondly, traditional Maine inge­ skis and winter sports equipment in nuity reaches its peak in the design the world, besides making outdoor and and in some cases the actual building porch furniture, folding chairs, juve­ of machines and devices to make a nile furniture and desks. The Sno- better product, invent a new product, Craft Company at Norway is the or to speed an operation. C. B. Cum­ largest snowshoe manufacturer in the mings and Sons, the dowel makers, world and one of only two in the Unit­ devised their own machines for mul­ ed States. The Novelty Turning tiple automatic dowel turning and cut­ Company was the first to produce ting. Wilner and his associates used wooden golf tees and has manufac­ original ideas in developing their own tured millions of them since the first machinery for wood heel and wedgie design. C. B. Cummings and Sons are work. Paris Manufacturing Company, the largest manufacturers exclusively still going strong after 85 years, de­ of dowels in the world. veloped much of its own machinery, The twin-towns also are located in including an automatic small ski ma­ the center of an area holding the chine and a nine-ton heated press for greatest concentration of rare min­ large skis which enabled them to turn erals and semi-precious stones in the out thousands of pairs for the Army. State and from the nearby hills have Sno-Craft, with its skills in snowshoe, come lumps of tourmaline, garnet, ski and folding sled work, are the only amethyst, aquamarine, and beryl, New England manufacturers of rac­ some of them the largest crystals of ing sulkies, growing more popular their variety ever found in the world. each year with professional horsemen. From Norway also came the “ Pen- The Maine ash used has more spring nesseewassee Bug” , the most famous and strength and the Sno-Craft sulky bass lure ever devised and used in weighs 33 pounds less than the near­ varying styles by bass fishermen all est competitive standard sulky. over the continent. Lumber experts Lastly, and most important, is the in the twin-town area also claim there human relationship factor, where is more pine wood within a 50-mile Maine industry generally has such a

26 THE PINE CONE tremendous rational advantage over der for 7,500,000 cans of baked beans other sections of the Country. Loyal­ with tomato sauce. When the plant ty, tolerance and forebearance of em­ burned down two years ago, a new ployer and employee, each to the oth­ plant, twice as big, was immediately er, manifest themselves in marked de­ erected on the same site. At the peak gree in Norway-South Paris industry of wartime food production, this plant and business. There is a general spirit employed 300 workers, but now is of mutual association for mutual ad­ down to 200. Major production dur­ vancement and progress on all sides. ing the past year included 13 million Labor difficulties have been unknown cans of fig pudding, 18 million cans in the area for more than 20 years of C Ration beans, a million cans of and, while employers are constantly golden corn relish and millions of cans on guard against patronizing, many of creamed corn, baked beans and are the families which have in the beans with tomato sauce. past been helped over rough spots Norway and South Paris are in the through the enlightened consideration center of a large sweet corn area and of the employer. other vegetables also are processed An important industrial develop­ and packed in the twin towns. H. C. ment, especially during the war, has Baxter and Sons has a large plant been the acceptance of women in the there as does the Oxford Pickle Com­ wood working and shoe factories. To­ pany, which keeps busy most of the day nearly 50 per cent of the workers year. in the Norway-South Paris industries At West Paris, a few miles away are women and management is not but part of the general industrial and hesitant to say they have exceeded all business area are the clothespin fac­ expectations. In some “ finger” skills tory of Penley Brothers Company; they have proven more adept than Lewis M. Mann and Sons, which male workers and employers believe makes clothespins and bail handles; they must be regarded as definitely the Oxford Wood and Plastics Com­ in the labor picture from now on. The pany, making shoe parts; the United significance of this fact in the eco­ Feldspar and Mineral Corporation nomic outlook of hundreds of families and a seasonal branch of the Port­ in the area is tremendous. land Packing Company, which packs corn, beans and peas. Back of all these industries are Besides wood products, tanning many jobs too, both in the general and shoe manufacture also loom large area and further away, such as in in the area’s economy. The Paris agriculture, lumbering, saw mills, etc., Tanning Company employs 250 work­ using in the aggregate thousands ers and is operating at capacity pro­ more workers. duction. Additional workers are be­ ing hired every day. Shoe leathers N orway for many years has been from this plant are in demand all over the trading center of the area and the Country and the company is look­ there are nearly 60 stores of various ing forward to foreign markets after kinds in both the Norway and South American demand is eventually sup­ Paris village centers. At least two plied. new business blocks will be built next The Norway Shoe Company, for Spring on Main Street, Norway. Norway has recently revitalized its years one of the town’s industrial Board of Trade and South Paris has mainstays, also looks forward to ex­ pansion when workers are available. organized a Chamber of Commerce. It makes shoes for growing girls, On Jan. 17 these two groups will misses and children. The B. E. Cole jointly sponsor a dinner meeting in Company, which specializes in ladies’ Beal’s Tavern, Norway, at which time possible development of the Norway style shoes, also finds the demand for Airport will be stressed. The mu­ its product greater than the supply. tuality of interest between the two Burnham and Morrill Company, fa­ towns is constantly increasing and is mous packer of Maine food products, being fostered by the business and in­ has a large, modern plant at South dustrial leaders. The Norway-Paris Paris and currently is filling an or­ Kiwanis Club, for example, alternates

