Introduction

This website, The Maine Journey: Experiences in Maine, is a "virtual" reproduction of an actual field trip guide of the same name that was written and published for 7th Grade students from the towns of Etna, Dixmont, Carmel and Levant beginning in 1981. It was based upon the experiences of the students and staff during the 1980 Maine Journey as well as other information. The guide was written by Project Director Suzanne Smith of the Levant Consolidated School and Assistant Project Director Trudy Waldo of the Etna-Dixmont school.

I moved to Levant, Maine in 1978 and attended the Levant Consolidated School in 1978/79. At that time, 5th grade students who lived in Levant then went to Caravel Jr. High School (now Caravel Middle School), which took 5th to 8th grade students from Levant and the neighboring town of Carmel (though Carmel had it's own 5th grade, too). Together, Carmel and Levant comprised MSAD (Maine Scholastic Administrative District) #23. The nearby towns of Etna and Dixmont comprised MSAD #38 and also shared a school. Both MSAD's were administered by the same School Superintendent.

Suzanne Smith began teaching at the Levant Consolidated School in September 1963 and was its principal for 30 years. She was not only the prime mover behind the Maine Journey, but also Director of the Levant recreation department. In this role, she did much to help my father obtain uniforms, bats and balls when he coached various youth baseball teams in the town. She cared about all facets of the lives of the kids of Levant and her interest in their lives continued well past the time they spent under her guidance. She was a regular attendee at the 8th grade and High School graduations of her Levant kids. Suzanne Smith passed away in June of 2005 (just a few days before her retirement). Shortly thereafter, I began to try to think of some appropriate way in which I could pay homage to this wonderful lady. That's when serendipity--or a larger force--lent a hand.

Though an engineer, I had always loved history and in 2003 I decided to pursue a Master's Degree in History at Providence College in Rhode Island (the state in which I currently live with my family). Shortly after Suzanne's death--as I was wrapping up my thesis work--I happened to be looking through some history books when I spotted my slightly tattered copy of the Maine Journey Field Trip Guide. Along with a flood of memories came a realization of the nature of the impact that Suzanne had on my life. I realized that her Maine Journey project was one of the significant educational experiences in my life. Further, I believe that the experience of traveling around the state in a school bus to learn about Maine life and history played a part in leading me towards a stint in the Merchant Marine and, eventually, to my going back to school for a history degree. As is so often the case, I never got a chance to thank her. Thus, I offer this small token of appreciation: A "virtual" Maine Journey.

The layout of this site is simple. I have reproduced--in the form of separate posts--the actual text and pictures from the guide as it pertains to a particular place that was visited--or was marked as a potential place to visit--during the Maine Journey. Please note that the original Maine Journey Field Trip Guide was written over 25 years ago and that many of the places visited and described (and prices charged!) back then have changed quite a bit. For instance, the paper industry in Maine has undergone immense change and most (if not all) of the original paper mills and Companies that were visited back in the 1980's have either closed down or have been swallowed up by larger companies. There are many listings with a "*", indicating they were not visited in 1980, which was the year prior to the publication of the guide. However, be assured that students did visit all of these places over the years.

On the right are relevant links to those sites. Some of the places have either undergone name changes or were incorporated into larger museums. Some simply ceased to exist. In general, I've made every effort to provide links to sites that I believe reflect the original places as much as possible. I've also taken the editorial license to remove references to specific people, phone numbers and addresses for points of contact that were originally provided in the Field Trip Guide.

In conclusion, "Thanks" to all of those educators and staff affiliated with the Maine Journey during its years of operation. The impact you had on innumerable students will not be forgotten. So, please feel free to leave a comment about these particular places or anything in general about Maine. Most of all: enjoy and learn.

Marc Comtois, 2009

PREFACE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MSAD #38
Etna-Dixmont

Glennis Baldwin, Chairperson
Betty Mitchell
Oral Dunivan
Avery Caldwell
Charles Burwell
Crawford Carter

MSAD #23
Carmel-Levant

William Schmidt, Chairman
Sheila Hartt
Fuller Goodwin
Robert Mullen
Phyllis Johnston
Ray Bemis Jr.

Superintendant of Schools
Norman P. Soucie

Project Director
Suzanne Smith

Assistant Project Director
Trudy Walo

(Taken from interior cover of he Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980)

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FIELD TRIP GUIDE

The Maine Journey
Written By: Suzanne Smith & Trudy Walo
MSAD #38 & 23
Etna, Dixmont, Carmel, Levant

This Manual was prepared pursuant to grants from ESEA, Title IV C, Maine Department of Educational and Cultural Service. Grantees undertaking such projects are encouraged to express freely their professional judgments. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Department position or policy.

Policy Statement

SAD #23 & #38 insure equal employment and educational opportunities regardless of race, sec, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age or handicap.

SAD #23 & #38 are in full compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and intends not to discriminate on the basis of handicap in any of its employment practices and educational programs.

[Ed.: The original Guide contained information about individuals’ mailing addresses and phone numbers. This has been omitted.]

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.1.)

About The Maine Journey

(Original Table of Contents from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.2.)

=========================

THE MAINE JOURNEY

The Maine Journey is a program which allowed Special Education and seventh grade students in MSAD #38, Etna and Dixmont, and MSAD #23, Carmel and Levant, to travel throughout the State of Maine experiencing first hand the many facets of their state. The students traveled for a twenty day duration during the summer months. This provided for a flexible schedule, allowing the students the opportunity to visit areas that would be impossible to visit during the regular school year.

During the students’ summer vacation a period of one week was devoted to the planning of The Maine Journey. Students and staff members were involved in scheduling the trips, selecting routes for travel, estimating departure and returning times, and developing materials to be used during the actual traveling. As part of their regular language arts program students had previously written letters to possible visitation sites requesting information concerning that particular site.

From July 7 to August 8 travel to all parts of the State of Maine took place. Students experienced first hand environmental features, historical sites, government, industry and leisure time opportunities found within the State of Maine. Career opportunities were also emphasized. In total, The Maine Journey traveled over 4100 miles in twenty days. An average of 58 students traveled each day with a total of 76 different students participating.

A staff of three group leaders, three assistant group leaders, two bus drivers, a project director, a project assistant director, and a CETA assistant [Teacher Assistant] accompanied the students on their twenty day journey. Two seventy-two passenger school buses were used as rolling classrooms. Students were encouraged to use road maps of the State of Maine as they traveled. Staff members instructed students on various aspects of Maine as the buses traveled along the roadways.

Students rated each trip using an A to F grading scale. A numerical value of 4 was given to an A rating while a value of 0 was given to an F grade. The students as well as staff members were also asked to make written comments on the evaluation sheet. Students were given a pretest before the travel began and a posttest upon completion. The 50 item multiple choice test dealt with the areas selected during the planning week for visitation. The average gain in number of correct answers to the test was significant in overall knowledge of the parts of Maine visited.

Student participants in the Maine Journey were responsible for their own expenses during the program. Expenses were primarily admission fees, lunches, and souvenirs; costing each student approximately $25.00 for twenty trips.

However, no student was denied participation due to lack of funds.

At the conclusion of the program students, parents and staff were asked to evaluate the overall objectives of the program. Students rated the overall program an A. The parent evaluation was very positive with a majority favoring the continuation of the program with local funds. Staff evaluation was in terms of written statements commenting on strengths and weaknesses and making suggestions for future summer travel.

A foundation has now been laid upon which participants may study Maine in the regular classroom setting in the first semester of their eighth grade year. The Maine Journey will continue with various trips to places of interest within the immediate geographical area of MSAD’s #38 and 23.

The following information on each of the individual trips is provided with the hope that it can be used by others in formulating educational experiences for students in their charge. Slide-tape programs produced by the participants will be available in February, 1982.

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.3-4.)

