2 PUBLISHERS NOTE York: Still a railroad town? By DAN SZCZESNY The York Independent What makes the York area a unique, one- of-a-kind kind of place? Recently, Ive learned that one of the most important factors in shaping of this commu- nity is now almost totally invisiblethat is, unless you look really, really hard for signs of it. Its the York Harbor & Beach Railroad, which connected York Beach with Ports- mouth from 1887 to 1927. Its long gone now. After more than eight decades, only a few remnants of the line and its old depots persist here and there. But while it ran, the 11-mile York Harbor & Beach was a major force in establishing the physical layout of the town we know and enjoy todayespecially the towns compact beach resort area. One of the things thats special about York Beach is that its a walkable commu- nity. This was originally by necessity. Back before we all drove cars everywhere, it was crucial (and just common sense) for towns and villages and beach resorts to be built on a human scale. For decades before private cars became widespread in the 1920s, visitors would arrive in York Beach by train (in the case of well-heeled Bostonians, often direct from Beantown via high-end parlor cars) and then transfer by wagon or other means to their preferred oceanfront hotel. Unencumbered by a car or the need for parking, visitors were free to wander about the densely built re- Dan Szczesny sort, enjoying the attractions and the fresh salty air at their own pace, and using their own feet. It was truly a vacation, rather than an exercise in commuting. At its best, York Beach still offers this experience, which we, being human, still crave and fi nd delightful. This pattern of settlement, common in the age before private automobiles, helped make York what it is to this daya classic seaside resort with a warm and welcoming feeling. And though few in York at this late date have any recollection of the railroad or the towns electric trolley line (which connected York with Kennebunk, Portsmouth, and Do- ver), we thought it was worth looking into how this lost infrastructure infl uenced York, both then and now. Thats the reason for this editions cover story, which starts on Page 8. Nowadays, the idea of a walkable com- munity is all the rage in planning circles. In York, weve reaped the benefi ts of a walk- able community for more than a century, in terms of a human-scaled beach resort that people enjoy and return to. And a lot of that is thanks largely to a now-vanished railroad that helped build our town in patterns that persist to this day, and which continue to give York a high quality of life for visitors and year-round residents alike. YORK DAYS A-COmIN Week-long festival starts Friday, July 30 From the softball tournament to the lighting of the Nubble Lighthouse, the York Days Festival includes a little something for everyone. The town-run event has been held for more than 25 years, and includes a variety of activities for the whole family. Its just a summer celebration of the town of York, said Robin Cogger of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Its just our opportunity to provide activities for the community. One of the biggest events of the week is the road race on Sunday, August 31. The event is open to 1,000 runners, and more than 700 have already signed up. Registra- tion is available online for $15 through the Parks and Recreation Web site, http://park- sandrec.yorkmaine.org/. If space is still available, runners can register at York High School the morning of the event for $20. The Craft Fair and Festival on Saturday, Aug. 7 and Sunday, Aug. 8 is a family- friendly event that features handmade items from jewelers, photographers, textile crafters, and many other artisans. Local food vendors will be selling snacks. There will also be infl atables, a roaming railroad, sand art and face painting. Were trying to create a family atmo- sphere so that parents can shop and kids can be happy too, Cogger said. Friday, June 30 The Jerry Thebodo Big Band will perform at Ellis Park at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 31 The York Days Softball Tournament will pit eight teams of softball players from around New England against one another, starting at 8 a.m at York High School and Village Elementary School. The Chelmsford Community Jazz Ensemble will perform at Ellis Park at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1 The Amidon Family Dentistry York Days K Road Race will begin at 8 a.m. at York High School. The Warren Anderson Dectet will perform at Ellis Park at 7 p.m. Christmas in Julythe Lighting of the Nubble with the Seacoast Wind Ensemblewill take place at 8 p.m. at Sohier Park. Monday, Aug. 2 The Junior Golf Tournament at Cape Ned- dick Country Club will be held. Call 6-100 for registration information. The New Magnolia Jazz Band will perform at Ellis Park at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3 The Country Cloggers will show off their foot- work at Ellis Park at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4 The Casual Saxtet will play at Ellis Park at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5 The Breast Cancer Walk of Hope sponsored by York Hospital