July 8, 1992

Hannaford Brothers of Scarborough has been trying to develop a shopping center on the old racetrack in Gorham since 1984. Monday night, Hannaford and area residents received another non-answer as the Planning Board passed the decision on to the Town Council. The board agreed with Town Planner Jay Grande that the town’s Comprehensive Plan must be changed before the project can go forward. Only the council can change it.

The ninth annual Celebrate Gorham Day, sponsored by the Gorham Arts Council, is July 11. The event features a road race, parade, crafts, games, food, booths and a full day of children’s events at Robie Field. The theme of the parade is “Maine, the Place to Be.” Grand marshals are Mrs. Nina Bailey and Mrs. Lynn Silcox. Bailey taught in the Gorham school system for 20 years and was the music director at the First Parish Congregational Church for 50 years. Silcox was one of Bailey’s former students and now teaches music at the White Rock and Little Falls schools. She has been teaching in Gorham for 26 years.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection said Wednesday that S.D. Warren Co. paid a civil penalty of $725,000 in a consent agreement involving air emissions in Westbrook. It’s the biggest fine yet for air violations in Maine, the DEP said.

Four sixth-graders from Village School in Gorham and two teachers made a presentation of the Foxfire method of teaching in June in Athens, Ohio. Foxfire was initiated in Gorham by teacher Andrea Sansonetti. Flying out of Boston were Emily Frizzell, daughter of Norman and Ann Frizzell; Tasha Moody, daughter of Thad and Roxanne Moody; Dominique Thibeaut, daughter of John Thibeaut and Linda Barber; and Rene Martin, daughter of Steve and Laurie Martin. Sansonetti and Michael Wood were the teachers. Foxfire stresses a democratic approach to teaching and learning and encourages the use of resources other than textbooks.

July 10, 2002

They’re the queen of the berries, the high point of early summer, and although about a week later than usual, this year’s strawberry crop is in and ripe for the picking. Unseasonably cool temperatures this spring and heavy rains had some growers worried. Lisa King, at King’s Farm Market on Route 22 in South Gorham, which buys the berries locally from growers, said that the last frost, just a little over a month ago, had hit some growers hard. “It killed bloom and early berries,” King said.

From the publisher’s column, by Lee Hews Casler: Welcome to the first issue of the American Journal published by Current Publishing LLC. It is with great pride and honor that I take over the publishing of this paper from Harry Foote and others at Durgin Snow Publishing. I hope you will be patient with me while I learn my way around. We will protect the American Journal’s roots and its history, but like any new owners, we will add our own personal touches.

The Gorham Town Council tabled a decision on spending $56,500 from the town’s recreation fee reserve account to map out and permit the future expansion of the town hall, public safety building, Narragansett Elementary School and recreational fields on the town-owned Chick property. Although the reasons differed among councilors, it was clear that none were anxious to spend the money now.

On June 29, Albert and Lorraine Mosher celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their farm, at 424 Mosher Road, Gorham. On the same day, their son Mark and his wife Rosalie, of Gorham, marked their 25th anniversary. Between 75 and 100 people were at the event, including the three children of the Moshers and their grandchildren.

Westbrook Housing Authority is launching a contest to name the old high school. The authority will be creating new senior housing within the historical walls of the old Westbrook High School. It’s looking to the community to come up with a name. The name should have an historic connection to the area, and each suggestion should have an essay describing the reason for choosing the name selection. Deadline is Sept. 2. The winning entry will receive a $250 cash prize.

Harold W. and Karin Gower, Carlson Street, Westbrook, have retired from the kitchen at Prides Corner Congregational Church after helping with the public baked bean suppers since the first one in February of 1976.

This old house, built in 1825 by Nathaniel Wakefield, was located on Main Street next to the Walker Memorial Library. Bryce M. Edwards acquired the house and lived there for many years. He operated a hardware and dry goods business on Main Street at Bridge Street. The house was occupied in later years by Frank H. McCann, Edwards’ grandson, and the house was referred to from then on as the McCann House. It was torn down in 1964 to make way for a Deering Ice Cream restaurant and parking lot. The restaurant opened in March of 1965. In later years Deering Ice Cream closed the Westbrook restaurant and the building was then occupied by the Main Street dental office of Dr. Paul C. Cloutier. To see more historical photos and artifacts, visit the Westbrook Historical Society at the Fred C. Wescott Building, 426 Bridge St. It is open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, and the first Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m., September-June. Inquiries can be emailed to westhistorical@myfairpoint.net. The website is www.westbrookhistoricalsociety.org.

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