The Literature of Eastern Maine: Writing on the Edge

Books and authors from east of the Penobscot River are being featured in a new course being offered through the Senior Arts College program Washington County Community College in Calais.  Entitled “The Literature of Eastern Maine: Writing on the Edge,” this class is being offered at no cost for either tuition or books to participants age 62 or older, among other courses.  Representing different backgrounds and a variety of literary genres, each of these authors has in common the experience of living and writing on the easternmost edge of the country, and sharing that meaning with others.

Beginning with Lura Beams’ classic study “A Maine Hamlet,” about her years growing up in Marshfield at the turn of the last century, a new book will be discussed every few weeks from January through early May.  Two novels, “Silas Crockett” by Mary Ellen Chase of Blue Hill and “The Weir” by Ruth Moore, who was raised on Gott’s Island, explore the fictional struggle of families making a living on the coast of Maine.  Social criticism is represented by “The Meddybemps Letters,” from the satirical pen of Calais attorney and Pembroke native, William R. Pattangall, and the essays of E.B. White in “One Man’s Meat”.  Memoirs of “An Upriver Passamaquoddy,” by Allen J. Sockabasin, and “the Lighthouse Keeper’s Wife,” by Connie Scovill Small, will complete the series.

The class will meet regularly once a week, on Monday mornings from 9:30 to 12:30, in the Recreation Room at the Methodist Homes in Calais, and is led by Dr. Colin Windhorst, a scholar with many years’ experience leading seminars in public forums throughout the area.

Those interested in registering for the class may call Washington County Community College at 454-1000 and ask to speak to Alex Clifford, Dean of Academic Affairs.  Questions about the class are welcome, and may be addressed to Dr. Windhorst by e-mail at cjcw@myfairpoint.net, or P.O. Box 11, Dennysville, Maine.