WINTER, 1945-46 27 its meetings between the two towns. folks, swap lies and fishing stories The recreation industry also looms and always have on hand a supply of large in the twin-town economic pic­ straight-grained cedar for whittling”. ture, since they are surrounded by Fred W. Sanborn, late noted pub­ scores of lakes and ponds and hills, lisher of the Norway Advertiser- with much rolling countryside all Democrat, and his associates built a around. one-story building for the purpose Lake Pennesseewassee, as beautiful and he left a $10,000 trust fund to today as when first seen by a white support it. man, extends its silvery length of four A development of the country and one-half miles just east of the store and “ around the cracker-barrel” center of Norway village, where it institution, its doors are never locked enters the Little Androscoggin River. and no written rules' or regulations Seven miles south of Norway is Ox­ are necessary. Any day in the year, ford Village, at the northern end of especially in the late afternoon, it is Lake Thompson, famed Northern the rendezvous for the older men of Cumberland County habitat of sal­ the town who sit around and whittle mon, togue and bass. Boys’ and girls’ a bit. When any newcomer gets “ out camps, summer homes and vacation of line” by talking too much, taking a resorts on all these larger lakes and heated stand on politics or telling an lesser ponds more than double the off-color story, he is briefly and sum­ population of the area during at least marily put in his place so hard that six months of the year. Summertime it never happens again. In the trust shoppers also come from as far away fund also is a provision that once a as Bridgton and Harrison, on the year every boy and girl in the town northern side of the Sebago Lake shall be given a bag of hard candy. chain. The biggest annual event in the two Under an efficient town manager, towns, outside of town meeting day, Norway municipal affairs are con­ is the Oxford County Fair, held in stantly improving and town services September and the mecca for fair are in excellent shape. Both Norway lovers from the entire western sec­ and South Paris have modern high tion of the State. Every effort has schools and the school systems rank been made over the years to keep this among the best in the State. An ef­ a real, old fashioned country fair and ficient, well-equipped fire department stress is placed on the agriculture and keeps insurance rates down and both handcraft displays and cattle contests. the approach roads and town roads Dyed-in-the-wool horse fanciers also rate as excellent. The beautiful and have their day and breeding of fine well-equipped Norway Memorial Li­ work and harness horses in the area brary adds to the cultural assets of is still a keen activity as in other the town. years. From every standpoint—industry, One unique Norway institution is business, agriculture and recreation— the Weary Club, right in the center the twin-towns of Norway and South of town, which its founders estab­ Paris seem to be on the threshold of lished as a place for “ tired old men greater developments than they ever to escape the wrath of their women­ experienced before.

