This photo is an overview of some of the information that I have gathered as I begin to create a mixed media story about Stinsons Canning Co.   It is a work in progress. What a surprise to see that Maine Fairtrade Lobster is working to reopen this factory.   Another, and much more important work in progress.  I have more confidence that this operation will become a success then I had for the last venture.  If I see this right there are more local people working together for the potential success.  This factory has such a long and rich history on the Schoodic Peninsula.

I have such fond memories of my Aunt Ester Coombs coming home after a days work.  I was fascinated with the hairnets, the aprons her hands and the thought of how hard she worked.  There were many people from our community who worked at Stinsons and they all worked hard, stood on their feet all day and risked cutting their fingers off.  At least that is how I saw it as a child.  There is always more to a story and I am very happy to hear other peoples reaction to their memories of the place and the workers and to the hope for the lobster processing operation.  Please share your memories!

Living and lobstering on Little Moose Island was a way of life for the Coombs brothers, Dennis, Walter, Ira, Milford & Linwood, in the early to mid 1900’s.  They moved to their camp on the island and moored their double ended dories in the protected cove just off Blueberry Hill.  The two men in this photo are not identified although Dennis often wore a cap like the first man.

This is day 26 in a 30 day blog challenge.  I have found that doing this challenge I have really enjoyed posting my artwork and telling the stories behind each piece.  Today I am moving into the the painted pieces.  This collection “Hometown Memories” consists of mixed media, oil and acrylic paintings and encaustic works.

The Donut Hole + holds a very fond memory for me and many residents and visitors to Winter Harbor.  Joe and Grace Gerrish turned an old twine shed into a small breakfast and lunch place.  They served homemade foods and pastries, specializing in donuts.  Entering this place filled me with joy.  It was cozy and located so close to the ocean that you might see the tide come and go between the floorboards.  The smells were a fabulous mix of homemade soups and stews, blueberry pies, muffins and breads with a touch of the ocean air.  This was also a place to gather, to share bread with friends and neighbors, everyone feeling like family.  I never thought about what a lot of work this had to be for Grace and Joe.  Cooking everything from scratch and being open and ready to serve at daybreak.  On top of those challenges, this most charming building and location must have required a great deal of maintenance and upgrading.  Today I think of the effort and gift to the community and say “Thank You!”