Maine History Told by Mainers

Summers in Old Town

Submitted February 16, 2003 by Summers in Old Town

At the age of 6 I looked forward to school ending. From the end of June till Labor Day weekend. Each summer I would go back to what I considered home - Old Town, Maine. My grandparents would look forward to summers as well, for it was time to plant and plan for the winter months ahead. I remember my first steps out across the gravel driveway, my feet tender from all year in shoes. My shoes would come off and not go back on my feet till we went to town, church or when I went back to Connecticut.

I remember my Grandfather taking me out in the woods to teach me how to find my way around and back home again. He taught me something that I use to this very day, when I hunt in the woods I feel very much at home, unafraid. He would set up the pool in the summer. Have you ever swam in artesian well water? Let me tell you quite a rude awakening, fridgid to be specific. Much was taught on a farm, life and death. He taught me to treat others with respect, kindness, patience. I hope to pass this along to my children today.

I remember helping in the garden planning for their winter supplies, I would spend hours picking and snapping greenbeans. The pressure cooker would heat up the kitchen, I would watch my Grandmother stand by the stove and cook for days at a time. She cared for the elderly at her home, something today that I still remember. I take the time to speak with the elderly today for they are also someone's grandparents.

I knew when summer was near the end when I would go out on an August morning and the crisp air would welcome me. I knew it would come to an end but I always had the next summer to look forward to. I would miss the main harvest time, potatoes, carrots, squash to be brought in but the next summer they would be there waiting to be eaten and enjoyed. I spent all my summers there until I was 13 then I moved there until I was 17. I am now 43 and I still catch those certain scents and flash back to a place in time that will never be replayed again. My Grandparents have since passed away, I visit them in an old cemetery in Alton, just outside of Old Town. They are forever in my thoughts.