Leaving New Hampshire the morning of the 16th, we headed to Maine and our destinations that were a little over an hour away. Fort Williams Park was our first destination. We were off to see what all the Park had to offer. Fort Williams Park is situated in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and is a popular tourist attraction. Perhaps most famous for Portland Head Light standing on its grounds, the park has a vast amount of history worth exploring. Portland Headlight is described by many as being the most photographed lighthouse in the world. It was commissioned in the late 1700s by George Washington and is still operational today.
The grounds and the views of and from the Lighthouse are spectacular. The marker at the lighthouse states "PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT - Since its commission by George Washington in 1790, Portland Head Light remains an enduring symbol of the rugged, solid characteristics of a magnificent coastline and proud people weathering the challenges of nature and time.
The grounds and the views of and from the Lighthouse are spectacular. The marker at the lighthouse states "PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT - Since its commission by George Washington in 1790, Portland Head Light remains an enduring symbol of the rugged, solid characteristics of a magnificent coastline and proud people weathering the challenges of nature and time.
We took in the beautiful grounds on which the lighthouse sits. We could walk up to and touch the magnificent structure. On the water side of the lighthouse stands a Bell commemorating the Portland Head Light 1901.
The waterfront is located on Casco Bay, an island-dotted section of the Atlantic Ocean off the Southern Maine coast. Out in the bay we could see Halfway Rock Lighthouse (guessing from internet search description). The shoreline gave great photo-opportunities!
If we would have been there later closer to lunch time, we would have indulged in some lobster creations from the Cousins Main Lobster truck that we saw on "Shark Tank" and is now a multi-million dollar company. Mary Anne would have convinced us to also get some gelato!
Overlooking Casco Bay is the Goddard Mansion, the 1850's block granite mansion. Located in Cape Elizabeth’s Fort Williams Park it is only for outside viewing. Predating the fort, the mansion was designed and built for local businessman John Goddard, briefly a volunteer army colonel at the start of the Civil War in 1861. Acquired by the army in 1900, the mansion was used as NCO and later included an NCO Club. It is in ruins but your imagination can take you back to the days of parties, festivities and the original home.
Portland is the largest city in Maine, although not its capital. This is one of the finest coastal cities in New England, consisting of the beautifully restored Old Port district, now home to a plethora of boutiques, craft shops and cafés, a stunning waterfront and a few lighthouses. The Old Port is known for its cobblestone streets, 19th century brick buildings and fishing piers. Lots of ornate architecture spread throughout the area. A historic seacoast town with a working waterfront representing Maine’s roots in a robust fishing community. We passed the United States Custom House and several of the beautiful brick buildings.
Our next adventure took us to The Wadsworth-Longfellow House in Portland. Within its walls lived three generations of one remarkable family that made significant contributions to the political, literary, and cultural life of New England and the United States. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grew up in the house and went on to become one of the most famous men of his time. Virtually all the household items and artifacts are original to the Wadsworth and Longfellow families. Henry's younger sister Mrs. Pierce, widowed at an early age, lived in the house until her death in 1901. At that time, in accordance with a deed she executed in 1895, the house passed to the Maine Historical Society to be preserved as a memorial to her famous brother and their family.
Virtually all of the household items and artifacts are original to the Wadsworth and Longfellow families. Furnishings from the three generations illustrate changes in style, technology, and attitude over the 19th century.
Portland is the largest city in Maine, although not its capital. This is one of the finest coastal cities in New England, consisting of the beautifully restored Old Port district, now home to a plethora of boutiques, craft shops and cafés, a stunning waterfront and a few lighthouses. The Old Port is known for its cobblestone streets, 19th century brick buildings and fishing piers. Lots of ornate architecture spread throughout the area. A historic seacoast town with a working waterfront representing Maine’s roots in a robust fishing community. We passed the United States Custom House and several of the beautiful brick buildings.
Our next adventure took us to The Wadsworth-Longfellow House in Portland. Within its walls lived three generations of one remarkable family that made significant contributions to the political, literary, and cultural life of New England and the United States. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grew up in the house and went on to become one of the most famous men of his time. Virtually all the household items and artifacts are original to the Wadsworth and Longfellow families. Henry's younger sister Mrs. Pierce, widowed at an early age, lived in the house until her death in 1901. At that time, in accordance with a deed she executed in 1895, the house passed to the Maine Historical Society to be preserved as a memorial to her famous brother and their family.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House front hall and staircase
Wadsworth-Longfellow House living room
Wadsworth-Longfellow House sitting room
Wadsworth-Longfellow House kitchen
The back stairwell
Bedrooms, the children's bedroom chamber, guest chamber bedroom and Anne Longfellow Pierce's small chamber overlooking the garden
"Rainy Day Desk" - Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who grew up in the Wadsworth-Longfellow house on Congress Street in Portland, wrote his poem, "The Rainy Day," in the house in 1841. The poem refers to a "mouldering vine." A piece of the vine is shown hanging on the wall in the house.