28 THE PINE CONE / 9 m t ______

by J u n e L. M a x f ie l d

HE FIRST snows of the year Her formula for cranberry sauce T have fallen, and Maine folks are is: “ Wash well and put a tea-cup of settling down to the overcoat and water to every quart of cranberries. earmuff weather ahead. The lakes of Let them stew about an hour an^ a summertime vacation activities are half, then take up and sweeten abun­ the scene of ice fishing, skating, and dantly. Some strain them through a ice-boating; the valleys and moun­ colander, then sweeten largely and tains of picnic and hike echo the li­ put into molds. To be eaten with quid speed of bob-sled and ski; and fowls.” winding country roads, deserted of As do most l’ecipes of this date and automobile and bicycle, attract those thereabouts, the directions lack exact­ bent on the fun and frostbitten noses ness, so we include a modernized ver­ of an old-fashioned sleigh-ride. sion : As the holiday season nears, the 4 cups cranberries 1 % cups water forest stillness is broken by the ring 2 cups sugar of axes as Christmas trees are cut for Cook cranberries with % cup of family parlors. water until very soft. Press through Christmas-time in Maine means the a sieve. Combine the sugar and re­ reunion of friends and families, the maining % cup of water and cook for warm cheer of neighborliness as tra­ 10 minutes. Add the strained cran­ ditional open house prevails, and . . . berries and cook for 10 minutes as is typical of all Maine festivities longer. Strain again and pour into a . . . good food. moistened mold. Chill. When firm, The holiday dinner, climax of all unmold and serve. Yuletide celebrations, is a ritual in * * * itself . . . the materialization of days, even weeks, of thought, plan and work. Creamed Onions With this in mind we bring you a group of recipes for your Christmas An old-fashioned dish, tender onions menu . . . dishes that will serve as smothered in a creamy, butter-rich worthy accompaniment to the roast white sauce are a popular part of the turkey with “ all the fixin’s”. holiday menu. * * * Wash and peel small ' white onions. Cover with water to Cranberry Sauce w hich % teaspoon salt has been added “ Success in preparing savory meats and cook until tender. depends greatly on the different sauces, and these demand extra care White Sauce in preparation and in flavoring,” said 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour Vi cup milk % cup water in which Catherine E. Beecher in her “ Handy onions were cooked Cookbook”, dated 1874, a section of % teaspoon pepper % teaspoon salt “ The Housekeeping Manual” , com­ Melt butter, add flour and blend. piled by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Gradually add the liquids and stir con­ Maine authoress famous for her stantly until mixture thickens. Add “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. seasonings.

WINTER, 1945-46 29 Wine Sauce Beat eggs, add the suger and beat Worthy of the elegance of the until light. Whip the sour cream and Christmas roast, whether turkey, fold into the egg mixture. Add the chicken, goose, or duck, is this time- raisins, salt, lemon juice and nutmeg and mix thoroughly. Line a pie pan honored garnish. with pastry dough and pour in mix­ 2 tablespoons butter 1/3 cup currant jelly ture. Cover with a top crust and 2 tablespoons lemon 1 tablespoon grated juice orange rind bake in a moderate oven (350° F.) Vi cup port wine for 30 minutes. Melt the jelly and butter in a dou­ * * * ble boiler. Add the rest of the in­ gredients and cook for two minutes. Serve. * * * Dumplings The after-holiday stew or soup Fruit Rolls made from the remnants of the feast is a familiar day-after supper for In the course of the evolution of Maine families, especially well-re­ the biscuit recipe from the cream of ceived when enlivened by light, puffy tartar and soda days to today’s mod­ dumplings. ern version, simplified by means of 3 cups bread or 1 cup scalded milk baking powder, have come many ways cracker crumbs 2 tablespoons butter, of “ dressing up” the basic product. 1 egg, well beaten melted For instance, these fruit rolls will be Salt and pepper Vi teaspoon nutmeg a flavor surprise for your family and Add seasonings, egg and butter to friends: milk and stir in the crumbs, using 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt more or less crumbs so that the dough 5 teaspoons baking 3 tablespoons may be formed into small balls. Add powder shortening % cup milk Cherries, strawberries, balls to the stew and cook about 12 Vi cup melted butter blackberries or other minutes before serving. fruit * * * Sift flour, salt and baking powder together. Work in the shortening with finger tips or pastry blender. Add milk (sufficient for a soft dough). Gingerbread Treats Place on floured board and roll out inch thick. Brush with the melted For added enjoyment on Christmas butter and spread with any desired morning, try hanging these decorated sweetened fruit. Roll up like a jelly gingerbread cookies on your Christ­ roll and cut into pieces about 3 inches mas tree, just as trees were orna­ long. Ends should be pinched to­ mented in the days before candy gether to retain the fruit juice. Bake canes were available. The youngsters in a hot over (425° F.) about 15 min­ will love them, and we’re willing to utes. Rolls should be turned once or bet that the grown-ups will be around twice so that they will brown evenly. for their share of them, too! 1 cup molasses Vi cup butter, melted * * * I tablespoon ginger 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon soda Flour Combine the melted butter, molas­ Holiday Raisin Pie ses and ginger, and mix well. Dis­ Cooks of the old school have long solve the soda in the milk and add to agreed that sour cream or milk is the first mixture. Sift into liquid more satisfactory in most cookery mixture enough flour to make a dough than sweet. Be that as it may, we stiff enough to be rolled. Chill. Roll leave commendation of this pie des­ out to V2-inch thickness. Cut with sert to your judgment. fancy cookie-cutters — gingerbread 2 eggs Pie dough (2 crusts) men, stars, crescents, etc. (your 1 cup sugar 1 cup raisins, chopped doughnut cutter can double for Vi teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup thick sour cream 1 tablespoon lemon Pinch salt cookies, too, if your stock of fancy ju ice cutters is limited). Bake on a greased

