Cre8RoyalPalm: A cornucopia of riches? If I am correct , it appears there are 2 new Wayne Reilly articles up!! But, watch one disappear momentarily!!

Wayne's very first sentence in the article, was reminiscent of the critical mass of fire potentials in Bangor as time marched on. These potentials grew even more critical up to the mid 1960's and was one reason for the interest and thought of incorporating the Federal government's "Urban Renewal Program". Buildings built after the Great Fire of 1911 did not have the 'modern' fire-proofing, fire and safety codes they do today. So, buildings were constructed, again, of available wood, storing similar items as in the first sentence speaks of.

Seems like a comedy of errors, not so comedy-like, however, transpired during the fight to save the ship. I guess nobody on board, if there were anyone left, decided to stay with her and drop her anchor in the Penobscot, eliminating dangers to Bangor, Brewer or Hampden, should she float downriver (if the tide was going out). Mayhem and confusion seemed to be the order of the day. But, I see, in the end, someone collected their thoughts and finally rigged her up and relocated her to a safe area where she died in the heat and flame.

I see many of those buildings and companies mentioned in the article survived through the time I was born and raised in Bangor. This article kept me pinned to the 26" monitor so closely, my eyes hurt after I finished reading. Nice way to hold attention, Wayne; nice article!

Coal was abundant in these times; times before and after. Coal was delivered to my parents' three homes they owned in Bangor, and those large bellowing octopus-type furnaces in the basement heated large homes without any problems. Except, of course, for the built-up creosote in the chimneys which oftentimes created 'chimney fires'. Then, here came the fire department, firemen hanging off the runner-boards and steps of the firetruck, siren and bell clanging all the way. When coal was delivered to the house in the wintertime, it was fun for us kids to make 'dirty snowballs' out of the coal dust dropped from the delivery truck's coal slide that went through the window into the cellar. Of course, any dropped coal pieces decorated the 'snowmen', so we then had eyes and a nose.

I wonder where the coal came from? I guess it came into Bangor by ship (earlier) and then by rail (later). But did a lot of it come from Tennessee and Virginia coal mines? I probably think so.

Great photo here; somehow, sometimes there is nothing like a black and white photo to really capture the moment!

But then again....obviously any photographs taken during those years were going to be only in black and white! Very powerful image!

But, chersully2000, as years past by, the 'Plus-X and Tri-X' films were used mostly. I recall Spike Webb and Mr. Maher of the BDN taking pictures with those large, hand-carried, black cameras. All they did was point, shoot, slide the picture cassette out, turn it around, and slip another photo unit in. Cumbersome. I do not know what type of cameras were used in the early 1900's for taking photos such as this one of the Anne Henderson.

I'm sure it may have been a Kodak, though.

If it were not for the efforts of those people on both the Bangor and Brewer sides of the river who had their hoses spraying-down their property and buildings, surely those embers flying around would surely have caught something on fire. With buildings so close and the materials they held inside them, could have flamed-up and really created a firestorm. Spontaneous combustion seems to have been the cause of the fire on board the ship. Must have been scary for those poor guys on board for a little while, though!

I think Front Street was just off Main Street, and a short walk to the riverfront. Front Street is near the old Bangor Gas Works, if my memory has not completely failed me. It depended on which way the wind was blowing, but it was a fortunate thing nothing in the gas works area started to flame.

More interesting details and commentary from you, Cre8RoyalPalm. My memory is failing me for the moment re Front Street. Isn't that near Washington Street? I will figure it out. Can't picture exactly which street that is at the moment.

I am in amazement also at how combustable that fire must have been and how much worse it could have been without some quick action on the part of those people. Seeing all those embers flying through the air and feeling the intense heat from that fire must have been quite something to experience.

I enjoy photography a great deal. I think sometimes (not always of course) that a black and white image can capture something one in color or digital cannot. A certain crispness maybe? Of course there are many exceptions. It was just in the news that the age of Kodachrome is now a complete thing of the past.(Remember the song by Simon and Garfunkel?) Yes, those cameras of those much earlier times you describe must have been very cumbersome;amazing they did as well with them as they did!

Cre8RoyalPalm: I knew I would remember! The Sea Dog Restaurant (very popular) is on Front Street (that restaurant would not have been here when you lived in Bangor). You were right; that street does run right along the waterfront ....nice area. The railroad tracks go right alongside Front Street. Many times in that area, one can watch the boats in the harbor, see a plane flying overhead towards or away from Bangor International Airport and stand and watch and hear the long freight train go by. I suppose this is not that unusual and happens plenty of other places as well ,but special all the same.

chersully2000, I may be mistaken, but I think Front Street is located after you come down the free stretch of Main Street toward downtown, it is the first street on the right. If you pass another street on the right, then another, near the Bangor House, you have gone too far. This is just a small street, and generally, after turning right off Main, you immediately turn left onto another street, Summer Street. But Front Street could have been named Rail Road Street at one time. It parallels Pleasant, Summer, then Main street respectively; as Front is on the waterfront But the article reported about a "span" between Washington and Front Streets, so there, at the time of the ship fire, Front, once was most likely Rail Road Street, as rail lines (2) ran the length of this street and were used for box car and coal car loading.

