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Postcards From the Ledge
Chasingmonstersbeyondthe6-milelimit.
ByColinSargent,photosHughChatfield Isn'tThat...TheNewBillMoyers?
MainerDavidBrancaccioonsucceed¬ ingMoyersashostofPBS'sNOW.
By Amy Louise Barnett
Hollywood & Maine
Thewhat'swhatofwhostayswhereat Maine'sdreamresorts.
ByDianeRussell
KoolKatz
TheLincolnvilleartistonahottinroof.
By Stephen May FatesoftheTates
Murderandintriguearewelcomeguests attheTateHouse's250thbirthday.
ByWilliamDavidBarry
Exploringjusthowmuchlettuceit takesforlocaldinerownerstobring homethebacon.ByLizGotthelf
WillGorhamgrewupontheHill.Understand,thiswasalifetimeago.Butplentyof peoplestillrememberhimasoneoftheBronzyBoys.
"They'djustcrashplacesliketheSeven-ElevendanceclubonSpringStreetorsome DeeringHighorCapeevent,andyou'djustfeelthevibescomingfromthem,"saysa CathedralHighgraduatewhohesitatestobeidentified,evennow."Itwasasifthey'd meetbeforehandandsay,'Who'sgettingbeatenuptonight?"'
"Urbanmyth,"laughsGorham."WewerejustaPortlandHighSchoolclub."He pauses."Iguessthestatuteoflimitationshasrunout.It'sthemid-1960s,threeorfour daysbeforethePortland-DeeringTurkey-dayfootballclassic.Someonehasaninspi¬ ration.Let'sgotorchtheirwood![TheDeeringfaithfulgatheredtogethertoconducta good-luckbonfireeachyearbeforethebiggame.Forweeks,boosterspiledwood besidetheschoolinanticipationoftherally.]Ihada'57Chevy.Wegotthegasoline, filledupatCumberlandandWashingtonAvenue.It'smaybe9p.m.Wegetoneguyat thetopofthepile,passthegastohim,12feetorhigher.Therestofusspreadthegas atthebottom,"hesays."Wetorcheditanditwentup!"Notsomuchabonfireofthe vanitiesastheBronziesexpressingthemselveswithsnap,crackle,andpop.
"Weallhadtheblackjackets-guyslikeJimmieMoreshead,a.k.a.Tank.MackaFoley [boxer/actor]wasagreatguy-WestEndkid,camefromKingorTateStreet,upthere wheresomeoftheIrishlived.MikeDerek-he'sapostman,thelatePatsyNapolitano. SamDiPietrowasoneofthefirstBronzies."HerbGideon(Erebus,TheTree,Gideon Films)usedtohangwiththeBronzyBoys,too.
"Weweren'tlookingforfights,"Gorhamsays.But"1thinkpeopleknewwherewe werecomingfrom.WewerelookingforBudweiser,whereverwecouldfindit,and goodtimes."
SowhydidtheBronziesinspiresomanyhushedwhispersbackthen?Nowthatthe smokehascleared,itmightbethis:Itwaseasiertofearthebogeymanaroundthecor¬ nerthantothinkaboutVietnam.Ironically,itwastheBronzyBoysandtheirpalswho endedupfightingtheVietnamWarforthecityofPortland.
"We'realllocals,"Gorhamtellsmeonthetelephone."Most,ifnotallofus,came fromimmigrantfamilies.MygrandparentscamefromIreland,settledonMunjoyHill. Nowwe'reraisingafourthgeneration.He's12,atKingMiddleHill.WewereIrishand Italian,mostly."
ieBronzyBoys"organized"(and1usethetermloosely)around1953,according toSamDiPietro."MybrotherCarminefoundedit."Memoriesarefoggy:"Idon'tknow wherethenamecamefrom.Iseemtorememberyouhadtowinaletterinasport."
Sowhenexactlydidtheseguysstopcallingtheshots,IaskGorham.SuddenlyI hearcroLs-dno.sesinthebackground,thesoundofsteps.Peoplearegatheringfora meeting.Andjusthkethat,WillGorham'svoicechangesfromformerBronzyBoyto
21st-centurycity’councillor. "I'vegottogo,"hesays.
ColinSargent,Editor&Publisher
www.portlandmagazine.com
Editorialoffices: 722 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04102
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
To subscribe please send your address and a checkforS29(1yr.),S45(2yrs.),orS55(3yrs.)to Portland Magazine 722 Congress Street Portland ME 04102 orsubscribeonlineatwww.portlandmagazine.com
PortlandMagazineispublishedbySargentPublishing,IncAllcor¬ respondenceshouldbeaddressedto722CongressStreet,Portland.ME 04102.AdvertisingOffice:722CongressStreet.Portland.ME04102 207.775.4339.Repeatinternetrightsareunderstoodtobepurchased withallstoriesandartwork.Ifyouhavequestionsregardingadvertis¬ inginvoicingandpayments,callAlisonHillsat207.775.4339.
NewsstandCoverDate:April2005,publishedinMarch2005,Vol.20. No.2,copyright2005.PortlandMagazineismailedatthird-classmar! ratesinPortland.ME04101(ISSN:1073-1857).Opinionsexpressedin articlesarethoseofauthorsanddonotrepresenteditorialpositionsof PortlandMagazine.Letterstotheeditorarewelcomeandwillbe treatedasunconditionallyassignedforpublicationandcopyrightpur¬ posesandassubjecttoPortlandMagazine'sunrestrictedrighttoedit andcommenteditorially.Responsibleonlyforthatportionofany advertisementwhichisprintedincorrectly.Advertisersareresponsible forcopyrightsofmaterialstheysubmit.Nothinginthisissuemaybe reprintedinwholeorinpartwithoutwrittenpermissionfromthepub¬ lishers.Submissionswelcome,butwetakenoresponsibilityforunso¬ licitedmaterials.
Portland Magazineispublished10timesannuallybySargent Publishing,Inc,722CongressStreet.Portland,Maine,04102,withnews¬ standcoverdatesofWinterguide,February/March,April,May. Summerguide.July/August,September,October,November,andDecember.
Interestingpiece[“AldaEgo,"byDiane Russell,February/March2005].Funny,I'd alsomadetheMaineconnection.However, [I]wasunawareMr.AldawasattheKen¬ nebunkportPlayhouseinearlieryears. Brewstermusthavebeenanevilman-glad hewas[before]myarrivalinMaine.Irecall beingtold[yearsago,that"that'sHoward! Hughes playing tennis with Katharine Hepburn,"atFenwick,inConnecticut. fresca@mainc.rr.com
Greatarticle.Thankyouforincludingan interviewwithAlanAlda,oneofmyfa¬ voriteactors.Thearticlewasrefreshingin thisdayofdismalnews.Mr.Alda'switand humorareuplifting.Hisdescriptionof Maineispriceless.Iamgladheisanunof¬ ficialMainer.
dhara@mainc.rr.com
Sen.Brewsterwasalifelongfamilyfriendin Dexter.Inthespringof1944,whenIwas criticallyillatStationHospitalinCamp Blanding,Florida,hesecuredaseatona planetoJacksonvilleformyfather. ClydeRichards,Scarborough
HieGovernorshouldlatchontothecoat¬ tailsof[TheAviator's]publicity,nameAlda anhonoraryMainer,andhavelunchwith hiniattheBlaineHouse.Lovetheline,"It's (Maine)whereallAmericanslongtobe nowthatwe'vestartedhatingFrance." AldamightwanttobeinformedofMaine's Franco-Americanpopulation. Musiccnw@maine.rr.com
Thankyousomuchforyourpoignantedi¬ torialaboutmybrother,JohnCasavola [Winterguide2005].Hewascertainlya greatteacher,coach,father,brother,hus¬ band,andgrandfatherbecausehebelieved so much in the youths he taught and coachedandwantedtoinstillhisidealsand knowledgetoallwhocameincontactwith him.Hislastyearoflifewasdifficultwith hisillness-which,incidentally,hefeltwas aninsult-andthelossofhiswife,butat88 hefelthe'daccomplishedwhathewanted todo.Hewasreadytogo,hekepttelling me.So,again,thanks.
ToniGoing,Portland
Howhumbleofsuchanaccomplishedman [WinstonMcGill,oneof"The10MostIn¬ triguingPeopleinMaine,"November2004] toredirectthespotlightfromhimselfasan African-AmericanfirefighterinMaineto shineonlaispredecessor,WilburWilburforce Ruby["Ruby'sLadder,"Winterguide2005].
WinstonMcGillisobviouslyamanwho showscourage,calm,andconfidentprofes¬ sionalismasafirefighterandtakestremen¬ dousprideinhisAfrican-Americanheritage.
1tooamamazedathowlittleMainers knowoftheabundantblackhistoryinMaine. 1wasfirstfascinatedbyblackhistoryhere whiledoingresearchforanovelIamwriting aboutaninterracialcoupleinBoothbay,setin the1800s.
PeoplereactindisbeliefwhenIsaysuch unionsexistedthenandsurprisinglydidso asearlyasthe1700s,thoughtheywerenot recognizedaslegal.Andevenmoresoto learn[thatslaverywasprevalenthere,too], anotheraspectofblackhistoryinMaine.
1takepersonaldelightintalkingabout PrinceMclellan,aslavewholivedinGor¬ haminthe1700s.LikeWinstonMcGilland Wilbur Ruby, he was a courageous and proudblackmanbroughtherefromAfrica bytheMclellanfamilyofPortlandtotheir relativesasaweddinggiftandalsogiven theirfamilyname.
Princeranaway,joinedtheU.S.Navy, andproudlyfoughtforacountryinwhich hehadnorightsorfreedom.WhentheRev¬ olutionaryWarwasover,hehadthecourage toreturntohisservitude.
Fortunately,slaveryhadbeenabolished bythenandhewasgivenlandandahomein
Gorham.Hemarriedtwice,fatheredchil¬ dren,andtothisdayhislegacyandnamelive onnotonlyinfamilyarchivesbutinacharac¬ terinPyrrhusVenture(byRandolphDominic andWilliamDavidBarry,LittleBrown,1984).
IwasbornaMclcllan,andIknowwhere myfamilytreehasitsroots.Thankyou, WinstonMcGill,foryourtributetoWilbur Ruby.Youdidhimproud.
MargaretSalt-CainpbellMclellan,Bath
1wasquiteintriguedbyyourinterviewof JamesCagneyIV["The10MostIntriguing PeopleinMaine,"November2004],Asfar as1know,JamesneverwenttoSouthPort¬ landHighSchoolbutinsteadattendedschools inNewport,RhodeIsland,andCapeEliza¬ beth.HisfatheropenedaShellstationon ForestAvenueinPortland,notinSouth Portland.Hisfatherdiedin1984,hispater¬ nalgrandfatherin1986.
Itappearstheinterviewerwasmore obsessedaboutthegrandfather(whichcan bedocumentedinvariousbiosandrefer¬ encebooks)thanhisoffspring.Ohwell, James'spointexactly!
Skeletons?Youbet!TheCagneyswerea strangebunch.
Consideringthedysfunctions,hisgrand¬ sonhasturnedouttobeastarinhisown right-awonderfulandlovingson,brother, husband,andfatherwhoisverycreativeand theappleofmyeye.So...toJames,"You madeit,son,topoftheworld,"fromyourMa (withnoexplodingoiltanksbehindyou)! liltCagneyGalvin,Sarasota,Florida
PortlandMagazine'sWinterguide2005arti¬ cleonwriterRichardFord(promotedonthe coveras"FindingFord:StalkingMaine's PulitzerWinner")wasaninsult,notonlyto afinewriterbuttoMaine'sliterarycom¬ munity.Contrarytotheobservationthat Fordisan"elusive"writerwhoneedstobe "tracked"down,itiscommonknowledge amongMaine'sliteratithatFordlivesin Maine,asevidencedbythereadingshehas generouslyvolunteeredatthePortland PublicLibraryandUSM'sStonecoastWrit¬ ersConference,amongothervenues.
Thewayinwhich[youinvade]Fords privacyisbadenough,butPortlandMaga¬ zine'sdecisiontopublishtheresultistruly heinous.Thenon-interviewconsistsoftrite
questions("How[about]yourfavorite placetoeatinMaine?")askedbysomeone whoadmitstohavingvirtuallynofamiliar¬ itywithFord'sextensivecanonofwork. Theresultistheverbatimphoneconversa¬ tionofawriterdecliningtobeinter¬ viewed!...AfterexpressingshockatFord's revelationthatbeingaloneisnotthesame asbeinglonely, [PortlandMagazine] then proceedstodisclosetheexactlocationofthe writer'sresidence.
...Ratherthanadmitdefeatorpursue anothersubject, [PortlandMagazine] pro¬ ceedstoattempttojustifytheexploitation bvturningitintoaweakmetaphorforthe challengeofthecreativeprocess...
Apparentlyanyformofgratuitousself¬ reflectioncomprisesadesirablestory,in PortlandMagazine'sendlessquestforace¬ lebrityheadline.[Thewriter],..maybeforgivenformistakingwhatshouldhavebeen aneducationalexperienceforasubstantive pieceofjournalism.PortlandMagazine, how¬ ever,initstiresomepursuitofthesensation¬ al,shouldnotbe.
“AnnieSeikonia,Writer,"Portland
AsaloverofboththeNewEnglandcoast (nativeBostionianwithmanyahappychild¬ hoodsummerloggedonCapeCod)andOz, itiswithgreatjoythat1learnofMs.Ham¬ ilton'shome|"NoPlaceLikeHome,"July/ August2004].Whataparadise!Shealways struckmeasalovelyhumanbeing,andshe neverscaredmeasthewitch.Shewasfrom Oz,wherenothingcanreallyhurtyou. RuthMay,Bloomsburg,Pennsylvania
Enjoyedforthefinearticleyoudidonthe fishhouse["SleepTight,"September2004], BobWaskiewicz,Westford,Massachusetts
GreatarticleonKirstenClark["Catching Air,"Winterguide2005].Goodtoseethe ever-fabulousBagBurgeratSugarloafget somerecognition.MysonJ.J.didareport onthearticleandnotesthecorrectspelling °ftheroadinthestoryisTote-anequally fabuloustrailthatjustsortofmeanders downthegreathill.Tryitsometime! n,anJjackson,sugarloafersince'73
Some things just belong together. Like a business partner that saves you time and money. Road Runner Business Class lets A.J. Kennedy receive email orders for produce deliveries at the speed of broadband-so Ruby Tuesdays restaurants, for example, can receive the freshest produce on time. No wonder over 3,000 businesses, large and small, in Maine and New Hampshire have chosen Road Runnel Business Class to help keep them in the green WHAT arf YOURUNNINGON?
Portland'sartfanaticsareabuzzwhenthedatesfortheannual10x10saleare announced.Eachof10artists-whogarnermuchhigherpricesinother venues-presents10worksmeasuring10inchesby10inchesfor$185each.Thisfirstcome-first-servedshowdrawslonglinesoffocusedart-loverslookingforabargain.
FeaturedartistsareJosephinaAuslendcr,CarolBass,KateCheneyChappell,Bill Curtsinger,RebeccaGoodale,LindsayHancock,PatHardy,GailPage,Robert Shetterly,andSharonTownshend.ThesaletakesplaceattheJuneFitzpatrick GalleryattheMaineCollegeofArt'sPorteousbuilding.Oh,andthosedates?April 29from5to8p.m.,andApril30from10a.m.to4p.m.Call676-2685or657-3485.
It'sanollie!It'safakie!It'sSethWescottcatchingmajorairandflyingdowna mountainnearyou!"WinningtheWorlds[worldsnowboardcross championships]thisyearwasreallysomething,"theFarmingtonnativesays."I wasthirdin2002,secondin2003,andheadingtowardtheOlympicsmyfocus wasonthatonemainevent."
Sohowdoyoutopthat?"RightnowI'monmywaytotheChugachmountainsin Alaska.Ihaveadealwithahelicopteroperationtogetdroppedoffonthesepeaks “reryspringwhiletheyfilm.Unbelievable.You'reallalone."
BackincrowdedPortland,"IeatsushiatYosakualmosteverydayIn thesummerIsurfinScarborough."
AsforhisTodayshowappearance,"Itwascooltotalkaboutmy sport.Ann[Curry]wastheonlyonegung-hoabouttryingit[on Mt.Rockefeller"atRockefellerCenter],Matt[Lauer]wasn'ttoo ^togoingdowntheslope.Hewenttocommercial." www.ussnowboarding.org -LindseyGiles
Fidobeen'actingout'?Whataboutyourcat's othereightlives?PetpsychicSuzanneWalcott says,"Mygoalistocommunicateandbea bridgebetweentheanimalsandthehumans." Talkaboutbridges:Aclient'shorserefusedto crossany."Wewentbacktoapastlifeand foundoutthatinthelate1800shediedfalling throughawoodenbridge.Naturally,hewasa littleapprehensiveaboutcrossingbridges."Bring aphotoofyourpoochorthewholekitten-in-acaboodle...er,carrier.SessionswithWalcott rangefrom$20to$60atLeapin'Lizards,449 ForestAvenue,Portland.-MirandaValentine
What'swiththeCanadaGeesemigration lately?Didn'ttheywanttogetaway fromMaineduringthewinter,visitthe grandkids, go to Disney World? "Many geesestayedherealongthecoast becausetheycouldstillfind foodinouropenwaters," saysMainewildlifebiologist Andy Weik. Maine Audubon staff naturalistJudyWalkersays,"There aretwopopulations.Onemigrates, |andoneisresident.Thingsseemto ’beshiftingingeneral:Somerobins, bluebirds,andwaxwingsare winteringover,too.It'shardtoknow ifthebirdsarelearningthisbehavior fromtheirparents,orifit'stheclimate changing.Thethingaboutnatureisthat wejustdon'tknow."Andthegeese aren'ttalking.-LindseyGiles
ThreeyearsafterpinpointingSSPortlandsfinal restingplaceinshadowywatersoffthecoast ofCapeCod,thewreckofthe"TitanicofNew England"hasjustbeenlistedontheNational RegisterofHistoricPlacesasaunique underwatermuseum."Thehullisintactbutthe wholesuperstructuresgone,"saysAnne Smrcma,educationcoordinatorfortheNational OceanicandAtmosphericAdministration.Yet
Gockwisefromthis photo:Asteamescape pipedrawstheinterestof astarfish;ceramicsawait adishwasherinthe Portlandskitchen;the SSPortlandinbetter days,beforethe1898i sinking;asidescansonarT imagecastsaneeriepall.
"cupsandplatesaroundthegalleyare intact-therearealwaysthesemysteriesofthe sea."Speakingofmysteries,ifasinglebowlat thePotteryBarngoesfor$26,imaginewhat theseperfectlypreservedplatesandsaucers couldfetch.MaritimeantiquesdealerJohn Rinaldisays,"Aperfectcupandsaucerwiththe vesselnamecouldbeworth$750to$2,000." Thislittlestarfishisfloatingonagoldmine. -MirandaValentine
Formorebackgroundon55Portland,seePortland MagazineWinterguide1999andOctober2002,orvisit www.noaa.gov
RockwellKent'soriginalMonheganIsland cottageandstudiohavebeenleftto MonheganMuseumbythelateAnne Huber.MuseumdirectorEdDeciisecstatic. "It'sagreatsettingtoshowKent'swork.He haddirectviewsallacrosstheisland,"way uponacrownofsearoseslookingbeyond theMonheganInnandMananaIsland."I 1keeverythingaboutit:theocean,thelight, thepanoramas."
