Maine Memory Network

Toy Len Goon: Mother of the Year

Toy Len Goon of Portland, an immigrant from China, was a widow with six children when she was selected in 1952 as America's Mother of the Year.

Inside the Yellow House

Photographer Elijah Cobb's 1985 portfolio of the Laura E. Richards House, with text by Rosalind Cobb Wiggins and Laura E. Putnam.

Great Cranberry Island's Preble House

The Preble House, built in 1827 on a hilltop over Preble Cove on Great Cranberry Island, was the home to several generations of Hadlock, Preble, and Spurling family members -- and featured in several books.

Port of Portland's Custom House and Collectors of Customs

The collector of Portland was the key to federal patronage in Maine, though other ports and towns had collectors. Through the 19th century, the revenue was the major source of Federal Government income. As in Colonial times, the person appointed to head the custom House in Casco Bay was almost always a leading community figure, or a well-connected political personage.

A Soldier's Declaration of Independence

William Bayley of Falmouth (Portland) was a soldier in the Continental Army, seeing service at Ticonderoga, Valley Forge, Monmouth Court House, and Saratoga, among other locations. His letters home to his mother reveal much about the economic hardships experienced by both soldiers and those at home.

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - The Privy

"He lived here first with his mother. By at least 1860, Corey rented rooms or another floor to grocer Lewis Hutchins and his family."

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - The Longfellow Era: 1807-1901

"Anne lived 87 of her 90 years in the house she called "dear old home." "[i] am happier here than anywhere."

Elise Fellows White: Music, Writing, and Family

From a violin prodigy in her early years to an older woman -- mother of two -- struggling financially, Skowhegan native Mary Elise Fellows White remained committed to music, writing, poetry, her extended family -- and living a life that would matter and be remembered.

Student Exhibit: Medicine in Times Past

Inspired by Dr. Greenleaf Wilbur's medical box at the Skowhegan History House, this exhibit highlights some Mainers in the medical field of the past and the stories they had.

In Time and Eternity: Shakers in the Industrial Age

"In Time and Eternity: Maine Shakers in the Industrial Age 1872-1918" is a series of images that depict in detail the Shakers in Maine during a little explored time period of expansion and change.

Drawing Together: Art of the Longfellows

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is best know as a poet, but he also was accomplished in drawing and music. He shared his love of drawing with most of his siblings. They all shared the frequent activity of drawing and painting with their children. The extended family included many professional as well as amateur artists, and several architects.

Biddeford, Saco and the Textile Industry

The largest textile factory in the country reached seven stories up on the banks of the Saco River in 1825, ushering in more than a century of making cloth in Biddeford and Saco. Along with the industry came larger populations and commercial, retail, social, and cultural growth.

Independence and Challenges: The Life of Hannah Pierce

Hannah Pierce (1788-1873) of West Baldwin, who remained single, was the educated daughter of a moderately wealthy landowner and businessman. She stayed at the family farm throughout her life, operating the farm and her various investments -- always in close touch with her siblings.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Acknowledgements

"Masterman John Matzke Mothers Against Drunk Driving National Gallery of Art Bevinn O'Brien Old York Historical Society, York, Maine Old Sturbridge…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Taverns, People, and Scenes

"… Historical Society QJ 813 Sm65w "I have seen my mother, as often as Parson Lancaster exchanged [pulpits] with my father, mix Holland gin and loaf…"

George F. Shepley: Lawyer, Soldier, Administrator

George F. Shepley of Portland had achieved renown as a lawyer and as U.S. Attorney for Maine when, at age 42 he formed the 12th Maine Infantry and went off to war. Shepley became military governor of Louisiana early in 1862 and remained in the military for the duration of the war.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - A Call to Temperance

"As in many temperance images, a mother and child plead father not to indulge. X The Battle Axe Portland, June 10, 1849 Collections of Maine…"

The Life and Legacy of the George Tate Family

Captain George Tate, mast agent for the King of England from 1751 to the Revolutionary War, and his descendants helped shape the development of Portland (first known as Falmouth) through activities such as commerce, shipping, and real estate.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Drinking: Elegance and Debauchery

"… ginger beer from the West Indies. Hampden House Bar, 1837Maine Historical Society and Maine State Museum Hampden House Bar, 1840 John…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Drinking Implements

"… in the foundation of the museum's McLellan-Sweat House. X Decanter, 1785-1800 Ireland Blown glass, engraved Rum Courtesy of Arlene Palmer…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Quenching the Thirst

"Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Craigie House, Cambridge, 1881NPS, Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site Henry Wadsworth…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Influential & Interesting Documents

"X Abstract of the Laws Respecting Licensed Houses, Lincoln County, May 1803 Collections of Maine Historical Society Broadside 281 This remarkable…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"1920 Collections of Frances Willard House Museum and WCTU ArchivesMaine Historical Society Union Leaflets: Cider as an Alcoholic Drink W.C.T.U., ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Business as Usual

"X Bangor House Joseph F. Hatch,1883 Oil on canvas Collections of Bangor Historical Society Maine's grand city hotel is said to have always served…"