Reconnecting with old friends is one of the most enjoyable parts of this time of year. We really look forward to news from people all over the world who love Maine and remember us.
Selling our calendar, in many ways, has encouraged and expanded our connections.
Every year we hear from people who grew up here. Their stories and recollections of life on the peninsula are priceless and fun.
William Townsend, who now lives in Florida, called the other day to order his calendar, and several for family members. We got to chatting about life in the area, “way back when.”
He's related to many locals, living and deceased.
He has the voice of radio announcer, rich and mellow. I try to keep him talking.
When Bill was a young boy, he worked as a caddy at Boothbay's nine-hole golf course. He recalled hanging around the caddy shack, which at that time was in front of the current log cabin club house, down the hill.
“There was a mad scramble for the door when Leah Sample arrived in her Thunderbird convertible,” he said. “Everybody wanted to caddy for her!”
It's so pleasing to share recent local images that recall fond memories. The photo for this Christmas issue of the Register is an old friend, too. From my first book “Winter,” published in 1985, the original black and white of Spruce Point pool, was made with my old twin lens Rolleiflex — a great camera from the 1970s, with a terrific Carl Zeiss lens.
Perhaps it will be a memory for you!
Merry Christmas.