Decihopestoaddtothemuseum'sKent
"Thesearenaturalworksofart-versus rock,"saysCherylCookaboutthe collectionoffossilsinherstore, C.C.Designs(7PleasantStreet inPortland).Beyondthis neptuneshell,shehasoneand-a-half-million-year-old sanddollars,two-million¬ year-oldGoniates,shark's teeth,andaclamshell fossilizedinopal."Youjusthave 1 todustthemoffonceinawhile," Cooksays,"butthey'redurable. Somepeopleusethemasdoorstops. Talkaboutruggedbeauty. -LizGotthelf
collectionofasingleoilandnumerous sketchesanddrawingsasaresultofthenew visibility."Wehavealotofworktodoon it-someelectricwork,plumbing,and redecorationisneeded-butIhopetoopen thestudiotothepublicthissummer,"he says.ThePortlandMuseumofArtis celebratingthe100thanniversaryofKent's firstyearonMonheganwithamajorshow thissummer.Visitwww.portlandmuseum.org.
-LindseyGiles
In1793,whenMarieAntoinettewas imprisonedintheTuileriesawaitingthe guillotine,aplanwashatchedbyroyalist sympathizerstospiritherawayfromher captorsdowntheSeinetoLeHavre,where manyofherpossessionshadsecretlybeen loadedaboardtheshipSallyofWiscasset, Capt.StephenClough,commander.PlanA hadAntoinetteandafewofherclosest friendscontinuingaboardtheSallytoa safehaveninMaine.
Intheuntrammeledwoodshere,arescued Antoinettehopedtochilloutinasafehouse ownedbyCloughuntileventsconspiredto restorehertothethrone.Thoughtheplan miscarried,theSally,whoseregistrationpapers arestillonfilehere,didsailbacktoMainewith herthings,andaccordingtolegendanumber ofhertreasuressuchaschinaandtapestry havebeenpasseddownthroughClough's heirsandthefamilyoftheSally'sowner, merchantJamesSwan.Forgenerations, daughtersintheCloughfamilyhavebeen namedAntoinette.AsfortheMarie Antoinettesafehouse,itwasmovedtothe EddyRoadinEdgecombin1832,acrossthe SheepscotRiverfromWiscasset.
Exhibit: March25-May 7
MonthroughThur,8amto8pm.
Fri8amto4:30pm, Sat9amto3pm(closedholidays) freeofcharge
OpeningReception:Thur,March31
5pmto7pmw/theUMACafeEnsemble freeofcharge
Auction:Sat,May7startingat6pm
Livemusic,horsd'oeuvres/lightbuffet, wine,cashbar
Exquisitedessertsandcoffee Auctionbeginsat8pm Auctioneer:JodyMcMorrow,McMorrowAuctionCo.
"Theonlythingthat'sleftistomoveitfrom EvergreenCemetery."PortlandPlanningand DevelopmentDirectorLeeUrbanisexdtedabout returningthefountaintoBoothbySquare,"hopefully beforetheOldPortFestivalthefirstweekinJune" PlanningDivisionDirectorAlexJaegermanpoints outthatthefountainwillbesetbackalittlefrom itspreviousposition,andapublicartinstallation willbeaddedtotheparkthis summer.’Tracingthe Fore,byShaunaGillies Smith,willtransform theareatoaland' formresembling wavesandwaterwith stainlesssteel platesforthe waves.It'sreally cool."Costfor movingthe fountain?"I'mthinking between$10,000 and$40,000," saysJaegerman.
DropbyforamartinionWednesdaynightat 188BourbonStreetatthePavilionintheOld Portandyoumightendupwithsomething free.OwnerJimAlbertsays,"Luckyladieswho winourtriviacontestsgetfreemanicures.”A staffofthreemanicuristsfromAPerfectTenin SouthPortlandstandsatthereadytoprovide the'cureforwhatnailsya.-MirandaValentine
Ifyou'veattendedtheJackKerouacSchool ofDisembodiedPoeticsatNaropa University,you'rewellonyourwayto havingbeatpoetcredentials.Now,if you'rethefoundingeditorandpublisher ofCafeReview,traffickingintalentlike MichaelMcClure,DianediPrima,Diane Wakowski,AnneWaldman,andCharles Bukowski,you'reagooddealcloser.But tobeatrueHarvardbeat,youhaveto makeanappearanceatGrolierPoetry ReadingSeriesatAdamsblouse,Harvard University."1'11bereadingpoemsfrom threebooksforthcomingthisyear,"says SteveLuttrell:"TwelvePoems,Twelve Moons,CrassPillow, andanewmanuscript mprogress."CatchLuttrellatHarvardon April21at7:30p.m.orat www.thecafereview,com.
HereinMaine,NationalPoetryMonth iscelebratedatBlaineHousewithatea onApril7.
PhotographerHughChatfieldis nolongerafraidofthedark.He nearlylosthislifeinaterrible automobileaccident.Heknows whatit'sliketoslipintoablack unconsciousnesssoclosetotheflickering edgeofhisownmortalitythatasafereturnis inseriousdoubt.
Perhapsthat'swhathasluredChatfield 100milesstraightoutfromPortlandPierat night,tosnappicturesoftheunknown.Be¬ causeouthereiswherethewildthingsare.
"I convinced Cameron Mclellan, an eighth-generationfisherman,toletme shootforaweekaboardhis72-footstem draggerAdventurer," Chatfield,45,who livesonParkStreetinPortland,says.
Inthisweather,suchanundertaking wassomethingofaroughcaprice.
"Ihearfishingisthemostdangerouspro¬ fessionthereis,"ChatfieldtoldMaclellan.
"Yeah,"Maclellansaid,"Itdoesn't matterifyou'reinthePacificNorthwest ortheGulfofMaine,a30-footwaveisa 30-footwave."
"Thenightbeforeweleft,Iwentinto BrianBoru,talkingwiththebartender andalobsterman,"Chatfieldsays.
"I'mgoingoutwithCameronMclellan," hetoldthem."ButIshouldn'tworryorany¬ thing,shouldI?Imeanit'sabigboat."
"Notthatbig,"theyanswered.
The morning Chatfield departed for thewaterfront,"Ileftaslipofpaperonmy kitchentable,onwhichI'dwritten,'Incase Idon'tcomeback,I'mdoingwhatIlove.'"
Asproofagainstseasickness,"Iwore atransdermalscopolaminepatchbehind myearforseasickness,likeacigarette patch.I'veheardindifferentconcentra¬ tionsit'susedasapsychedelicdrugoran epiduraltorelievepainforwomengiving childbirth.Afterthefirstday,itworked."
TheAdventurer steamed"eighthours ateightknots"straightintotheblueuntil it was night and the glow of Portland had disappeared beneath the horizon. "Thenwestartedfishing,24/7."
Between80and100milesfromshore, thingsgotrealsimplerealfast."Thetwo activitiesare setout and haulback, the terms being both nouns and verbs," he says."Thenetsaresetoutforsevenhours. Haulbacktakeshalfanhourorso."
Atnight,anightmarishpracticality set in. "I shot hundreds of photos of
Whoknowswherethe
gullscomefromthis farout?Maybethey heareachother's cries-wordofbeak.
BertiePowellofPortClyde,justcuttin' andguttin.'Amonkfishhasabighead andalongtail.Bertiecuttheheadsoff monkfish before removing their livers-whichareprizedinJapanfortheir medicinal properties." With hypnotic regularity,hedroppedthelivers,"oneby
one,inawhiteplasticbag.Themonkfish tailsaremeat,"Chatfieldsays."Thehead and guts are thrown away."
Then, "the seagulls appeared out of thenight,asifthewordhadgoneout. There were always a dozen around, but maybe they had somehow learned the pitchofthemotorduringhaulback."
Over the next hour and a half the flockincreasedfrom12to3,000gulls, luminous around the transom of the Adventurer. "Who knows where they'd come from this far out? Maybe they heardeachother'scries-wordofbeak." Thegullsperchedontopofthenets, cryingout.Atothertimesintheflash-
interrupteddarknesstheyseemedeerily tobeinanaquarium,behindagiantwall ofglass."Iuseahand-heldrecorderto catchtheirsound,buttheenginenoiseis soloudit'sallyoucanhear."
The fish had brought the gulls, and now the gulls prompted tales from the new of stowaway rats they'd seen run¬ ning through the scuppers and jumping intothenetsafterhauluptoeatthefish. "Gulls pick the rats up and carry them out to sea," Chatfield says. The gulls havefoundawaytoeatsurf'n'turf100 milesfromshore.
Naturally, the birds were an analog formadness:"Ishotdownintothegulls. They are a squirming mass of wings, beaks,boiling-youcouldn'tevenseethe water.ItwasanItalianRenaissancepic¬ tureofhell-youknow,withgreatdevils eatingpeople."
The stars too were very close under thesky'spitcheddarkness."Butthesky wasnottheissue.Itwasthesea,andan overwhelming sense of joy" at being dosetotheedgeofthedestructiveele¬ ment. "Photography is my great love, and the constant motion of the vessel putsmeinfullcontactwithreality."
Again and again the nets surged up, pulledinbytheAdventurer'sspools,full of fish and Maine's answer to Alaskan king nightmares. "The lobster in this photois20poundseasy;amale,"Chat¬ field says of our cover photo, which shows Capt. Cameron Mdellan wrestling withtherascal.
"We threw him back, not just because' that's the law but because we'd have neededahydraulicpairoflobstercrack¬ erstoeathim!"
Maybe"cuttin'andguttin'"shouldbe aphotographicterm,becauseChatfield's images-aninvitationtotheworldruled bythelawoftoothandfin-areremark-
able. Legendary photographer Berenice Abbott once told Portland Magazinethat nobody has ever taken a good shot of Portlandbecausetheylet"thelighthouses andlobsterboatsgetintheway."
We think she'd be pleased with the atavisticqualityoftheseimages.
Nightafternightitgotdarkeroutthere. Surelyduringthisfull-contactadventure, Chatfieldwasconnectedtothedarknessof hisaccident,too,howeverfartheselonely wasteswerefromthescreechoftires:"I'm surrounded by enormous fins-a pilot whale,Ithink,"andclaws."Thenyougetit You'reouthere,beyondthepale.You'renot goingtoshorerightaway."
Butthisdarkness-wasittheverysame asbefore?Chatfieldtakesadeepbreath. "Itwas1987.1wastwoyearsoutofthe¬ ater school at UCLA." In his mind he keepstryingtopass"alongtractortrailer ontheright.Iwasinacomaforamonth, rehabforfiveyears."
Heshrugs."Iwentouttoseaforartis¬ ticpurposes.Irememberthinkingofthat as a wave came over the stem and for a flashIthought,'Artsucks!"'
Therearetimesinlifeaswellasart when you must fish with your fear.
"We know now there are no sea ser-
pents, but the Elizabethan or Jacobean ideaoftheseaserpentisthatthere'samon¬ steroutthere,themonsteryoudon'tknow, themonsterofyournotcomingback."
Chatfield adds, "Every moment is ex¬ traordinary,andItrytocapturethat."■
ChatfieldshotthesephotoswithaF470-300 zoomlensonaNikonD100digitalcamera.
Publictelevision personalityDavid Brancacciosaysbeing fromMaine"iscool."
BY AMY LOUISE BARNETT
avidBrancaccioisthetoastofNewYorkCityasthenewhostof PBS'spublicaffairsprogramNOW.Asthecelebratedreplace¬ mentforBillMoyers,he'scomealongwayfromhistank-town daysatWatervilleHigh,workingatWTZLradio.
"People ask me why I don't have a Maine accent. I've always claimedit'sbecausemyparentsarefromNewYork.But1waslistening toatapeofmyselffrom1976inWaterville,andthereitwas-1sounded likeareal Downeaster!" .
It'sasneakybusiness,beingnativeand'fromawa/atthesametime, but"whenIgettired,theMaineaccentcomesout."
Ofcourse,beingfromMainehassomefringebenefits."Ialways sayI'mfromMainebecauseit'scool.There'sacertaincachetinsay¬ ingyou'refromMaine."
AndthemovefromradiotoTV,fromMarketplacetoNOW?"I'm stillalittleskepticalabouttelevisionasamedium-Ihaveaspecial loveforradio.IlovedthechancetoworkwithBillMoyers...wedo someofthemostseriousjournalismintelevision."
Brancaccioandhiswife,Mary(aVirginian)bringtheirthreechil¬ drenhereoften.,"LastsummerwewenttoLubectobicycleandpick blueberries.IproposedatPemaquid.WeclimbedKatahdinlastsum¬ mer,thewholefamily."
InNewYork,Brancacciooftendreamsofhittingthecoastbutton. "I'mschemingonawayIcandoastoryfromMaine.Ifs sacredcoast¬ line.I'vebeenaroundtheworld,IlivedinMadagascar.Allcoastlines aredisappointingaftertheMainecoast."■
Justwheredo Snoop Dogg, MichellePfeiffer,Vanessa Williams,SharonStone,and Kate Capshaw go to get awayfromitall?
BY DIANE RUSSELL
Wholetthedogin?WhenSnoop DoggsniffedhiswaytoPortland recentlyforaconcertattheState Theatre,thestaffatthePortlandHilton GardenInnonCommercialStreetwasina highstateofreadiness.
"Herentedtheentirethirdfloor,"says
ChrisChapin,salesmanager,"atacostof $5,000to$6,000."
Doggingtherapstar'sheelswereru¬ morsofhisditchinganengagementtomeet withfansinBostonjustpriortodrivingup thecoasttoPortland.
Butinperson,therealSnoopisapussy¬ cat."Withallthepreconceivednotionsyou have[aboutrockstars],Ineverwouldhave guesseditwasthesameperson,"inspiteof thesparkleofdelicioustroublethatis alwaysevidentinSnoopDogg'seves.
"Hewasaperfectgentleman.He[and
hisentourage]lefttheplacespotless."
Thehotelstaffwasquitesurprisedwhen SnoopandhispalsorderedTVafterTVbe broughttothesuiteandhookedup."Snoop wantedeveryonetobeabletoplayvideo gameswithhim,"saysChapin.
"Hewasincrediblytall[sixfoot,three andahalfinches],"anotherstafferremem¬ bers."Hesataroundthelobbywithhis uncle,whochattedupalltheguests."
OtherrecentguestsattheHiltonGarden includeTedNugent,whoinformedZZTop whilesharingthebillattheCivicCenter thattheHiltonGardenInnwastheplaceto hangout.Allofasudden,guyswithreally longbeardsstartedenteringthebar."They lookedrealfromadistance,"Chapinsays. Tirebeards,shemeans,nottheguys.
Sowhocareswhostayswhere?Some¬ times,therearetrickle-downbenefitsforthe restofusafterahigh-profilegueststopsby.
WhenGlennClose,whohasbeenseenin thecompany'of1DEXXfounderDavidShaw, visited,"weupgradedherroomsbyadding amenitiesandasplashofcoloredpillows[ditto forSharonStone,anothervisitor],afeaturewe haveexpandedforallourregularguests."
Locatedrightonthewaterfrontwithdirect accesstotireCascoBayferries,thehotelisclose enoughtoExchangeStreettoshoptirebou¬ tiques,butfarenoughaway'toavoidtirenoise fromeveningcrowds.Ratesvary'from$119to $269.Call780-0780or\isitwww.hiltongardeniirnportland.com
AfarcryfromtheTempleofDoom,Kate Capshaw,"reallytookintheview,"when shecheckedintotheInnbytheSea, accordingtofrontdeskmanagerLaura Gironda."Shewasdelightedtobe here.ShehadonthoseHollywood shadesanddressedcasuallyinjeans, butveryhip."Accompaniedbyaclose friend,shewasvisitingherchildrenata summercamponBearLakeinWaterford.
Capshaw-sans husband Steven Spiel¬ berg-visitsonthequiet,keepingtoherself, asopposedtogregariousformerNewYork CitymayorRudyGiuliani."Therewasa weddinggoingon,andMr.Giulianiwent rightuptothebrideandgaveherahug. Shewasshocked,"generalmanagerLaurie Innesslaughs.
WehaveheardthatJuliaRobertsmade herescapeheretooafterbeingdiscovered bythepaparazziattheEastlandPark.
Innessdemurs."ThewaytheInnislaidout, guestsdon'teverhavetocometothelobby togettotheirroom.Someoneelsecan check in for them and we would neverknowthey'rehere,"shesays. "Peopletendtoseecelebritieswhen theyexpecttoseecelebrities."
Theseagrasses,privatepaths, andviewsofCrescentBeacharean irresistibleattraction.InnByTheSeahas43 luxurysuitesandcottages,eachoffering oceanviews,aspaciousbath,kitchen,living room,anddiningarea.Allhaveeitherpri¬ vatebalconies,decks,orporches.Themain houseconsistsofone-bedroomsuitesina numberofconfigurations.Thecottagesare lovelytwo-bedroomsuites,justoffthemain house.Thecomfortablebeachhousesand thespaciousPresidentialSuitearelarger cottageunitswithmorebedsandtruly exceptionaloceanviews.Strolldownthe
boardwalktothewater'sedge,orrelax withabookonyourownprivateporch. Eitherway,you'llfindtheexperienceexqui¬ site.Summerratesrangefrom$359to$679, eyeballsoupnotincluded.Forreservations, call 799-3134 or visit them online at www.innbythesea.com
"Afterhangingupfrommakingthereser¬ vation,Isaidtomyhusband,Dan,'Doyou thinkitcouldbetheDavidE.Kelley?'"sav$ innkeeperRuthMcLaughlin.Muchtotheir delight,itturnedoutKelley'swife,Michelle Pfeiffer,andtheirtwochildrenwouldalso bejoininghimfortheweek-longvacation.
"Michellewasverywarm,yetreserved. Shewasmorebeautifulinpersonthanin themovies,petiteandverynatural.David wasmoreoutgoingandapttocomeinthe kitchenandchat.Michellewasextremely graciouswithourtwochildren,goingout ofherway'tointroduceherselftothem whenshesawtheminthebackground," McLaughlinsay's.
"Itwasfuntoseethereactionsofpeople whentheysawMichellewalkby'.Guestsat breakfastwouldcallmetotheirtableand whisper,'IsthatMichellePfeiffer?'Ourbeer
deliverytruckdriverwasinourkitchenas ihewalkedthroughonetime.Hishead turnedsofastitwashilarious.
"Thedaybeforetheirarrival,Iwentinto theroomtheywereabouttostayinjustto confirmthateverythingwasperfectand wassurprisedtofindthreeofourchamber¬ maidsontheirhandsandkneesinthebath¬ room,scrubbingthetilefloorwithtooth¬ brushes!Wejokedaboutthepossibil¬ ityoftheircleaninglikethatallthe time,"saysMcLaughlin.
AnotherHollywoodfavoritehere isAshleyBrannon,animationdi¬ rectorforToyStoryII. "Hewasunas¬ sumingandquicklyofferedtodrawfor ourchildrenJackandLily.Heaskedthem whotheirfavoritecharacterfromthemovie was.Oursonsaid'Woody,'andbeforeour eyeshesketchedhimoutperfectlyand signeditforJack.Then,itwasourdaugh¬ ter'sturn.Shesaidshelikedallofthechar¬ acters,soheproceededtosketchtheentire crewforherandalsosignedit.Healso drewsketchesforothergueststobring
hometotheirchildren,"saysMcLaughlin.
