Mainelife...thru the eyes of someone from away

The End Of A Long Run?

Gosh, we surely hope not.

Frisbee's Market in Kittery Point, Maine has been selling groceries and sundries at the same location since about 1828.  Now, it's in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, doors closed, by court order.  Frisbee's is the place where you can get penny candy for the kids and a nice bottle of wine for dinner.  It's a place where you can ride your bike to, get a cold soda and enjoy the view of Portsmouth Harbor. It's also the place where you take Lucy, the Mini Cooper on her first Saturday in Maine (August 2005). 

The Frisbee family says that the store (and their restaurant, Cap'n. Simeon's Galley--the "Cheers" of Kittery) is the nation's oldest family run business.  At one time, the family owned the town wharf, but deeded it to Kittery in the 1800's.  Frisbee's Market has survived the Great Depression and economic downturns for almost 200 years, but mounting bills, combined with the recession and credit crunch have left the owners unable to find financing or investors. 

On Monday, the Frisbee family called Gov. Baldacci of Maine for help. Within a few hours they received a call from the Finance Authority of Maine, who is going to try to help the family keep the business. 

Piece of Maine

Grain Surfboards is a local small business that crafts gorgeous wooden surfboards (their blog also contains some outstanding photos).  They're a talented bunch of guys making a living the Maine way--through ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Recently, they entered the Maine Association of Realtors' video contest "Your Piece of Maine" and were one of ten prize winners. The contest required a three minute video showing why people love their piece of Maine. 

You can see all the videos at the blog site or the Grain Surfboards video here.

You Never Know Who Your Neighbors Are

We always say that there's nothing in Cushing except Fales's General Store, the Wyeths, and beautiful views.  We bought there because we like it quiet and undeveloped and very MAINE-like. 

When we have these thoughts and conversations, we always forget Meduncook Bay Colony, an upper crusty development that is advertised every month in Down East Magazine.  We took a quick drive through the place when we were looking at property, but it reminded me of some of the developments in suburban Cincinnati and quite frankly, we just couldn't afford it.   Now I'm kind of glad we couldn't. According to a press release, our neighbors would be a doctor from Wisconsin, a New Yawk Citay Stockbroker (ya cahn't get more from away than that), a New Jersey Executive, and a Judge from Massachusetts. 

By the way, the developer is auctioning off lots, including three that will sell absolute this Thursday at 11 in Camden.  It's your chance to own a piece of Maine waterfront, which according to the press release, is like a vintage car or fine wine.....rare and getting more scarce by the day.