30 THE PINE CONE cookie sheet in a moderate oven (350° F.) about 10 minutes. A plain June L. Maxfield, assistant in the white icing, candied fruits and citron, advertising department of the Union raisins and cherries may be used for Mutual Life Insurance Company of decoration. For greater variety, the Portland, Maine, continues the pub­ icing may be divided into several por­ lication of famous old Maine recipes tions and each colored and flavored. originated in the summer issue of this Try red coloring with melted cinna­ magazine. This group is a further se­ mon candies for flavor; green color lection from the large file of historic plus a drop or two of peppermint Maine recipes which the company flavor; yellow color with lemon flavor; possesses. or pink with cherry flavor.

A mong the Maine winter sports centers which, are pre­ paring to resume activities this Winter are Bridgton, Frye- burg, Harrison, Rumford, Andover, Camden, Poland Spring, Rangeley, Sanford, Skowhegan, Presque Isle and Caribou. Portland, Bangor and Waterville also will have municipal programs. The Snow Bowl at Camden is being readied for activity, Poland Spring has installed a new ski tow and toboggan slide, Rangeley will have a new ski tow, Mt. Pleasant at Bridgton has two tow lines in opera­ tion and Presque Isle and Caribou are planning attrac­ tions for the coming Winter. The Boston and Maine Rail­ road is publicizing a snow sports bulletin at North Station and the Maine Development Commission is planning to resume its weekly snow report service. The Maine Pub­ licity Bureau will continue as the focal point for State­ wide “ consumer” information on winter sport conditions, facilities and accommodations.

* * * *

Delegations of Chinese and French shipbuilding tech­ nicians have recently visited the Bath Iron Works to study production methods at that famous Maine plant. William S. Newell, president of the company and president of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, re­ cently called for establishment of a new Cabinet post, that of Secretary of Transportation, and presented a strong six-point program to maintain U. S. naval and merchant ship world preeminence. BIW still is building modern destroyers and also has scheduled some peacetime ship construction.

WINTER, 1945-46 31 IV. The Union Mutual Life Insurance Com­ pany, pioneer in its field, protector of the interests of 75,000 policyholders, nears a century of service with a brilliant record of stability and integrity and an important position in the financial life of the Pine Tree State.