Yes, B&W imaging and rotogravure, as in the "old" movies, was a pure and refined art form. The very tones of imaging were needed for perfection. I even remember the black-and-white transition in local television station's news and commercials when they changed to color. The colors were putrid at firt, then film was no longer used, because of the videotape (not defunct) turned to cassettes, (now defunct) and now it is all air-streamed to the television station.

Back about early 1960's WABI-TV had this large, top-heavy 16mm sound-on-film movie camera they used for news. The hand-held Bell and Howell movie cameras were also used for 16mm silent film-taking. But this large camera, I do not know what it was, had two round 400-foot reels on top, one for the loaded end, the other for the 'take-up'. All black and white imaging. Yes...the ship on fire above would certainly have made for great news film, when the fire became so wide and high above-decks, I can visualize the 'tornado of flame' swirling around in a circle, with orange and yellow and blue flame and topped off with a mice heavy black smoke curling skyward.

Sorry for all the typos. i did not spell-check, as I'm having a phone conversation and typing this at the same time. You got the idea, anyway.

Yes, you are right about Front Street.....and oh my gosh....just realized I walked on it both yesterday and today! How could I forget the name of the street I walked on?? Guess my mind was elsewhere. We went to an Arts and Crafts Fair on land off Main Street (across from Dunkin Donuts on Main St.) and after leaving the Fair walked down Front Street to the waterfront . I don't know if you have seen that area since all the improvements. Cobblestone type sidewalks, landscaping, those "gaslite" type lamps all along the walkway. Very attractive now. This of course is the site of the Folk Festival each August which features outstanding music, all kinds of food and tons of people for the 3 day event.

Well, the gaslight type of lighting, and cobblestone type walks and other improvements near the Bangor waterfront remind one of parts of Boston and other cities, especially those near the water.

No, Cher, I have not seen the improvements along this river walk area. But I'm glad that the City of Bangor has made this area more user-friendly and that the elements that were in this area in previous years are no longer habituating there.

Oh...I did not know that this area was where the Folk Festival was held. I visualized it over near that Union Station area, on the north side of the Kenduskeag Stream. Okay! (Don't bring the dogs!!!)

Yes, the gaslights and cobblestones remind me a little of Beacon Hill, near the cemetery, among other places in Boston. (Not the War Zone, either). I think the area down near the old Navy Yard where the USS Constitution is moored, also is similar. I wonder if any ship fires occurred in Boston Harbor or in the Charles. Most likely there were many, especially in 1812. I think the British burned ships belonging to the US Navy and private vessels (and the US Navy even scuttled their own ships) during this time. Right there in Hampden, Frankfort and Bangor area and Castine too. There has to be accounts of this and now that my mind is set in motion, I'll check it out.

So, as I type this out, you are totally in dreamland. I will check in tomorrow. Hopefully I can manage to find something on the war of 1812 in Maine and see if there are ship burnings and scuttles in Bangor. Many items such as cannons were found in dredging the Penobscot, so there actually could have been more burnings - sacrifices this time.

Cre8RoyalPalm: Look forward to more history facts and true stories from you.....always fascinating, jogs the memory about the past and , and one can always learn something. I sometimes enjoy going down memory lane....of course I was not born in 1909 (nor were you!), the year we are about up to with Mr. Reilly but many things you and I write about her bring back memories of how things were when I was very young in Conn. Also, I lived in Boston for about a year in the 70's on Marlborough Street in Back Bay. Talk about feeling history all about you. Short walk from that street (the streets run in alphabetical "order".....Boylston, Charles, Dartmouth, etc etc.....you sure know Newbury Street!) to the Public Garden area (the swan boats,etc.) Wonderful at any time of year near the Boston Gardens.

Well, will check back this evening, and I am likely to have more to say as well!

Oh, Marlborough Street, I remember that street well. Boston Gardens was where I loved to study my college homework. We did not have laptops then, so I had many books and notebooks beside me on my blanket. Great tranquil place.

I found out that Bangor, Castine, Rockland and other places along the Maine coast and on rivers, had ship burnings - either at the hand of the US Navy, or at the hand of the British. There were also a few 'accidents' like the Anne Henderson in the article. I do not have much time to devote tonight to blogging, as we are to attend a function for a newcomer and her family to our law firm; the party is tonight. She comes from New York City and worked for the city for the past 14 years in prosecution cases. We are taking her husband and 21 year old son out for a boat trip on the Sea Ray this weekend.

'chersully2000', do you know what ever happened to the NANTUCKET LIGHTSHIP? This red vessel came to Bangor once I remember when I was in Maine on vacation. They moored her in an area near Front Street (now we know the street name). I remember when I was a little boy, I received a plastic model of this NANTUCKET LIGHTSHIP for Christmas. Dad bought it at Hob's Hobby Shop, across from the Opera House. Wished to heck I still had it. I met and spoke to the Captain (I think he was US Coast Guard) for a while, but a TV news crew broke us up and we went on the way. This is now a historical ship. Maybe it is now replaced with an electronic buoy off the coast of Massachusetts.

Cre8RoyalPalm: Yes, Marlborough Street and Back Bay and Beacon Hill and the Boston Gardens....just a wonderful place to spend time. I have not been back in a number of years but hope to one of these years. I am sure there would be many changes, but in other ways, those elegant brownstones on Beacon Hill and other things there remain rather timeless. I loved Bailey's Ice Cream Shop (absolutely loved it!) but they are no longer in existence, which makes me sad to think of.