"Hesaidthathewasalwaysintrouble inschoolfornotpayingattentionanddoo¬ dling,"saysMcLaughlin."Iguessitserved himwell."
Atthetimeofthevisit,Brannonhadjust soldhisownmovierightstoDreamWorks. Hewasabouttobeginworkonhisownani¬ mationfilmaboutthefirstmonkeyssent intospacefortestingrockets."They werethefirstspaceheroes!"Mc¬ Laughlinsays."Weexpecttohear aboutsuchafilmbeingreleasedin .aboutayear."
'Thegraceful1891estate,ajewelat thecenterof15breathtakingacres,is perchedaboveamassivestonewallwith views extending from New Hampshire to Canada.Ratesrangebetween$250and$425, includingbreakfasteachmorning.During thesummer,theBlairHillInnisknownfor itseveningconcerts,whichhavebecomea stapleineveningentertainment.Tomakea reservationhere,call695-0224orvisitonline atwww.blairhill.com.
"VanessaWilliamsstayedherewithher [nowex-]husbandRickFoxoftheL.A. Lakers,lastyear,saysRickLitchfield,inn¬ keeperoftheCaptainLordMansionin Kennebunkport."Shewasveryquiet,very beautiful.Mr.Foxwasveryengaging,very friendly.Hewashumble-notlikeasuper basketballstar."
Whiletheentirefamilywasenjoying theirvacationinMaine,itappearsmom anddadwantedafewdaysalone."They stayedhereandtheyhadtheirchildrenand nannyattheNonantum,"saysLitchfield.In Augustof2004,thecouplefiledfordivorce leavingustowonderifthiswasanattempt torekindletheflame.
Anothertime,PaulNewmanelectedto visitthemansionwithhisbetterhalf, JoanneWoodward."Joanneissobubbly andeffervescent.Shewasgettingcoffee.He hadonayellowV-necksweateragainstNs
crystalblueeyes,"saysLitchfield."Allthe ladiesatthebreakfasttablefellinlovewith him.Heslewthemwithaglance.
"AccordingtoJoanne,theyhadselected theplacebecauseitwaslistedinCountry ImsunitBackRoads,"saysLitchfield."The}' neverstayedanywherebutwhatwaslisted inthebook."Litchfieldwasalsowillingto welcometheir"well-behaveddog."
Otherhigh-visibilitygueststoslumber intheantiquefour-posterbedshereinclude mitar-playingDavidSoulof Starsky& Hutch[theoriginal],avery-pregnantJudy WoodruffofFrontlinePBS, and a honey¬ mooningCorbinBemsen.
ThewallsoftheCaptainLordiMansion displaypaintingafterpaintingofchildren, seascapes,andimpressionistscenes.The furnitureandotherdecorwerecollectedby Litchfieldandhiswife,BeverlyDavis,dur¬ ingthe20yearstheyhaveownedandrun themansion.Thesensationhereinthis Federalpalacewithcupolaoverlookingthe KennebunkRiverisacompleteimmersion inluxury'.
RatesrangefromS250-S450pernight, includingbreakfasteachmorning.Every roomhaseitheraqueen-orking-sizebed, gasfireplace,airconditioning,andafridge stockedwithcomplimentarysoftdrinks. Eachbathroomhasaheatedmarblefloorto warmyourstepinthemorning.Intheafter¬ noons,expecttofinddelectabletreatsfrom thehealthytothesweetinthelobby,aswell asSwedishGloggtosample.Call967-3141 orvisitwww.captainlord.com.
stone crafters at Morningstar Marble S; Granite use Old World knowledge and 2 1st centurv technology tocreatecountertops,vanities,andothercustomprod¬ uctsunequaledintheirdetail,finishandcraftsmanship.
CallJoranappointmenttotourour stunningshowroomandstartdreaming!
WhenBett}'DeGeneres,momofEllen,visit¬ edthePomegranateInn,ChrisMonahanpro¬ videdmorethanawarmsanctuarytoresta wearyhead:heprovidedthequintessential Maineexperience."Wehadahugesnow¬ stormonenightandallthelightswentout. Wewereallstuckinthedark,"laughs Monahan."Makingthebestofthings,Betty drewuptothefireplaceandchattedwiththe otherguestslateintothenight.IfeltlikeI walkedinonawomen'sgroup.Alltire guestswerewomenthatnight,"recalls Monahan."Notears,justlaughing." LocatedintheheartoftheWestEnd,the innwasbuiltin1884byE.RussellBarbour asafamilyhome.WhilethisVictorianprop¬ ertyhousesanelaborate,eclecticcollection
ofMaineart,antiquefurniture,anddistinctiveaccents,thereisnothingrandomabout 'theartisticclustering.Infact,thedesignhas beenthetoastofMetropolitanHome.
"Icallitinformedeclecticism,"saysMon¬ ahanoftheinteriordesign.Totheuntrained
eye,itwouldappearwhimsicalandarbi¬ trary,butliketheMadHatter'sTeaParty; thedesignhasanunderlyinglogicthatis theexpressionofartisticcohesion.
Afullbreakfastisincludedeachmorn¬ ing,althoughyou'llprobablywanttostay' curledupinbed,readingabookinfrontof yourpersonalfireplace.Otherguestsinclude novelistToniMorrison.Ratesrangefrom$95 to$285,dependingonthetimeofy'ear.Call 772-1006orvisitpomegranateinn.com.■
WinteratMonhegan watercolorbyEdwardBetts
Fourth Annual Gala Art Auction to benefit HomeHealthVisiting
Black Point Inn, Scarborough Friday,May20th,6:00P.M.-9:00P.M.
Casually Elegant Dining inPortland'sHistoricOldPort Open 7daysstartingat5p.m. Summer Patio Reservations Recommended
AlexKatzhaslong,deep,and importanttiestoMaine.For overhalfacenturyhehasre¬ turnedeverysummertoa homeandstudioinLincoln¬ ville,wherehecreatesinnu¬ merableoilsketchesbasedontheworld aroundhim.ManyareturnedintoKatz's"very axil"and"wrystylized"monumentalcanvas¬ eswhenhereturnstoManhattan.
Twoexhibitionsthissummer,AlexKatz inMaineattheFarnsworthArtMuseum (July2-October16),andAlexKatz:Collages attheColbyCollegeMuseumofArt0une 26-September18),underscoreKatz'slinks here.AsFarnsworthchiefcuratorSuzette DaneMcAvoyobserves,Maine's"ruralset¬ tingprovidesadramaticcounterpointtohis milieuinNewYorkCity,yetitisnolessrich inimagery."Hisdepictionsofordinary,lowkeyevents,McAvoyadds,documentthat "Katz'sMaineisnotthetouristviewof crashingsurfandlighthouses;itisatonce moreintimate,andmoreuniversal."The Farnsworthexhibitionisaccompaniedbya usefulcatalogue,withaprincipalessayby KatzauthoritySanfordSchwartz.
KatzwasborninBrooklynin1927,the sonofart-loving,Bohemianparentswhohad emigratedfromRussia.Growingupin Queens,helivedinahouseinwhichhispar¬ entspaintedroomsinvividcolorsandunusu¬ alpatternsthattheirsonfound"bizarre."He recallstryingtopaintthewallsofhisbedroom inmotesedate,"ordinarv"colors.
Thisearlyexposuretounusualhuesand designs,alongwiththeinfluenceofAb¬ stractExpressionism-therulingstvlewhen hecameofageasanartistinNewYork-have contributedtoKatz'sliberaluseofexpanses olsaturatedcolorinhLssignaturework.
Hewenttotradeschooltostudycom¬ mercialartandthenenrolledatCooper UnionArtSchoolfrom1946to1948,years heregardsascrucialtohisdevelopmentas apainter."Ihadagreattimeandgota grandeducation,"saysKatz."Itwasthe besttimeinmylife.1startedpaintingthere, anditmademefeellikeanormalperson, notsostrange."
AtopstudentatCooperUnion,Katzwas offeredscholarshipstogotoYalesummer schoolortheSkowheganSchoolofPainting andSculpture.Sculptor"WilliamKing, whomIknew,wenttoSkowheganthepre¬ vioussummer,"Katzrecalls,"soIchose Skowhegan.AtSkowhegan1triedpleinair
paintingandfoundmysubjectmatterand areasontodevotemylifetopainting.
Duringthesummersof1949and1950at Skowhegan,"aregionalartschoolwhere theyknewnothingaboutmodernart,"he learnedthevalueofworkingoutsidethestu¬ dio."ItwasthefirsttimeIhaddonedirect painting,anditwasarealkick,"hesays.It wasablast...Mytalentsandinstinctswere alltowardsthisexplosive,fastpainting."
SincethosesummersincentralMaine,
KatzhasbecomeaSkowheganSchoolfac¬ ultymember,amemberoftheBoardof Trustees and Board of Governors, and receivedtheSkowheganMedalforPainting in1980.
BuildingonhisSkowheganexperience, KatzsettledinManhattan,bentonlaunch¬ inghiscareer."Myintentionwastomake somethingfreshandpost-abstract,"he recalls.Landscapesfromthisperiod,spon¬ taneouspicturesalivewithatmospheric
"Katz'sMaineisaplaceofmystery,ofevocative
light,ofdarkcornersinthenaturalworld,empty andlonely.Itisalsoabigspace."
-DonnaM.Cassidy,arthistorian,UniversityofSouthernMaine
light,reflecthispleasureinpaintingout¬ doorsfromnature.
Manyoftheseearly,relativelysmallcan¬ vasesshowtheinfluenceoffriendsandfel¬ lowartistsFairfieldPorter(asummer residentofGreatSpruceHeadIslandin PenobscotBay)andLarryRivers. Clam Digger(1958),apopularsubjectforMaine artists,isreminiscentofPorter'sharmonious compositionsandRivers'brushypaintings.
Simplifiedstructureandharmonious colorsarefeaturesofLima Park(1960),in whichanexpanseofgraywater,glimpsed throughawindow,isilluminatedbya swathofpalemoonlight.Haman House #3 (1963)showsawhitecountryhouseacross afieldofgreen.Thesecanvasesputonein mindnotonlyofPorter'swork,butalsoof thespareimagesofMiltonAvery.Among others,KatzhasalsocitedPierreBonnard, HenriMatisse,JoanMiro,andJackson Pollockasartistsimpactingonhiswork.
In1954Katzpurchasedasmall,200vear-old, somewhat-rundown farmhouse andstable(thatinitiallybecameastudio)in Lincolnville.He'srefurbishedtheplace overtheyears,installingelectricityinthe 1960sforexample,butitretainsmuchofits Spartaninteriorlooktothisday. Yellow House #2(2001)conveysasenseofthe vividexteriorcolorthatjumpsoutinits ruralsetting.
VeteranNewYorkTimesartcriticGrace GlueckhasdescribedKatz,as"NewYorkto thebone:street-smart,wire-taut,fastand funnvonhisfeet,hisaccentaverylocal breed."InMaine,however,thepainteris muchmoredownhomeandcasual,revel¬ inginoutdoorchoresandfresh-airliving.
InLincolnville,Katzoftenworkswear¬ ingawhiteT-shirt,shorts,andnoshoesin alargestudiohebuiltthroughthewoods fromhishouse,facingColemanPond.His pleasureintwice-dailyswimsinthepondis evidentinSelfPortrait(1991).
Tirebeautifullypainted Canoe(1974), capturingthereflectionofthewhitebirch barkboatinwater,isundoubtedlyskim¬ mingacrossColemanPond'splacidsurface.
Katztakesprideinanimpressiveexer¬ ciseregimenthatkeepshimvisiblylean,fit, andeagertopaintallthetime-atage77.He sayshedoeshundredsofsit-ups,lifts weights,andrunsfourtofivemilesdaily. Herideshisbicyclesixmilesaday,overa mountain,topickuptheNewYorkTimes.
TheevolutionofKatz'scharacteristic
‘This boutique has put Portland, Maine on th a new approach to eyewear, raising expectations and embracin f*ini3giiISa^|QpticalExpressionsisthedefinition-ofanoptical wonderlandrunique,alternativeandartistic."
Dr.PhilipPoulin, Optometrist TrudyPoulin, Optician 87 (Exchange Street, Portland MG 207-871-7553 iuujiii.opticalexpressions.com
eyecare
SHELDONSLATEisafamilyowned businesswithfourgenerationsofex¬ perience.Wemineandmanufacture ourownslateproductsfromourown quarries.Therangeofourcolorswill complimentanykitchenorbath.Our slateisheatresistant,non-porousand non-fading.Ithasapolished/honed finishandisverylowmaintenance.Let ushelpyoudesignandbuildacustom sink,countertoporvanity.Custom inquiriesarehandledthroughthe Monson,Mainedivision.
Sinksandcountertopscanbecraftedina varietyofways.Useyourimagination,or wecanassistyouinyourdesign.
style,markedbyrealism,color,andsize, waspartlyareactiontothemannered,ges¬ turalapproachandgrandiosecanvasesof theAbstractExpressionists,whosework wasalltherageinNewYork.Healsobegan creatingtheatersetsforthePaulTaylor dancegroup.
Inthe1950s,heexperimentedininterest¬ ingwayswithcollagesandcutouts.This summer'scollageexhibitionatColby,thefirst devotedsolelytothesubject,underscoresthe power and simplicity with which Katz imbuedthesesmallbutcompellingworks.
Sincethelate1950s,portraitshavebeena mainstayofKatz'spainting-bothsingle¬ subjectandfigurativegroups.Hismostfre¬ quentsitterhasbeenhishandsomewife,
"Mywife,Ada,isthe perfectmodel... WhatIdoiscasther indifferentroles."
Ada,whomhehasdepictedsincetheir marriagein1958.Adahasprobablybeen paintedmoreoftenbyamajorartistthan anyspouseinhistory.
"Ada,"Katzobservedafewyearsago, "istheperfectmodel,anAmericanbeaut}'. She'salsolikeaclassicEuropean...She's likeadancer.Dancersknowexactlywhat they'redoing.WhatIdoiscastherindif¬ ferentroles."Hisstrikingportraitsand recentsightingsinMaineconfirmthatAda Katzremainsanattractivesubjectforher husband'sbrush.
Theirson,Vincent,whowritespercep¬ tivelyabouthisfatherandhiswork,is anotherfrequentsubject. Alex,Adaand Vincent(1961)isanearlydepictionofthe Katzfamily.
Katz'sartcontinuedtoevolveinthe1960s ashebegantoattractbuyersandwinover critics.Hisworkwasincreasinglycharacter¬ izedbytheflattened,simplifiedimages; closecompositionalcropping;symmetrical order;akindoffreeze-framemonumentality;andrich,brilliantcolorthathasmadehim famous.Aroundthistimehedecidedhehad toenlargehispicturesinordertocompete withothercontemporary'artists.
Indevelopinghisapproachtoexecuting large-scaleworks,Katzhasbeeninfluenced byeverydaycommercialmedia,especially billboardadvertising.Forexample,in9 PM
(1990),measuring48x130inches,onlya comeroftheyellowhouseappears,set againstadarksky.
Katzusuallycreatesoneormoreoil sketchesinpreparationforeachlargepaint¬ ing.Inthesesmallerworks,manypainted fromlifeandaroundLincolnville,theartist capturestheessenceofhissubject,includ¬ ingpose,gesture,lighting,anddetail.
Makingchangesashegoesalong,Katzfol¬ lowstheinitialrenderingswithmoredetailed drawingsandthenenlargedcartoonsthatare finallytransferredintomuchlargercomposi¬ tionsoncanvas.DuringavisittohisLincoln¬ villestudioacoupleofyearsago,Katz displayedatleastascoreofoilsketchesthathe plannedtotakebacktoworkintolargepaint¬ ingsinhisManhattanstudio.
Katzaimstofinishworksoriginatedin MainebyNovember."IntJaisway,"notes McAvov,"MaineoccupiesKatzforhalfofeach year-asojournforrenewalandreflection."
AmongfineexamplesofKatz'ssizable, stifflvposedgroupportraitsintheFarns¬ worthexhibitionaretwosomessuchas IslesboroFerrySlip(1975),Smile Awhile (1983),andAceAirport(1996).Athreesome isfeaturedinBridge(1990).Largestofall, withsevenfigures,isSummer Seven(1993), whichmeasuresawhopping90x145inch¬ es.Eachpictureischaracterizedby'acool senseofpsychologicaldistanceamong thosedepicted."My'work,"saysKatz,"is non-narrative."
Anoutstandingsingleportraitfromthe Farnsworthcollection,Rudy(1980),depicts depictsKatz'sfriendandSearsmontneigh-
DETAIL FROM LATE JULY, 1927 LITHOGRAPH ON ARCHES PAPER. 22-1/4 X 28-1/2 INCHES. PORTLAND MUSEUM OF ART CLAM DIGGER, 1958. OIL ON CANVAS 32-1/2 X 46-1/4 INCHES. FARNSWORTH ART MUSEUM
borthelateRudyBurckhardt,posedwith whatappearstobePenobscotBayinthe background.Itisahuge(72x90inches), memorablecanvas.
Burckhardt,agiftedphotographerand painter,wasinfluentialintheevolutionof Katz'swork.SayscuratorMcAvoy,"Itwas perhapsintheworkof...Burckhardtthat... Katzrealizedthatthebestartcanbe promptedbysituationsinwhichnothing particularisgoingon."
Burckhardt'swife,YvonneJacquette,a notedpainterofbird's-eyeviewsofcityand ruralscenes,loanedtheshowanotherstrik¬ inglikeness, View(1962).Itcaptures, observesSchwartzintheexhibitioncata¬ logue,the"hazy,overcastbrightness"of "lightKatzisafter."
AlthoughhisLincolnvilleplaceissome¬ whatinlandfromtheocean,Katzseeslots ofgullsandpaintsthemmorelyrically thananyothercontemporaryartist.Seagull inMorningSun(2000)isoneofmanyhe haspaintedofthisbird.Showingagraceful seagullsoaringagainstayellowback¬
ground, it documents how much more attractivethisbirdisinflightthanwhenon theground.
WhileKatzhasconcentratedprimarily onfigurativeworkformostofhiscareer,he alsouseshissummersinMaineforforays intolandscapepainting.Indeed,asthe Farnsworthexhibitionsuggests,sincethe late1980snaturehasfiguredasprominent¬ lyasportraitsinhisoeuvre.
MichaelKimmelman,chiefartcriticof theNewYorkTinies,callsKatz'slandscapes "bigandimpressive...[They]arestylish, seductive,fundamentallydecorativepaint¬ ings(decorativeisnotmeantpejoratively), andtheyarealsospare,evenaustere,de¬ spitetheiropulentscale."SuchKatzland¬ scapesasBlackBrook7(1989),Pool#1 (1991),andRain(1992)areatoncesubtle anddramatic,offeringappealingimagesto ponderandsavor.Thesearecharacteristi¬ callylargepictures,measuring72x96inch¬ es,62x46inches,and54x72inches, respectively.TheyreflectUniversityof SouthernMainearthistorianDonnaM.