By L. Russkll Blanchard

'T 'H IS IS THE story of the part many years afterward, the business which a life insurance company of life insurance was a pioneering had in the making of the State of venture. But, in a broad sense, they Maine. were still pioneering days for all America. Life insurance was not That life insurance company, the alone. Union Mutual of Portland, began its near century long public service ca­ Incorporated under the laws of the reer in 1848. Today, with policy­ State of Maine, the Company opened BS holders in every State, Union Mutual its first agency in Boston to begin a actively operates in twenty-two, span of uninterrupted operation where, in addition to carrying the which extends to the present day. banner of Maine, it exemplifies the Elisha B. Pratt, prominent insur­ high ideals of New England life in­ ance authority, was elected as Union surance tradition. Mutual’s first president. Under his To the more than 75,000 Union Mu­ aggressive leadership the young com­ tual policyholders located in all of the pany entered a period of nioneering 48 states, Maine men and women rep­ and expansion equalled by few other resent the custodians of funds which institutions. policyholders regularly pay to main­ Historically, Union Mutual was tain aggregate protection of some founded at a time when public unrest $135,000,000. was rampant, and when some popular fancy saw only the discovery and min­ These same men and women are the ing of gold in California as the one custodians, too, of the $37,000,000 of positive way of accumulating money Union Mutual assets which rank it to provide security. Thousands up­ as one of the State’s largest financial on thousands of people struggled on institutions. It is larger than three- toward poverty and heartbreak in the quarters of the life, insurance com­ gold fields but thousands more were panies in the country, and ranks as to realize lasting security because of one of the largest accident and health the faith that regularly prompted companies on the eastern seaboard. them to send life insurance payments It was on the 17th day of July in to a little band of men in Portland, 1848 that the founders of the Union Maine. Mutual, a group of far-sighted, public- spirited men, gathered for the pur­ Elizur Wright, known now as the pose of organization. Then, and for father of legal reserve life insurance,

32 THE PINE CONE was an early actuary of the Com­ pany. This famous man, a rare genius, devoted his life to the reform­ ing of early abuses in life insurance and to placing it upon a sound foot­ ing. To Wright belongs the credit for originating the net reserve valuation, the non-forfeiture provision, and cash values which, through his efforts, were enacted into law and have done much to give the institution of life insurance its enviable modern repu­ tation. Wright, likewise in those pioneer days, produced an actuarial table for the Union Mutual that would place a definite net value on any life insur­ ance contract. As years went on, legislators made the net valuation principle a standard requirement for life insurance companies.

T he U nion Mutual has always been among the leaders in its pioneer­ ing of new developments in life in­ surance. An early example of the Company’s progressiveness was the Holland E. Irish announcement in 1850 of a new idea President of Union Mutual in life insurance—the endowment policy. The first endowment issued by Union Mutual (first ever issued by any Company) while covering the life Still another development was the of the policyholder with the usual issuance of insurance on the lives of death benefits, assured the payment masters of sailing vessels with the to him, if living at age 60, of the full payment of extra premiums—an early face amount of the policy. This form of so-called sub-standard or policy, the 303rd issued by the Com­ special class business. Early records pany matured and was paid on Octo­ of the Company indicate that a lively ber 18, 1877. Thus began a form of business was carried on with seafar­ insurance w'hich was for many years ing people—masters and officers of a most popular policy and which to­ Yankee ships—pioneers of early day, in various forms, continues to American shipping. Deaths of these be among the leaders for those who early policyholders would often occur wish to include an investment feature in some far corner of the world and with regular life insurance protection. often would not be reported to the Retirement income insurance is a company for many months—or until modern development of the early en­ the return of the ship to its home port dowment policy originated by the in America. Union Mutual. Interestingly, the owner of the first Union Mutual endowment policy was Down through the years, Union prohibited from visiting Oregon, Cali­ Mutual continued to blend, in balance, fornia or New Mexico without the conservatism and enterprise. It was prior consent of the Company. This the first New England company to policy also became null and void if offer juvenile insurance (“ a policy death resulted in consequence of a just like Dad’s” ). As a consequence, duel. the company was—and is able to meet

