Contributed by Bangor Historical Society
Description
Mary Pelagie Nicola (1775-1867), also known as Molly Molasses, was a member of the Penobscot Nation. She was a businesswoman, selling animal skins, baskets, and other artwork, and was known as a healer.
Later in life she sold photographs of herself in various poses, wearing her traditional Penobscot peaked cap, trade silver, wampum collar, beaver fur top hat, and checkered coat. A poem written for her by David Barker accompanied the photographs, including the stanza:
I write these rhymes, poor Moll, for you to sell
Go sell them quick to any saint or sinner
Not to save one soul from heaven or hell
But just to buy your weary form a dinner.
Molly Molasses was a lifelong partner to John Neptune, Lt. Governor of the Penobscot Nation from 1816-1865. He was said to be the father of Molly’s four children.
About This Item
- Title: Molly Molasses, Bangor, ca. 1865
- Creation Date: circa 1865
- Subject Date: circa 1865
- Location: Bangor, Penobscot County, ME
- Media: Photographic print
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Artists
- Clothing & dress
- Indians of North America--Maine
- Native Americans--Maine
- Penobscot Indians
- Wabanaki Indians
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Bangor Historical Society159 Union Street, Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 942-1900
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.
