Obrazy Ameriky: Maine Série

Focusing on the historical journey of Jewish communities in Maine, the book traces their origins from the first recorded Jew, Susman Abrams, in 1830, to the establishment of synagogues and cultural institutions by the late 19th century. It highlights the growth of Jewish life, including schools, shops, and charitable organizations, showcasing how Jews have integrated into every facet of Maine society over the past 150 years. The narrative celebrates their contributions and the absence of social or religious discrimination they now experience.

According to local lore, Auburn's name comes from "Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain," a line from Oliver Goldsmith's poem, "The Deserted Village." The first settlers were drawn to the Auburn area by the remarkable falls, lakes, and streams, which provided power for early shoe and textile manufacturers as well as opportunities for recreation. Visitors were also attracted by the tremendous natural resources of "Sweet Auburn" and tourism boomed in the nineteenth century, with people "from away" flocking to the area to enjoy cruises on Lake Auburn and to partake of spring waters and tonics. As Auburn grew and changed, photographers began to preserve these developments on film. For the past 130 years, they have recorded the daily lives of the people of Auburn: their workplaces, schools, and houses; their modes of dress and moments of leisure; and the celebrations and disasters that have brought the people of Auburn together.

The book explores the rich history of Standish, Baldwin, Sebago, and Naples along Maine's Sebago Lake, detailing early settlement during a tumultuous period marked by Native American raids. It highlights the significant developments brought by the Cumberland & Oxford Canal and the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad, which spurred tourism and transformed the area into a popular destination. With a blend of rare photographs and thorough research, it captures the evolution from humble beginnings to a vibrant tourism industry, showcasing both well-known and lesser-known aspects of the region's past.

The book offers a pictorial history of Sebago Lake in southwestern Maine, highlighting its rich traditions and the evolution of the region. It captures scenes from the past, such as fishermen seeking landlocked salmon, travelers at farmhouses, and the arrival of steamboats. The imagery evokes nostalgia with views of summer camps and classic cars, illustrating the area's transformation over time while celebrating its enduring charm as a gathering place for generations.

The narrative explores the transformation of the Upper Saco River Valley from a vital travel route for the Pequawket Indians to a bustling area influenced by logging and railroads. Key locations include Fryeburg, known for its academy and fair, Lovell with its charming homes and lake, and Brownfield, remembered before a devastating fire. Denmark honors Rufus Ingalls, while Hiram celebrates a Revolutionary War general linked to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Vintage photographs throughout the book capture the historical essence of the river and its covered bridges.