I hope you and your family have a very nice time with the newcomer to your law firm, and her family. Sounds like you will be busier than ever. Enjoy.

No, I am not up on my history of the NANTUCKET LIGHTSHIP, so will have to study up. Of course, I know of it, just kind of vague on a lot of the details.

Sounds like you live in a lovely part of the country, just as we folks in Maine do. I have not been to Calif in years and years and never got further south there than Santa Cruz. I spent a summer with relatives in Sacramento and Carmel (in the early 70's.) I was not sold on that part of Calif....not green enough....too many thruways and concrete. Downtown Sacramento did have some older, more historical looking bldgs with character, as I recall, but other than that, I did not care for Carmel,etc, that much.(too brown and dusty.) While swimming in the surf at Santa Cruz, the undertow took me under and it was quite scary, even though I was a good swimmer. Just was not use to that kind of surf having grown up on the Atlantic Coast (Long Island, Connecticut side.)

Yes, we had only a 3-hour fete for the lady and her family. We do not enjoy an over-the-top affair; just a welcome party and some orderves, cocktails and that is it. We had a wonderful time tonight. Introductions and a bit of pin-pricking humor went along with it; like a "roast" but more civilized. I think this girl has an idea of her new cohorts are by now. To include our nutty families! We gave her a welcome present. It was an Asian vase, standing about 6-feet tall, hand painted and the gold trim is real. (The partners in the firm are all Asians; so is this girl we hired; but on professionalism, not on heritage). I'm the petunia in the onion patch!

Oh, you spent your summer vacation where Clint Eastwood resides. The Carmel area. Yes, it is brown and dusty there, but not every part is this way. The more exclusive areas are landscaped and people afford the maintenance of having green grass all over. Our area is beautiful, although outside here a ways, are the misfortunes of civilized life as it is; freeways, many subdivisions and all the rest. Crime is not too bad at all. But California really has beautiful green trees, lawns and shrubs and flowers all over the place. You just did not get to those areas, i guess. Our house is a two-owner home; the original owner had it built in 1985. He relocated to Burbank, closer to his work, and I bid on the home and got it in 1999. We have great multi-level landscaping, lawns, a tennis court, pool and redwood steps that go to the beach. The beach, BTW, is only about 400 feet away from the base of our steps and we own another 100 feet of shoreline to the water at low tide. Residents here have 24/7/365 security and Beach Patrols, so we have no crime at all, even on the winding roadsides in front of the house within our district.

I read something earlier where 'MaineExpatriot' or something like that, said he lived on the ocean I think somewhere in Massachusetts. Must be beautiful there, as he said he had a great view of the Atlantic. Here we are on the Pacific. He lives next door to two 'same-sex' people (girls) and they are great neighbors. To each his own, but I would not give a flip if my neighbors were 'same-sex' or not. Just don't put it on me. I prefer the traditional marriage; boy, girl.

Okay, got to get to bed. Sandman is at the door.

Cre8RoyalPalm: Your fete for the new partner sounds like it went very well; the gift you describe sounds beautiful (something I would appreciate) and I am sure she was pleased and grateful to receive it.

I do not care who my neighbors are (orientation,ethnicity,etc.) as long as they are good, respectful people. To me, there is no monopoly on that by any one group,etc. Live and let live is my motto! I like to mind my own business as much as possible. Everyone is just trying to survive and live their everyday lives; everyone has to go to the grocery store; everyone cares most for their families and friends (or most people do anyway),etc.

Oh, I did not mean to imply I thought all of Calif is brown and dusty. I just meant that part of Carmel,etc. and this was years ago. I love San Francisco , Santa Barbara, Monterey,etc etc. No, did not mean all of Calif. Sometimes everything does not come across clearly when typing on these pages, and often it is rather late, and I might be tired. You sure live in a beautiful place and sounds like you have everything there you could possibly need. Maine may not seem quite so "exciting" in comparison!

Not sure about MaineExpatriat's exact location. Some other strange sounding poster was giving MaineExpatriat the go-over and a hard time for living in or near Lynn and Lawrence, Massachusetts. Who cares if MaineExpatriat likes where he lives?!! I love many of the Mass towns along the coast, including Marblehead, Beverly, etc, etc. Lovely homes there. I just love being near the ocean in general. So rejuvenating and peaceful, I find. I also loved spending many summers, or part of them, at the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

'chersully2000' there are many places I have been to and seems each place has its own beauty if you look for it - like seeing the same in people. Only one place I had been to (as an employee of the government) and this was the Mideast. I hated this place; Iraq, and some neighboring places, but Egypt, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia were beautiful. I especially enjoy Dubai for personal reasons.

Yes, we also live in a nice place out here, but we were fortunate to be able to buy this particular home. Connections. The owner was the primary CEO/COO (Chief Executive Officer/Chief Operating Officer) of the business we are in. It was time and place that landed me this house. I was lucky to get a two million dollar reduction in the cost of the home, as I bought it direct from him and we did not go through any real estate agency. I stay away from Real Estate agents - they are worse than car salesmen (which I also avoid like the plague).

