Victorian Maine

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:31 pm

(Shelley)

Everytime we think of Maine we envision Pine tree woods, Moose, Snow etc. But, Maine has some wonderful old towns. Just got back from touring a couple of them, including the most easterly city in the U.S., Eastport, Maine, right on the Canadian border.

One little town I loved was Cherryfield, Maine, about 60 miles east of Bangor and 70+ or so from the Canadian border. The reason of note here is that this tiny town, population around 1200, has these wonderful huge victorian homes. They just seem out of place in such a small river front village and in the same breath, I can think of no better setting to place them.

Cherryfield is known as the blueberry capital of the world. Who built these Victorians is a mystery to me. Probably the ship building merchants and Silver mining barons who lived in Cherryfield over 150 years ago.

While there the weather was cold but great, while in Fall River there was a snow storm.

So, here you go Shelley. I took the following photos with you in mind and have posted them below as I promised you.

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:37 pm

More . . .

shakiboo · Post by **shakiboo** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:35 pm

Wow those are great! It's still hard to imagine that those were single family houses! Wish I could time travel back and mosey through them!! Thanks for sharing!

nbcatlover · Post by **nbcatlover** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:00 am

Loved the pictures--just gorgeous.

And for us die-hard "David Anthony did it" people, Cherryfield is the town where Ruby Cameron retired and revealed her secret before she died there.

It amazes me how often a small town like Cherryfield comes up in New England genealogies. Sometimes it seems like everyone had a relative there.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:28 am

Wow! Great pictures! Just lovely!

I have a news item here somewhere that has Ruby Cameron's little hovel in the background shot.
It's in stark contrast to these jewels!

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 4:26 am

Thanks for sharing your lovely pics with us, Michael. Those houses are just scrumptious looking, like some multi-tiered cakes. My favorite is the first house, just gorgeous.

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:33 am

Yes, thanks everyone for looking. I have this good friend and every once in a while we get these wacky ideas like "hey, it's 22 outside lets go to Maine and look at the snow" or to some far off bookstore etc.

(Being an active downhill skier and sailor, Dan Fogelberg made his home in Maine on one of Maine's many islands where he kept his sailboat. To those who loved his music he will be missed. Dan was 2 months younger than me, and placing things in perspective, wacky run away trips such as this Maine trip becomes so practical.)

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Yes, Susan, that was my favorite also.............reason why I posted it first.

Wow, that is something; small world eh! nbcatlover. Ruby was from Cherryfield. (!) Didn't know that...but, then again, not very versed in the Ruby story so that could be why. Very, very interesting. A new homework assignment for me.

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Yes, Shakiboo, some are huge, huge for just one family huh? As I get older my idea of the ideal home gets smaller. In ten years a 3 room bungalow will be just right for me. In my 20s those Victorians were just a tad small.

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To bad you couldn't come along Kat. Long 7 hour drive. No one ever thinks of going to Maine in the winter but as far a scenery goes it is the best time of year. Especially after a good snow fall, before anyone has trampled or disturbed it. We had to drive home in the snow storm. The snow line started just south of Augusta Me., and not long after you couldn't even see the lines in the road to find the lane. The worst was Boston roads.

but, what a pretty place.......wonderful colors against the whiter than white background.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:14 am

I am in ecstacy! Yes, Maine is a little paradise, still untouched. I love Bangor and Bar Harbor. Did you see Stephen King's house? It's pretty cool. I understand those lovely Painted Ladies can be had at a good bargain price- I think I see my retirement home! Thanks!

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:09 am

OH yes Shelley, many can be had for a song compared to So. New England prices.

We looked at one Vicotorian on 2 acres in Cherryfield, 2 floors, wrap around porch etc., for only 75 Gs.

Of course it needed lots of work, but on the whole it was all there, origainal wood interior, trim, stain glass windows, (modest colored glass, but Hey!) The porch needed to be rebuilt, but for a handyman it could not be beat.

With two acres it probably could be had for 60 grand or so.....!!!! A Quarter acre house lot in Fall River, just a lot with no house on it, sells for between 100 to 150 Grand. Where you live Shelley it would be more like 200,000 for a house lot.

http://www.evergreenrealtymaine.com/images/1018R.jpg

Tina-Kate · Post by **Tina-Kate** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:57 pm

Wow, just gorgeous! Thank you for posting these.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 1:53 pm

nbcatlover @ Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:00 am wrote:Loved the pictures--just gorgeous.

And for us die-hard "David Anthony did it" people, Cherryfield is the town where Ruby Cameron retired and revealed her secret before she died there.

Who is Ruby Cameron. What was her secret?