Cassidy'sobservationthatKatz'sMaineinspiredlandscapesoften"dealwithtran¬ sitionalmomentsinnature,provocative timesofdaywhenlightandweathertrans¬ formtheenvironment."
Katzadherestoastrictschedule,arriv¬ inginLincolnvilleonJune22andreturning to New York on September 10. He says Maine is conducive to work, offering
"fewerdistractions"thantheBigApple, andabundantnaturetopaint.
Workingwithconsiderablezeal,Katz paintssevendaysaweek,drawingonthe naturalworld-"there'ssomethingnewevery dav,"heobserves-aswellasmodelsforoil sketches."Iworkmywayaround"tovarious sitesintheLincolnvillearea,doingwaterfora while,thenbeachscenesorwoodsorfields¬
andcomesbacktosuchsubjectslateron.
Asdancer/choreographerTaylorrecent¬ lysaid,admiringly,oftheartist'swork ethic,"It'spaint,paint,paint.It'samania."
ThesurgeofnewpaintingsintheFarns¬ worthdisplaysuggestthatlotsofinterest¬ ingandappealingKatzartliesahead.As always,serendipitywillbeapartner:"I havenoideaofwhatI'llbecomingupwith inthefuture,"hesays.
NowadaysKatzisrepresentedinmajor museumsalloverthecountryandabroad, withespeciallystrongholdingsatthe Whitney Museum of American Art in New YorkandtheColbyCollegeMuseumofArt inWaterville.TheSchupfGalleriesforthe WorksofAlexKatz,awingaddedtothelat¬ termuseumin1996,isdedicatedtothe artist'swork.Katzhelpeddesignthese enormousgalleries.Spectacularspacesdis¬ playsomeofhislargestandmostentertain¬ ing works. An example is Smile Awhile (1983),depictingtwofiguresatanoutdoor picnictable.Itmeasures72x96inches.
TheColbyMuseum'scollageretrospec¬
tivethissummerisgoingtobewellwortha visit.Together,theColbyandFarnsworth showsrevealtheprofoundimpactMaine hashadonKatz'sworkTheyare,more¬ over,welcome,strikingdisplaysofthe luminouscuriositythathashelpedinspire thisKatz.
CongratulationstoDavidCohen,cura¬ toroftheColbyMuseumexhibition,andto McAvoyandstaffattheFarnsworth.
AsSchwartzobservesintheFarnsworth exhibitioncatalogue,Katz's"Mainescenes, inadditiontotheirgleamingpainterlyvir¬ tuosityandstrongdesign,leaveasenseof beingasweet,unassuming,deliberately unflashyidyll..."
Indeed,theFarnsworthshowgivescre¬ dencetoonetimeNewYorkTimesartcritic JohnRussell'scommentthat"ifwehadto bereincarnated,oneofthebetterideas wouldbetocomebacktolifeinanAlex Katzpainting.Theweatherwouldalways hegood,therewouldn’tbeanuglyordis¬ agreeablepersoninsight,andeveryhouse wouldbeindecentrepair."■
•Longlastingqualityandbeautyof castiron.
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Trophy,crimescene, slum,andmuseum,the TateHouse,celebrating its250thbirthdaythis summer,hashosted everyonefromroyal officialstoAfrican slaves,woodsmen andmastermariners, aRebelsandTories,even andfutureRussianadmiral senator.
BY WILLIAM DAVID BARRY
'
heFateshavealwaystakendeep interestinStroudwater'sTate House,andduringceremoniesas thisyeardawned,theypositively beamed. Though the day was seasonablycold,thesuncameouttostay fortheoutdcxirfestivitiesanddistinguished visitors,includingMaine'sFirstLad}’Karen Baldacci,MaineHistoricPreservationCom¬ missionsDirectorEarleG.Shettleworth,Jr., theTateHouse'sablestaff,membersofthe NationalSocietyofColonialDames,represen-
There'satraditionthatmastsfortheHMS Victory, theBritishshipofthelinethatwas LordNelson'sflagshipattheBattleof Trafalgarin1805,werecutfromtheforestsof Maine.Thedatescertainlywork,asthe Victory's keelwaslaidin1759,barelyafter theTateHousewasbuiltinStroudwater.
If Victory's mastswerecuthereinMaine, surely George Tate would have been in a positiontotakeacutfromtheproceeds.
Notsurprisingly,wecolonistsresentedthe Britishlawthatallwhitepinetreesinour Maineforestswithdiametersgreaterthan24 incheswerereservedexclusivelyforthe Britishnavy.Sowhatdidwedo?Wecutthem insecret,anditwasapointofpridefor
tativesoftheStroudwaterVillageAssoci¬ ation,mediafigures,andonlookersofvaried ages.Speecheswereunfurledandabanner ofblueandgoldflappedtoproclaimthe building's250thbirthday.
Fewlocalinstitutionshavemoretocele¬ bratethanTateHouse,whosewallsand windowshavewitnessedthepassingpa¬ radeofAmericanhistoryfromtheIndian Warstothepresent.Asidefromstandingas Maine'sgreat,enduringmonumenttothe internationalmasttrade,ithasbeenatro¬ phyhome,murdersite,slum,andmuseum house.Itsroomshaveshelteredeveryone fromroyalofficialstoAfricanslaves,woods¬ menandmastermariners,rebelsandTories, andevenafutureRussianadmiralandsenator. ThoughtheFateshavenotalwaysbeenkind theyhaveprovedgoodlong-termstewards.
Myownroleintheyeast}'sagaofthe housecamethroughtheinvitationofthelate FrancesW.Peabodytoproduceabookabout thestructure'andthepeoplewhoenlivened it.Thiswasbackintheearl}'1980sasIwas justbeginningmyfree-lancecareer.
Duringmypreviousincarnationascura¬ torofresearchatthePortlandMuseumof Art,Franniehadbeenoneofthemost knowledgeabletrusteesinvolvedwiththe historicMcLellan-SweatHouse.Still,1was ataddoubtfulaboutworkingonaninstitu¬ tionalhistory.Shequicklyassuredmethat therewasnopartylineandthatIwouldbe abletoarriveatmyownconclusions.Thus beganmyfirstpublishedbookprojectand oneofthemostenjoyableandproductive relationshipsofmyadultlife.
FranniewasinherlateseventiesandIin mylatethirties.1hadalreadyproducedsev-
Colonialfamiliestopointtothewidepine boardsdecoratingtheir upstairs floors, undetectedbyvisitorsbelow.
The HMS Victory Museum in Portsmouth, UK,couldnotconfirmthelikelihoodof Victory's masts coming from Maine-they haveotherfishtofry.
eral museum catalogues and was well versedinlocalandinternationalhistory. Franniehadpassedmorethanadecade gatheringTatedocumentsandknewmore aboutthestructureandfamilythanalmost anyone.Aftermyowninitialresearch,we outlinedthebook,assistedateverystageby mywife,Debra,thebestcriticIhave.
SeveraltimesaweekFrannieandI wouldgoovertheresultsatherWalker Streethome.Wewouldspendeighthours punctuatedbylunch,proofing,andprepar¬ ingthenextstages.Atday'send,Iwould invariablytrytotakethebushometo MunjoyHillandwithequalregularityshe wouldoffertodriveme,notingthatshe hadadinnerappointmentandsubsequent event.Comefiveo'clock,allIwantedtodo wasgohome,takeabath,andrelax.Most daysonecouldfindFrannieathomeonly earlyintiremorningorlateatnight.
Wellintohernineties,FranniePeabody hadmoreproductiveenergythananyone I'veevermet.TogetherwelearnedthatTate Housewasbuiltbecauseofthetown'sfirst lucrativeexport,mastpines.Intheeigh¬ teenthcentury,Britainwasdependanton theprotectionoftheRoyalNavyandthat servicewasdependanton108-footwhite¬ pinemasts,treesofsuchlengthandquality grownonlyintheBalticandNewEngland. AstheBalticfellintoenemyhandsand treesbecamescarceinMassachusettsand NewHampshire,Stroudwater(thenpartof Falmouth)becamethecenterofthetrade. Allmastpines,eventhoseonprivateproperty,weresun-eyedandmarkedwiththe Navy'sBroadArrow.
Thesetreesweretechnicallyownedby
theKing,butthestrategicresourceswere grantedtoapowerfulEnglishcartel.Most harvestingforthemonopolycreatedlocal jobsbut,moresignificantly,broughtprotec¬ tiontothearea.Falmouth(nowPortland) hadbeentwiceburnedbvtheFrenchand Indiansinthe1600s.Whileofficialsin Bostonshedpublictearsoverthedestruc¬ tionoftheirDistrictofMaine,theywere reallyonlymovedtodefensiveactionafter thetownwasrebuiltaround1718.Thiswas becausetheabundantmastpineswerevalu¬ ableandneeded.Businessleaders,including Col.ThomasWestbrookandBrigadierWal¬ do,movedinasagentsofthemonopolyto cashin.
Earlyinthe1750stheLondonofficedis¬ patchedCaptainGeorgeTate,aveteranof theBaltic,toruntheStroudwateroperation. TatesoonloftedtheelegantGeorgianstyle homethatwecelebratetoday.Hewasfol¬ lowedbyhiswife,Mary,andfivechildren. Quicklythefamilyassumedaleadership roleinsociety.Theybroughtaconspicuous
Englishgentrystylethatincludedfine clothes,furnishings,andatleastonehouse¬ holdslave.
Ourbook,TateHouse:CrownoftheMaim MastTrade(1982),soughttotellthestoryof theTatesandtheirhomeinthecontextof thetimes,andthentofollowthebuilding's historyuptothe1980s.OldCaptainTate presidedoverthemastingbusinessatits height,servedasavillagespokesperson, andhelpedestablishtheAnglicanChurch "I'lljustgetintouch with my friend Mar¬ garetChaseSmith," said Frannie Peabody whentoldhowdifficult itwouldbetoget NationalHistoric Landmark designation.
whentheonlylegallyrecognizedfaithwas Congregationalism.In1772,justasthe Revolution was heating up and rebels begantodestroymasts,Man'Tatewasshot deadbyagunriggedtoshootthievesina familystorehouse.HersonWilliamwas triedandfoundguiltyofmurder.Though pardonedbytheRoyalGovernor,William’s fortunesdeclinedwiththerestofthefamily. DuringtheWarofIndependenceheand hisfatherremainedneutral,whileanother son entered the Royal Navy and the youngestbecamearebel.TheCaptain's son,GeorgeII,wasalreadyanofficerinthe navyofCatherinetheGreatofRussia.This bov, who grew up on the banks of the StroudwaterRiver,laterbecameaRussian admiralandsenator,aswellasalocalfolk hero.OldCaptainGeorgewouldwedagain anddivorcebeforedyingin1794.In1803 sonWilliamlostthehousetocreditorsand skedaddledtoEngland.
Inthedecadesthatfollowed,thehouse slumberedawayundervariousownersand occupants.Thelastprivateownerwasthe colorful Andrew Hawes. A businessman andantiquarian,Hawesturnedthebuild¬ ingintoatwo-familydwelling.Apparently stoveswereplacedinonlyoneresidence. Modernizationneverdisturbedthebuild¬ ing'soriginalform.
HistorianShettleworthreportsthat around1900,then-StateHistorianHenryS. Burragetoldhisartistdaughter,Mildred, thattheTateHouse,PownalboroughCourt¬ house,andDresden'sBowmanHousewere thethreeeighteenth-centurystructuresin thestatethatneededtobesavedatallcosts. Hawesagreedandleftthelatetothe NationalSocietyofColonialDamesof AmericaintheStateofMaine.AstheFates wouldhaveit,hediedinsolventduringthe GreatDepression.Undeterred,theDames, ledbyMildredBurrageandSallyCarroll Brown Payson, bought the house from FidelityTrustfor$2,500in1933.
Under the aegis of the Dames, Tate Housewasrestoredtoitsformerglory,after abattery'ofhistoricstudies.Benignneglect inthehandsoftheformerownersproveda godsend.Asidefromcoveringthecleresto¬ rytreatmentofthefrontgambrelroof(a favoritesourceofleadshotandsinkersfor nineteenth-centuryboy's),andthedestruction oftireell,theplacewasremarkablyintact.
TireDamescaredforthehouseinwise, nonintrusivewavs,bringinginexpertsfrom
timetotime,conductingresearchandarchae¬ ologicaldigsinthe1950s.Theyalsobrought inspecialistsonfurnishingsandbegantofill theinterior,aprocesswhichcontinues.
Shettleworthrecallsthatin1971,Frannie Peabodycalledhimaboutgettingthehouse designatedaNationalHistoricLandmark. Thoughsupportive,heexplainedthatthis wasusuallyavery'lengthyprocessandulti¬ matelyfelltotheSecretaryoftheInteriorto decide.Franniereplied,"I'lljustgetin touch with my friend Margaret Chase Smith."Twomonthslater-inrecordtimetherequestwasgranted.AsShettleworth notes, "Between Frannie Peabody and SenatorSmith,theSecretaryoftheInterior neverhadachance."
FrannietackledtheTateHousebook withthesamevigorandvisionandwas pleasedwhenreviewerDr.CharlesE.Clark of the University of New Hampshire termedit"amodelofitsgenreandmore.’ Still,IhadtoenlisthistorianElizabethRing andFrannie'slongtimefriendMaryLou Spraguetoconvinceherthathernamehad toappearasco-author.
Theyearthebookwasprintedtheable
LauraFecychSpraguewasappointedthe Tate'sfirstprofessionalCuratorofCol¬ lections,havingalreadycompletedamajor catalogueofobjects.Greatchangesand additionstoourknowledgesoonfollowed. KristanCreanwashiredasthefirstfull¬ timedirector,followedbyinterimdirector SusanHamlinandpresentexecutivedirec¬ torErnestPlummer.
In1983wewerefinallyabletogetbiog¬ raphicalmaterialabouttheadmiraltranslat¬ edfromRussianservices.Thiswasfacilitated bymyUncleJack,thenwiththeCIA.The newinformationledtoanarticleinDown East magazine(December1983)entitled "Maine'sOneandOnlyRussianAdmiral."
AyearlaterFrannietookanewproject underwing.For40years,villagehistorian Myrtle K. Lovejoy had been writing a house-by-househistory;ThisWasStroudwater,1772-1S60.Publishedby'theColonial Dames,thebook'sfundingwasonceagain handledbyFrannie,whobroughtmeinas
The Tate House was scenetomatricide when William "accidentally"shot Maryin1772.
editor.ThiswasmylastTateHouse-related hurrah,thoughtheteamofPeabody'and Barrywouldgoontoproducethreemore booksondifferentsubjects.
In1991theFatesusheredinaneweraof researchandpublicationwithGeorgianP. Chase'selegant,informative,book, An HerbaloftheEighteenth-CenturyGardensat TateHouse.Thisthirdvolumeby'Maine's ColonialDamesofferedawholenewwan¬ tageontheproperty’.Thewinterof1991 sawthefirstimportantscholarlyessay'on Admiral Tate. This was Dr. Christine Holden's"ServingTsarandKing:George TateintheRussianImperialNavy" (The AmericanNeptune, Vol.51,No.1).Then assistantprofessorofhistoryattheUni¬ versity'ofSouthernMaine,Holdenwasthe firsttoscourBritishandRussiansource materialintheBritishLibrary,theNational MaritimeMuseum,thePublicRecordOf¬ fice,andtheLibraryoftheSchoolofSlav¬ onicandEastEuropeanStudiesatthe UniversityofLondon.Forthefirsttimewe
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weregivenadeep-dishportraitofGeorgeII andhisplaceinRussianandBritishnaval history.Ratherthanjustalocallandmark, TateHousewasbeingseenforitsroleinthe eighteenth-centuryAtlanticworldoftrade. Theyear1991alsoattractedRussianlectur¬ erYuriV.Doikovtothepropertyasarepre¬ sentativeofPortland'ssistercity,Archangel.
In1996,theColonialDamespurchased theelegantCaptainJamesMeansHouse (1791),whichstandsacrossthestreetfrom Tate[see"MastHead,"PortlandMagazine April1996].Thishasbeenrestoredand servesasofficesforthestaff,ameetinghall, andsiteoftheorganization'sgiftshop.Itis alsohometoagrowingarchiveofinforma¬ tionabouttheTates,theirhouse,Colonial Falmouth,andtheworld.DirectorErnest Plummerhasalreadydiscoverednewdoc¬ umentationconcerningalawsuitbetween TateandtheFosterbrothers.Thelatterhad apparentlybeenchargedwithtakingmast pines but went on to win the case. UltimatelytheFosterbrothersmovedto Machias,wheretheywereleadingrebels. Sotheresearchprogressesapace.
Thissummerwillalsowitnessrequisite architecturaltours,herbgardenteasand tours,andschooltours.OnAugust13,the TateHousewillteamupwithStroudwater VillageAssociationfortheoutdoorStroud¬ waterOldPhotographsExhibition.Ann Worsterhasorganizedaneighteenth-centu¬ rycostumeexhibitioninthehousefrom JunetoSeptember.Caterthisyear,themag¬ azineAntiques plansanissueonthena¬ tionaltreasuresoftheColonialDames whichwill,ofcourse,includeTateHouse. However,the250thbirthdaywillalso seetheestablishmentofanewFriendsof theTateHouseBoard,whichwillinclude scholarsandconcernedcitizensoutsidethe ranksoftheColonialDames.Thischange increasesthelikelihoodthatthehistoric treasurewillcontinuetobethefocusof interestandconservationforyearstocome.
HappyBirthday,TateHouse!■
Describedasa “timeless treasure" andaplaceof “truetranquility"
Twenty fixe hillside acres on scenic Highland Lake, offering a spectacular waterfront and views of the lake and mountains.Stayinoneofourfivehouse¬ keeping cottages or in our 1897, B&B Main House. Enjoy tennis, bikes, and boats for free! A public 18 hole golf course is located across the street. One hour from Portland, the “magic” of Tarry-A-\Vhile awaits you.
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LessthananhournorthwestofPortland,you’llfindthis1870countryestate locatednearthetipofLongLakeon108secludedacresoflawns,gardens, andwoodlands.7elegantguestrooms,2suites,allwithprivatebathsandAC, somewithfireplacesandwhirlpooltub.Enjoyafullcountrybreakfastonthe covereddeckoverlookingthegardensbeforeexploringourbeautifularea. Canoes,bicycles,andhikingtrailsonsite.Availableforw’eddings,family gatherings,andsmallseminars.
For reservations and information call 207-583-4445 or 1-866-583-4445 uww.greemi’oodmanorinn.com LocatedoffofRt.117 betweenBridgtonand Harrison
Itwasasim¬ plecottage builtbymy grandfather among the dunesona whitesandbeach hereinMaine.Ithadalarge stonefireplacetokeepthechillawayduring summerstorms.Ithadseasonalrunning waterandelectricitywhichcameonasingle wirestrungonwoodenpoles.Whenthe windblew,thewireswhistledmaking ghostlyseamusicongraywindydays.My grandfatherbroughtinmanyloadsofrich browntopsoilandmygrandmotherplanted Howers,thousandsofflowersinanamazing profusionofcolorwhichshetendeddaily. Theyardwassurroundedbyawhitepicket fence.Onthreesidesdunegrasscameupto theedgeofthefence.Inthefrontthe AtlanticOceansweptinonasmoothflat beach.Eachspringshereplacedherannu¬ als.Everysummerthesearosescametolife inwhiteandpinknestledamonggreen leaveswhichgrewalongtheoutsideofthe fence.Theyweretenacioushappy(lowers thatlovedthesandysoils,wantingmore thananythingelsetobeallowedtocome insidethefencebutwereconvincedtwicea weekbyapush-reellawnmower tostayontheirside.