Maine Maritime, Fort George, Allie Ryan Museum, Intelligent Beachcombing

MAINE MARITIME ACADEMY
FORT GEORGE
ALLIE RYAN MARITIME MUSEUM
INTELLIGENT BEACHCOMBING

The trip to the Maine Maritime Academy, Fort George, and the Allie Ryan Maritime Museum was designed to give the students and awareness of Maine’s relation to the sea and to explore the significance of Castine’s participation in the history of Maine. Tours of the Academy and Museums may be arranged [by contacting the Academy]. No contact is necessary for visiting Fort George. Intelligent Beachcombing may be contacted by calling Maine Maritime Academy…

The Maine Maritime Academy my be reached by traveling to Bucksport via Route 15 from Bangor and then Routes 175 and 166A to Castine. Total traveling time from the Bangor area is approximately one hour and twenty-five minutes.

The Maine Maritime Academy offers a specialized and highly unique program for the young people interested in a career at sea, in the shoreside maritime industry, and marine sciences. The highlight of the visit to the Academy centered on visiting the training ship “TV State of Maine.” This portion of the day’s activities lasted approximately one hour and thirty minutes and involved a both to stern walking tour of the ship with a knowledgeable guide who explained the operation of the ship and answered questions posed by students and staff. A walking tour of the campus lasted approximately one hour. Students and staff had the opportunity to visit various buildings on the campus. The Allie Ryan Maritime Museum visitation lasted approximately thirty minutes. The collection of photographs, oil paintings, ship models, and other memorabilia depicts our 19^th Century Atlantic Maritime Heritage in sail and steam.

“Intelligent Beachcombing” is a program designed to introduce people, regardless of their ages and educational background, to the world of water. Sessions on various topics are held daily either in the morning or afternoon. Cost of this activity is $4.00* per person. Prior arrangements should be made for this activity. Length of each session is approximately three hours.

Fort George, located in Castine, is rich in early history of the Castine area. Built on the highest point on the peninsula by the British beginning in 1779. the Fort withstood the Penobscot Expedition and remained in British hands until January, 1784. The British returned again in 1814, garrisoned the Fort until April 25, 1815, at which time they destroyed it. The history of Fort George is depicted on display boards at various points in the earthen fort. Time spent at Fort George was approximately one hour.

It would be a very long day if all activities listed were scheduled. It is suggested that Fort George be visited upon arrival in Castine and then the activities at the Academy.

“Intelligent Beachcombing” could be part of a separate trip to the Castine area, coupled with a visit to the Wilson Museum which provides guided tours. Contact would have to be made with the Wilson Museum. Students should bring lunches which may be eaten at Fort George or the academy football stadium.

The journey to Castine gave the youngsters an insight into our Maritime Heritage and an opportunity to visit one of Maine’s post-secondary educational facilities. It was well received by both staff and students and will be included in future summer journeys.

Student Rating – 3.7
Teacher Rating – 3.9

*Cost per person may have changed

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.5-6.)

Lumberman's Museum and Katahdin Iron Works

THE LUMBERMAN'S MUSEUM - PATTEN
KATAHDIN IRON WORKS - BROWNVILLE JUNCTION*

This trip wsa selected to expose students to a way of life that was at one time very common in the State of Maine. The Museum is located in Patten, just north of Maine's Katahdin country. In this area, the lumbering industry boomed during the period of time depicted at the museum. Arrangements for the visits to the museum may be made by contacting the Lumberman's Museum...The museum is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours are 9 to 4 Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays except holidays. From Labor Day through Columbus Day, the museum is open weekends and by appointment. Organized groups of students are admitted free, however a donation is acceptable.

The museum may be reached by traveling I-95 to the Sherman-Patten Exit. A rest area just before the Medway-Millinocket Exit makes a good stopping place after an hour and twenty-five minutes travel from Bangor. From the Sherman-Patten Exit proceed one mile on Route 11, nine miles to Patten. The museum is located one mile on Route 159 which intersects Route 11 in Patten.

Activities at the Lumberman's Museum included a guided tour of the several buildings at the site. This tour lasted approximately one hour and a half. It is best to divide in small groups with sufficient adult supervision. Students and staff were exposed to every type of lumbering tool imaginable, as well as old photographs, dioramas, models, actual camps, boats, lookout tower, old steam powered log haulers and early snowmobiles. These collections are housed in nine buildings. This experience was exceptionally educational for students as well as staff members. The guides were excellent and the exhibits were very well explained. It is suggested that following the guided tour, the students have their lunch at picnic tables available and then visit the exhibits again in very small groups of not more than ten, each led by an adult. This will allow the students to spend more time examining areas of interest.

As an additional option to this trip, one may retrace the route to I-95 and journey south to the Medway-Millinocket Exit. Following Route 11 west the buses will pass the Great Northern Paper Mill in East Millinocket. Traveling Route 11 south to Brownville, one must turn right at the "Prairie" and drive six miles into the woods to visit Katahdin Iron Works State Memorial. Here one will see a blast furnace and charcoal kiln which have been restored at the site of a once thriving iron works. The history of the Katahdin Iron Works is depicted on display boards at various points.

Student Rating - 3.3
Teacher Rating - 3.8

* Not visited in 1980

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.7.)

Maine State Prison, Montpelier, Museum of Transportation

THE MAINE STATE PRISON - THOMASTON*
MONTPELIER MANSION - THOMASTON
MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION - OWLS HEAD

In a survey made of students as to places they would be interested n visiting during the Maine Journey, several indicated and interest in The Maine State Prison. This trip was made part of the "Maine Journey" to familiarize students with our penal system and to give them a view of prison life. This was related by two inmates who participated in an educational progam on Crime and Prevention, aimed at school age children. The visit to the Knox [Montpelier] Mansion was designed to familiarize students with a famous Maine person and the style of life depicted at the mansion. . .The Knox Mansion is open May 30th through Labor Day from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. State and Federally funded programs are admitted free. The Museum of Transportation is open mid May to mid October, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. seven days a week. Call for information concerning group rates.

The Rockland-Thomaston area is best reached by traveling Route 1 and Route 7. From the Carmel-Etna area it is best to travel Route 7 through Dixmont Hills and Coastal highlands to Belfast and then Route 1 to Rockland-Thomaston. Traveling time is approximately two hours.

Activities at the prison may include a tour of the Minimum Security Unit at the Prison Farm in Warren. Tours of the prison itself are not allowed. The tour of the farm includes the wood and metal shops, eating facility, sleeping quarters and store. A slide presentation showing prison life can be arranged. This program is also available for presentation at your school. A question and answer period may follow the presentation. Plan to visit the Prison Store located on Route 1 in Thomaston. Items for purchase are made by the inmates of the prison.

Lunch may be acquire at [various local eateries], all within walking distance in Rockland. A picnic lunch may be enjoyed at Lucia Beach in Owls Head, however, there is difficulty in maneuvering a bus if there is a crowd. The beach is reached by driving to the Knox County Airport, turning right after the main entrance, following that road to the approach lights to the airport, turning left and bearing left to the beach. A picnic area is also located at the Museum of Transportation.

The Knox Mansion is a reconstruction of the original house built by Major General Henry Knox in 1794. Although the building is a reproduction, the furniture is all original and much of it belonged to the Knox family. Collections of glass, china, silver, as well as portraints and prints may be seen. All tours are given by experienced guides.

The Museum of transportation located at the Knox County Airport is very unique. Its collection includes airplanes, vehicles and other machinery in working order. The Museum has one of the most significant aircraft collections on the Eastern Seaboard. Automobiles include a 1907 Cadillac, a 1908 motor buggy, Stanley Steamers, Models S, T, and A Fords, to mention a few. On weekends, these machines are demonstrated.

If plans are made to visit all three sites in the Rockland area, it is suggested that the Prison be visited in the morning, followed by lunch and a visit at the Museum and then a tour of the Knox Mansion. If your day begins about 9:30 A.M. at the Prison, you should finish the Mansion tour by 3:30-4:00 P.M.