Cancer Survivors begins at 6 p.m. at the York Beach Ball Park. Registration begins at the Ball Park at p.m., and the entry fee is $1. Straight Lace will perform at Ellis Park at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 The York Lions Club Annual Auction under the big tent will be held at 6 p.m. at the York Beach Ball Field. A preview begins at p.m. The Fred Manzi Trio will play at Ellis Park at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7 and Sunday Aug. 8 The Craft Fair and Festival at the York Beach Ball Field will run from 10 a.m. to p.m. The event will feature crafts, food and childrens activities. Saturday, Aug. 7 The George Kaye Orchestra will perform at Ellis Park at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8 The U.S. Air Force Big Band of Liberty concert will begin at 7 p.m. at Ellis Park. A fi reworks display will follow the Air Force Big Band concert. 2 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Staff PUBLISHER EMERITUS Stephen M. Rasche ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS Dan Szczesny, Jeff Rapsis CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer L. Saunders, Taryn Plumb, Sarah Grant, Susan King, Suzie Goodwin, Madeliene Staub, Amy Diaz PRODUCTION MANAGER Glenn Given ADVERTISING SALES Dan Szczesny The York Independent is published 26 times per year by York Independent Newspaper, LLC, (207-363-8484) and is available at select locations in the greater York region. Offi ces are located at 4 Market Place Drive, Suite 215, York Village Business Center, with access from Route 1. THE INSIDE gUIDE Local News, 2-3 Q & A, 4 Library Happenings, 5 Community News, 6 My Kind of Town, 7 Cover Story, 8-11 Art, 12-13 Food, 14-16 Live Music, 17 Car Talk, 18 Movies, 19 Pet Connection, Tides, 20 Madeliene Staub Featured activity: Lions Club Annual Auction If its something fun to do in the York area, theres probably a gift certifi cate for it on the auc- tion block at the York Lions Club Annual Fund- raising Auction. Part of the York Days Festival, the auction will take place on Friday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. at the York Beach Ball Field. A large number of York area businesses will donate gift certifi cates and services to the auction, including the Ogunquit Lobster Pound, Funtown Splashtown USA, The Stolen Menu Cafe, and the York Harbor Inn. There will also be a few donations of heating oil, furniture pieces, and other items. We have over 120 items, Howard Koppel of the Lions Club said. Everything will be sold. Koppel said that a lot of the time, people will bid the full price of the item because they know the money is going towards a good cause. 100 percent go to sight, hearing, the food pantry, fuel assistance. Any request that comes across, Koppel said. We help anybody really in need. Free parking will be available at the Union Congregational Church on Church Street. A preview of items up for bid will begin at p.m., and hot dogs and cold drinks will be served, complements of Mikes Hot Dog Cart. The event will be held, rain or shine. Yarn Sellar Fine Yarns & Knitting Supplies WNER NEW O cKie M Carrie Find us on The Facebook Tues Evening 6-9 Shop & Knit Meadowbrook Plaza, 647 Route 1, York 207.351.1987 www.yarnsellar.com MondaySaturday 10-5 063513 Senior Home Care Transportation & More 063613 The York Independent July 16-29, 2010 2
1 York The Independent The hometown voice of the greater York region FREE July 16 - 23, 2009 Volume 11 Issue 14 April 10 - April 29, 2010 Volume 12 Issue 7 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black INSIDE: A SpECIAL SUmmERTImE DESSERT mADE EASY! SEE pAgE 16! Free yorks Not budging www.yorkindependent.net LOST rai
2 PUBLISHERS NOTE York: Still a railroad town? By DAN SZCZESNY The York Independent What makes the York area a unique, one- of-a-kind kind of place? Recently, Ive learned that one of the most important factors in shaping of this commu- nity is now almost totally invisiblethat is, unless you look rea
quit Restaurant & Deli/Market Shore Road Deliberately Different PAULA Jonathans Ogunquit POUNDSTONE July 23 & 24 Open 7 Days a Week for BREAKFAST & LUNCH A PORTION OF OUR Famous HOT TUNA July 26 Dont Miss COURTESY PHOTO This years Old York Annual Decorator Show House is located at 6 Starboard Lane.
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Q&A DEBBIE SCRIBNER THE CANCER SURVIVOR By TARYN PLUMB The York Independent For Debbie Scribner, its been a pain- ful and arduous two-and-a-half years. Since early 2008, shes been living with breast cancershes been through the tests, the treatments, and the medi- cations.
I go to the support meeting sponsor- ing this walkit has members who are anywhere from three to 25 years free of breast cancer. Hearing their stories is very encouraging. Never give up, al- ways fight, stay strong and tough. There are many, many new drugs and new treatments all the time. It is hard
listings Send us your listings! List your event in the York Independent for free! Listings are run on a space available basis. Send complete information about your event, including exactly when and where it takes place, any admission charges, and anything else necessary for readers to take action.