Property out here is expensive. The closer you get to the ocean, every 25 feet of coverage area you go, the price seems to increase a thousand dollars. I think 'MaineEx' was saying something about his neighbors. I mentioned once to you I knew this Jewish girl, Susan Spector from Marblehead. I think her two brothers were Robert and Jerry. Her dad and his brother owned the Animal Forest Park system and Sue went to school at Mount Ida College at the time (1964-ish). Her family liked me, but I would have to convert to Jewish if I wanted to go "further" with Sue. Time and distance eliminated all that - I remained Roman Catholic.

My aunt and uncle lived in Beverly. Paula and "Skid" Albee. Paula and Skid moved to Gautier (Gaw-shay), Mississippi in the early 1970's. Funny you should mention those two towns in Massachusetts. I once worked in Hanover, New Hampshire - the town where Dartmouth College is located.

They are going to kick us off the website because we are supposed to be in Maineville talking like this and not staying to Wayne's topics.

Oh...just had to run out to the patio a second. I heard this loud drone, like a 17-ton bee coming. It was a flight of two old B-25's! Resplendent with nose and turret guns. Still had AAF markings on them. Probably Confederate Air Force planes. Okay, gotta go for now, and I will check with you later or tomorrow. Time for dinner. Nearly 7pm now.

Wow, when you say it is 7 PM there, is is quite late here of course! I was watching the All Star baseball game tonight from St Louis.

Getting late and getting tired, so will not write much tonight (for a change!) Enjoyed your comments on some of the other ones, including the one about the new parking garage going up on Columbia/Hammond Streets. Yes, weren't some of those photos fun to see? Oh, some of those buildings they tore down in the 60's - what a shame and crime!

Yes, about Maineville. Somehow , I just have not gotten myself interested enough to go over on that one (oh well!!) At least we are sticking here mostly to the subjects of cities, geography,etc. (with a little divergence from that!)

More couples marry today people from other faiths and backgrounds than their own....but guess that has been happening for some time!

Have a good night.

Thanks for all those comments you posted throughout. I wish we all could be this mature as people are now. Before it was nearly a crime what was happening on this blogsite.

Now that you mention it, I can hear the ringing sound of the announcer, Curt Gowdy, announcing the Boston Red Sox games out of Fenway Park so clearly in my mind; with the crowd in the background and the occasional 'click' of hitting the ball. My dad was an avid sports enthusiast. He did not care much for basketball, but he loved football, baseball and boxing. Boxing was telecast every Monday night from (usually) Madison Square garden in New York. Somehow, even mom liked to watch, sit in her favorite chair, munch 'Cheezit's' and have a coffee nearby.

Bangor once had a great radio personality, Jim Winters. He was a tall, very blonde, nice-looking guy. After he left WABI and Hildreth Network, I think he went to Boston and became an announcer for the Boston Red Sox, or 'color' announcer, anyway. I wonder what ever happened to Jim. WGUY in Bangor had Bob McAllister (Bob Mac). He left 'GUY and went back selling bread, but I also think he went to sports announcing in Massachusetts, also. Anyone know?

Bangor Daily News does have a great penchant for adding great photos of Bangor's past in their articles. Those who were born after the 1980's should be interested in knowing how Bangor appeared just a few short years ago. I guess some of the decisions to destroy some of the older buildings really should not have been made. It is good to preserve, also. Maybe codes and the enforcement process get in the way.

I like Maineville, but it is impossible for me to retrieve out of that site without getting out of the BDN web completely. The "Blogs" section of Maineville, I have no interest in. The "News" section, I like, but 90% of it does not interest me; and somethings I post, most likely do not interest others, either. I can honestly see the value of Maineville, however.

The traditional marriages - same faith, backgrounds, education, etc, are not as predominant as they were when I grew up. Nowadays even 'same-sex' couples can be married and Maine is only one of 4 state's in the entire USA which has this law on the books. Out here, there are serious arguments and controversies on 'same-sex' marriages. To each his or her own, as I see it. I could care less what the other guy-guy or girl-girl does. It does not interest me much and does no good arguing about it. What is happening in the world actually does not affect me. I pay all my bills and nobody pays for anything I need, so those who criticize my viewpoint, I owe nothing to, anyway.

'chersully2000', I wished more of the folks who know about Bangor history would chime in and give their input to this blog. Look at the 'views' or hits and we are the only ones making comments? If Wayne's articles carry just responses to his story, I guess there may not be more than 10 to 20 or so on-point addresses. Not really sure, but we can try it sometime and see. Possibly, this is supposed to be a narration by Wayne and minimal commenting concept, anyway, I don't know. Take two - and call me in the morning!

Cre8RoyalPalm:

More interesting commentary,as always.

Oh, but Cre8RoyalPalm, in response to what you wrote above re more folks blogging here about the history of Bangor. No, hardly anyone! Curious! However, when I came on today I see the old jealous insecure one has voted down,again, my benign comments here....you know, the childish one.Cre8RoyalPalm: Do you suppose he is trying to hurt my feelings?? (ha ha) Doesn't like to be left out, you know. But yes.....as you say, it is noticeable that it is just you and I , and once in a while Carol, who is interested in Wayne Reilly's really interesting column (definitely one of the best features of the BDN) So, we will carry on.....