In memory of my grandmother’sgardens andherlifeamongthe Howerswecreatedthe SeaRoseRing.She wouldhavelovedthis ring.
ThedetailotSeaRoseRing iscarvedindeeprelief.Thereisonelarge RosaRugosa(searose)infullbloomand fivedelicatebudspartiallyopenoneach side.Theringismadetohavethelowest possibleprofile,wherethearcoftheshoul¬ dersoftheringcontinuesinanalmost unbrokenlineintothecurvatureofthelow profilebufftopgem.WemadeourSeaRose Ringwithstonesintwoshadesofgreen, ultramarineblue,burntumber,andblack. Eachgemisaspeciallycutdouble-sided cabochonsetsolowwithinitssettingthe lingeractuallytouchesthepolishedunder¬ sideofthegem.Anicefeature whichcreatesabondofintimacy betweenthewearerandgem.
RBarefoot.. .jeans rolled up, * late August, a warm breeze, aslowwalkonabeachbetweentworockyheadlands. .ju’vecollectedahandfulofpebbles,glisteninginthesun, thecolorsintheirsimplicityarebeautifultogether. Summerisfleeting.
Weunderstandhowyou feelaboutyourspecialplaceson theMainecoast.Forthreeyears,we collectednativeMainegranitesandother stonesfromtherockyheadlandsand quietcovesalongourentirecoast.Cut andpolishedasgems,theirsurfacesshine, revealingasubtleblendofearthtones.Setin14K yellowgold,ourMaineCoastBraceletwillallowyoutoreturnto yourspecialplacesontheMainecoastwheneveryouwish. AbsoluteSatisfactionGuaranteed.
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Thelowprofilealsoaccomplishesanotherimportantpartof thedesireequationwhichiscomfort.Theringbecomespartof jou.partofyourlifewithoutinterferingorcomplicating.You canputitonandwearit.acceptthecompliments,enjoyit, andneverhavetoworryaboutitagain.Enduring...likethesea rose.
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ntheOscar-winningfilmMillionDollar Baby, thecharacterplayedbyClint Eastwooddreamsofrunningagreasy spoonafterhegetsoutofthefightgame. It'saclean,well-lightedplacewithwellwornclients,goodgrubmadeexceptional withketchup,andasenseofold-fashioned intimacy.AsEastwoodpeersthroughthe windows,yougetthesensethathisdream deferredwillalsol?ethereality'checkhedes¬ peratelyneeds.
tiesofrunningtheirgreasyspoons,aswell astheemotionalrewards—whatringstheir chimesaswellastheircashregisters.
You've
We'vedroppedinforachatwiththe ownersoffourofMaine'sdreamiesteater¬ iestolearnabitaboutthehard-tackrealio Tfsnotjustallglamor.
"Youseeeveryformoflifeinhere,"says Jolcv Sparks, who owns Marcy's Res¬ taurantwithherhusband,Murray.Located attheintersectionofOakandFreeStreets, Marcy'sisthecrossroadoflife."Youget everyonefromfamousrock-and-rollmusi¬ ciansplayingtheCivicCentertosome homelessguyyou'venevermetinyourlife, thekindestguywhohasabsolutelynothing.
"We go through 11 cases of eggs a weekandclosetotwocansofhashaday. Thatdoesn'tseemlikealot,untilyou figureeachcasehas15dozeneggsanda canofhashis10pounds.Intotal,we spendabout$1,800aweekongroceries."
Joley Sparks knew what she was gettinginto:"Iworkedherefor13years beforebuyingthebusinesswithmyhus¬ bandtwoandahalfyearsago."
The cost of recovering from smoke damage from a neighborhood fire last Xovember put added stress on her new business."Thereisnogrossprofit,"she says, "aside from what we pay our¬ selves."Still,"Iwouldn'tdoanything else.I'vebeenhere15years.Theideaof closingMarcv'sisnotanoption."
Famouscustomers:JoeLieberman,and JohnEntwistleofTheWho.Customertry¬ ingtofindfame:"Aguywhotriedtodoa stripdance."
47 Oak Street, Portland, 774-9713
"Ilovemyjob,"saysSusanEklund,owner ofSusan'sFish-n-Chipsat1135Forest Avenue."I'mhereevery'day.Ilivehere."
Eklundgoesthrough50poundsoffishon anaverageday'tokeepupwiththedemand forherbest-sellingentree,fishandchips.
"On Mondays and Tuesdays, I buy 100 poundsoffishtofeedmyregularsstopping by'forourfishburgerspecial.1buyfreshfish daily,spend$2,000aweekonsupplies."
Inordertomakeherbusinessthesuc¬ cessitistoday',Eklundsurprisedthelocal marketwithsomecreativebusinesstactics whenstartingout17y'earsago.
"Ihadthegirlsgoingout[intothetraffic ofForestAvenue],knockingonwindows, givingaway[fried]clams.Andpeoplein carswouldturnaroundandcomeback." GoodFriday'isespeciallygoodatSusan's: "Lastyearwegrossed$4,000forthatone day'.Ourworstday'onrecord,duringa snowstorm,broughtinatotalof$325."
When Becky Rand first opened Becky's Diner14yearsago,therewasnomarginof error."Iwasasinglemomwithsixkids.I'd mortgagedmy'houseforthis.Ifitdidn't workoutI'dhavehadtolivewithmypar¬ ents.Successwascritical.That'swhatkept memotivated."Herdreamcametrue,when onthefirstdayshesawalineofcustomers outthedoor."1wasn'texpectingit,"she say's."Wedidn'tevenhaveadishwasher."
Today,Becky'sgrosses"over$200,000a year."Tokeepupwiththedemandsofher customers, Rand can spend as much as $6,000aweekinsupplies.Thisincludes 50,000eggsand200to300poundsofhad¬ dock."My'bestdaysareNewYear'sand July4,theworstday'sareEasterand Mother'sDay.
Annualgrossis$300,000ay'ear.
ThestaffatSusan'swillcookany'cus¬ tomer'scatchforherorhim.Eklundsay's, "Alittleboywhocaughthisfirstbasswas soexcited.Afterwebreadedandcookedit forhim,hetoldme,'I'msogladIcame here.My'mothertoldmetogetthatfishout ofherkitchen!"'
Eklund'scustomersfeelquiteathome. "1haveaguy'whocomesinfourtimesa weekandordersthesamething.Itamazes me."Thecustomersaresoregular,y'oucan chartthestarsaroundthem."Ifsomebody walkedinthedoorrightnow,Icouldtell youwhatthey'aregoingtohave.They'do notdeviate."Oneunpredictableperson who walked through the door was Linda Lavin,whoplayedthetitleroleonAlice. Herorder?Whatelse?"Fishandchips." 1135 Forest Avenue, Portland, 878-3240
Randtakesthedefinitionoffamily' restaurantseriously."We'repretty'close here.Whenaregularcustomerhasn'tbeen hereforawhile,we'llcallhimorherto makesurethey'reokay'.Ihadacustomer oncewhowasdyingofcancer.Afriend broughtheroutofthehospitalforafew hourssoshecouldsay'goodby'etoallher friendshereinsteadofatthehospital.The staffandherfriendshadbeennotified beforehand,sowewereallheretosay goodbye.Whenmy'sonwasillIhadalotof peopleconcerned,and1alsoknewIcould trustmy'stafftokeepthingsundercontrol. There'salotoflovehere."
Rand'sfavoritecustomers:"Myparents, whoeatattherestauranteveryday" 390 Commercial Street, Portland, 773-7070
Harmon'sLunch,at114GrayRoad,has beenaFalmouthinstitutionsinceMarvin Harmonopeneditin1960.Theirbusiest seasonisfall,whenfairgoersfromtheCum¬ berlandCountyfairandleafpeeperspull overatthisroadsidecafetobuythemouth¬ wateringhamburgerstheycan'tgetany¬ whereelse.
"1 go through 200-300 pounds of hamburger a week" to feed his hungry lunchpatrons,saysPeterWormell."1 spendbetween$1500and$2000aweekon groceries."Wormell,whohasownedthe businessfor10years,makesanestimated netprofitof"about$10,000-515,000."
"Ifitdoesn'ttastelikeitdid40years ago,it'snotright,it'snotHarmon's,"says Wormell.Likeanoldfriend,Harmon's getsbetterjustbystayingthesame.It reallyisthehamburgershackattheendof theuniverse.Everythingseemstomake sensehere.
"Therewasaguyinheretheotherday, saidhemovedtoCaliforniaaround20 rearsago,cameinwithhiswife.Hesat down,ate,andgotreadytoleave.'Imoved away20yearsago,'hesaid,'andittastes justlikeIdidwhenIleft.'Andthat'swhat Iwanttohear."
That'snottosaytherehaven'tbeen wildadditionstoHarmon'ssinceitfirst openedin1960:"FrenchfriesandKlon¬ dikeBars."■
144 Gray Road, Falmouth, 797-9857
Casco Bay Wool Works
Madeofwaterresistantmicrofiber,this freshchangefromthetraditionalrain coatiscutlikeacape.GenuineHorn togglesforclosure.Perfectfortravel, itmeasures60"wideand35"shoulder tohem,yetcompactstoasmall roll-and-gosize.Availablein TanandIceBlue.Hooded, lined.FineItalianfabric. ProductmadeinMaine.
Casco Bay Rain Wrap S168.99
Losttotime,thisoldU.S.Armycoastaldefenseartillery commandstationonFortMcKinleyhasbeenrediscovered andrestoredononeofPortland'sloveliestcityislands.
GreatDiamondIslandinCasco Bay was home to U.S. Army FortMcKinleyanditsbarracks duringtheSpanishAmerican War,WorldWarI,andWorld WarII.Thetrendyrestorationofthefort's originalbrickbuildingsintosummerand winterhomeshasbeenwelldocumented. Butontheedgeofallthispost-1980spros¬ perity,aforgottenoutbuildingofthefort, theoldgunfirecommandstationthatover¬ saw operation of the island's coastal defenseguns,wasalmostlosttotimeand theelements.
ASt.Louiscouple,lookingtobuildasec¬ ondhomeinCascoBax;stumbledupontire abandonedconcrete-and-brickgunfirecom¬ mandstationandfellinlovewithitsbeautiful 4.3acreswithwaterviews,consideredunde¬ sirablebecauseofanoldquarryonsite. Unlikemostsummerresidents,tlaiscouple-a lawprofessorandandarteducator-werenot lookingforashingle-stylecottageoverlook¬ ingthewater.Instead,theywantedaquiet retreatawayfromtinehustleandbustleoftine summercommunity;wheretheycouldrelax andworkinprivacy.Intriguedwithtinepossi¬ bilitiestlaissiteprovided,they'hiredWhitten Architectstoplantheirsummerretreat.Rob WhittenandPhilKaplan,knownfortheir innovativedesign,embracedthechallenges andpossibilitiestlnisunusualsiteprovided.
Theownersdreamedofadiminutiveget¬ awaywithroomfortheirguestsandaboat workshop.Theexistingartillery'command stationwasontinehighestpointoflandonthe Island,withviewsinalldirections.Thoughin disrepair,ithadsomewonderfulcharacteris¬
tics,includingthepatinasofage,solidtime¬ lessmaterials,andamagicquality'oflight insideduetoitsconcreteframeand3-inchthick-glasslensedceiling.Kaplan,leadarchi¬ tect,wascaptivatedby'thesequalitiesand builthisdesignideasaroundthem.Itwasa goodfitforthisclient,whowantedsome¬ thingdifferentandlikedindustrial-feeling materialsandsimplicity.
TheGreatDiamondIslandDesignReview Committeehasverystrictdesignguidelines foralldevelopmentontheisland,including verytraditionalandspecificparametersfor allnewormodifiedbuildings.
"They'wereinitially'veryskeptical,"Kap¬ lansay's,"buttheyallowedmetotalkabout theessenceofwhatweweretryingtocreate.
"Wewantedtohonorwhatwasthere: theoldmaterials,thequarry;andthehilltop. Eventually'they'understoodourapproach andcametoseethatashinglestylecottage [thattheguidelinesseemedtohopefor] wouldnotfitwiththeconcreteandbrick commandstation-thatthissiterequireda differentapproach."Andsothedesign evolvedtowhaty'ouseetoday,ahighly innovative,uniquestructurethatdaresto challengeournotionofsummercottage.
Kaplanchosenaturalcedar,galvanized steel,polycarbonatetranslucentpanels,and Cortensteelasexteriormaterialsforthe house"becausethey'llweatherwelland blendwiththeessenceofthearmy'struc¬ ture."Fromtheoutside,thehouseisdrama¬ tic.Lightandluminous,itglowsatnight throughthepolycarbonatepanelsinstark contrasttotheconcretemassofthecom¬ mandstation.Thenewportionofthehouse
Woodwork is juxtaposed againstsimpleconcretefloors andsteelwallpanels,making the interior ‘warm but nottypical.*
connectstothecommandstationroofbya bridge,whichgivesitaccesstotherooftop terracewithdistantviewsofthewater.The oldandthenewformacompositionofcon¬ trasts:heavyandlight,solidandtransparent.
Inside,thewoodworkisinnovativelyjux¬ taposedagainstsimpleconcretefloorsand steelwallpanels.Theinterioris"warmbut nottypical,"saysKaplan.Somemighthave hadahardtimeimaginingthesematerials
together,yetthestarknessofthesteeland concretemakethewoodseemevenmore warmandbeautiful.Inthesamewaythat wearefascinatedwhenwediscoveranold ruinlikethefirecommandstation,theinte¬ riorofthishouseemanatesasenseofwon¬ der.Itmakesusseethespaceinanewway.
Ofcourse,anyIslandprojectisnotforthe faintofheart.PaulLeddyandPeterHouser,of LeddyHouserAssociatesinSouthPortland,
wereselectedasbuildersbecauseoftheir experiencecreatinghousesontheislands (they'veconcoctedseveralotherwhimsical housesforWhittenArchitects)andtheirabil¬ itytoaddvalueandinnovationthroughout theconstructionprocess.Theybecameclose collaboratorsonthisproject.
Becausethepropertyisonanislandand thearchitectcouldnotrunouttothesite everydaytocheckdetails,Leddyand Houserdevelopedamethodofcommuni¬ catingwithKaplanandtheownerthat allowedthemtoquicklyproblem-solvein thefieldwhileaddingtheirowncreative touchesthroughout.
Considerthestaircaseinthelivingroom. "Wewereworkingwiththesesteelpanelson thewalls,"Leddysays,"tryingtogetthe patinaright,getthemflat,piecethemtogeth¬ ersotheylookedgood."Theyactuallylaid themoutonthegroundandwashedthem beforeinstallingthem,sothey'drustalittle.
"We had some pieces left over and thought,'wouldn'ttheylookgreatasrisers forthestair'?WecalledKaplanandex¬ plainedtheidea.Helikedit,soweputthem in!"Anotherstrokeofinspirationisthe kitchenfaucet,mountedonthewindow mulliononthewallinfrontofthesink. Combiningabitofengineeringwithsuperb
craftsmanship,theymountedthefaucet bracketonthecentermullion,sculptingitto tittheshapeofthebracket,creatingadetail thatdelightstheownerseverytimethey usethesink.
It'sarareoccasionwhenanowner,archi¬ tect,andbuildercancollaboratetocreatea workofartlikethishouse.Everyonein¬ volvedspeakslovinglyabouttheprocessas wellastheresult.Theexperienceofworking togethertocreatethishousehasleftalasting impressiononallofthemaswellasanew treasureforGreatDiamondIsland.■
Scott Simons is president of Scott Simons ArchitectsinPortland.ArchitecturebyPhil Kaplan, Whitten Architects, Portland. General Construction by Leddy Houser Associates, South Portland. Photography by Darel Gabriel Bridges,BlueHill.
Fromelegantdecortosuperbcuisine,you'll findaworldofdelightsthroughourdoors. Call388-79<S-909()lorreserrationsorvisit www.portlandharborhotel.comtoday.
Weir ixmv distinguished.isPortland*onk hotelwithaAAA4-Diamondrating.
IfyouweareyeglassesorcontactlensesMaineEyeCentercanhelpyou experienceSummerinanewwaywithLASIKLaserVisionCorrection Using the VISX exsimer laser we can reduce or eliminate your dependencyoneyeglassesorcontactlenses. Call Maine Eye Center today learnmoreandscheduleyour FreeLASIKScreening.
turnsinto
BY CATHY NELSON PRICE
Theboysarebackintownthisspring as The Full MontyvisitsMerrill Auditoriumfortwoperformances April16.PGAGreatPerformancespresent, this touring production of the smash Broadwaymusicalbasedonthe1997hit movie.WithbookbyTerenceMcNallyand musicandlyricsbvDavidYazbek,ourstur¬ dystrippersfromSheffield,England,have nowbeentransmogrifiedintoburlybur¬ lesquekingsfromBuffalo.Otherwise,the plothasn'tchanged:sixunemployedsteel¬ workersneedcashanddecidetoappearata localmalestripclub.Theprospectofbaring allisequally'revealingofwhat'sdeepintheir souls.Likeitsnamesakemovie,thisshow hasheartandspiceandisalotoffun.For information,callPortTixat842-0800. Anothergroupoftalentedmen-equally excitingbutfully'clothed-filltireMerrillwith vocalexcellencewhenChanticleerbringsits dozenstellarmusiciansforoneperformance only'April28.Nowinits26thseason,thus Grammy-winning ensemble has received internationalacclaimasan"orchestraofvoic¬ es."FromRenaissancetogospeltotoday's
newsounds,Chanticleerhasalottocrow about.CallI’ortTixat842-0800.
PortlandStagecontinuestoimpresswith criticallyacclaimedplays,withTheWomanIn BhKkrunningthroughApril17.Nowinits 15thvearonstageinLondon'sWestEnd,this StephenMallatrattthrillerisadaptedfrom thebest-sellingnovelbySusanHill.Next, DonaldMargulies's2000Pulitzerwinner DinnerWithFriendsextendsaninvitationto vouApril26.Hielongtimefriendshipoftwo couplesfallsapartasonecoupleannounces itsdivorce,settingoffanemotionalripple effect.Withirony,insight,andhumor,Mar¬ guliesguidesusthroughoneoflife'sinev¬ itabilities:theonsetofchange.PortlandStage boxoffice:774-0465.
These are heady times for New En¬ glandsportsfans,andthetrickle-down glowreachesallthewaytoPortland, thankstothePortlandSeaDogs,AAaf¬ filiateoftheworldchampionBostonRed Sox. The Sea Dogs 10th home Eastern LeagueseasonopensApril14atHadlock FieldagainsttheTrentonThunder.