Montpelier
Student Rating - 3.7
Staff Rating - 3.9

Museum of Transportation
Student Rating - 3.4
Staff Rating - 4.0

*Not visited in 1980 due to "lockdown."



(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.8-9.)

Aroostook County and Loring Air Force Base

AROOSTOOK COUNTY
LORING AIR FORCE BASE

Aroostook County and Loring Air Force Base were sites selected for visiting in the poll taken of students in the fall of 1977 when "The Maine Journey" program was being formulated. The objectives of this trip were twofold: First to expose the students to the main potato growing area of our state and second to provide them the opportunity to visit one of the Strategic Air Command's largest bases. [Following is contact info. Loring Air Force Base was closed in 1992].

Loring Air Force Base is located in Northeastern Aroostook County approximately six miles east of Caribou and four miles west of Limestone. By school bus, Loring is approximately five hours from the Bangor area via Interstate 95 to Houlton, Route 1 to Mars Hill, Route 1A to Fort Fairfield, Route 165 to Limestone and Route 89 to Loring Air Force Base. The 5 1/2 hours needed for the trip allow for a rest stop at the Medway Rest Area, I-95 and a picnic lunch at a nice picnic area on Route 165 approximately four miles from Fort Fairfield. The return trip can be made through Caribou and Presque Isle via Route 1 allowing for an alternate route to Mars Hill. [Restaurants] in Houlton would be an ideal place to have the evening meal with students having the option of bringing sandwiches for both the noon meal and evening meal. From Houlton, Route 2 would provide an alternate route through the Haynesville Woods to Lincoln, and then along the Penobscot River to Old Town.

A tour of Loring Air Force Base takes approximately four hours with various sites to visit depending upon the activity at the base when your visit is scheduled. The high point of any visit is a demonstration by the Security Police and trained guard dogs. Also involved in a typical tour would be a visit to the Crash Fire House where a demonstration may be arranged of the fire fighting equipment used to combat aircraft fires. A third point of interest is the high Arch Hangar in which aircraft such as the B-52 and the KC 135 tanker can be viewed. Visitors may be allowed to board the KC 135 for an inspection. Other possible sites to visit are the radar installation and fighter interceptor squadron.

In touring Loring Air Force Base, students are exposed to many different job training and career opportunities as well as receiving a first hand look at our country's military readiness to combat aggression from potential enemies.

As one traverses the countryside of Aroostook County there are many aspects of the agricultural activity that can be pointed out and discussed with students. To really see and appreciate Aroostook County one needs to spend more than one day there.

If your group desires to spend two days in Aroostook County, other activities might include a tour of the St. John River Valley and an exposure to the Franco-American people both past and present. On your return trip or while in the "Valley" make arrangements to visit a potato farm to learn of the potato industry.

During Maine Journey 1980 we planned an "overnight" trip to Loring Air Force Base, thereby enabling us to combine the Loring trip with the trip to King's Landing the following day.

We arrived at Loring at noon and spent four hours on a tour of the base. Loring personnel kindly allowed us the use of their picnic area for a cookout supper and the gymnasium for our sleeping quarters. Students were allowed use of the gymnasium and the pool for a nominal fee (50 cents). Locker room facilities were available; however students provided their own sleeping bags.

Breakfast the following morning was obtained at the Loring Mess Hall and we continued day two of our travels by 9 a.m.

By utilizing the overnight plan one may visit other areas of the County or King's Landing easily the next day.

Needless to say, the overnight trip is on of the summer's highlights.

The Heritage Vivant Village located a few miles northwest of Van Buren's Heritage Vivant Historical Society's depiction of an Acadian tour of yesteryear. The village is a collection of buildings which have been restored. Walking through the villag and inspecting the houses, shops and other buildings, one develops a felling of how life was lived by the residents of the St. John Valley in days gone-by. The oldest building is the Roy House circa 1785. Other buildings include a barber shop, general store, shoe shop, railroad station and a log chapel. One could easily spend a minimum of two hours at this site.

Traveling north along Route 1, you may wish to visit the Madawaska-Edmunston, N.B. area. By crossing into Canada and following the St. John River in a northerly direction you will find yourself on a hill overlooking the river. Here the St. John River Valley is dramatically pictured. With prior arrangements, you may wish to visit the Fraser Paper Company located in Madawaska.

Arrangement for a tour of a typical potato farm and a potato processing plant may possibly be made by contacting the Maine Potato Council.

Loring A.F.B.
Student Rating - 3.9
Staff Rating - 3.9


(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.10-12.)

Boarstone [sic] Mountain, Elliotsville Plantation, Appalachian Trail

BOARSTONE MOUNTAIN
ELLIOTSVILLE PLANTATION
APPALACHIAN TRAIL

This trip was scheduled for its recreational value allowing students to climb a small mountain and to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Boarstone Mountain is located in southern Piscataquis County near Monson. This county is noted for its numerous lakes, great forest lands, and recreational opportunities. This area was selected because the trail leading to the summit of Boarstone Mountain is rather easy to handle by most people, regardless of physical condition.

Boarstone Mountain may be reached by traveling Route 7 from Newport to Dexter, Route 23 to Sangerville, Route 15 to Guilford and Route 150 north to Willimantic. Here a gravel road leads to Elliotsville and Boarstone Mountain. You must cross the Canadian National Railroad Tracks and proceed up the grade until you reach a road to your right. This road will be blocked by a wire gate. The trail begins here.

The actual hike up the mountain takes approximately one hour and a half. This allows for a fifteen minute rest at Sunrise Pond Camps halfway up the mountain. This is beautiful country owned jointly be a private individual and the National Audubon Society. The first part of the trail follows a graveled road. The trail then enters wooded surroundings and the incline becomes steeper. Near the summit a small amount of ledge climbing is encountered. Although exciting to the students, it offers no real hazards. From the top students have a very panoramic view of lakes, mountains and forest areas with no civilization in sight.

After descending the mountain, a cookout may be prepared at Wilson Campground on Wilson Stream. The campground is a short distance from the mountain and is equipped with fireplaces for cooking. Students can walk along a portion of the Appalachian Trail which passes through the wooded campground.

This was an activity highly rated by both students and staff. Travel time was short; one hour twenty minutes, and the activities were fun. This activity will be repeated another year.

Student Rating - 3.9
Teacher Rating - 4.0



(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.13.)

Bath Marine Museum

BATH MARINE MUSEUM

The Bath Marine Museum consists of four locations with exhibits depicting Bath and the shipbuilding industry of yesterday and the present. In a period of 100 years, 1820 to 1920, more than 1,000 ocean going vessels were launched in Bath. Arrangements may be made by contact The Bath Marine Museum...Cost to the students is $.70 for the first site visited. One adult receives free admission for each ten students. Other adults in the group pay the student rate.

Bath may be reached from Bangor area by traveling Interstate 95 to Augusta, the Maine Turnpike to the Gardiner exit and Interstate 95 to the Topsham exit and then Route 1 east to Bath. Traveling time from the Bangor area is approximately two and one half hours. This allows for a rest stop along the way. Lunch may include a picnic in the City Park or at Percy & Small Shipyard or at [a local eatery] in Bath. An alternate return route to the Bangor area may be Route 1 to Wiscasset and Route 27 to Augusta. From the Portland area travel I-95 north to U.S. 1 to Bath.

The Bath Marine Museum consists of a choice of four sites for school group visitation. The Winterstreet Center, 880 Washington Street, opposite City Park, has three floors of exhibits including a history of the Kennebec River, shipyard workers, and a sailor's life at sea as well as articles brought from foreign ports. Before starting a tour of Winterstreet Centar a 15 to 20 minute slide orientation to the museum is given. The amount of time spent at any site will vary accordingly.

The Sewall House, 963 Washington Stree, is a short walk from the Winterstreet Center. Her one finds displays of ship models, half models, maritime paintin, dioramas, navigational instruments, plus an exhibit on the Bath Iron Works.