Sorry, but I do not quite understand your comment there....."Not really sure, but we can try it sometime and see." Try what exactly???

Yes, I see the value of Maineville as well.....just have not gotten involved in it....and like you, I could care less about the "Blogs" section of it! There is just not enough time for all of that, nor the interest on my part.

Interesting what you wrote about sports and sports announcers. Yes, Curt Gowdy; quite a legend in his field who died not too long ago. My parents(mother and stepfather) always had the Red Sox games going (in Conn.) Being from Conn, I was kind of wedged in between Yankee fans and Red Sox fans. When I was a child, my biological father named our cat Yankee Buster! My sons are huge Red Sox fans (and Celtics and Patriots fans!)

Yes, sports is in the blood. My biological father moved to Fla (St Petersburg) when I was very young. He was a sports writer and editor for the St Petersburg Times for most of his life (a very highly regarded newspaper.) He knew a lot of the sports figures personally, including tennis star Chris Everett (she wrote something about him when he died. She knew him better than I did!!) Anyway, just a little "history" there.

I also really enjoy seeing all the photgraphs the BDN puts in the articles, especially ones of the past. One of my favortite parts of the newspaper by far.

Yes, the tenor on these BDN pages has changed significantly in recent weeks. As you say, it was a "crime" what went on before. There were some in particular that wrote sickening comments and personal attack-like remarks and there was no need for it, and should not have been allowed. Some of them probably thought they could get away with it well into the future!

I can't recall when the BDN started including more photos on the articles....you know, the smaller ones you can click on. I think it is a great addition and can't remember when they began that feature. The more photos of Bangor's past,etc., the better!

Earlier today, I had occasion to be down near Front Street. Just wanted to share a plaque I saw , in the grass on Front Street, close to Washington St. This plaque was a marble-like material (or maybe marble?) with really nice flowers planted about it. It reads:

" The Great Bangor Fire started near this site, April 30, 1911. Two lives and half of the city's downtown buildings were lost." Quite a lot of plaques of this kind spread throughout the city recalling Bangor's history.

Actually, I just wanted to respond to something you wrote on the Calais article last night. Those terrorists actually spend the night in Portland, not Boston (they drove from Portland to Boston that morning.) I will never forget that they spent the night at a motel in Portland (9/10) as my older son was living in Portland at the time.

and Cre8RoyalPalm: You will be most interested in, and need to go to, the Calais article again . Go to the comment at 9 AM, 7/15, posted by Washcogal. She responds to you and tells you about Ruth Brogan. I hope you receive some helpful information from that.

'chersully2000', I honestly do not know exactly who is voting you off the comments!? These comments do not reflect any obnoxiousness, or contrary to the BDN's regulations. I really do not understand what is happening or who is doing it or the reason behind it. I think I would go in to the BDN offices out on Main and discuss this with Todd or Josh. They can find out with a little research, the code of the computer which is connected to their registration. They may not tell you about what they find out, but maybe they can correct it.

Oh...the comment, "we can try sometime, etc., etc.,"; I meant we can try to stick exclusively with the responding in commentary to Wayne's article one time and see, exactly, how far we get in making comments attached and relevant to his article one week. This is, without getting off on any other subject at all.

About sports (and Wayne has already discussed sports in his articles on occasion) I'm really a non-sports fan. The reason is, is that I'm too involved with other interests and demands to be able to sit and watch sports anything on TV. I never really enjoyed sports, and especially nowadays that sport clubs are owned by billionaire's and the concept has evolved into business rather than sport. The players are prototypes of one another; tall, black or white or foreign, 300 pounds of more, muscle-builders, and the list goes on. I tell my wife that nobody can hit any harder, kick any higher - or longer, run any faster, throw and longer, or 'theater' any more than another player. Sure, games are won and lost, but as in boxing, there is much criminal intent in 'throwing' the fight. That Philippines boxer, the one who won every fight he has had, is stupid. Boxers don't even defend themselves obviously, and instead of fighting back, this little guy just commences to beat the crap out of Mexican, English and American boxers and wins every time. The Filipinos are known for their cagey, underhanded business deals anyway, and with a couple of their Senators and the husband of the President there making 'deals' in Vegas on their boy, the fights are obviously thrown. So much for sports.

I did not realize your dad wrote for the St. Pete Times? Interesting! Especially that he was a sports writer. Must have known many ball players when they came for winter training. I saw Chris Everett and Billy J King in Florida once, but the closest I got was from the bleachers watching tennis matches.

BDN has come a long way with the web. They continually upgrade their site. The plaque you mentioned, I never saw. I think because of the need to re-surge the history of Bangor, people like Wayne Reilly, who now has established himself into the annals of Bangor as the historical interest writer, bring many unknown - and known accounts of Bangor's history, should be a pride factor for Bangor's people.

Yes...the terrorists spent the night in that small, round-looking hotel (was it a Marriott?) right off I-95. One report said, they traveled from New Brunswick, came through Bangor, but I think the report also stated, some or two of them took a plane out of Bangor to Boston nor New Your City the next day. I'm foggy on the actual account.

Thanks for the info on Ruth. I'll go to the Calais article now. Check with you later.