Today'sSeaDogsfanstakeprideinpoint¬ ingoutthemembersofthe2004Soxteam whopreviouslygottheirlickshereatHad¬ lockField,mostnotablyKevinMillarand KevinYoukilis.Butwhatreallydrawscrowds toHadlockFieldisthestadiumitself:aband¬ box-tidy,intimatevenuewithnaryanob¬ structedview(proposalsfor405newseats expandingtherightfieldgrandstandsin 2006areintheoffing).Withtopticketprices atSB,childrenandseniors$3,it'sgenuinely affordable.Tireoceanbreezeskeeppatrons coolevenwhentheaction'shot.CalltheSea Dogsticketofficeat879-9500.■
LiveEntertainment fromtheLowerDepths!
151MiddleStreet.Portland
You'vevotedourpizza"BestinPortland" for years. Now enjoy our Sopranos and Baritonesaslocalactorsperformhit Broadway standards onstage on Friday andSaturdaynightsat8p.m!
Dinner show includes six-course gourmetItaliandinnerandbottle of wine for S35/pp. Reservations:774-8668. SAIGON THINH THANH
“FiveStarDining” -PortlandPressHerald 773'2932
Open7 daysa ueek Mondav toWedneslac Lunch 1130 am-230 pm Dinner 430 pm-9:00 pm Thursdav to Saturday Lunch 11 HO am-230 pm Dinner 4 50 pm-IO:OO pm Sundav 430 pnv° 00 pm MCA1SA AMEX Gladly accepted 608CongressStreet,Portland,Maine
Anthony'sItalianKitchen, 151Middle Street,lowerlevel,Portland.Voted"Bestin Portland"threeyearsinarow.Pizza,pasta,and sandwiches.Allhomemaderecipesincluding lasagna,chickenparmesan,eggplant parmesan,meatballs,andItaliansausages.No itemover$10.Beerandwine.Fridayand SaturdaynightliveBroadwayreviewincludes six-coursedinnerandbottleofwinefor $35/pp.Cateringavailable.*774-8668.
TheArmoryRestaurant inthePortland RegencyHotel.Spectacularcuisine,OldPort charm,&impeccableserviceinanelegantyet casualatmospherew/freshdinnerspecials fromland&sea.Unforgettablehouse specialties-SeafoodFettuccinew/lobster, shrimp,crab,&mussels;SteakDiane,&Black AngusSirloin.Alsoopenforbreakfast& lunch.*774-4200.
TheAudubonRoom attheInnbytheSea onRoute77inCapeElizabeth.Breathtaking oceanviews&culinarymasterpieceswith freshlocalproduce,nativeseafoodspecialties, &exceptionalhandmadebreads&desserts. Patiodining&off-premisecateringavailable. Breakfast,lunch&dinnerdaily.767-0888.
BealeStreetBarbeque JustovertheCasco BayBridgeintheKnightvilleareaofSouth Portland.Servinghickory-smokedandgrilled meats,poultry,fish,andseafoodaswellas creativedailylunchanddinnerspecials.Fullbar featuringMainemicrobrewsontap. Reservationsnotaccepted,childrenwelcome, openallday,everyday.90Waterman Drive,SouthPortland.767-0130. www.mainebbq.com
Bintliff's, 98PortlandStreet,Portland.Alongfavoritebrunchspotwithaninnovativemenu 7daysaweek,fromdecadenttoamore simple,traditionalfareandhealthyvegetarian. Dinnerreflectsthewarmeclecticstyleof brunch,withaworldmenuthatstepsoffthe beatenpath.Amagnificentmaplesheltersthe backdeck.Brunch7-2,dinner5-9.774-0005.
BlackPointInn, Scarborough.Oceanviews fromourromantic,elegantdiningroom,library lounge,andbrickfireplacesevokeold-world ambience.Enjoyourwinelist,expertly preparedcuisine,andholidaybuffets.Every occasionisspecialatTheBlackPointInn. Dinnernightlyfrom6:30,SundayBrunch featuringtheTonyBoffaJazzTrio10:30to1. LibraryLoungeopendaily11:30a.m.*8832500www.blackpointinn.com
BurgerKing: Hot&freshfood.Fast&friendly servicealways.
•349AlfredRoad,Biddeford
•102MainStreet,Gorham
•Route1,Kittery
•520MainStreet,Saco
•1252MainStreet,Sanford.
CafeStroudwater hasbeenanaward winninglocalfavoriteformanyyears.Chef PaulL'Heureuxfeaturesdeliciouslocalcuisine usinglocalproductsbasedontheseason.For atrulyuniqueexperience,reservea"Chef's
Table"whereyouandyourguestwillbe seatedrightinthekitchenwhiletheChef preparesyoursix-coursemealaccompanied byselectwines.*775-0032.
CharlieBeigg's OnRoute302inWindham just20minutesfromPortland,thisistheplace togoforcasualfinedining.PrimeRibavailable everyday,,freshseafood,steaks,pasta,soups, homemadedesserts,vegetariandishes,and children'smenu.Havingaparty-useoneof ourbanquetroomsandleavetheworktous! 754RooseveltTrail(Route302).1lam-9pm everyday.892-8595.
CinqueTerre, Portland’sdestinationfor authenticItaliancuisine.LocatedintheHistoric OldPort.Bothalacarteandfixed-pricemenu selectionsavailableinacasuallyelegant setting.Sampleourhandmadepasta,ravioli, andgelatos.Enjoythebestlocalfish,meat, andfinestItalianwinesfromourWine Spectatorawardwinninglist.Summerpatio seating,diningroomopen7daysfrom5pm.* cinqueterremaine.comor347-6154.
DiMillo'sFloatingRestaurant at25Long WharfoffCommercialStreet.Youcan'tbeat thelocationforfabulouswaterviewsof PortlandHarbor.Escapefromthehustle& bustleofthecity.Watchtheboatsgoby.Enjoy freshMainelobsteryear-round,steak,seafood dishes,&more.Openeveryday11am-11pm. Children'smenuavailable.Fordrinks8<alighter menu,tryourPortsideLounge.772-2216.
Eve'sAtTheGarden, 468ForeSt.,Portland, promisesauniqueexperienceandafreshlocal approachtofood.ChefJeffLandryandhis teamutilizeproductsfromMaine'scoastal watersandfarms,suchasjumbodiver harvestedscallops,Maineraisedorganicpork, linecaughtAtlantichalibut,free-rangechicken, andfreshMainelobsterpreparedseveral differentways.Freevaletparking.Lunch 11:30a-2p,Dinner5:30p-9:30p.523-2040.
Finch'sRestaurant. DublinnativeJohnny Robinson,"PortlandRestaurantLegend" (PortlandPressHerald),recentlyopenedhis newplaceinFalmouth.Customerswhoknow himfromhisdayswithHugo’scanstillfindhis signaturecrabcakesandthe"bestIrishcoffee intheland"atFinch's,204U.S.Route1, Falmouth.781-3342.
GreatLostBear, 540ForestAvenueinthe WoodfordsareaofPortland.Afullbarwith over50draughtbeers,predominantlyfrom localmicro-breweries,anenormousmenu withsoups,salads,&sandwiches,steaks,a largevegetarianselection,&thebestnachos& buffalowingsintown.Discoverwherethe nativesgowhenthey'rerestless!Every day11:30am-11:30pm.772-0300. www.greatlostbear.com.
Haggarty's 849ForestAvenue,PortlandBritIndicuisineatitsfinest!Don'tmissChicken Tikka(mild)for$950.Entreesincluderice& choiceof:SeasonalVegetablesfor$795 ChickenorBeeffor$8.95,Shrimpfor$9.50 Lambfor$9.50.SelectionsincludeKarahi
Bhoona(medium),CeyloneseKorma(mild), SouthIndianGarlicChili(hot),Masala (medium),Malaidar(medium),Jalfrezi(mild). Takeoutonly.Theperfectbusinesslunch! www.haggartys.comor761-8222. JamesonTavern, withacasualbar,lounge& diningroom.Thebuildingisthesiteofthe signingoftheconstitutionforthestateof Mainewhenitbrokeawayfrom Massachusetts.Classicpreparationsservedina graceful&elegantsettingmakethisafine retreatfromfrenziedoutletshopping.115 MainSt.,Freeport.*865-4196.
LotusChineseandJapaneseRestaurant 251USRt.1Falmouth,Maine(Falmouth ShoppingPlaza).Wefeaturefull-servicebar andloungearea,sushibar,Chinesetraditional foodnotavailableoutsideofBoston,friendly atmosphereandcourteousservice.781-3453. Maria'sRistorante. Owner/chefAnthony NapolitanooffersPortland'sfinestItalian cuisinewithanItalianwineselection.Veal saltimbocca,fettucinitoscano,zuppadepesce, classicItaliandesserts,Anthony'sown pistachiogelato.Lunch:$5-$8,Tu-F,11:30am2pm.Dinner:$9-$18,Tues.-Sat.from5pm. 337CumberlandAve.,freeparkingavailable. 772-9232.
OliveGarden isafamilyoflocalrestaurants focusedondelightingeveryguestwitha genuineItaliandiningexperience.Weare proudtoservefresh,high-qualityItalianfood. Weofferacomfortable,home-likesetting whereguestsarewelcomedlikefamilyand receivewarm,friendlyservice.NeartheMaine Mall,inTheShopsatClark'sPond.874-9005. www.olivegarden.com.
O'Naturals servesnaturalandorganic flatbreadsandwiches,tossedsalads,Asian noodles,soups,andkids'meals.Quickservice, butourleathercouches,wirelessinternet,and comfortableatmospherewillenticeyouto stay.Flatbreadpizzaafter4pmandpesto chicken,roastbeef,wildbisonmeatloaf,wild Alaskansalmon,andmanyvegetarianitems, somethingforeveryone.Portland321-2050 andFalmouth781-8889.
OrientalTable, 106ExchangeStreetinthe OldPortinPortland.Themenusparkleswith SzechuanChicken,OrangeFlavoredShrimp, delicatePorkwithGingerScallions,"lighter side"menu,appetizerslikeCrabRangoonor ScallionPanCake,tantalizingEggandSpring Rolls,andsoups.Dailyluncheonspecialsfrom 11:30-2anddinner.Theenticingmixtureof addictingspicesandfreshingredientsis enhancedbyoursnazzytake-outcontainers. 775-3388.orientaltable.com
Parker'sRestaurant, locatedatAllen's Corner.Parker'scelebratesits15thyearasone ofNorthDeering'stoprestaurants.Ourfresh seafoodandhand-cutsteaksareatradition handeddownfromF.ParkerReidy's,our parentrestaurant.Steakandseafood combinationsareamongParker'smore popularchoices.Soups,salads,and
sandwichesarealwaysavailable.Ample parking.Servingfrom1130amuntil10pm. Reservationswelcome.878-3339.
The Pepperclub isaprize-winningrestaurant ('BestVegetarian"&"BestValue"inFrommer's Guide toNewEngland)withcreativeworld cuisine.Blackboardmenulistsfivevegetarian, three fish,&threemeatentrees,including an organicbeefburger.Relaxed,affordable diningontheedgeoftheOldPortw/free parking.Opennightlyat5pm.78Middle Street.772-0531.
Saeng Thai, 267St.JohnStreet,Portland. Beautifulmahoganydecorandtantalizing dishes awaityou.EntreesincludeTamarind Duck,PadThai,SeafoodDelight,andmuch more.Tel.773-8988fax.773-4490Sun-Thurs 11 am-9:30pm,Fri.-Sat.11am-10pm.
Saigon Thinh Thanh, 608CongressStreet, Portland."SaigonThinhThanhisMaine'sandprobablyNewEngland's-finest Vietnameserestaurant."—PortlandDining Guide."Fivestarsforfood,service,&valuefor money.Withlight&healthy,flavorfulfood& quickserviceinapleasant,cleanatmosphere, SaigonThinThanhisworthinvestigating.”PressHerald.773-2932.
Silly'sCelebrating15years,votedbestservice and cheaprestaurantbyPhoenixReaders, Silly'sfeaturesawickedcoolpatio,scratch kitchenfood,andasillystaff.Weareanenvirofriendly,100%recyclingandcomposting restaurantat40WashingtonAvenueinthe EastEnd.Joinusforafeastoffriedpicklesand ahippyhippymilkshake.772-0360 www.sillys.com
Tandoor Restaurant, 88Exchange Street,Portland.FinequalityIndiancuisine forareasonableprice.Hugeselectionof breads,chicken,lamb,seafood,and vegetabledishes,preparedforyourown taste-spicyormild.VotedtopofMaine, 2001,2002,2003.775-4259.
ThaiTaste, 435CottageRoad,SouthPortland. JustminutesfromPortlandandtheonlyThai foodonthewaytoPortlandHeadlight.Witha four-starratingintheMaineSundayTelegram andvoted"BestEthnicRestaurant"bythe CBW,ThaiTasteoffersthefinestThaicuisine aroundwithfreshpoultry,seafood,and vegetables.767-3599. www.thaitastemaine.com.
The Kitchen, 593CongressStreet,Portland it'sliketheGreekFestivalyear-roundatThe Kitchen!FeaturingauthenticGreekcuisine,as wellaswraps,subs,salads,homemadesoups, andorganicjuices,withlunchspecialsdaily. Goodfood,fast-withartshowsthatchange monthly.775-0833thekitch.com.
VillageCafe, 112NewburyStreet,Portland. Familyownedandoperatedforover68years. Portland'sfavoritefamilyrestaurantwithItalian dishes,steaks,seafood,salads,antipasto,and children'smenu.Openeveryday.772-5320 Vilcaf@aol.comVillagecafemaine.com
‘reservationsrecommended
PeaksIsland'spopularyear-round diningspot,theCockeyedGull, requiresahopononeoftiremany CascoBayLinesferriesforamost scenicgetawayacrossthebay. DinneronthedeckoftheGullisanextraor¬ dinaryopportunitytocatchthelastraysof thedaybathingthePortlandcityskyline.
Adventuresofthisilksuggestdrymarti¬ nis,Beefeater,servedwithagreatbigolive. Tire}'werefantastic.Thenweluxuriatedin OnionSoupauGratin($7.50)withthereally thickgruyerecheeseandcroutontopping, andaKoreanSeaweedSalad($6.50).
Thesoupwasthebestwe'vehadinages, thesaladrefreshingandenergizingwith subtleflavors.Eclecticsoupandsaladof¬ feringsalsoincludeasaffronseafoodchow¬ der($7.50),Caesarsaladwithgrilledscal¬ lopsorshrimp($10.75),andbabyspinach saladwithfreshMozzarellaandcitrusdres¬ sing($7.50).
Nextup,Koreanvegetablecakeswith pepperedsoydippingsauce($5.50).Mag¬ nificent!Servedonahotcast-ironpan,these
E HUDSON
perfectpattiesaredelightfullylightanddel¬ icatelyseasoned,thedippingsauceissur¬ prisinglynon-salty.
"Koreansoysauceisnotsaltyatall,"we aretoldbychefChonyeTaylor,whoowns theGullwithherhusband,Gary.
Wethoroughlyenjoyedourentrees,dry rubhangersteakwithhorseradishsauce ($14.50)andKoreanchicken($11.50),both meatsexquisitelyseasonedandgenerousin proportion.Aromaticandunusualbutflavorful,thesteakwasservedwithaven' goodbakedpotato,sauteedtomatoes,and broccoli;thechicken,ahugebonelessbreast, wasseasonedtoperfection.
Alldessertsarehandmadehere,includ¬ ingtheluscioustrufflesweenjoyedtaking backwithusontheboat,completingour tastingodysseyinstyletopsideontheferry whilereturningtothelightsofthecity.■
The Cockeyed Gull, Peaks Island, open every day except Wednesday for lunch and dinner, brunch on Sunday. 766-2800 or www.cockeyedgull.com
AfterthefallofThanksto Gravity,AndyHappelenjoys gigsbothinfrontofand behindthecurtain.
BY JASON HJORT
FewNewEnglandbandsreacheddizzier highsormorebafflinglowsthanThanks toGravityinrecentyears.Nowonhis own,asAndyHappelgearsuptoreleasehis newfull-lengthalbumDreamingByTheSen, heseemslikeasurvivorrescuedfroma sunkenship,shakenbutoddlycheery.
SoevenThankstoGravitydroppedat32feetper second squared. Yet you seem renewed. Yes!Iproducethreeorfourrecordsayear,I gigregularlywithmyownbandaswellas theDonCampbellBand[playingfiddle], andIteachmusicprivately.1have22stu¬ dentsonviolin,cello,viola,andguitar.
You'vebeenveryactiveinthelocalmusicscene, both as a musician and producer. Who are some of the bands you've produced?
PonderingJudd,TedSink,Mr.Vertigo,and SeekingHomer.I'mintheprocessofbuild¬ ingmyownstudiorighthereatmyhouse.
Thanks To Gravity even got signed to Capitol records.Isthebandstillaroundinanyform? WhenourrecordStartcameoutonCapitol Recordsandfailedtosellamillionrecords, thelabeldroppedus-eventhoughwedid sellroughly19,000copies.Itwasprettydev¬ astatingandacoupleoftheguysinthe banddidn'twanttogoon.SeanDaniels [drums]and1wentontoreleaseonemore recordindependentlyundertheThanksto Gravityname,OdetoJoy,andalthoughit wasnottheoriginallineup,itwas awayformetotakethename back.Itwasahealingexperience andsomethingIreallyneededtoW** I do. So even though Thanks .Jwagft toGravityisnolongera band, Sean to playonmysolowork.
What advice would you give younger bands seekingamajor-labelcontract? 1wouldsavgoforitbutdon'texpectthey aregoingtodoanythingforyou.Allyou candoismakeagreatrecordandhavea greatexperience.Theymightpromotethe record,theymightnot.Beingsignedtoa majordoesnotinanywayguaranteesuccess.
You have a new record coming out this spring. Can you describe your sound?
Mvcurrentsoundisallabouttheviolinand thedifferentvoicesIhavewithinthatworld, reallydefinedbyviolin,nylonstringguitar, piano, drum loops, and big drumming. SincesomeofmyheroesarePeterGabriel andSting,1haveanaturaltendencyto incorporatealotofLatinandworld-music elements.Thisrecordusesalotofdynamics. Therearepartsthatuse20layersofstrings andotherpartsthatarestrippeddownto justguitarandvocals.Lyrically,muchofmy materialis'worldly'inthatitdealswith societalissuesthatareoftendifficulttoface. Ultimatelvtomethisrecordisavisionof peaceforhumanity.If1hadtopickagenre toplacethesoundofmymusicIwouldsay world-influencedpopmusic.
You also incorporate electronic elements into yoursound,evenusingalaptoponstagetoplay loopsandbackingparts.Howdidthatstart? Istartedcomposingideasonthecomputer abouttwowarsago.EventuallyIwasintro¬ ducedtoPropellerheadsReason,whichI foundveryusefulforquicklywritingbacking partssoIcoulddemomysongs.AsIgotmore intoitIdecidedtoincorporatethelaptopinto myliveacoustic-basedset,usingprogrammed percussionloops.'HieideaLsnottonylacethe drummerbuttohavethesepercolatingloops thateveryonecanfeelandwecanplayagainst togetdifferenttextures.
Whatareyourplansforthefuture?
WhenthenewrecordisfinishedI'dliketo exploretheEuropeanmarketabitmore.1 haveafeelingthatmaybethekeytosome futuresuccessesforme.Titismavbeagener¬ alization,but1feeltheEuropeanaudiences aremoreopentomusician-drivenmusicand shows.I'malsolookingforwardtobegin playingmanymoreshowsregionally.■
Visit www.andyhappel.com
ofBattambang, Bamphomth Am creates colorfuldressesfrom herdreamlikepast.