The Apprenticeship, also within walking distance, encompasses a training program in small wooden shipbuilding and a related loft exhibit. Visitors may watch apprentices in the process of learning their trade.

The Percy & Small Shipyard, located at 263 Washington Street, is the last intact shipyard in the country where large wooden sailing vessels were built. On exhibit are a number of Maine watercraft, shipbuilding tools and memorabilia. From the shipyard you may take a guided tour aboard the M/V "Sasanoa" on the Kennebec River and view the Bath Iron Works.

The Bath Marine Museum is open seven days a week, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., May 20th to October 29th. After tht the Museum is open every Sunday, 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Sewall House on Washington Street.

Student Rating - 2.5
Teacher Rating - 3.0


(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.14-15.)

Downeast, Quoddy Head, Campobello

DOWNEAST MILBRIDGE
QUODDY HEAD
CAMPOBELLO ISLAND

This trip was designed to afforf the students and opportunity to observe the life of a coastal community of central Maine and that of the easterly coastal section of the state. Also we wished that the students experience a border crossing to another country and experience moving from one time zone to another. Only one contact was necessary for this trip. Jasper Wyman & Son sardine packing plant was arranged by contacting Jasper Wyman & Son....

This trip followed Route 1A to Ellsworth and Route 1 to Milbridge. A good rest area is located at Long Cove just outside Hancock and about one hour and fifteen minutes from Bangor. After leaving Milbridge we followed Route 1 to Route 189 east of Machias. Route 189 took us to Lubec where we ate our lunch at Quoddy Head State Park. From there it is a short ride to Campobello International Park and the Roosevelt summer cottage.

The activities were numerous on the trip. The tour of the Wyman Plant in Milbridge proved very interesting to the students. For many this was the first time they had seen a production line operation and were aware of payment by piece work.

If the schedule permits, another valuable trip would be to the Wyman Packing Plant where students can observe blueberries and other produce being packaged. Arrangements for this tour can be made by contacting Jasper Wyman & Sons, Milbridge.

Exploring the many paths at Quoddy Head State Park was an adventure for the students. A beautiful view of Grand Manan Island is likely if the fog is out. Our visit to Campobello Island was the high point of the day. For many students, this was the first trip to a foreign country and also their first time outside the borders of the State of Maine.

At the Tourist Center on the Island, pamphlets and a movie are offered explaining the history of the island and what drew people to this spot in the 1900's. The movie is approximately thirty-five minutes in length. It is advised that the movie be seen before the tour of the Roosevelt Cottage is taken. The Roosevelt Tour is guided and very worthwhile. One receives a good idea of life in the early 1900's. This tour is about forty minutes in length. There is no charge for any activity at the Roosevelt Cottage or the Tourist Center. Two days each year, the Park Commission opens to the public two additional summer homes owned by the Park. These homes are very beautiful and it would be well worth investigating the open days the summer your travel to Campobello so that you could plan your visit to include these additional sites.

Also available in the park are hiking trails, swimming areas, picnic areas and nature study areas. The park is open from late May to mid October, seven days a week, 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., July and August 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and other months from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Crossing back into the United States at Lubec offered students the experience of re-entering the U.S. and going through U.S. Customs. Following Route 189 west to Rout 1, a group may turn right and follow Route 1 approximately five miles to Cobscook State Park. This beautiful park has picnic facilities, as well as camping, sailing, hiking, and golfing activities available. It is best to contact the Parks and Recreation Department in Augusta to ascertain if a fee will be charged. State or Federally funded projects are admitted free.

The return trip to Bangor can be varied by leaving Route 1 at Cherryfield and following Route 193 across the blueberry barrens. One may prepare information on blueberries by reading the approriate chapter in "Afoot in Maine."

From the Bangor area this trip involved 309 miles and thirteen hours traveling.

Wyman's Packing
Student Rating - 2.7
Staff Rating - 3.8

Campobello
Student Rating - 3.6
Staff Rating - 4.0

Quoddy Head and Cobscook State Parks
Student Rating - 3.2
Staff Rating - 3.8



(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.16-17.)

St. Regis Paper Company--Bucksport, Fort Knox

ST. REGIS PAPER COMPANY--BUCKSPORT*
FORT KNOX STATE PARK*

This trip to the Bucksport area was designed with two objectives in mind: First, to expose the students to Maine's larges industry, paper manufacturing, and second, to visit and discuss Fort Knox's place in the history of the State of Maine. A guided tour of the St. Regis Mill in Bucksport may be arranged... Reservations for Fort Knox may be made by contacting Fort Knox State Park, Stockton Springs, Maine...There is no charge for school groups at Fort Knox State Park. Bucksport is approximately a forty minute drive from Bangor either by Route 1A or Route 15. The visitation of these two sites called for the division of the fifty-four students and ten adults into two groups. While one grou toured the St. Regis Plant, the other group explored Fort Knox. The tour of the St. Regis facility lassted approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The process of papermaking was explained as students walked through the plant. Students saw in action St. Regis Paper Company's new Number 5 papermachine which offers the ultimate in programming technology with a computerized coating preparation process. This machine can produce a sheet of paper wider than two expressway lanes at a speed of 34 miles per hour. Students were also exposed to many of the employment opportunities in the paper industry.

Discovering Fort Knox is always a joy to students. The Fort, named after Major General Henry Knox of Thomaston, who served Washington as his Secretary of War, was begun in 1814 to protect the reaches of the Penobscot River. A history of the Fort is depicted on display boards as one enters the Fort Area. Uniformed park rangers are ready to help in assisting groups. The activities available at FOrt Knox are only limited by the group leader's imagination and expertise. A cookout at lunch time at the fireplace area is enjoyable. This allows for a break between the two activities and for the group to join together for lunch.

Other paper companies having public tours of the facilities are:
Boise Cascade Paper Group, Rumford, Maine....
Diamond International Corp., Old Town, Maine....
Fraser Papers LTD,. Madawaska...
Georgia Pacific Corp., Woodland...
Great Northern Paper Company, Millinocket...
Keyes Fibre Company, Waterville...
Scott Paper Company, Winslow...
Scott Paper Company, Somerset...
S.D. Warren Company, Westbrook...

*Not visited in 1980

[No Ratings]

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.18-19.)

Great Norther Paper Company--Millinocket

GREAT NORTHER PAPER COMPANY--MILLINOCKET

One of the largest paper mills in Maine, Great Northern Paper Company, is located in Millinocket and provides an excellent opportunity for studetns to view the paper making process.

In making arrangements for this tour contact...at Great Northern Paper...Make arrangements well in advance, for tour groups must be small and extra guides may need to be on call. The tour takes approximately one hour and students view the process from tree-length logs to paper.

While on tour the students will get first-hand view of the Ultra Eleven Paper machine. This machine is capable of producing in one day a 25 foot wide sheet of paper that would extend from Millinocket to Milwaukee.

Great Norther Paper Company produces paper used in newspapers, mass circulation magazines, books, mail order catalogs, almanacs, business forms, telephone directories, as well as children's workbooks and supplementary texts.

Great Northern, which owns over two million acres of timberland in Maine, produces 854,000 tons of paper a year--approximately 2,385 tons every working day.

Great Northern Paper Company
Student Rating - 3.2
Staff Rating - 3.4

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.19.)

Squaw Mountain, Moosehead Lake and Peaks Kenny

SQUAW MOUNTAIN
LILY BAY STATE PARK - MOOSEHEAD LAKE*
PEAKS KENNY STATE PARK - SEBEC

The Moosehead Lake area was one of the locations that students had expressed an interest in visiting. COntact may be made with the Squaw Mountain Resort...It is best to make prior contact, although it is not necessary. The cost for this trip involved a fee of $3.00 for the chairlift ride to the top of Squaw Mountain. Admission to Lily Bay State Park was free for State and Federaly funded groups, however, it might be best to investigate this for your individual group.

The Moosehead Lake area is easily reached from the Bangor area by traveling Route 15 to Corinth, Dover-Foxcroft, Guilford and Greenville. From the southern part of Maine follow I-95 to the Newport-Detroit exit and then Route 7 to Dexter, Route 23 to the junction of Route 15 in Guilford. A good rest stop would be Titcomb's General Store in Abbott. You may purchase any items you may need. They also have delicious hand dipped ice cream whish is a treat for students on the return trip.

There are several activities in the Moosehead area. A visit to Mountain View Farm which is located at the base of the mountain is quite interesting. The farm is a museum consisting of several buildings, displays, logging and blacksmith equipment as well as farm equipment of yesteryear. There is no fee, however, donations are accepted. Plan to spend an hour at this site.

A second activity in which one may involve students, is the ride to the top of Squaw Mountain on the chairlift. there is a fee for the round trip chair ride. The ride affords students a breathtaking view of the vastness of Moosehead Lake. At places the chair is quite far above ground which might be taken into consideration with students are afraid of heights. The chairlift does not operate on windy days or days when weather is inclement.

One may visit Peaks Kenny State Park in Sebec for lunch prior to traveling to Squaw Mountain for the chairlift ride. Peaks Kenny is a lovely place with excellent facilities for picnicking.

Following the chairlift ride, one may travel to Lily Bay State Park for lunch and recreational activities. To reach Lily Bay State Park from Squaw Mountain, return to Greenville, turn left at the traffic light and travel approximately twenty minutes. The park is located on a lovely bay with numerous camping facilities as well as picnicking and swimming areas. There are two large grass areas for games if so desired. One may spend time as needed at this site. As mentioned above, on the return trip, a stop for ice cream at Titcomb's General Store in Abbott is always enjoyable for students.

Student Rating
Squaw Mountain - 3.7
Peaks Kenny State Park - 2.7

Staff Rating
Squaw Mountain - 4.0
Peaks Kenny State Park - 3.1

*Not visited in 1980


(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.20-21.)

Vinalhaven via the "Governor Curtis"

VINALHAVEN via THE "GOVERNOR CURTIS"*

In a poll taken in the spring of 1980 students who would be participating in The Maine Journey indicated they would like to ride a ferry boat to one of the island off the coast of Maine. Students contacted The Department of Transportation, Ferry Service...[in] Rockland, Maine...for information. A schedule of ferry service to the islands as well as rates for groups was obtained.

Travel to Rockland from the Bangor area is approximately two hours. Since the ferry boat travels to Vinalhaven and returns immediately one should plan to take the first ferry to the island and return on the last afternoon trip. The approximate travel time to Vinalhaven is an hour and twenty-five minutes. Once on Vinalhaven Island a number of walking tours may be taken. Short Walks Along the Maine Coast by Ruth & Paul Sadlier offers an excellent guide for Vinalhaven as well as other areas visited along the coast. A brochure dealing with activities available in Vinalhaven may be obtained at the Rockland Ferry Terminal. There are picnic facilities available for noon meal. Depending on the ferry schedule, one could spend approximately five hours on Vinalhaven Island arriving back in Rockland in time for the evening meal. McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Burger King are all located on Route 1 just east of the main section of the city.

As an option one might choose a trip to Islesboro via the "Governor Muskie." This trip takes approximately one-half hour each way. Arrangements can be made by calling the Lincolnville Terminal...or the Rockland Terminal....Group rates are available upon request. Upon arrival at Islesboro one may wish to view the lighthouse, the small museum, and lobstering.

If one chooses the Islesboro trip for the morning, excellent picnic facilities are available upon return to Lincolnville Beach.

Camden Hills State Park is also nearby and affords one a panoramic view of Camden from the top of Mt. Battie which is easily accessible by foot or bus.

If time permits, one may journey to Rockport and see Andre the Seal. It is advisable to make prior arrangements with Harry Goodrich should one wish to see Andre perform.


Islesboro, Rockport and Camden Hills State Park
Student Rating - 3.0
Staff Rating - 3.3

*Not visited in 1980

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.22.)

Swan Island, Colonial Pemaquid, Railway Museum

SWAN ISLAND, RICHMOND*
COLONIAL PEMAQUID
RAILWAY MUSEUM, BOOTHBAY

Swan Island is a game preserve located in the Kennebec River at Richmond. Here one finds a large herd of deer as well as other animals. The island is relatively unknown to the public, and therefore quite private. On the island are a number of older homes circa 1700 with one of particular interest in which Benedict Arnold and later Aaron Burr stayed. This island was once a fairly large farming and fishing community of about thirty families. To arrange this trip contact The Department of Fish & Wildlife in Augusta....They will make arrangements with the caretaker of the island to pick up visitors at the dock in Richmond and transport them by boat to the island. The cost for the boat ride and riding tour of the island is minimal. Colonial Pemaquid, which is approximately one and one half hours ride from Richmond, offered students a chance to learn about archeological digs and visit the museum. Contact for this trip is Colonial Pemaquid, Pemaquid, Maine....Pemaquid is open during the summer months.... The cost for entrance to the museum is $.25, although State and Federally funded projects are free.

Swan Island is reached by following Maine Turnpike to the Gardiner Exit and then I-95 to the Richmond Exit and Route 197. From the south travel I-95 from Portland to the Richmond Exit and Route 197. Once your reach Richmond turn left at the bottom of the hill and the parking area is on your right a few feet along the road.

We spent about four hours at Swan Island touring and picnicking. Students saw deer, ducks and other wildlife as well as a large eagle's nest. The island also affords shelters for those who wish to camp. Guides pointed out interesting features of the island as well as answered questions of students and staff.

At Pemaquid students visited the museum which has displays of life as it was in Colonial Pemaquid. Artifacts uncovered in the digs are also on display. Arrangements may be made ahead of time to have a very interesting slide presentation of the digs presented to the students. One should visit the museum before exploring the archaeological digs. The restoration is still in progress and students may actually see the work taking place. A must activity is a visit to the cemetery where old stones give a history of the area. Also Fort William Henry can be visited. Our stay at Pemaquid was two hours in length. Students may wish a snack at the snack bar before leaving.

One may wish to spend a full day at Swan Island, and combine Colonial Pemaquid with Ft. Popham, Popham Beach and Popham Colony for another day's activities. Arrangements may be made for the Ft. Popham visit by calling....Construction of Fort Popham was begun at the beginning of the Civil War and never finished due to the improvement in techniques of building fortifications. It was manned during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and World War I. There are picnic tables available for lunch.

There are many other attractions on the Phippsburg Peninsula. They include: sites of Fort Noble, Dromore Burying Ground, Stonybrook Manor House, Historical Society's Museum, Parker's Head Village, Popham Colony Site and many others. A brochure is available from the Phippsburg Historical Society, Inc., Phippsburg, Maine.

Plan to visit one are in the morning and one in the afternoon. Coming from central and northern areas of the state, it is suggested the Phippsburg visitation be planned for the A.M. and Pemaquid for the P.M. those coming from the south might wish to visit Pemaquid in the A.M. and Phippsburg in the P.M. This eliminates a longer return trip home after a long day.

Another option to this trip might find one visiting Colonial Pemaquid in the morning and the Railway Museum in Boothbay in the afternoon.

Located on Route 21, the Railway Village offers one a view of antique cars and fire apparatus, as well as a country store, doll collection, railway artifacts, school, post office and bank.

Arrangements may be made by contacting the Railway Museum...Group rates are available upon request.

Students are afforded the chance to ride a coal burning locomotive as part of the museum tour.


Colonial Pemaquid
Student Rating - 3.2
Staff Rating - 3.7

Railway Museum
Student Rating - 3.8
Staff Rating - 3.7

*Not visited in 1980

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.23-4.)

Sugarloaf and The Wire Bridge

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN – KINGFIELD
THE WIRE BRIDGE – NEW PORTLAND

Our trip to Sugarloaf and the Carrabassett Valley was twofold in design. We wished our students to see Maine’s largest ski resort with its many trails, lifts, condominiums and shops. We also wished them to view from the top the mountains of western Maine and the height of land as mentioned in treaties and disputes as they relate to our borders with Canada. One would contact Sugarloaf USA, Kingfield, Maine….

From Bangor we traveled Route 2 to Newport and Skowhegan. At Skowhegan we followed Route 201 to the junction of 148 and then Route 27 to Sugarloaf. Our travel time was approximately two hours. We returned via Route 27 to Farmington and Route 2 to the Bangor area.

At Sugarloaf we rode the gondola to the summit. Group rates are available. The regular rate is $1.50 round trip and adults $3.00 round trip. This magnificent ride carries you to the summit lodge where you receive a panoramic view from inside the glassed-in lodge or from the large outside deck. Here the staff explained to the students the view and its geological as well as historical significance. From the top of Sugarloaf one can see Bigelow Mountain, named after one of Arnold’s officers who climbed it expecting to see Quebec, the Rangely Lakes, Casco Bay, Mt. Katahdin, Flagstaff Lake, the “Height of Land” and many other interesting and beautiful sights. Students may eat their lunch at the summit lodge or at the base lodge. The return trip may be made by gondola or students may elect to hike. If one hikes down, plan on a minimum of one hour and a quarter.

If arrangement can be made, the University of Maine Forestry Scholl located at the Capricorn Lodge will give the students a presentation on the Maine Forest.

Our return travel along Route 27 found us making a detour a few miles south of Kingfield to The Wire Bridge in New Portland. This is a miniature suspension bridge which spans the Carrabassett River. This bridge, built in 1842, is probably the last such span in New England. Students went out on the bridge, made it sway and explored along the banks of the stream.

Our return was to Farmington and then the Bangor area along Route 2. The whole day’s activities lasted nine hours.

*Not visited in 1980; gondola was inoperative during the Summer. [No ratings]

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.25.)

Bangor Daily News, Bangor Historical Society, WLBZ TV

THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS*
BANGOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY*
WLBZ TV 2 - BANGOR*

The Bangor area activities were scheduled to expose students to the different media and the history of the Bangor area. Students were divided into three groups and rotated among the three sites. Each visit was approximately one hour in length...

The tour of the TV 2 Studio on Mt. Hope Avenue lasted approximately forty-five minutes. Students met some of the TV personalities and were given guided tours of the newsroom, film laboratory, control room and studio as well as other offices. Tours are also available at Studio City, WABI, where students can visit both radio and television facilities.

The Bangor Historical Society's Penobscot Heritage Museum located on Union Street has a number of different exhibits which change periodically. The depict the area history as well as exhibits and items concerning American history and its connection with Maine. The museum is located on two floors. For a small fee, schools may rent traveling exhibits for display at their school.

The tour of the Bangor Daily News Building on Main Street gives the students an excellent insight into how a newspaper is prepared and distributed to the public. A very able guide explains the part played by the writing staff, the teletype system, the photography laboratory, the classified ad department and graphics department. Students are shown how the written and pictorial information are placed on plates and how printing presses themselves operate. Finally the students are shown the distribution area where papers are counted, packaged and shipped by truck to areas of Maine or sent to the post office for mailing.

The three tours were completed in approximately four hours after which students ate at...food establishments...in Bangor.


*Not visited in 1980. [No ratings]

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.26.)

Scott Paper Woodlands Operation -- Greenville Junction

SCOTT PAPER WOODLAND OPERATION - GREENVILLE JUNCTION*

Students in the pre-program survey indicated that they would like to visit a woods operation. This trip related well to the visit at St. Regis in Bucksport early in the program. It would be more productive to arrange these trips on consecutive days if possible. It is suggest the Scott Tour be taken prior to the St. Regis Tour...

From the Bangor area travel Route 15 to Greenville. Follow Route 15 through Greenville Jct. towards Squaw Mountain. The Scott offices are approximately four miles from the junction. From southern Maine travel I-95 to the Newport-Detroit exit, and then Route 7 toDexter, Route 23 to the junction of Route 15 in Guilford and Route 15 to Greenville Jct. and Scott Paper. Traveling time from Bangor is approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. Small groups may arrange lunch through Scott at a fee. Large groups should bring picnic lunches.

Included in the tour of Scott Lands is a slide presentation at Squaw Mountain. This explains Scott's role in the Maine woods and Maine economy. Following the slide presentation we traveled to the Scott harvesting site for a look at modern harvesting techniques. Bring your camera, for wildlife is abundant. Many activities occur on a Scott Paper Company Woodlands tour. Students may be exposed to forest areas in different stages of growth. Guides explain the function of mechanical harvesters in the total operation and, if timing is right, students may have the opportunity to inspect the mechanical harvesters. Students may be exposed to experimental plots where tests are being conducted to determine which factors account for more rapid growth of trees. The spruce bud worm may also be discussed at length.

This trip affords the students an excellent view of Maine's number one industry. A trip to Scott's Winslow or Hinckley paper plants would be an excellent trip for the following day. This would provide continuity in picturing the total industry to the students.

This was one of our most interesting and more educational trips.


*Not visited in 1980 due to a labor strike.

Trolley Museum, Old Orchard Beach, Portland

TROLLEY MUSEUM - KENNEBUNKPORT*
OLD ORCHARD BEACH
PORTLAND

This trip was both educational and a fun time for the students. Students were exposed to a mode of transportation prevalent in the past and almost non-existant today.

Our visit to the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport found us traveling I-95 to Augusta and the Maine Turnpike to the Kennebunkport exit. Total traveling time to the museum was three hours and thirty minutes. Follow Route 1 East until you see the signs for the Seashore Trolley Museum.

The activities at the Seashore Trolley Museum were arranged by contacting [ahead of time]. Group rates can be arranged. In the two and one half hours spent at the museum, the students had rides on two different types of cars, were given a guided tour of the trolley car barn which has many varieties of cars, and wandered about exploring other cars at the museum. A picnic area and gift shop are located at the museum. Visitors may also purchase snacks at a trolley snack bar.

At Old Orchard Beach students may go to the beach or to the amusement areas. Students were divided into groups with staff at each area. Students were allowed to go off on their own, however, they were required to stay in pairs. Students stayed at Old Orchard for approximately three hours enjoying the beach and amusement.

A driving tour through Portland is a possible addition to this trip. The waterfront, Old Port Exchange, Civic Center, Congress Street, Longfellow House and Baxter Boulevard can all be included. However, we recommend that a full day be spent in Portland.

Our travel to Bangor was via I-95 to Brunswick and Gardiner. From Gardiner we followed Route 9 along the Kennebec to the historical site where the Arnold Expedition left their ocean going vessels. We ate...in Augusta and traveled I-95 to the Bangor area arriving at approximately 8:15 PM.

Old Orchard Beach
Student Rating - 4.0
Staff Rating - 3.9

*Not visited in 1980

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.28.)

Portland: Tate House, Victoria Mansion, Old Port

PORTLAND AREA: TATE HOUSE, VICTORIA MANSION, OLD PORT AREA

A visit to Maine's largest city is a must. This tour can be as varied or as simplistic as one wishes. Our tour consisted of three stops: the Tate House (1775), the Victoria Mansion (1859), and the Old Port area. However, other houses could be visited: the Wadsworth Longfellow House (1785) and the McLellan-Swerr House (1800). These houses are all registered as National Historic Landmarks.

The Victoria Mansion, located on Park and Danforth Streets, is open mid-June through September 15, Tuesday through Saturday. Built in 1859 by Henry Austin, the celebrated New Haven architect, for Ruggles Sylvester Morse, a native of Maine, this house is the finest example of a Victorian Italian villa in the French style in this country. Of special interest are: frescoed waslls and ceilings by Giovanni Guidirini and ten Italian artists, a flying staircase with 337 hand-carved balusters of San Domingo mahogany, 10 great gold leaf mirrors from France, 7 hand-carved marble mantlepieces, a magnificent double gasolier suspended from the third floor, and many other furnishings. Victoria Mansion was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1971.