CreRoyalPalm: Let's just stick to our Bangor history.....so much less troublesome and so much more interesting! Forget the game-players.....who cares. It just is ridiculous, and I do not even care enough about it to take the trouble to check in with the BDN people about it!( Better things to do.)

Anyone, including MaineExpatriat, is really welcome, of course, to post on this one as well. Not trying to monopolize anything....just always interested in Mr. Reilly's articles on the past.....and then that branches out to other talk and reminiscing about Bangor, Maine, Boston, Conn, California......etc etc!!

Chersully, to try and clear things up, my name was brought up twice in two threads up above and I was just answering the questions asked. I only skimmed the posts and responded only to where my name was mentioned. I really have no idea what else is in this thread and was not responding to anything else. Bangor Daily News, PLEASE let this explanation stay. I have no idea why everything I type gets deleted but this post is only to try and clear up some confusion from today.

MaineExpatriat: Feel free to post on this one anytime. I had said that earlier, but it is gone! Not trying to monopolize anything.....we just, on here, get into a lot of stuff about Bangor and then move on to Boston, Conn, Calif.....you name it!!

I didn't think you were monopolizing at all.

Cher.. just in case http://americancommonsense.typepad.com/ I can always be found there, it's my blog. Hope you read this before it gets deleted.

Also, in my earlier post I'd admitted to not even reading the thread, I just saw my name a couple of times. Hey, if it isn't all about me! : - )

MaineExpatriat: Thanks for the info. Just got to read this. Will check it out later! Glad I read it before the BDN people decided to......whatever...... I guess you previously lived in Maine (dah!) Do you miss it at all? You may have gone into this in the past on one of the other articles,etc. I am just a New Englander at heart. Lived a lot of my life in very southern New England, and now in what I call northern New England (central eastern Maine.)

I lived in Maine for the first 20 years of my life then moved to Mass. to find work and have never left. All of my family (a big piece of my heart) still lives in Maine so I visit very often. I could never leave New England.

"chersully2000' and 'MaineExpat', I also feel the same as you. But in my case, I had choices, which I intensely undertook. These decisions led to more and more creative, rewarding and solid work with the US Government, traveling extensively; and then it folded well into a civilian position I now share with 6 other partners. Although I was not born in Maine, my family relocated there when I was about 2 years old. My mother's family hails from Maine originally, but their parents, both sides, were European descent. We fell in love with Maine. This is my place. We could travel to many other locations on our vacations, however, somehow, we always revert back to Maine.

Maine, in itself, the folks back there, I can never forget. Without being a poet in this comment, Maine was and still is, the dearest place I know of. My entire life was based on what I experienced, learned, enjoyed, and got accustomed to there. I guess, 'MaineExpat', Maine holds a big piece of my heart, also. However, things evolved so deep for me, it is difficult to return there for any established period of time.

I want to buy a seaside or lakeside cottage. That is the plan. But I cannot do it right now. I'm 66 and plan to work until I'm 72; then we will see. My wife tells me I'm not the 'Eveready Bunny', and cannot go on working forever. True, but with my excellent health and purpose, I cannot stop right now to do those things I really desire. It would be great to wake up in the morning with nothing to do, but if I did that, I think I would lose my mind. Doting is not for me.

MaineExpatriat: I could never leave New England either. I like all of it!!

Cre8RoyalPalm: As always, I enjoyed your commentary above. Guess we, all 3, love Maine. I like a lot of parts of New England, however, and could choose any number of places. Altho' Vermont is nice, it would not be my choice, though, as I want to live fairly close to the ocean. Your plan to buy a cottage by a lake of by the sea sounds great.....and it will happen, I am sure. As for working as long as one wishes....there is certainly nothing wrong with that (as long as one can minimize some stress). There is so much to be said about doing the work one loves. In many ways, studies have shown it to be quite beneficial to continue working and challenging one's mind. That is why, when one retires, it is highly recommended that we continue to engage in challenging activities,etc., which of course is very possible.

'chersully2000', my wife reminded me a little while ago after reading your commentary, we already have a place by the sea. Now she is looking at me with a jaundiced eye as if to say, "Now, you're thinking of getting another place on the other side by the sea?" Her tone says, "No."

Funny, but without revealing too much from the commenter's here, I would like to know what kind of business or work they are involved in. That should explain some of their thought order in blogging and their reasoning. At least in my position, I do no longer prosecute. But I cannot say any more.

It is sunny and warm out here today. Saturday, hopefully, the rainy weather over Hawaii will dissipate, and our trip out in the boat with the new employee's son (he is 21 years old) and her husband will be eventful. We plan to cruise the shore near the beaches and pick up sticks...er...chicks. (Kidding).

"Funny, but without revealing too much from the commentators here, I would like to know what kind of business or work they are involved in." Which commentators....MaineExpatriat and me? Not quite sure of your meaning there but guess not that important!

Also, sounds like you may be "overruled" concerning another home by the sea! You are in such a paradise there, that your wife is perfectly satisfied . Interesting! Well, at least you also are in a beautiful part of this country!

Enjoy your boat trip tomorrow....sounds wonderful.

Cre8, if I read your question correctly... I'm an accountant in a downtown Boston law-firm. Not revealing much really, there are 20 kazillion law-firms in Boston.

Sort of similar for me as well.....office-related. I am in Maine as are many of the posters....so, will be a bit less forthcoming here!

Yes, 'chersully2000', guess I tripped over the word, 'commenter's'! But what I really meant was from those folks who hit this site. Well, so much for that inspiration to generate responses unto Wayne's thread.

Yes, I was overruled! Well, she will be okay. She wants to return, someday, to Dubai and get a nice condo there, once our son gets his footing and is situated along the road of his life. I'm for this, too. However, we cannot ever discount that Maine is more beautiful and serene than Dubai. Her family is from there, anyway, and I can see the value of bouncing back and forth from here to there twice a year.

'MaineEx'; thanks for that! I knew you had some education in the simple fact how your humor reflected. Interesting, being an accountant. Why do you not undertake a Masters Degree in law? I, too, have accounting background. Started out as a 4-year accounting Bachelor's degree program, heading for the Master's program, but things got in the way. I made a decision to follow in my families profession which was law. I obtained my Legum Baccalaureus, the Legum Magister and then my Legum Doctor degrees. I have two LL.D degrees right now. I cannot tell who I work for on one side, but we also are a total of 6 partners in an International Law law firm specializing in Public and International law; Diplomatic and Counselor law, Treaties, International Human Rights, International Criminal, Terrorism and Environmental law. With over 40 years in the legal industry, we are still learning every day.

I blog at random - as this takes my mind off work and refreshes my mind. My three computers are going all the time in my office and at home sometimes, and to break the monotony, I skip one, go to the other, get back to the other one, and so forth. Keeps my brain very active. Nice to see you, too, are in Boston. 'chersully2000' and myself have fond memories of living there. Okay, guys, I will check with you later. By the way, 'chersully2000', I could have guessed you were office-related by the style of your writing. That is a great profession, working in office realms. You learned a lot about business, that's for sure. Thanks, 'Maine Ex', for your input.

Have a good weekend Cre8RoyalPalm and MaineExpatriat! By the way, Cre8RoyalPalm.....do you like palm trees, by any chance? They are okay, in my opinion, but prefer the deciduous trees in New England.....and some fir trees too. Just do like some shade, as I am very fair and cannot take the direct sun for long (not wise anyway....forget the tan! I would rather remain healthy. Some sun and vitamin D each day , though, is definitely advantageous.)

I have never been to Dubai (or anywhere close) but most have a lot of beauty. How about Turkey...have you ever travelled there? I knew someone who once lived there for a few yrs (this is yrs ago though) and really liked it.

I think your method of blogging is really good....and will keep you remaining sharp....as it sure appears! Good to "refresh the mind" that is for sure. Whatever works.

Interesting you could detect, from my writing, what you detected! I did do well in my English courses in college (incl Eng Comp). Guess because I enjoyed it most. Photography is another real interest....and accounts for my great interest in the photographs that come up on the BDN site, incl on the Wayne Reilly one. Excellent! I can tell you really appreciate them as well. Yes, MaineExpatriate is very interesting and smart. She and I appear to be on the different end of the political spectrum than you, but hey....who cares!! We can still appreciate one another and our insights and observations!! As my late grandmother of Hamden, Connecticut use to say...."Each to their own..said the old lady who kissed the cow!!" ha ha ha....

Cre8RoyalPalm: I think you will be interested in the article in this wkend's BDN re the controversial painting on the Brady gang....the painting currently hangs in an Italian market downtown at the corner of Central and Hammond Streets. Pretty interesting...

Cre8RoyalPalm: Paris Hilton was on the late night Craig Ferguson show last night. She was talking about going to Dubai soon...not on vacation, but for some kind of promotion thing she is involved in. I forget the details, as I will be honest....I am not that interested in Paris Hilton!!!

Let me catch up. No, I really eat no meat at all for the exception of swordfish steak and specialty cuts of tuna. 25 years ago, my wife, who has never eaten meat in her life, convinced me to do the same. As a former Muslim-turned Christian (Catholic), she still hangs on to traditional cultural and religious thought and practice. The only meat I eat is steak. However, very, very little. The school of thought is simply that the shock or trauma is carried-through from the killing of the life of the animal, and enters the body and mind of the consumer. Thus, creating instability in the soul of the human.

I could are about palm trees, although they are pretty in their setting. The user name has something to do only with a place we know and enjoy. It has two separate parts in the user name shown.

Yes, I have traveled into Turkey; from Istanbul to a small town named, Malatya. We went by car through Ankara. Why do you ask?

Yes, it is interesting and I think, rewarding that the three of us, although from uncommon backgrounds from each other find blogging friendly without having controversies. I know we share different views on some things, but I guess this is what makes it fun and interesting all the same. I originally thought 'MaineExpat' was a guy. You mentioned it is a 'she'.

Yes, I made a comment on the Brady Gang article, already, and expect to get dumped-on as a result. Wait and watch for the comments! Hahaha!

So, the old lady kissed the cow and liked it? To each his own. I just said this to my wife and then said, "Hey, cow...'wanna kiss me?" She threw a pen at me and hit me on the back of the head. See what I put up with? Now she thought I called her a cow! See what you started? (laughing hard and out loud now).

Cre8RoyalPalm: That is so funny...about the cow.....your wife......I had no idea what I was starting! Oh, the expressions they used in my grandmother's day....you do not hear many of them any longer. Kind of sad.....sometimes I will recall something she said back in those day ,and those now disappearing expressions!

