“65 years ago today. Dad opened Western Auto in Camden.” This was the first social media post that I saw yesterday morning. August 1, 1961. Well before my time, the store opened at the corner of Washington and Elm, beneath the Opera House, where the Camden Town Office is housed today. 

My memories of the place at its original location are vague, though I remember going in with my parents a few times. If I could go back in time, it would be to 1982, to snap up Kenner’s line of Indiana Jones action figures. I never had any, but I remember them hanging on pegs at Western Auto.

For those a bit older than me, the Camden Western Auto was the place for models, slot cars, bicycles and bicycle accessories. On the aforementioned social media post, an old friend reminisced about the freestyle bike he spotted in the window and later acquired.

Freestyle BMX bikes. The absolute coolest ride for a tween in the mid 1980s. Hadn’t heard the name in years until I saw the post.

In 1987, the Camden Western Auto moved to it current location on Beach Road in Lincolnville, a far larger store with much better parking. It remains there today, run by the second generation, Danny and Sue Hickey. It has long outlasted the parent company, which went the way of Radio Shack decades ago.

I remember riding my bike up there to purchase boxes of .22 ammunition during obsession with target shooting. Not sure that would be allowed now, and Western Auto no longer sells ammo, though they always have a good selection of BB guns, a suitable and safer alternative for a teen who wants to take out a can or two in their backyard.

Western Auto is where I purchase my dump bags and a can of Moxie on a Saturday morning. Danny Hickey has been replacing my tires for years, and every few months we grab the water softening salts, those horrifically heavy bags that I then need to lug down into the cellar of this old farmhouse.

Western Auto on Beach Road is fun just to walk the aisles. Every time I am there, I come across something new and unexpected. Auto parts, sure, but also cleaning supplies, home repair goods, and everything you might need for home canning. Balsa wood airplanes!

My favorite part of the store is what I still consider the “new” addition, which originally held large appliances and later lawn mowers and snowblowers. Danny has now converted it to what I call his “Museum of Schwinn”, displaying his incredible collection of vintage 1960’s and 1970’s Schwinn bicycles, with their swooped up handle bars and banana seats, sure to bring waves of nostalgia to those of us north of 50. He’s also been restoring an old slot car race track back there. I recently learned that dedicated slot car racing stores were a thing I just missed, and I think Danny needs to resurrect this hobby.

To summarize, Young and Hickey’s Western Auto is a local institution, a business that has endured. In a world where the WalMart’s and Home Depot’s reign, it is incredibly comforting that Western Auto, a store that exemplifies an America long past, still exists just up the road.

Lemonade

As I have written, the farmstands of LIncolnville are in full swing, offering up berries and tomatoes and sweet corn to those of us whose own gardens are not producing yet, and for those who just could not be bothered this year.

During my travels across the town recently, I have also seen a ton of pop up lemonade stands, run by young entrepreneurs, If you need a reason to carry a little cash in your pocket, this is it. After work Friday, I swung up to High Street, where a young lady was peddling glasses of the sweet summer beverage to what looked like half of Lincolnville.

I am as guilty as any of passing by a dooryard lemonade stand in my rush to get home after a long day of work, but really, what is my hurry? Pull over, grab a few bucks, and get yourself a cup.

Sympathy

To the loved ones of Mark Scipionne, I didn’t know Mark, but I have been told about him by his students. Too often, we are remembered for the material goods we left behind. Mark was a teacher, and he lives on in all those he inspired.

Library Happenings

Needleworkers meet from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday. All are welcome to stitch and- chat with your neighbors. Mahjong will be Friday at noon. Also at 7 p.m. Friday, join Alicia Malone for a screening and discussion of the classic film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. A flick from 1939 that seems particularly relevant today.

Blueberry Wingding

Stop by Lincolnville Beach this Saturday, August 8, between 8 a.m. and noon for the annual Lincolnville Improvement Association’s Blueberry Wingding. $5 will get you coffee or juice plus a blueberry muffin, scone, or slice of coffee cake. Expect face painting and a a cupcake walk for the kids, a blueberry themed bake sale, a raffle for prizes from local businesses, and the blueberry marketplace.

The LIA uses the bulk of its fundraising to provide scholarships for our kids. As a parent with three children approaching post secondary education, I can get behind this.

Books and Ice Cream

Monday, August 10, from 4-6:30 p.m. bring the kids to Lincolnville Central School where Bess the Book Bus and Darling’s Ice Cream Truck for a Cause will be providing free books and ice cream. 100% of any funds donated will go to the LCS Parent Teacher Organization for the good work they do supporting the students and teachers at our school.

A book and an ice cream cone. Best summer combination ever.

Okay, Lincolnville. This is what you get from me this week. It is August, our last full month of summer. The traffic heading south into Camden was backed up to Norumbega the other day, which was always the sign that tourist season is at its peak when I was a kid. And why I take Route 52 to work.

Be well and be good. Pick some berries- they are delicious with a splash of cream. As always, reach out at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar:

Monday,August 3

School House Museum open, 1-4 p.m., 33 Beach Road

Tuesday, August 4

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Wednesday, August 5

School House Museum open, 1-4 p.m., 33 Beach Road

Library open 2-5

Comprehensive Plan Review Committee, 6 p.m., Town Office

Thursday, August 6

Library open 2-5 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Beginner’s Meeting, 7 p.m., Lincolnville Historical Society, 33 Beach Road

Friday, August 7

School House Museum open, 1-4 p.m., 33 Beach Road

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Library open 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 208 Main Street

Saturday, August 8

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, August 9

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship and Children’s Church, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages, 10:40 a.m. Coffee and Baked Goods, 11:00 a.m. worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway