Who, What, When, Where.... and By Whom?

The Case(s) of the Mystery Photographer: Camden, 1982

Fri, 03/24/2017 - 1:15pm

    Photographer Joe McGurn appreciates old photos, negatives and slides of any vintage, and as a hobby, he collects them. Recently at an estate sale, he happened upon a treasure trove of old slides  – all packed into five milk crates. Laying down $10, he scooped them up, took them home and was amazed by what found — a world of Camden, Rockland, Belfast, Beech Hill, lovingly chronicled from 1979 through 1985.

    “I couldn’t see them getting discarded and I got them all,” said McGurn. “I unfortunately don’t know who the photographer was, but he or she was quite good.”

    Sometimes the mystery is the most exciting part of it all, and as McGurn processes the images, he is sorting through events of those years: Parades, the launching of a yacht in Rockport Harbor (and moving power lines in the rain), schooners, sailing, and who knows what else.

    “I thought you'd get a kick out of them,” he said.  “I'll have a lot more for you as I go along. It could be an interesting project. It is interesting to see how Camden has changed in 35 years.”

    It is an interesting project! But we need your help. Both in identifying people and places in these photos, and sleuthing to identify the photographer. 

    This first batch of photos comes from a July 4, 1982, parade in Camden. Who do you know? Let us know!

    To see more of the photos that McGurn has been resurrecting from the depths of old milk crates, see:

    More Firemen's Ball Parade photos, Camden, 1982

     


     

    Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657