Oh, I had no real reason when I asked about Turkey. Just was curious about that country. The woman I use to know who lived there for a few yrs was there because her father was an English professor over there at the time. They were originally from Buffalo, New York.

I know what you mean about meat. I eat little of it, for several reasons., including humane ones. I prefer to limit it and do not think my health will suffer. I do love fish and seafood as I have mentioned.....I especially love swordfish steak, which you mentioned. Not an inexpensive fish here but sometimes I will get a small amt. on sale as I really like it. I had scallops earlier today which I seldom have. I love all vegetables.

Paris Hilton? No way, Jose! Too plastic for me.

Yes; about those 'sayings'. My mom and dad, and their parents too, had many 'sayings'. Mostly about me.

Odd, we were speaking of eating meat and then all of a sudden you turned the conversation to Turkey. Hmmmm.

We eat mostly all types of vegetables, fruits and near-meat things like eggs. A neighbor of ours who lived with her sister, and who was also married to Dr. Brown in Bangor; they travel to Florida every winter; told me once when visiting them, they never - ever touch any type of processed foods or meat. Bologna, salami, etc. Cancerous they told me. From that day on, in 1993 when I last saw these girls, did we ever have any processed meat anything in the house. Even hot dogs. No matter who makes these things. My wife frowned on these meats anyway. You might be surprised at all the great variety of world-wide cuisine you can make without meat added to the recipe.

I'm waiting for Wayne's next contribution. BTW...Larry Doughty in Brewer always puts his email address as a footnote on his comments. I have not noticed anyone else yet do it.

Cre8RoyalPalm: Yes, Larry Doughty does that. He is a councilman in Brewer (believe that is his title.)

Yes, I realize about the meat and meatless dishes. And yes, I am well aware of what they say about processed meats. I eat them very rarely. When growing up (and before there was this food awareness there is today!), there was the most wonderful delicatessan up the street from where my grandmother lived in Hamden, Conn. run by an Italian family. She often sent me up there to get baked beans (wonderful!), cole slaw, and the meats - roast beef, bologna, liverwurst, ham. (One did not have the fear of sending a young person alone to the store in those days!!) Oh well. I guess we survived and she lived to be 99 1/2, but then she ate quite a balanced diet. I myself love my eggs (yummy) and really love baked beans (two good foods for you.) Yes,so many yummy and nutritious meals that do not require meat or not much anyway. I have a childhood friend who lives much of the year in Fla; she and her husband have been vegetarians for years and seem healthy enough.

I am also eagerly anticipating Mr Reilly's next column tomorrow evening. Wonder what the subject will be!

As for Paris Hilton...."plastic" is the word! Not my taste. I do not see the appeal. Give me an authentic and talented woman such as Meryl Streep. Wow, can't really even talk about them in the same breath. Meryl Streep is in a new movie coming out where she portrays the brilliant cook, Julia Child. What a wonderful portrayal from the previews I have seen!

From what you wrote on another one, I take it you consider Bangor drivers to be some of the worst!! Worse than Massachusetts drivers? Probably. I can't imagine driving in parts of Calif....those thruways,etc.

When in Boston, I remember Julia Child. I went over to WGBH-TV in Cambridge to watch her cook. They always allowed us in, to sit in the studio near her cooking area. She had this large mirror over her counters and stoves. The cameras would tilt upwards and focus tight into the mirror to capture her stirring the pots and cooking things. We always got a chance to eat her samplings along with the studio crew. The show was done "live", as they did not have VTR back in the early 1960's.

Did you know she was a US Government Intelligence Agent back during the WW II and thereafter for a while? Not portraying one, but she was one - incognito.

I heard months ago that Streep was making prelim shots for the new movie depicting Julia Child.

Oh, 'chersully2000'...California drivers are okay. We have problems with the Mexicans who get their licenses without much knowledge of the English language or driving experiences, except around the dusty roads and illegally in the cities in Mexico. They usually are drunken-masters and the cops in California have a hard time of it with them. The freeways there are safer than in and around most parts of the US. Gets a little crowded at rush hour, but traffic moves. Bangor drivers have some very bad habits...but not all drivers there. The problems are that the I-95 is too narrow and now wide enough (they need three lanes and/or an additional service or feeder road alongside the entire stretch, both sides, from the 395 entrance, northbound and exit side south and up to the mile marker from the Hogan road exit and entrance ramps. Traffic moves slow in Bangor, and this is one reason for the problems. Where are the fencing barriers? That Bambi had a chance to walk out into traffic and caused the accident yesterday. The Maine DOT is totally asleep. Someone wake them up from their coma!!

Yes, you are right about the roads around Bangor.....many certainly not wide enough, and get too congested around certain exits and entrance ramps. Ugh! It gets dicey around Hartford, Conn too, but there are always going to be driving challenges in certain areas. Yes, the Maine DOT has a lot to account for. The planning and design and execution of some of the roads around here......not good!

That was interesting what you wrote about witnessing Julia Child cooking in Cambridge during those yrs. Great! Bon appetit! Loved her cooking show all those yrs on PBS. As for knowing she was an Intelligence Agent.....yes, I had read something about that.