WINTER, 1945-46 33 the public’s personal insurance needs In seeking the steady, economical from age one day to age 65. growth which reflects quality and per­ manence, Union Mutual relies on a At short intervals the Company ex­ management teamwork which stems tended its frontiers, entering new from a staff of seasoned men, each states and territories. Its first Pacific well qualified for his administrative Coast office was opened in California task, be it underwriting, investment, in 1868 when but three other life in­ actuarial science or selling. surance companies were operating in that state. Since the real test of a life insur­ ance company lies in its ability to The rapid growth of neighboring meet all of its obligations promptly Canada attracted the Company and when due, it is significant that Union prompted the establishment of two Mutual has always done just that, agencies there. Then came the period and, in addition, has had an unbroken following the Civil War, one of great record of annual dividend payments expansion westward, during which to policyholders that stretches back the youthful Maine insurance firm some 90 years. kept pace with the growth of the na­ No small portion of this Union Mu­ tion. tual success reflects to the credit of its board of directors, the men who Since the founding of the Company guide its over-all destiny. They are in 1848, there have been twelve de­ men of proven ability in their respec­ pressions of varying degrees. Union tive fields, men whose diversified Mutual was only nine years old when knowledge and interest assure the it faced the Panic of 1857. Through balance that is characteristic of suc­ this crisis—and all of the others, cul­ cess. Members of the board are: minating in the great depression of John L. Baxter, partner, H. C. Bax­ the 30’s—the Company has safely ter and Sons; Frank H. Bradford, cared for the interests of its policy­ treasurer, Rumford Falls Power Co.; holders. Harold Cabot, president, Harold Ca­ bot and Company, Inc.; Edward W. The responsibilities of insurance Cox, chairman of the board, First companies to their policyholders in­ Portland National Bank; Edward W. clude the careful selection of the best Cram, president, Winslow and Co.; type of people for policyholders; the Wadleigh B. Drummond, chairman of issuance of policies best suited to the board; Guy P. Gannett, president, their needs; and the careful husband­ Gannett Publishing Co.; Fred D. Gor­ ing and management of the Com­ don, vice-president, Central Maine pany’s resources. Power Company; Hon. Horace A. Hil­ One of the principal reasons why dreth, Governor of Maine; Rolland E. the Union Mutual has so well been Irish, president; William S. Newall, able to fulfill its policyholder obliga­ president, Bath Iron Works Corpora­ tions in exceptional fashion is the un­ tion ; and Edward W. Wheeler, vice- usual continuity of top executive man­ president and general counsel, Maine agement which it has enjoyed. To­ Central Railroad. day, in its 98th year, it is guided by its eighth president, Rolland E. Irish, A long with its offering of the a veteran of 30 years in the business. most modern income protection insur­ ance available—life, sickness and ac­ Civic-minded Mr. Irish is a past cident, and group—Union Mutual State campaign chairman of the Na­ performs a public service of no small tional War Fund in Maine; is a mem­ importance in making available to ber of the Maine Development Com­ Maine folks money for home building, mission ; has active Boy Scout affilia­ buying and repairing. Evidence of tions; is a member of the State’s citi­ its sound position in the real estate zens’ committee on veterans’ affairs; field is its last annual statement in serves on the Board of the Maine Gen­ which it reports that the Company eral Hospital . . . activities typical of owns no real estate excepting home his broad and humanitarian interests. office property.

34 THE PINE CONE Throughout the war, in keeping men and women . . . but most par­ with the needs of the government and ticularly to men and women who be­ the wishes of its policyholders, Union lieve in the New England principles Mutual supported War Loan drives to of thrift and who have a full aware­ the full extent of its resources. Like­ ness of the certain consequences of wise its Maine sales force—in Port­ living too long, dying too soon or suf­ land, Waterville, Bangor and Van fering an economic death. Buren—actively participated, to­ gether with the insurance men of the In its long record of insurance pio­ State and the nation, in the promotion neering, its integrity and stability, in of War Bond sales. its contributions to the economic prog­ ress of its many interests, Union Mu­ Summarily, Union Mutual’s is the tual has had a foremost place in The story of public service rendered to all Making of Maine.

Now that one of the “ hottest” secrets of the war has been revealed—the use of aluminum “ window” to confuse enemy radar—-the Pepperell Manufacturing Company, with Maine plants at Biddeford and Lewiston, is able to reveal that it made rayon ribbon for the project. About 20 feet of this ribbon was used at the start of 400-foot long coils of aluminum foil to eliminate jerk and tear when the tiny cardboard square at the unwinding end caught the wind. Even the overseers and mill officials were never allowed to know how the rayon cloth they made was being- used. At the Pepperell Biddeford mill sheets, pillow cases and blankets are produced and at Lewiston sheets, sheeting and many other fabrics are bleached, or dyed, then finished. A vast advertising program in full color in national maga­ zines will start in January. Pepperell began in Biddeford nearly a century ago.

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T he annual value of the Maine seafood harvest, which increased by 25 per cent each year for the past six years, reached nearly $10,000,000 for the first eight months of this year, which was far in excess of any previous year’s total. Estimates of total value for the full year 1945 exceed $12,000,000. Total poundage has doubled in the past seven years and it is estimated by the Sea and Shore Fisheries Department that 36,000 persons gain their liveli­ hood from the Maine fishing industry.

WINTER, 1945-46 35 AROUND 4? CRACKER BARREL;

State of Maine those old time animal calls, in “ How Clubs and Societies Do You Say?” in the Autumn PINE CONE. I can’t hold in and let it get A LL OVER THE United States by to all of our readers, so here’s let­ ^^•and even in Canada, in almost ting loose on-ter-yer. every State and large city, State Darn it, seems though as if ten of Mainers meet periodically to renew generations of us folks since 1640 in acquaintances and to talk over old Duxbury, Mass., to Livermore, Maine, times in the Pine Tree State. At the to Burgess Hill in Rumford, Maine, suggestion of several members of should know that Grannie and Grand- these State of Maine clubs and socie­ ser allwas said “ Co-boss, co-boss,” to ties, we are happy to offer the col­ call horned kind or biblical name kine. umns of THE PINE CONE as a “ So-boss,” or “ So-bossi” was used in meeting place where these various the tie up or at milking time or to groups can impart news of each oth­ quiet a nervous animal; “ Worhish” er’s activities and keep abreast of to start oxen, or “ Come on”. “ Ca- what State of Mainers are doing in jock” to call horses. Small pigs in all parts of the Nation. pen were called by “ Pig-pig” , or “t’st, Whether in New York, Washington, t’st”. “ Haw-hish” starts a pair of Chicago, St. Petersburg, Pasadena or cattle, not stops them. Could this be Honolulu, Maine people are interested a misprint? I hope so. in one another and like to know what I remain, is going on in the Pine Tree State. Yours truly, THE PINE CONE is trying to fill Algernon L. Eastman, that bill and now has subscribers in Bath, Maine all of the 48 states, Canada, Hawaii and Mexico, besides going to service­ men and women at foreign stations. As an aid to the various State of Maine clubs and societies, we would America’s First Newspaper and be happy to establish a department First Christmas for them in THE PINE CONE, be­ America’s first newspaper was ginning with the next issue. Please written and published in December, let us hear from you. 1604. It was called “ Master William” Ye Editor and a few copies of it are still pre­ served in France, where they are con­ sidered priceless. How D id You Say? The paper was written at a gather­ Dear Mr. Talberth: ing in a great dining hall, before a Please don’t get mad or “ uppity” blazing log fire on Christmas Day by at me for jumping up and down about a group of Frenchmen who landed at

36 THE PINE CONE St. Croix Island June 26, 1604. In cords of hard wood a day, easy. He this building, among others built from x’aises the best and most crops of an lumber brought from France, there acre of anybody you ever saw. Lob­ was much merry-making to celebrate sters on the side, so’s to keep busy their first Christmas in the New and he gets his share. Best neighbor World. It was not only the first a man ever had”—and so on and on, Christmas ever celebrated in New singing Charlies’ praises. England, but also the first celebration “ Well, where is the other brother?” in the United States north of Florida. I asked. As there were no women or chil­ dren, they did the best they could, “ Oh, him? His name’s John. He man-fashion, and had a wonderful went down to Boston and became a feast of roast venison and stew, with corporation lawyer, or suthin’ of that a few luxuries brought with them sort, so they say. Never amounted to from France. much.” The little hand written newspaper Harold H. Reid, was the cause of much merry-making West Springfield, Mass. that day, as it was passed around and read aloud among the assembled Christmas party. It contained the gossip and daily events of the settle­ ment. Sampler Ida Morse Paine, Bar Harbor Dear Sirs: Congratulations on the make-up of the Fall ( ’45) PINE CONE. The Point of View beautiful poem by Robert Rexdale, on the back cover, strikes a responsive While looking for two brothers, chord in the hearts of Maineites in whom we shall call Charlie and John, distant lands. I send away my copies from whom I wanted to purchase a Of the PINE CONE, have sent two piece of land and reside in Maine, a to the Philippines for a Maine boy. neighbor spotted Charlie, some dis­ In admiration of the “ Cone”. tance away and declared: “ That’s Charlie. Mighty smart, Mrs. A. W. Taylor, too. He can saw, cut and pile two So. Vernon, Mass.

