Sun, 02/25/2024 - 1:30pm

Ed O’Brien

The moon sets over Lincolnville. (Photo by Arlene Jurewicz Leighton)

I’ve been thinking about the roads of this little town recently. We have a kid with a driving permit, so I have been riding shotgun, as she explores the back roads. I think driving her to school every morning over the last couple years, taking the most obscure routes ever, has imparted my love of the roads less taken to my child.

I have developed a moderate understanding of the roads of this town. Before the white settlers arrived, the Wabanaki people had their own paths, as they made their way to the shore in the summer to feast on shellfish after the long winter. It seems likely that some of our current routes may follow those old paths.

The folks at the Lincolnville Historical Society have uncovered some old British maps, which show the general path that one of the first settler roads took through our town. Around 1759, at the height of the French and Indian War (which I have taken to calling “World War 0”), the governor of Massachusetts ordered that a road be built from Fort St. George in Thomaston to Fort Pownall in what is now Stockton Springs, so that it may be fortified if the dastardly French came calling.

Apparently old British maps are far more accurate at laying out the sea routes, but it appears that the road came up what is now Atlantic Highway and turned inland as it approached the Beach, which would have been a vast salt marsh. Perhaps following the contours of Frohock Mountain, it would have roughly been where the Beach Road is, through Sleepy Hollow, and turned again in the general path of Slab City, then right until it reached the Passagassawakeag River, in Belfast, roughly the path of Route 52/Belfast Road.

Likely it was along this old road that Lydia and Nathan Knight drove their cattle from Belfast, settling at the edge of the vast marsh that is now Lincolnville Center.

If you visit the Lincolnville Historical Society’s Jackie Watts Open Air Museum at the Library, you can view a map of all the old roads that crisscrossed the town, many of them now overgrown paths with cellar holes in underbrush.

So as you traverse the highways and byways of this little town – by car, or by bike, or on foot beside a canine companion- think about those who passed by before. The Wabanaki families, the tired colonial soldiers far from home, the people trying to start a new life from our rocky soil- not to mention the Depression-era men of the WPA (Work Progress Administration), who improved many of our roads, built granite bridges, and gave a paycheck to families during a period of economic hardship.

Dark Skies

I’ve been noticing Arlene Jurewicz Leighton’s beautiful photos of the night sky over Lincolnville on Facebook and The Lincolnville Bulletin Board for some time now, with the tag Dark Skies Study Group.

Founded by Bob Olson last summer, the Dark Skies Study Group aims to educate the community about light pollution and encourage preservation of our views of our universe, as well as minimize the disruption all our lights have on the wildlife. A goal of the Lincolnville group is to eventually have Lincolnville be named a Dark Sky Place, by the organization DarkSky International (darksky.org).

I somehow earned a minor in astronomy during my undergraduate studies, and I have always found a clear view of the night sky absolutely enchanting. The universe is unfathomably vast and mysterious. I find that in observing the skies, it forces me to recognize just how fortunate we are on this green and blue rock; this oasis of life in a cold cosmos is the only one we know of. Looking up always makes me think what is below my feet, and how important it is to take care of it.

Congratulations, Spouter Inn

So the Portland Radio Group holds an annual “Best in 207” award, offering gold, silver, and bronze medals to businesses across the state in dozens of categories. The winners were recently announced and Lincolnville Beach’s Spouter Inn won two gold medals, for the best Bed and Breakfast and the best Romantic Getaway. Pretty impressive for a state with a plethora of both.

The Spouter Inn is run by Traci and Mark Cini, and commands a gorgeous view of Lincolnville Beach. Built by the Hallet family in 1832 as a summer retreat, it has long been a guest house and inn, and once upon a time had a dance hall on the second floor. I imagine the long ago residents of Sleepy Hollow making their way down the hill for a night of revelry.

Clearly Traci and Mark have done an incredible job carrying on the legacy of stately place. Nice work.

Sympathy

For the family of Gage Corson, who passed far too soon. I have written about reading obituaries illustrating long lives, but there is so much heartbreak in reading about a short life with so much undone. That said, it looks like Gage lived his life to the fullest, and leaves behind an impressive impact for his 25 years, and a beloved little brother who wore his jersey number while he helped Lincolnville take the middle school basketball title.

Love to all who knew him, and I’m thinking about you, Kenny and Tathum.

Stay warm, Lincolnville. It’s been a mild one overall, so hopefully all your firewood is holding up. Still, maybe check in on some of your older neighbors, see if there is anything you can help out with. Be awesome and reach out at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

CALENDAR

Monday, February 26

Select Board Meeting, 6 p.m., Town Office

Tuesday, February 27

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

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

Lakes and Ponds Committee, 7 p.m., Town Office

Wednesday, February 28

Library open 2-5 p.m.

Planning Board, 7 p.m., Town Office

Comprehensive Plan Review Committee, 6:30 p.m., Town Office

Thursday, February 29