Sewing box at the Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow home
Sitting Room, Portraits, Desk Writing Chair and Books in the library of the Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Behind the House is the Longfellow Garden, a secluded Colonial Revival style garden that is an oasis of green and quiet in the heart of downtown Portland. Located on what had once been the domestic farmyard for the Wadsworth Longfellow family, the Longfellow Garden Club created the garden in 1926. It is beautifully landscaped with meandering paths throughout.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House sitting room
Wadsworth-Longfellow House kitchen
The back stairwell
Bedrooms, the children's bedroom chamber, guest chamber bedroom and Anne Longfellow Pierce's small chamber overlooking the garden
"Rainy Day Desk" - Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who grew up in the Wadsworth-Longfellow house on Congress Street in Portland, wrote his poem, "The Rainy Day," in the house in 1841. The poem refers to a "mouldering vine." A piece of the vine is shown hanging on the wall in the house.
Sewing box at the Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow home
Behind the House is the Longfellow Garden, a secluded Colonial Revival style garden that is an oasis of green and quiet in the heart of downtown Portland. Located on what had once been the domestic farmyard for the Wadsworth Longfellow family, the Longfellow Garden Club created the garden in 1926. It is beautifully landscaped with meandering paths throughout.
We even found time for a lunch including the delicious, authentic New England Clam Chowder!!!
We ventured on to the Victoria Mansion, just to discover that it was closed for the season! Victoria Mansion is a landmark example of American residential architecture located in downtown Portland. The brownstone exterior, elaborate interior design, opulent furnishings and early technological conveniences provide a detailed portrait of lavish living in nineteenth-century America. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971 for its architectural significance as a particularly well-preserved Italianate mansion. Its distinctive asymmetric form includes a four-story tower, overhanging eaves, verandas, and ornate windows. Oh how we wished it would have been open!
To finish the day, we sought out "the much hidden" Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum! We drove around in circles for awhile before calling the museum with our location and how to get to them from there. We were there (sort of) but needed to turn onto a narrow drive that took us through sort of an old industrial park to where they were. Bottom line, we found it!
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum is dedicated to the preservation and operation of Maine’s two foot gauge railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public. The small museum features exhibits relating to Maine’s narrow gauge railway history, several historic rail cars, activities for children, and a unique gift shop.
We ventured on to the Victoria Mansion, just to discover that it was closed for the season! Victoria Mansion is a landmark example of American residential architecture located in downtown Portland. The brownstone exterior, elaborate interior design, opulent furnishings and early technological conveniences provide a detailed portrait of lavish living in nineteenth-century America. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971 for its architectural significance as a particularly well-preserved Italianate mansion. Its distinctive asymmetric form includes a four-story tower, overhanging eaves, verandas, and ornate windows. Oh how we wished it would have been open!
To finish the day, we sought out "the much hidden" Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum! We drove around in circles for awhile before calling the museum with our location and how to get to them from there. We were there (sort of) but needed to turn onto a narrow drive that took us through sort of an old industrial park to where they were. Bottom line, we found it!
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum is dedicated to the preservation and operation of Maine’s two foot gauge railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public. The small museum features exhibits relating to Maine’s narrow gauge railway history, several historic rail cars, activities for children, and a unique gift shop.
The “Rangeley” was the only two-foot “parlor” car ever built in the United States and was used only in the summer. Passengers paid an extra fee to ride from Farmington to the Rangeley Lakes House, a posh hotel with its own station. The car featured plush swivel seats, a smoking section, a restroom, and other amenities.
Maine Narrow Gage Railroad Engine
We decided not to wait forty-five minutes for leisurely train ride which lasts approximately 35 minutes and travels 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip) along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay. But we did take some pictures on the tracks outside of the museum and looked at those narrow tracks and railroad cars!
Full photo album is at this link.
Maine Narrow Gage Railroad Engine
We decided not to wait forty-five minutes for leisurely train ride which lasts approximately 35 minutes and travels 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip) along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay. But we did take some pictures on the tracks outside of the museum and looked at those narrow tracks and railroad cars!
Full photo album is at this link.
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