The Tate House located at 1270 Westbrook Street is open July 1 - September, Tuesday through Saturday. The Tate House was built for George Tate, a mast agent for the Royal Navy and a aleading citizen in the Portland area in 1755. It is colonial outside, like a London townhouse inside. Of special interest are: the clerestory treatment of the gambrel roof, the cove ceiling and original staircase of the hall, the exceptional panelling of the parlor and dining room, the hand-hewn timbers of the third floor, the reconstructed ell, the 18th century furniture and the letters of George Tate, Jr., First Admiral of the Russian Navy. A nomincal fee of $.50 is charged per home.

State parks in the Portland area (Portland Headlight and Two Lights) offer one excellent picknicking facilities.

One may wish to undertake a walking tour of the old Port Area to view the reconstruction and the various and varied shops.

This trip can prove to be lengthy but it is well worth the time spent and also very educational. This was one of our better trips.

Portland Area

Student Rating - 3.3
Staff Rating - 4.0

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.29.)

TELSTAR, Grafton Notch

TELSTAR COMSAT EARTH STATION -- ANDOVER*
GRAFTON NOTCH STATE PARK*

Telstar COMSAT Earth Station, Grafton Notch State Park and The White Mountains National Forest are all located in the same area of western Maine. Students expressed interest in visiting Telstar while Grafton Notch State Park and The White Mountains National Forest were added to expose students to the geography and gelogical aspects of the section of the state. Contact Andover Earth Station....

From the Bangor area Telstar is reached by following Route 2 to the Rumford-Mexico area. From here follow Route 120 to Andover. The Earth Station is located on Route 120. From Bangor this is a three hour trip which includes rest stops at rest and picnic areas.

At Telstar a twenty minute movie concerning the COMSAT communications system is shown and is followed by a lecture in the lobby of the information building. This procedure may be reversed in the case of large groups. The groups may be split into two parts. WHile one group is viewing the movie the other is hearing the lecture. The lobby area has many displays and models dealing with the system. Students are allowed in the large dome shaped building to view the receiver-transmitter from a glassed in observation point. The dish shaped receiver-transmitter can be viewed from a distance. The main function of this station is telephone communication with Europe via satellites while television transmission is also available. Total time at Telstar was one hour and forty-five minutes.

From Telstar, following Route 120 towards Andover, you will find a municipal picnic area. There is also a store a little further along Route 120.

Following lunch, we traveled straight through the junction of Route 120 and Route 5. This road will take you tot Route 26 in Upton. Turn left on Route 26 and travel to Grafton Notch State Park. There are several turnouts for hiking, climbing, and photography. Also plan to visit Moose Cave, Moss Garden, Table Rock and Screw Auger Falls. All of these sites are well marked with signs. Table Rock involves a climb. Screw Auger Falls is the most impressive of the stops because of its unique appearance due to geological considerations.

From Grafton Notch State Park it is a forty-five minute drive through the outskirts of the White Mountains National Forest to Gorham, New Hampshire. At this point you are not very far from Mount Washington and if time permits and activity involving the mountain may be planned.

The dinner meal was enjoyed in...Rumford and return travel to the Bangor area found us traveling Route 2. This was a long day's travel. Twelve hours were spent traveling and 328 miles covered.

* Not visited in 1980.

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.30-31.)

Mattawamkeag

MATTAWAMKEAG WILDERNESS PARK -- MATTAWAMKEAG*

This was an enjoyable time for the students. This trip provided students the opportunity to relax and enjoy the woods of Maine. Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park is operated by Penobscot County although the land was developed and is owned by the town of Mattawamkeag. The park is Maine's only county park and offers camping and picnic facilities as well as a swimming area on the Mattawamkeag River. Arrangements can be made by contacting....

The park is reached by traveling I-95 to the Medway exit. Follow Route 157 east to Route 2 and west to Mattawamkeag. The entrance to the park is in the middle of town on Route 2 and is well marked. The park is approximately nine miles into the woods on a dirt road. Total traveling time from Bangor was approximately two hours.

While at the park we enjoyed a cookout, played horseshoes, volleyball and ping pong. The park has a very nice recreational building. Those interested in camping would find tenting, camping and lean-to sites. Students were taken on a very educational nature walk by the park rangers. The walks were one-half to one hour in length. Our total stay at the park was approximately three hours.

Although a short day for us, this was a perfect relaxing trip after nearly four weeks of long hours on the road.

* Not visited in 1980.

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.32.)

Maine State Capitol, State Museum, Fort Western

STATE CAPITOL, STATE MUSEUM, FORT WESTERN*

This trip was typical of those taken by school groups each year to our State Capitol. It did, however, afford us extra time at each site since we were not under pressure to return in time to make normal bus departures at our schools. This would have been the case if we had taken the trip during the school year. All arrangements for this trip were made by contacting...Division of Community Services, Augusta, Maine....Students were divided into three groups and then rotated among the sites.

The Capitol Building Tour lasted one-half to one hour. A guided tour of the Senate and House chambers, the Rotunda and the Hall of Flags was included. One group was given a chance to sit on the floor of the House, to play the role of house leaders and were shown how votes were taken. This is not always available since the time of your visit and the availability of staff members are factors.

The Maine State Museum visit lasted approximately one hour, however, the time spent at the museum can be much longer. The Maine Wildlife Exhibit is very interesting as are the other exhibits which change periodically. Exhibits available to yor group may be axcertained when you arrange your visit. The museum also offers classes to school groups in various areas....

Fort Western is a marvelous place for youngsters to visit. Guides escorted groups from room to room explaining its use and the many items within each. Cost for school groups is minimal. Fort Western is open May 15th through Labor Day....THis is a must for any group visiting the Augusta area. Fort Western is best reached from the Capitol by following State Street to the rotary, crossing the new bridge, reaching the second rotary and following Cony Street down the hill toards the Kennebec River.

Lunch was enjoyed at the park across from the Capitol. An alternative is...located on Western Avenue traveling from Augusta towards the Maine Turnpike.

The highpoint of a trip to Augusta would be meeting with the Governor. A meeting would be determined by his schedule. Groups interested may make initial contact with the Office of the Governor, Augusta, Maine..., to make your wishes known and arrange a possible meeting.

A tour of the Blaine House could also be arranged through the Division of Community Services. This tour includes the history of the Hames G. Blaine family and the current utilization of the home. This visit does not include the second floor private quarters of the Governor.

The Augusta trip scored one of the highest ratings from both teachers and students. It was one of the most enjoyable and educational trips. All Maine youngsters should visit their State Capitol.

*Not visited during Summer, tour planned for Fall of 1980.

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.33-34.)

Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Area

BAR HARBOR, MOUNT DESERT AREA

It seems that young people always enjoy visiting Mount Desert Island. Here they are exposed to Maine's tourist trade, see beautiful Maine scenery, receive a lesson ngeography and geology, visit a national park, see mansions belonging to the wealthy and tour Frenchman's Bay. We are able to combine a fun time with a broad educational experience and have the students come away with a wealth of information on many aspects of Maine. The only contact necessary for this trip is The Frenchman's Bay Boating Company....Special group rates can be arranged depending on the size of the group. Tours of Frenchman's Bay are dependent on the weather.

Mount Desert Island is reached from the Bangor Area by following Route 1A to Ellsworth and Route 3 to Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor. Travel time by bus from Bangor is just a little under two hours.

Once on Mount Desert Island, you may enjoy a one hour boat sightseeing tour on Frenchman's Bay. The trip affords students the opportunity to see the mansion built along the shore, the Porcupine Islands, and some abrupt and beautiful coastline, much of which is the same as when Samuel Champlain first sailed the area. At Acadia National Park Headquarters a twenty minute movie is shown every hour on the hour telling about life on Mount Desert Island and the many facets of Acadia National Park. This showing is free to the public. Groups may also visit Sand Beach swimming area, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, and the Summit of Cadillac Mountain. Maps of all of these locations are available at the Park Headquarters or Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and it is advised that they be procured. From these and other activities available in the park, you may choose those appropriate to your group. You may wish to write to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine...for information prior to your visit.