BY KATHARINA HAGMANN
In1975,whenCambodiaturnedcommu¬ nist,Imadeeveryefforttoleave,"says Bamphomth Am, owner/designer of GoldenThreadsdesigns."I'dlongsince begunsewing;itmustbeinmyblood.But itwasn'tuntil1981,when1was27,thatl wasabletomakemywaytoMaine,where 1workedasaseamstressatvariousclothing manufacturers,"nodoubtinpursuitofcon¬ temporarywesterncreationsthatdidn't exactlyresonatewithherprivateinspira¬ tions.Still,somethingmagicsustained her-thehopeforthefreedomtocreateher ownexpressionsoftheshimmering,irides¬ centcostumesshe'dgrownuplovingas daughtertothemayorofBattambang. Then,toherdelight,"Ifoundmyniche-my chance-whenmynieceaskedmetohelpwith herweddingcostumes."
TraditionalCambodianweddingslast threedays,butmostpeoplenowenjoya shorterceremonywithoutlosinganyofthe color,song,anddance.Atraditionalwed-
dinghasfiveto10dresschangesforboth brideandgroom.Duringtheprocessional ceremony,thegroom,dressedlikeroyalty, goestothewaitingbride,flashinginirides¬ centredandgold."Formyniece'swedding, 1 spentmonthsgettingtherightfabrics, oftentravelingtoBostonandNewYork."
TheweddingtookplaceattheBoysClub inPortland,with150guestsexpressingsur¬ priseathowathometheyfelt."Requeststum¬ bledinformoretraditionalweddings,"she smiles,"asthiswasthefirstofitsmagnitude inNewEngland.Theresponseencouraged metobroadenmyhorizontoalltypesofspe¬ cial-occasiondressesratherthanjustwed¬ dinggarb.
"IopenedGoldenThreadsinScarbor¬ oughin1989,where1employmysisterand herniece,amongotherfamilymembers." Thenamepayshomagetoherroots:Arn's maidenname,Meas,means"gold."Shestill feelsinspiredbyheryouthinCambodiaas seeninthebrightcolorssheuses.Amisalso inspiredbytrendssuchas1950sstyles,but ismostexcitedwhenusingcustomers' requestsasapointofdeparture."Ifavor dressesinsolid,boldcolors,withsimple lines.Forexample,thelongstraplessprom dressinblacksellsthebest."
As Am looks toward the future, she planstoexpandherbusiness.Shestillsews forothercompaniesbutisdevelopingher own line of evening dresses. Golden ThreadsdressesshimmeratAmaryllisin Portlandforbetween$100and$300.■
Golden Thread Designs, 3 Commercial Road, Scarborough, 885-1541.
TheJesuitCollegePreparatorySchoolofMaine Whereyoungmenandwomenoftodayarepreparedforthechallengesoftomorrow.
((xx/Kdto7>e/>eo/>/<Jorot/wfy/ostm/y M/cctaa/ ■y>//ttaa/./)/iysiai/a//(/^xrsood/evcc/Zc/ice.
IolearnmoreabouttheChevemsexperience,contacttheAdmissionsofficeat 774-62j8 or\isitourwebsite:wwu.cheverus op
Art Gallery at the University of New England, 716StevensAvenue,Portland.Maine PublicBroadcastingFineArtsAnnualAuction showthroughMay3,withtheauctionApril28. 797-7261 or www.une.edu/artgallery/
Aucocisco Gallery, 615ACongressStreetand attheEastlandParkHotel.CongressStreet showsLaurenFenterstockthroughApril23; Eastland shows Anne Mmich and Alice SteinhardtthroughApril30.874-2060or www.aucocisco.com
Bates College Museum of Art, Lewiston Senior Exhibition 2005 through May 29 and EarlyFrenchPhotographythroughMay7.7866158. www.bates.edu
Center for Maine Contemporary Art, 162 RussellAvenue,Rockport.TwoshowsofBrian VandenBrink,April17toJune4andJune11to July 24. 236-2875 or www.artsmaine.org
The Clown, 123MiddleStreet,Portland GalleryGroupShowApril7-30,Charles Thompson opens May 5. 756-7399 or www.the-clown.com
Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville. RichardSerratoApril24,SeniorArtExhibition opens May 5. 872-3228 or www.colby.edu/museum
Farnsworth Museum of Art, MainStreet, Rockland."EnvisioningNewEngland:Treasures from Community Art Museums" to June 20 and"AndrewWyeth:EarlyWatercolors"opens April6.596-6457or www.farnsworthmuseum.org
June Fitzpatrick Gallery, 112HighStreet and522CongressStreet,Portland.HighStreet has a group show curated by Dean Velentgas andCongressStreetshowsVivienRusse.7721961 or www.junefitzpatrickgallery.com
Fore Street Gallery, 372ForeStreet,
Portland.GalleryGroupShowcontinues.8748084 or www.forestreetgallery.com
Greenhut Gallery, 146MiddleStreet, Portland.MaryBourkeshowfromApril7to April30.772-2693,or www.greenhutgalleries.com
Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine CollegeofArt, 522CongressStreet,Portland. 'TheSportsmanRedux"toApril24.879-5742 or www.meca.edu
Maine Historical Society Museum, 489 CongressStreet,Portland."Umbazooksusand Beyond: The Maine Woods Remembered" to June 5. 774-1822 or www.mainehistory.org
Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington Street,Bath.Lobstering&theMaineCoast, DistantLandsofPalmandSpice,and Watermen of Merrymeeting Bay. 443-1316 or www.bathmaine.com/programs.asp
Maine Women Writers Collection, WestbrookCollegeCampus,UniversityofNew England,StevensAvenue,Portland.Corre¬ spondence,photographs,personalpapers,and artifactsofwell-knownandobscureMaine womenauthors.797-7688,ext.4324.
Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square,Portland.ArchitecturalDrawings throughJune12,PortlandMuseumofArt BiennialApril6toJune5,ArtoftheScreenprint opensApril16.773-ARTS,(800)639-4067or www.portlandmuseum.com
Running with Scissors, 34Portland Street,Portland.DanielMinteropens April8.780-6252.
Seashore Trolley Museum, Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport. Operated by the New England ElectricRailwayHistoricalSocietysince1939, hometothenationalcollectionofhistoric Americanstreetcars.967-2712
Children’s Theatre of Maine, 317 MarginalWay,Portland.Sunday GoldApril8 to24.828-0617.
Comedy in South Berwick, TownHall, SouthBerwick.In My Head I'm ThinApril8to 10.384-4526/
Acorn Productions, Portland Maine Short PlayFestivalthroughApril10.766-3386or www.acorn-productions.org
Portland Lyric Theater, 176SawyerStreet, SouthPortland.JeckyllandHydeApril22to May8.799-1421or www.lyricmusictheater.com
Mad Horse Theater Company, Portland PerformingArtsCenter,Portland.Drunks opens April14.730-2389.
The Portland Players, 420 Cottage Road,
SouthPortland.Dial'M'forMurderApril1to 17.799-7337.
Penobscot Theater Company, 189 Main Street,Bangor.Noises OffApril20toMay1. 947-6618 or www.penobscottheatre.org
Portland Stage Company, Portland PerformingArtsCenter,25AForestAvenue, Portland.The Woman in BlackthroughApril1 andDinnerwithFriendsApril26toMay15. 774-0465 or www.portlandstage.com
St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress Street,Portland.CaliforniaSuiteApril14toMay 8. 775-5568 or www.stlawrencearts.org
Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland.MotleyCrueApril23,StingMay10, and Sarah McLachlan May 20. 775-3458, 7753331 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.cc.com
Friends of the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ, MerrillAuditorium,Portland.Music fromtheWorld'sGreatCathedralsApril19. www.foko.org
Merrill Auditorium, 20MyrtleStreet, Portland.Mark Twain TonightApril8,TheFull MontyApril16,JohnPrineApril22,Chanticleer April 28. 842-0800 or www.porttix.com
Space Gallery, 538CongressStreet,Portland Performancesinclude:CerberusShoalApril8, WomenandGirlsFilmFestival,Apri!15-17,Mary louLordApril22,Why?andMissOhiosMay4. 828-5600.
Bay Chamber Concerts, Rockport Opera House,Rockport.TrinityIrishDanceApril10, Barnabas Kelemen April 30. 236-2823 or www.baychamberconcerts.org
L/A Arts, 221LisbonStreet,Lewiston. OscarBrown,Jr.,April14.800-639-2919 or www.laarts.org
Cafe Review, attheCenterforCultural
Exchange,PortlandOpenpoetryreadingsthe lastMondayofeachmonthbeginningat8 p.m. www.thecafereview.com
Maine Audubon, 20 Gisland Farm Road, Falmouth.ActivitiesincludeCliffIslandBeach WalkApril16,SnowGeeseoftheSt.Lawrence April22-24,GeologyoftheMaineCoastApril 26,30,May7.781-2330or www.maineaudubon.org
Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, 1326WashingtonStreet,Bath.Workshopsin fiction,poetry,creativenonfiction,children's literature,andpublishing.386-1400or www.mainewriters.org
Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square,Portland.FromPagetoStage,designed to augment Portland Stage Company's productions,continueswithThe Woman in BlackApril5andDinnerwithFriends May3. TheAlteredBookProject,InstitutingArt:A PublicStrategyforPrivateWork,acollaborative projectandexhibitbythePortlandPublic LibraryandMaineCollegeofArt,April18-30. 774-1043 orwww.portlandlibrary.com
Osher Map and Smith Center for Cartographic Education, 314ForestAvenue, Portland.Acollectionof20,000historicalmaps, asseparatesheetsorboundinmorethan 1.500rarebooksandatlases.780-4850or www.usm.maine.edu/-maps.
University of Southern Maine Southworth Planetarium, 96FalmouthStreet,Portland. Theexhibitcontainsinteractivecomputers, spaceart,andvideodisplays.780-4749.
•Compiled by Diane Hudson
LetusaaahyouatourSpawithindoor&outdoorpoolsandhottubs.saunas,massage, facials,gymandnaturetrails.OurRestaurantpromisesaward-winningdiningandfree cooked-to-orderbreakfastwithyourroom.CatchafewzzzzsinaSenatorSpaSuite,with suchcomfortingamenitiesasfireplace&Jacuzzitub.
Exit109NBoff1-95atWesternAvenue■Augusta,Maine reservations 877-772-2224•207-622-5804■www.senatorinn.com
ThisPolandSpringmansionhasseenBabeRuth,FranklinRoosevelt,andJoanCrawfordcome andgo.A1975firemissedthisVicorianbauble,butmaybeyoushouldn't, by colin sargent
WhenIcamehere20years ago,noonehadlivedhere forsevenyears,"saysBrian Bourqueoftheabandoned Victorianmansionhepur¬ chasedin1985at543MaineStreet,Poland Spring-aprivateresidencebuilt100years earlieronthegroundsofthe238-room PolandSpringsHouse.Thehotelwasde¬ vouredbyfireonJuly4,1975,butthis'cot¬ tage'livedtotellthetale.Cottageandtwo acresoflandcanbeyoursfor$449,000.
"Itneededpaintandporchwork," Bourquesay."Westartedgoingthroughthe placewithflashlights.Allofasudden,red¬ eye:bigporcupineontopoftheoiltank.
"Mylawyertoldmethishousewasa steal,"Bourquecontinues."'Low-ballit,'he
said.'Iknowforafactit'sawhiteelephant.'" SoBourqueoffered$55,000foritand climbedaboardforamostunusualride.
"TheInnownsabout1,200acres,allthe waydowntothelake,"Borque,acustom carpenter at Huston & Company in Kennebunk,says,"andthishousewasbuilt insidethatsweepoflandonasinglelotby afriendoftheRickerfamily,whoowned PolandSprings.Hewasaprivatebankeror railroadbaron.Duringrepairs,1ranintoan oldlathinginscribed,'Thishousewas lathedbyCarlDavis,May18,1885.'After thebanker/barondied,theproperty, referredtoas'Campobello'inperiodadver¬ tisements[andyes,FDRwasaguestatthe inn,too],revertedtotheRickers,whokept itasaluxuryguestgetaway'forEuropean
familiesstayingattheinn.'They'dbe droppedoffrightundertheportecorche andstrolltothelakewiththeirparasols."
Adjusted20yearsagotoaccommodate twofamilies,thefullhousecouldbe reclaimedforsingle-familylivingona grandscalehereamongthehilltopsof PolandthatfallofftotheThreeRanges,a necklaceofthreeinterconnectinglakesthat shimmersbelowtheinn'sgrounds.
Campobello's12-roominteriorhas26 pairsofstunningglassdoorhandles:"Ithink they'rePierpoint,"Bourque,who'salsoan antiquedealer,says.Victorianwhims}’is everywhere,witheyebrowdormersonthe thirdfloor,pilastersandpillars,glasstran¬ soms,andfireplaces-thewholemademore eccentricbythedecorafivepaintingthathas
;akenplaceinrecentdecadesandthe antiquesdecorativelyfestooningthehouse, theinventor}’oftheChinchillasantiquestore thathasbeenaretailpresencehere.
Evenso,theexterioristhemoreamaz¬ ing,whitewithskyblueontheroofofa wraparound porch curling around the northsideofthehouselikeafiddlehead. Viewersaretreatedtostunningarchitectur¬ aldetailsincludingsoffettabslikedentils belowthegable'speak,abasketweavefacia designinwhiteovergalvanizedmetal,a sunburstpatternsparklingbeloweyebrow dormers,Corinthianpilasters,ogeesoffet tabs,atasselanddrapefriezewithfleurde 'is(alsoovergalvanizedmetal],thestickstvlewraparoundporchwithcurling,builtincirculargazebos,and,aroundthedoor, boardsbeveledtoresemblecutstone.This houseisamidsummerlake'sdream.
Stepsaway,alltheamenitiesthatonce madethePolandSpringInnaworld-class resort:golfcourse,lakes,trails,skatingrinks, restaurants,parks,thelandmarkArtNou¬ veaustonebottlingplantwithtileroof[nowa museum],andthehypnoticoctagonalState ofMaineexhibitionheadquartersfromthe 1S93World'sColumbianExposition Almostpalpable:theabsenceofthegreat hotelitself,onceoneofthelargestnorthof Boston.Notonlythefountofsalubrious PolandSpringWater[stillworldfamousin thepresentday,ownedandoperatedby Perrier],thehotelofferedPolandSpring Gintotheworld,nottomentionbigband dancingandtheslapofinnumerablesuit¬ casesbeingcarriedtohundredsofprivate roomsthatarenowlocatedin...midair.
"When you consider the round stone foundation,thegardens,thetwogazebos, thewaterfallhere,"it'sallabitoverwhelm¬ ing,Bourquesays."BabeRuthvisitedwith hisdaughterinthelate1930sorearly1940s. Inthe1960s,scenesfromRoute66wereshot here.JoanCrawfordwasthegueststar." Portland’sFritziCohen,aco-star,remem¬ bersitwell."Itwasabeautifulbuilding," Cohensays.AsforworkingwithCrawford, "Shewalkedrightintothesamelight,sofor amomentIsharedthesamehugespotlight arcstheygaveher-Ineverlookedsogood inmylife!"
For$449,000youcangueststarhere,too. ThisVictorianisclearlyofthehighestwater. Taxesare$4,121.ListedbyChrisJacksonof Town&ShoreAssociates,Portland.■
Distinctivepropertiesjustastone’sthrowfromtheocean.
80acreswith400deepwaterOceanfront onBlueHillBay.ViewsofCadillacMt., propertvhasforest,fieldsandaroadtoa rocky beach. 45 min. to Bar Harbor Airport.('allKen
OWNER’S SUITE PLUS! $585,000 (X)R.largetotallyrenovates!2bedroom 2ViBath,fireplaceinlivingnxim,dining roomandofficealcove.Plusfirstfloor rentals.Four1BRunitsandonestudio.
ATLANTIC HOUSE Si. 185.000 PROUTS NFCK - 3 BR. 3 bath condo Greatoceanviews,2fireplaces,attached Garage,completelyrenovated.Private
privateshowing
VIEWS S565,000
OOB: Custom 2 bedroom, 2 bath home just50yardsfrombeach.Contemporary living/diningarea,gasfireplace,kitchen bar,familyr<x>m,hottub.CallCharlene
CHANDLER’S WHARF S480,000 Portland'spremierwaterfrontcommunity 2bedroom2.5bath,totallyrenovated, hardwoodfloors,gaslieat,airconditioning fireplace,loft,balcony,garage,ocean views.CallKen
Wann3bednximhomenestledinlarge windedlot.50yardstobeach.Sunnxim, basement,workshopandmore.Plusone bednximin-laworrentalunit,withdeck andoceanviews.CallCharlene
OOB ■ New construction 2 Bedroom 2bathcondoswithfireplace,gasheat, balcony,juststepstothebeach.Bethe firsttopickyourlocationandcolors. Ix>wcondofees.CallCharlene.
GOLFER'S DELKiHT $286,000
OOB - Overlooking the 1st green on Dunegrass GolfCourse. Townhouse with 2 Bedrooms, 2 *6 Baths, A/C. Ixus of upgrades, deck, fireplace, basement, garage.CallCharlene
Ao2unitcondominiumdevelopmentwithspectacularoceanviewsoverlookingBelfastBay, Islandsandlighthouse.Twobuildingswith16unitseachincludingfourpenthouseunits. Situatedon15acreswithnaturetrailsandaright-of-waytoasecludedbeach. Threebedroom,twofullbathgarden-styleunitswithonefloorliving and living^^ ° f s P^^alconies off master bedroom andlivingroomwithunobsrueedoceanv.ews*GasfireplacesWil-firedboilerforheatandhotwater 9.5footceilings#-Hardwoodfloors#-Lowcondofeesandtaxes
MaineCottageStyle,Wonderfulspaceforentertain¬ ing,Beautifullight,4bedrooms,4baths,2cargarage, Quietseasideneighborhoodclosetoparkandnature preserve,YearroundviewsofRockportHarbor,1/2 blocktothewater.9SchoolSt.,Rockport. $598,000.
orccurtin@earthlink.net
Thismagnificent,alm<*rncw340?sq.ft. “Gmtemixrary Gxintry" home in Otter Trace features an open living/dining nxim with cathedral ceiling tireplace, kitchen with appliances open to die sunnybreakfasthay,firsttlixulavatory, laundry & superlative master K\lnvm suite.U|istairsLiretwobediuimswith connecting Kuh &. a Luge all-puqx*e ixximoverrheovetsiredtwocargarage, allthison3ACoflandwithterracedg<irdens,smalldecorativepixil&.accesstoa walking trail along Bunginuc Stream. $585,000
Waittillyouseethisone!Serene,wooded landscapingwithmultipleperrennialbedsis thesettingforthisbeautiful7room/3bed¬ room/ 2 bath open-concept home which offerscentralair,hardwoodfloors,cathedral ceilings,1stfloorlaundry,deck,sprinklersys¬ tem and much, much more. You will be amazedtoseeALLthishomehastooffer...A MUST SEE HOME! Offered at: $350,000
poolandpatio,gasfireplaceinthe"frontto back"livingroomandalsointhemasterbed¬ room suite. Gleaming hardwood floors throughoutandagenerousfamilyroomon thesecondfloor!AGREATFAMILYHOME! Offeredat:$389,000
•GreatclassicCongressStreetbrickbuilding withdetachedcarragehouse.