Several Maine industrial plants, notably in the wood products and textile industries, have returned to the four- hour swing-shift operation, from 3.45 to 8.15 p. m., with a half-hour supper recess, in an effort to catch up with the increasing demand for Maine products. Shortage of help is still a problem, especially in the smaller communities.

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R. E. Gould of Anson soon will enter the ranks of Maine authors with a magazine article and a book on “ The Old Country Store” , based on the experience of himself and his father before him as country storekeepers. The Saturday Evening Post will publish the magazine article.

WINTER, 1945-46 37 More bear were shot in Maine during the past season than any other on record. The annual deer harvest also was fully up to expectations, with more hunters in the Maine woods than ever before. Other game also was plentiful and at Waldoboro the Lincoln County Fish and Game Association erected two highway signs to denote a moose crossing on U. S. Route No. 1 after several had been struck by cars and trucks at the spot. Moose are permanently protected under Maine law.

(Photo CnecfitA:

Cover: John A. Marshall, Portland. Bates: Rittase for Bates News Bureau. Chinooks: Earl Doucette for Maine Development Com­ mission and Owen M. Smith, Portland. Holland E. Irish: Bachrach.

If you are not already a regular subscriber to THE PINE CONE—and would like to receive future editions—here’s a handy subscription form for your convenience: (clip and mail) THE PINE CONE STATE OF MAINE PUBLICITY BUREAU 3 ST. JOHN STREET, PORTLAND 4, MAINE

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X X An increasing trend toward Maine by writers, musi­ I cians and artists brings to mind the question, “What x is the particular appeal that Maine has for the crea­ X tive spirit?” X Even the most eloquent failed to express his inter­ X pretation of that appeal when asked this question. He replied that sometimes he felt it was the scenic X appeal of the state; other times he thought it was the X type of friendly neighbor one found in Maine. X But,—it was too intangible to explain. It just X seemed that Maine offered the right environment for X a creative worker, whether it be with pen, instrument X or brush. X For some it is the enchanting Maine coast that pro­ X vides that environment; with others it is the beautiful X lake section of the state, while still others seek a moun­ tain retreat. But so diversified is Maine’s topography X that many have all three types of scenery, for example, X the coastal colonies with their hills and mountains. X Actors and actresses of international fame have suc­ X cumbed to Maine’s charm and the state was one of the X pioneers in the summer theater movement. X Not only because it has become a retreat for notables X who have found its climate and environment ideal for their pursuits, but also because it has a long and hal­ X lowed tradition dating back before its actual statehood X does Maine take pardonable pride in the cultural at­ X tainments of its adopted sons and daughters. ii In the present, as well as in the past the Maine X theme is woven into many a book; painters, master X photographers find inspiration in its scenic charm and X its shores echo the exquisite strains of fine instruments X played by talented musicians. Its shores and beaches X are sounding boards for the well modulated voices of X America’s best known thespians. X

(From the booklet, “ Cultural Maine” , prepared by the Maine Development Commission) Maine By Silas H. Perkins Give me the good old State of Maine, Let me feel the tang of her air again Straight from the ocean’s throbbing beat. Let me walk once more with buoyant feet Where her lakes, reflecting her azure sky, In tranquil beauty sleeping lie. Let me scent the fragrance of springtime flowers That deck her hills like fairy bowers, And cast my line in her crystal stream Where her rippling waters dance and gleam. Let me survey from her hills’ proud crest Where the far horizon comes to rest And stand again by the ocean’s brink Where the combing billows rise and sink. Give me a fleck of the crested sea With a tall spar dancing merrily, A coast-line hazy against the blue— Let me the life on the wave renew, While over me floats the fleecy cloud And the sea’s refrain is near and loud, With a spanking breeze and a zip and zoom, And league on league of clear sea-room. Give me a trail which leads afar— A long, long trail and a guiding star, A compass true in the forest dim, And tall pines rising, ghostly, slim, Meandering brooks and laughing lakes To greet my eyes when the sun awakes, When life looms large and the feet have wings, And all creation sings, just sings!

— An excerpt from “ Maine” , in the volume, “ On Shore Ballads” by Silas H. Perkins. Falmouth Book House, Portland, 1937.