MY KIND OF SHOW A CLASSY CLASSIC By JENNIFER L. SAUNDERS The York Independent For this editions column, were trav- elling back to the Ogunquit Playhouse, back in time and across the pond to Aus- tria in the days of the rise of the Third Reich for what might be the all-time favorite of Rodgers and H
8 yorks LOST railroad ITS SHORT HISTORY AND LONg SHADOw 8 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black COURTESY MUSEUMS Of OLD YORK through South Berwick and out to Dover, and another leading north through Ogunquit Village and following todays Route 1 to Kennebunk. Trolleys ran as frequently as every 15 minutes in hig
mega-merger. Jones eventually went on to become Boston & Maine president; with his involvement, the new railroad would have close ties to the B&M throughout its life, though would always be a separate corporate entity. Meanwhile, the community rallied behind the line. In many cases, property owners
10 COURTESY MUSEUMS Of OLD YORK COURTESY MUSEUMS Of OLD YORK Another view of York Harbor Station on the York Harbor & Beach Railroad, this time from a vintage postcard. CONTINUED fROM PAGE 9 At Seabury Station, the York Harbor & Beach Railroad was crossed by a high bridge carrying the Portsmouth, Do
11 just crossed the York River drawbridge (the site of the current Route 103 bridge) and was heading up the slight grade into York Harbor station. After the train clacked over the span, the drawbridge tender began lifting it to allow a waiting Ports- mouth tugboat to pass through. Then, as the train
12 VISUAL ARTS LISTINGS Send us your listings! Got a gallery exhibit coming up? Send the info to yorkindependent gmail.com. Listings run on a space available basis. The York Art Association will host a Juried Fiber Arts Show which runs from Friday, July 23 until Saturday, Aug. 7. The Opening Recept
13 Interior & Exterior Painting Drywall Taping Skim Coating Cosmetic Repairs Design Ceilings & Repairs Staining & Much More! Home & Business on RT 1 includes 2 bay garage & lifts 1.75 acres 3 BR 1 bath, 1 garage SF home. Owner retiring value priced at $248,900. RT 1 Mixed Use Opportunities Call Brok
14 Food Our combo meals are the areas best value for food on the go. Whether you choose the popular #1 Cheeseburger meal featuring our handmade 1/3 lb. burgers or the #5 that has a great portion of all white meat chicken tenders with crispy French fries theres a combo meal for you on our menu. We De
15 with a view ish its rich sauce), roasted stuffed duckling with orange sauce, vegetable risotto, and classic bouillabaisse all make it so diffi- cult to choose just one. Dinner prices from $19 to $32 are moderate for such a refined selection. Lunch looks just as tempting with an array of sandwiche
Cool creamy panna cotta A refreshing dessert for a summer night and a great way to show off blueberries By SARAH GRANT The York Independent If youre looking for a cool, creamy dessert that will also show off your freshly picked (or freshly picked up at the super) in- season blueberries, panna cotta
17 Music listings WHOS PLAYING, WHEN & WHERE FRIDAY, JULY 16 Chris Fitz, Inn on the Blues, 7 Ocean Ave., York Beach, Maine (207) 351-3221. New Magnolia Jazz Band, 7 p.m., Ellis Park, York Beach, Maine (207) 363-1040. Jonathan Edwards, 8 p.m., Jonathans Restaurant, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit, Maine
18 CAR TALK BY TOM AND RAY MAGLIOZZI HOW TO DEAL WITH AN AIRBAG SURPRISE Dear Tom and Ray: I hope you can help me. My rear pas- senger side air bag deployed, along with the passenger side mid bag and the window shield. There was no impact. I was moving at 35-40 mph on a smooth road with no potholes.
19 FILM REVIEWS as I watched it. The movie adds a nifty detail about time into its mythology if 10 hours are passing for your physical body, you will feel like a week is passing in a dream and if you are dreaming in that dream, that time will seem like a month. During climactic scenes, we get multi
20 THE PET CONNECTION LOOKINg fOR A HOmE If youre interested in adopting any of these animals or if youd like to know whos available for adoption, please visit the Animal Welfare Society Web site at www.animalwelfaresociet or call 98-2. Milo This gorgeous man is Milo! He is a one and a half year old
21 NEWS OF RECORD OBITUARIES Mary Ann (Fisher) Blowney Mary Ann (Fisher) Blowney, a resident of York Harbor for 65 years, passed away peace- fully at Durgin Pines rehabilitation facility in Kittery, on Sunday, July 11, after a lengthy illness. She was born in Weymouth, Mass. on January 7, 1918. She
Classifi ed Ads $8.00 per 15 words. Payment is due when ad is placed. We accept cash, check and all major credit cards. 22 Call 363-8484 x3, email classifi edsyorkindependent.net or stop by The York Independent offi ce, 4 Market Place Drive, Suite 215 York Village Business Center with access from Ro
23 COMMUNITY SERVICE Send us your listings! Get the community involved in your event. Send us info at yorkindependentgmail.c Listings run on a space available basis. Donations, volunteers needed York Community Thrift Shop, located at 1320 Route 1 in Cape Neddick requests dona- tions of small furnit
24 Realty One Office: 439 US Route One York, ME 03909 84 School St (intersection of RT 1) Ogunquit, ME 03907 Each office independently owned & operated & 207.363.2497 York Toll Free: 800.272.4366 York kennebunk TO THE BEACH! Long Sands location! Great Investment/2nd home. 3 BR, year round, 1/4 mi t