•Ampleon-siteparkingwith0.8+acrelot.
•Finewoodworkandgreatdetails.
Contact:TonyMcDonald,CCIM/SIOR,Partner (207)772-1333
CustomdesignedLogHomesituatedon14acresand568feetofwater¬ frontbuiltforunsurpassedprivacy.locatedontheoutskirtsofthe Kennebunks,thisexquisitehomehasitall.
Well appointed and decorated bv a Bozeman MT,1.- u offeredfullyfurnished.Enjoy3fireplaces,1stfloorMasterbedroomsuite groatroomwithdramaticcathedralceilingsandviews,GourmetKitchen’
A neighborhood with more than 1,000 feet of Cousins Riverfrontage.Surroundedby 45 acres of open space, with Public Water, Public Sewer, and Underground Utilities. Restrictive Covenants to protect your investment. 17 lotspricedfromSI85.000
MaryLaneonTheforeside...aSeasideEnclaveofferingbeautffuHvWoodedLotsin CumberlandsmostpremierNeighborhood.
BuildyourdreamhomeononeofTwelvelots rangingfrom1.1 lo I S Am, s Oyer E^hl AcresojConservationLandandWalking Trails.
ne Coastal Community oj Cumberland bmvstdeisjust10minutestoPortlandand -0minutestotheJetport...alsojustminutes awayJromshopping,boating,golfingand tvstauranis. Only Lots Left!
ColdwellBankerResidentialBrokeragewasranked//I
inMaineduring2004fortotalunitssold.J.D.Powers namedus#1forCustomerSatisfactionagainfor2004. ApassionateteamoftrainedprofessionalRealtors’isready torepresentyouwiththemostcomprehensivelineupof servicesandtechnologiesinMaineandNewEngland.
41 FISH HOUSE COVE
VillageofWestPoint, Phippsburg, Maine $989,000
DeluxeandDramaticResidenceinHistoric WorkingFishingVillageofWestPoint. Magnificentdeepwaterfrontageandmoorings offexpansivedock.ViewsofIslandsandopen ocean.Breathtakinglargecustomizedhomeon theoceansedge.
11 FISH HOUSE COVE
VillageofWestPoint, Phippsburg, Maine $880,000
Spectacular and Spacious Residence in HistoricWorkingFishingVillageofWest Pointwith360degreeviewsofIslandsand ocean. Includes 2 deep water moorings. Magnificentdeckforentertaining.Expansive conceptgourmetkitchenplusfullin-lawapart¬ ment.
45 FISH HOUSE COVE
VillageofWestPoint, Phippsburg, Maine $589,000
Enjoy dock, deepwater and your own moorings.Thistraditionalfishermans home has been expanded with wrap-around deck for panoramic views overlooking the AtlanticOcean.LocatedinHistoricWorking FishingVillageofWestPoint.
BedroomCapewithWaterViews andDeededRightstoSandyBeach.
LivingRoom,spacious Room,Eat-InKitchen, RoomwithGasStove, Suite,Office,Sunroom,
privateSandyBeachand1,000’ofFlexibleFloorPlanofferingFireDecks.$739,900 PORTLAND-ExceptionalCoastal opportunity!5DramaticAcreswith
YARMOUTH-2.5Oceanfront Acreswith300’DeepWaterfront andDock.FabulousViewsfrom this3BedroomContemporarywith 2Fireplaces,Hardwood,thelarge Kitchenhasbeenrenovated,1st FloorBedroom,Deck,3-Car GarageplusDetachedBamwith Storagefor2Cars.$1,395,000
If riaoi
/IgeQuuhJi'eil(55*KlomiominiumCommunity
RidgefieldatPheasantKnollisnestledbetween GorhamVillage,thecampusoftheUniversityof Southernmaine,and100acresoftownland.A plannedcommunityina77acrepastoralsetting.
Theunitsoffergenerouslivingspacewithfirst floormasterbedroomsuite,four-seasonroom, cathedralceilings,andthequality,comfort,and convenienceyou’dexpectinsuchapreferred address.
Manysecondfloorplanoptionsandupgrades areavailable.Pricesfrom$270,000.
Ashortdrivetoworld-classdining,shopping,air¬ port,lakesandoceanbeaches.
ComeexploreRidgefieldatPheasantKnoll. A planned condominium community.
GRACIOUS LIVING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
DesignedbyPortCity Architecture, GUILEORD COURT is situatedoffhistoricParkStreetin Portland'sWestEnd.Condofea¬ turesincludeopenfloorplans,bal¬ conieswithviewsofPortland Harbor,cherryandgranite kitchens,gasfireplaces,European heatingsystems,parkingandstor¬ age. Two bedroom /2 bath condos range $329,ooo-$398.oo<>.
C0LDWCLL BANBQBR □
FALMOUTH FORESIDE NEAR PORTIAND COUNTRY CLUB
Situatedinprivateandtranquil cul-de-sacoffWaitesLandingRoad, thislovelyandspacious11room capefeatures4bedrooms,afirst floormastersuite,livingroomwith fireplace,2officesandfamilyroom withvaultedceilingandskylights. Beautifullylandscaped2.15acrelot. Convenienttoshoppingandjust10 minutestoPortland. $685,000
Walkways•Irrigation•Patios•Lawns•Trees Shrubs•FlowerBeds•RetainingWalls
Unique Garden Lighting Concepts
Joinourgrowinglistofclients:
Woodward Thomsen • Gables By The Sea
The Danforth Bed & Breakfast
"ExperiencedIxindscapeProfessionals.Jack's approachblendscarefulplanning,attentionto detailwithcustomersatisfaction. II? lookforward toournextprojectwithBlackBearLandscaping."
-Tom Thomsen. Woodward Thomsen Co. "Imaginative&meticulous.They'velentspe¬ cialcharactertoourhome,borderingthe RachelCarsonWildlifePreserve..."
-BarbaraTagueAWilliamBell.Saco Playingonourhometurf&lovingit.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 37 Depot Road - Falmouth, ME 04105
207-781-4220 x224 email :NHerter@ NEMoves.com
iMaineStreet BuxtonMaine04093•233-0353cell.
Elevated panoramic water views from most every room, many cus¬ tom details. 5-bedrooms, 6-baths, custom kitchen, dining room. livingroomwithfireplace,mastersuite,guestsuite,separatewing withlargefamilvroom,screcned-inporch.Attached2-cargarage, largebarn.Privatedock&•floatwithboathouseon200’+/-deep
waterfront. S2.500.000
sic 1860’s home offers a beautiful location on 1.72 +/- acres. Including4bedrooms.25baths,formaldiningroom,livingroom with fireplace, great room with fireplace, brick patio, large detachedbarnwithplentyofstorage,anddeepwaterdockandfloat with dock house. SI,575,000
LocatedintheheartofPortland’s WestEnd,thislandmarkhomeoffers classicJohnCalvinStevensdesign on3Floorsoflivingspace.
Wonderfuldetailsinclud¬ ingPaneledDiningRoom withoriginalCut-Glass Chandelier,ButlerPantry, Built-ins,PaneledtudywithIndianCam¬ paignGrassWallandCeilingCover, Fireplace,gasStoveintheKitchen, WindowSeats,PeriodMoldingsandso muchmore,accuratelyRestored.Arare —opportunity,offeredat$489,900
JITTERY POINT. TheLadyPepperrellHouse,amasterpiece oAmencanarchitecturalhistory,iswidelyrecognizedasTne ofthenationsfinestGeorgianperiodhomes.Featuredina recentissueofPortlandMagazineasTheHomeoftheMonth
X™? ,S Wi ‘hin Sisht °f Portsmouth Harborinbeau- tfuKHktyPoint, just66milesfromBoston.Itisofmuseum qualityandinsuperbcondition,withhigh-ceilinged,gracious ™?s,a ma8mficeM s <aircaseandmanyuniquelybeautiful “ Sf Separa,C Cama8c house additional living rentcrs ’SP,NEA rcstricdons in P|a“-
°RK V,ILLAGE Presidingover7.6acresinhistoricYork Villagethisoutstanding1794mansionwasdesignedby SamuelMcIntyre,oneoftheleadingAmericanarchitectsofthe ra.eeegantFederal-stylehomedisplaysthemaster'ssense ofproportion,design,anddetail.Exquisitecarvedmillworkis retainedthroughoutalongwith10fireplaces.Recentrenovauonstothemostexactingstandardshavebroughtthismaster_ n. e87Cefu y ! nt0 the 2,st centurywithnewbaths,kitchen, acter^TS ’ Wh ' ,e fU,ly preserv ' nS'tsremarkableperiodchari.„/. C arminSSuestcottagesharesthepastoralgrounds, of shoppins -
by JACK DRISCOLL
Andyourpoint?"mydadsaid,but Ididn'thaveone1couldputinto words.Justthisever-expanding aversiontowhathe'ddoneover theyearstomymom,andviceversa,and whatheintendedtodonowthatshewas backfromthehospital,pronounceddeadon arrival—9:07a.m.MillicentBumsAngel.And alreadyshe'dbeendeliveredhereatthe funeralparlorourfamily'owned.
Hehadn'tbotheredtopickmeupfrom school,ortobewaitingformeinthedrivewavwiththenewswhen1steppedoffthe bus.Hewasn'tevenupstairs,andall1saw when 1 entered my' mom's bedroom was theempty'bedalready'strippedbaretothe mattress,andthethermostatsetbackat sixty-five.Nonoteonthekitchentable,the breakfastdishesstillinthesink.
Foroveranhour1couldn'tthinkstraight orcatchmy'breath,andwhenhestillhadn't appearedby'dusk1pressedtheintercom button."Dad,"1said,"areyoudownthere?" Hedidn'tanswer."Where'sMom?"Isaid. "Whereisshe?"andwiththosequestions mylegswobbledsobadly1hadtositdown onthefloor,andthat'swhen1heardhim staggeringupthestairway;soslowand heavy-footedthatforasplitsecondIimag¬ inedhimcarryingacoffinonhisback. Hunchbacked,heslowly'walkedupcloseto measif,afterallthistime,hewasvisibly crippledby'grief.Fromtheinsideout,1 thought,inaway'I'dneverseenhimbefore. Allsilentandswollen-facedlikehe'dbeen stungbyaswarmofbees,thoughofcourseit waswaytoocoldforthemtostingoreven flythislateintheyear.
MyteethalmostchatteredIwastrying sohardnottocry'.Ihopedhe'dsay'some¬ thing,buthedidn't.Hejusthoveredand stareduntilhisey'esturnedevenredder, andthat'swhenheturnedandlefttogolie downonthecouch.Igotupthenandstead¬ iedmyself.Andnextthing1knewI'd unfoldedtheextrablanketatthefootofmy' hed,andwhen1mademyway'backinto thelivingroomtocoverhimIcouldtellthat
he'dalreadyfallenasleep.You'dthinkhe mightatleasthavetakenoffhisshoes,or thatunaskedmaybeIwouldhavedoneit forhim,asIusedtosomeeveningsformy mom if she was too fatigued. She said whenever I did she knew she'd dream aboutdancingbarefootacrosslongwhite beachesinSpainandPortugal,whereshe hadn'tyetvisited,butwherethepurple firesofthesky'showereddownallaround herlikenightfallitself.No,neverlikerain, shesaid,butthat'swhatIheardhardening intosleetandplinkingontheroof.My dad'sbreathingwaspainedandaudible, andthewindhadpickedup,andstanding inthissemidarkness,every'separateover¬ lappingsoundcoalescedintothesoundof slow,slowsecondspassing.
Mydadwasonhisback,theluminescent greendialofhiswristwatchlikeasinglelid¬ lesseyetickingjustinchesabovethewornoutcarpet."Atimetoletgo,"he'dsay'."To sailon.Atimeforyourmothertocomeclos¬ ertoGod."
Althoughexhaustedbyallthesecret vows I'd made and broken and remade overthepastfewmonths,1nonetheless promisedmyselfthis:Ifmy'dadforcedme toattendthewake,I'drefusetokneeland
lookintothatcasket.AndIwouldn'tutter asinglewordtohimortoanyoneelse. Werethepreparations,ashealway'scalled them,alreadycomplete?AndIwondered, didsheexitthisworldsmilingasI'dseen hersmilesobriefly'justlastnightwhenI leaneddownandkissedher?Oristhefinal expressionalway'soneoffear?Something everymorticianlearnsearly'ontomanipu¬ latewithneedleandthreadandlipglue? Had he finally cried himself out down there?Andevenifhedidn'tmeanto,look howheleftthelamponinherbedroom,the onlylightburninginthehouse.
Nobody'escortsthesleepwalker,notif you'reanonlychildinalargehousewhere your dad's exhaustion over time has silencedeventhosedreammoansyouknow himby'mostnightswhenyouwake.But vou'renotawakenow.You'refloatingbodi¬ lessdownthedarkhallways,following thoseinvisiblearrowsthatleady'ouwithout asinglemissteparoundeverysharp-edged corner,downeverysteepstaircase,some¬ timesevenintothetiledvestibulesandclos¬ etsandoutontotheporchesfloodedwith moonlightimpossibletoseeby'.Ifyouever evenimaginedthisrouteyou'dtakenblind
somanytimesyou'dbestartled,perhaps even terrified. And if someone were therc-yourmom,let'ssay-whounderstood exactlywhattodo,she'dleadyouback throughthecatacombstoyourbedwithout afalteringwordofcautionorpanic.And tuckyouin,andleaveimmediately,leaving youalonetolistentoeverylostandlonely inconsolableheartbeatthesleepwalker shareswithnobodybuthimself.
Tiresleepwalkermight-thoughonlyin theory,becausethereisnotonenearbyclimbthewatertowerthatloomsabovethe town with its name and white numbers Populationunknown,whichbearsremem¬ bering,givenhowthoseenormousnumer¬ alstendtoglisten,liketheafterglowof glaciersyou'veseeninNationalGeographic, howtheyignitethepredawnfieldsand meadowsbelowwithsilver.Thedanger,of course,isthatthesleepwalkerwill,insud¬ denfullconsciousness,discoverhimselfin thevery'placehe'ssuccessfullyavoidedhis entirewakinglife.Ontheicy'bridgerailing ontheedgeofyetanotherinterminable winter,oratthemouthofthatdry'well's deafeningechoshoutingbackhisnameand notthatoftheoddlittlekidwhodisap¬ pearedonenightalmostadecadeagoon ChristmasEve.
Andalonedownhereintheviewing parlorIdosnapawake,mykneespressed deepintothekneelerpad,handsfolded notaroundarosary,butaroundamatch¬ book.Soit'sprobablymewholitthese fourwhitevotivecandles.Afreshsulfur smellhangsintheair,strongerthanthe scentofwarmwaxorflowers,theflames stillcoalescingintoperfectliquidspires. Myschoolclothes,Iremember,when1 wenttobed,werediscardedinaheapon thefloor.ButI'mfully'dressedagain,and mymomistoo,inanewbluedresswitha flatbridal-whitecollar.Herhair'snotthick butthicker,andinsteadofarosaryshe's holdingabookwitharibbonbookmark stickingout.TheCollectedEmih/Dickinson.1 almostreachinandopenittothatpage"GoNotTooNearaHouseofRose"isone she'd memorized and said aloud each Aprillikeariteofspring.Maybeit'sthat onemydadhaschosen.
There'saweddingringbackonherfin¬ ger,andeventhoughIknowshedidnot slipitbackonatthevery'end,I'mgladmy dadhastakenthisliberty.Notthattheend
justifiesthemeans,ashe'ssometimesprone iolecture,butbecausemaybehedidall alongreallythinkofhimselfasmarried.
In the same way that I've always thoughtofmyselfasason,evenwhilemy momragedlong-distanceoverthephone foryearstomeabouttheacceleratingfallof man.Andrefusedsteadfastlytocome hometousfromWisconsin,thoughinher absenceitwasclearwewouldneverentire¬ lybeourselvesagain.
Ididnotsleepwalkuntiltheverynight sheleft,andbackthenIunderstoodexactly' nothingaboutthecomplexdiffusionsof blood,howintheory'thearteriessuddenly crisscrossinyvayssoconfusingthatthe heartliterallyaches.Ireadallthisafcyv rearslaterinabookaboutsuddenlossand traumathat1checkedoutofthepublic library;andshowedittomydadyvhosaid anywriteryvhothoughtlikethatshould have his head examined. 1 bet my mom wouldhaveunderstood.1betsheyvouldn't havecalledtheguyaquack,andmight evenhaveaskedifanyoneyvasstillawake andlisteningtotheheart'sunstoppable sadnesspoundingayvay.
"Onlyme,"Iwhisper."Onlyme,"and theadmissionthatI'mhereisenoughto startthosecandleflamesyvavering.It's enoughtomakeevenmebelievethatthe weight of my dad's passion must have alwaysbeenrealandlasting,andthis-at leastinhismind-ishisfinalactofintimacy. Howcoulditbeotherwise?Mymom-she lookssopeacefulforonce,soperfectlycon¬ tent.Thatbluedressandmydad'sfingers smoothingitout,adjustingthecollarinthe hoursbeforeIgothomeandeventuallyfell intodreamlesssleep,andlatersleepwalked downheretobealonewithher.Beforethe scheduledwakeandburial.Andforsure beforeIcouldeverhaveimaginedyvhathe couldpossiblygivetoherinherdying. Nothingshesaidshewanted.Nothing,I believenow,butexactlythis.■
"ExitSmiling”isanexcerptfrom How Like An Angel, onsaleinMaybyUniversityofMichigan Press(S24.50).JackDriscollisWriterinResidence attheInterlochenCenterfortheArtsinnorthern Michigan.HeistherecipientoftheAWPAward, Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award, Independent Booksellers Award, and the PushcartEditors'BookAward.Driscollisa member of the Stonecoast MFA faculty.
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1.OpeningatUbuStudioinPortland,fromleft:Kit Demos,MattAnderson,IvyDemos.2.Black HistoryMonthreceptionatPortlandCityHall,from left:RobertShetterly,RachelTalbotRoss,JoeGray, MichaelFortunato.3.UbuStudio,fromleft:Louis Fredericks,SadieFowler,AlexandraSax.4.Ubu Studio,fromleft:EdieTucker,LydiaPaiste.5.Black HistoryMonthreception,fromleft:GeraldTalbot, KeitaWhitten,KarenCarter.6.NAACP'sMartin LutherKingBreakfastatHolidayInnbytheBay, fromleft:AliciaCote,MariahMcKenzie,Stephanie Epps,JenniferRoberts.7.NAACPmarch,fromleft: FrederickLancaster,StephenSpring.8.Portland BlackHistoryMonthreception,fromleft:Anthony Carter,DebbieWoods,ElizabethRudenberg.9. JohnFordlectureattheMaineIrishHeritage Center,fromleft:JohnFoley,SamGalli,JoeMoran. 10.JohnFordlecture,fromleft:MelissaO'Dea, MichaelConnolly.11.JohnFordlecture,fromleft: JackMcCormack,MargaretLaCombe,JohnO’Dea.
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