Weather permitting, this should be a very enjoyable trip. If weather is bad, it is suggested the trip be postponed until another time.

Bar Harbor
Student Rating - 3.5
Staff Rating - 3.9


(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.35.)

Jackson Laboratory

THE JACKSON LABORATORY - BAR HARBOR

The Jackson Laboratory, founded in 1929 by C.C. Little for research in cancer and genetics, has no become the world's center for mouse research and the number one supplier of pedigreed mice used in research throughout the world. To arrange a tour contact the Public Relations Director....From the Bangor area Jackson Laboratory is reached by traveling Route 3 to Bar Harbor.

The Jackson Laboratory is the larges center for research in mammalian genetics in the world with more than 450 employees and a research colony of 750,000 inbred, hybrid, mutant mice.

Our visit to Jackson Laboratory included a short lecture, slide presentation, film, and question and answer session directed by [a Jackson Laboratory staff member]. Students viewed several different breeds of research mice. Because of constant need for laboratory control, large tour groups are not permitted within the confines of the laboratory itself.

We felt the tour of Jackson Laboratory to be one of our most informative and educational trips. We highly recommend this trip to your group.

The tour of Jackson Laboratory could be combined with various activities in the Bar Harbor area.

Jackson Laboratory
Student Rating - 3.3
Staff Rating - 4.0


(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.36.)

King's Landing, New Brunswick, Canada

KING'S LANDING, PRINCE WILLIAM, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA

Although King's Landing is not located within the boundaries of Maine, it does depict life as it was in this area in the middle 1800's. This reconstructed village is located twenty-three miles west of the City of Fredericton, New Brunswick on the Trans-Canada Highway. The village is composed of buildings brought to the site from the St. John River area when the construction of a dam threatened them. The New Brunswick Department of Education operates the site which attracts tourists during the summer months and serves the school children of the area year-round.

King's Landing is reached by following I-95 north from Bangor to Houlton. It is approximately three hours to Houlton allowing a rest at the Medway rest area. It is advisable to fuel your buses in Houlton before proceeding. From Houlton King's Landing is fifty miles via I-95 to the Canadian border, Route 2 to the Trans-Canada Highway and south towards Fredericton to exit 259. There are very visible signs giving you directions to the attraction.

On arrival you enter a reception building where a fee is collected. If you make arrangements at least thrity days in advance, special rates are given for groups over 25. Contact: Education Officer, King's Landing Corporation....Our cost was $1.00 for students, $2.00 for adults. One adult was admitted free for each ten students. All bus drivers and directors were free. The walking tour is self-guided and begins within the reception building with murals depicting the history of the area. From there you walk through the settlement where you may visit an operational river craft, working saw mill, small theatre which gives performances, and fifty other buildings of the period. The buildings are staffed by persons playing the role of residents of the community. Your tour may take from three hours to as long as you wish. A snack bar is located well into the tour, and it is advised that students have lunch before starting.

At the conclusion of the tour, students may visit the gift shop in the Reception Building. Our return trip took us back to Houlton where we fuelled the buses, ate our dinner...and traveled I-95 to Bangor. The total day was fourteen hours in length and we travelled 404 miles. This was one of our best trips.

Our group very successfully made the King's Landing trip a part of an overnight trip. Day one was spent at Loring Air Force Base, overnight at Loring, and day two at King's Landing.

We recommend this plan if travel time is lengthy. This was one of our best trips.

King's Landing
Student Rating - 3.6
Staff Rating - 3.9

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.37.)

Norlands

NORLANDS

The trip to Washburn-Norlands was included in the Maine Journey to acquaint the participants with life as it was a century or more ago. Contact for an adventure at Washburn-Norlands may be made with....[who] would be more than happy to send you pertinent literature concerning activities available.

The Washburn-Norlands site is located in Livermore, Maine. The site consists of five 19th century buildings. Norlands is a registered National Historic Site. The site offers a variety of programs for both adults and students. Programs vary from day-time activities to live-ins where participants are involved for a number of days and remain at Norlands overnight.

Programs which are covered during the period of a day include: "A Typical Day in School in the 1840's", "Life in Rural Maine 1840-1880", "The Busy Cradle", and "A Visit to The Farm". Combinations of these programs may be given for larger groups.

It is necessary that arrangements for your tour be made in adance. Group rates are available. For example, Journey I: "A Typical Day in School in the 1840's" costs $25.00 for up to 24 students. Each additional student above 24 costs $1.00. Journey II: "Life in Rural Maine 1840-1880" costs $55.00 for up to 24 students; students above 24 cost $2.00 each. In Journey II students participate in preparing an authentic noon meal.

In all of the programs, participants are drawn back into time and live the life as it was a century ago. Activities are representative of the season in which one visits. Students do housework, such as scrubbing clothes, ironing, washing dishes, doing "chamber" work. Meals are cooked each day and authentic menus vary. Crafts such as rug hooking, weaving and patchwork are also done. Outdoor activities include working in the fields, gardening, cutting fire wood, working in the barn and making maple sugar.

This program was pehaps the most educational as indicated by the student and staff evaluations. We recommend if your tour group is large that two days be spent at Norlands thereby allowing each participant to fully experience JourneyI (School) and Journey II (Farm).

A must visit for students and adults.

Norlands
Student Rating - 4.0
Staff Rating - 4.0

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.38.)

Schoodic Point, Southwest Harbor

SCHOODIC POINT - ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
OCEANARIUM - SOUTHWEST HARBOR

A trip to the Oceanarium in Southwest Harbor provides a firsthand look at marine life. To make arrangements....Group rates are available upon request.

One may visit the different areas of the Oceanarium and see and touch marine life native to Maine. This tour takes approximately 1 1/2 hours.

As part of this trip on e might wish to visit the Coast Guard Station at Southwest Harbor or one may possibly arrange a boat tour of Somes Sound....This boat trip allows the students to view the only natural fjord in the United States. During the boat ride one also gets to see the lovely homes of Northeast and Southwest Harbors.

On this trip one may wish to include a trip to Schoodic Point in Acadia National Park. Good picknicking facilities as well as scenery and sea gulls are available here.

Oceanarium
Student Rating - 2.9
Staff Rating - 3.6

Schoodic Point
Student Rating - 3.2
Staff Rating - 3.6


(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.39.)

Shaker Museum

SHAKER MUSEUM - SABBATHDAY LAKE, POLAND SPRING

The Shaker Museum, founded in 1931, is located at Sabbathday Lake, Poland Spring, Maine. To reach the museum follow the Maine Turnpike south to the Auburn exit and follow Route 122 to Route 26 south. The museum is located on Route 26, 8 miles north of Gray or 12 miles south of Auburn.

To make arrangements for this tour contact the Shaker Museum....Guide service is available throughout the season (May 30 - Labor Day). The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays. Group rates are available upon request.

Shaker Village is a celibate religious community founded by Ann Lee in May, 1774. While on tour here students will see a living museum situated in America's oldest religious community; one of two in existence today.

Expertly informed guides will educate students concerning the history and customs of the Shakers. One may visit the meeting house, the residence, the herb gardens, and the barns. Students learn that Shakers are famous for their furniture, tin and wooden war, folk art, early American tools, and farm implements. Shaker's inventions have included clothespins, sewing machine, washing machine, flat broom, permanent press fabrics and many other items.

At the conclusion of the tour one may wish to visit the Shaker store and purchase handmade Shaker items. A large variety of herbs and teas produced by the Shakers are available.

Should one desire picnicking Sabbathday Lake is located nearby.

We highly recommend this trip.

Shaker Museum
Student Rating - 3.3
Staff Rating - 3.9


(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.40.)