Sunday, September 30, 2012

Babel [Deluxe Edition] Mumford & Sons


Maine's Fryeburg fair kicks off

FRYEBURG, Maine (AP) — Up to 300,000 people are expected for this year’s Fryeburg Fair, Maine’s largest agricultural fair.

The fair begins Sunday and runs through next Sunday, attracting crowds with its midway, more than 3,000 farm animals, food booths, harness racing, live music and events such as horse- and ox-pulling competitions, a skillet-throwing contest and pig scrambles.

Admission is $10, with children under 12 and seniors 65 and older admitted for free.

The fair has been held in its current location since 1885.

For more information visit: http://www.fryeburgfair.com/

Monday, September 24, 2012

NH police investigate untimely death of hiker


TEMPLE, N.H. (AP) — Police in Temple, N.H., are investigating the death of a 70-year-old hiker who was found unconscious and unresponsive on a trail at Miller State Park.
Police said another hiker descending the Marion Davis Trail found the Robert Foster of Milford unresponsive about 12:30 p.m. Sunday, about a quarter-mile from the trail head on Pack Monadnock Mountain.
Rescue crews performed CPR, but were not successful. Police are calling it an untimely death.


Friday, September 21, 2012

Dangerous Dog treats made in China


Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Trader Joe's Peanut Butter


According to a press release, the Pennsylvania Department of Health today advised consumers that Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt may be related to a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella.  The department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials in several states to investigate the outbreak. Nationally, there have been 29 cases of illness with two cases reported in Pennsylvania.
Trader Joe's has voluntarily removed the product for sale from its stores; however, consumers who have the product in their homes should discard it and should also be aware that this product is sold online through other retail outlets.
Officials believe the peanut butter may be related to a recent salmonella outbreak. A total of 29 cases have been reported since June 11. Three of those cases occurred in Massachusetts.

Several health agencies including the Center for Disease Control and the FDA are investigating the outbreak.

Additionally, the department advises anyone who recently consumed Trader Joe's Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt and then became ill to consult their healthcare provider, local health department.


Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Symptoms of Salmonella infection, including diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps typically appear 6-72 hours after the ingestion of Salmonella bacteria—in this case, Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter.  Most people recover within a week, but some Salmonella outbreak victims require medical treatment or hospitalization.

It's Apple Picking Time in New England

Does anything taste better than a crisp, snappy apple when you've been out hiking in the cool autumn air?


Are you a day-tripper looking for an adventure?



Here's a quick round-up of Internet links to pick-your-own orchards in New England.




New Hampshire Apple Picking

Alyson's Apple Orchard - Walpole, New Hampshire
This pick-your-own apple orchard is part of a 500-acre Connecticut River Valley farm. A farm stand is open daily through Halloween, as well.
DeMeritt Hill Farm - Lee, New Hampshire
In addition to 25 varieties of apples for you to pick, this apple farm offers a bakery, children's play areas, family hiking trails, a farm store and hayrides on weekends. Dogs are welcome if they're kept on a leash.
Gould Hill Farm - Contoocook, New Hampshire
This orchard is located on land that has been farmed continuously since the mid-1700s. You'll find more than 80 varieties of apples here, available for picking from Labor Day through mid-October. First-time apple pickers are welcome--orchard personnel will show you what to do.
Poverty Lane Orchards - Lebanon, New Hampshire
MacIntosh and Cortland apples thrive at this New Hampshire orchard, which also grows a range of other heirloom varieties. Pick your own apples, visit the farm stand and sample the orchard's Farnum Hill Ciders line of hard ciders, too.
Riverview Farm - Plainfield, New Hampshire
Pick your own fresh apples straight from the trees at this 11-acre orchard.

Connecticut Apple Picking
Bishop's Orchards - Guilford, Connecticut
This 140-year-old family farm has been an apple picking destination since the 1940s.
Lyman Orchards - Middlefield, Connecticut
If you're looking for an apple picking outing that offers so much more, Lyman Orchards is your ideal spot for a day trip. Get lost in the corn maze, buy fresh-baked cider donuts and other specialty products at the Farm Market and even play golf on Lyman's two 18-hole courses.
Silverman's Farm - Easton, Connecticut
Silverman's provides a handy chart of apple varieties and offers apple picking in southern Connecticut throughout the fall.
Maine Apple Picking
Apple Acres Farm - South Hiram, Maine
Visitors to Apple Acres are encouraged to do much more than just pick apples. They can picnic, view the fall foliage, eat homemade apple pie (oh, twist my arm!) and birdwatch, too.
The Apple Farm - Fairfield, Maine
The Apple Farm grows many different varieties of apples including old-fashioned, indigenous varieties like Northern Spy and Mac. Apple lovers are invited to pick their own fruit, visit the barn store or even order Maine apple gift packs by phone.
Maine Apple Orchards - statewide
The Maine State Pomological Society provides this directory of Maine apple orchards.

Massachusetts Apple Picking

Autumn Hills Orchard - Groton, Massachusetts
Pick your own apples at this authentic working farm on more than 70 acres. Autumn Hills Orchard offers more than 20 varieties of apples and pears, spectacular mountain views and a farm stand. The orchard's Ann Harris tells me that though Autumn Hills is near Boston, it's a bit off the beaten path, "but that's the fun of it, as there are no crowds." She also says, "Our fruit is very high quality, as we grow for specialty commercial markets as well as our you-pick customers."
Carver Hill Orchard - Stow, Massachusetts
Carver Hill Orchard offers apple picking, plus cider, baked goods, ice cream, pumpkins, crafts and apple gift packages for shipment anywhere.
Nashoba Valley Winery - Bolton, Massachusetts
Nashoba Valley Winery grows a variety of fruits--and not just for wines! The orchard offers apple pickers more than 90 varieties to choose from in a beautiful, scenic setting.
Red Apple Farm - Phillipston, Massachusetts
Located 60 miles from Boston, in addition to pick-your-own apples, Red Apple Farm offers hayride tours on weekends, farm animals, walking trails, fall weekend barbeques and New England gift packs for shipping.
Shelburne Farm - Stow, Massachusetts
Shelburne Farm is the oldest pick-your-own apple orchard in eastern Massachusetts. Stop at the Apple Shop for New England goodies including sweet cider, warm cider doughnuts, locally roasted coffee, farm-fresh ice cream, caramel apples, New England-made cheeses and other local products. Hayrides are available daily, and additional activities including pony rides are offered on weekends.
Tougas Family Farm - Northborough, Massachusetts
During fall apple picking season, visit the barnyard, shop in the farm kitchen and pick your own apples at this family farm, which offers more than 20 apple varieties including exciting new crops like Honeycrisp, Zestar! and CrimsonCrisp.

Rhode Island Apple Picking

Phantom Farms - Cumberland, RI
This 60-year-old Rhode Island farm grows more than 15 varieties of apples, including Macouns, and you can pick your own fruit during festival weekends in September.
Rhode Island Orchard Locations - statewide
Here is a list of Rhode Island orchards, including many which offer pick-your-own apples, from RI Fruit Growers.

Vermont Apple Picking

Adams Apple Orchard - Williston, Vermont
During harvest season, you can choose from several varieties of apples including Cortland, McIntosh and Macoun to pick yourself at this Vermont orchard and farm market.
Champlain Orchards - Shoreham, Vermont
This family-owned farm grows McIntosh, Empire, Cortland, Gingergold, Honeycrisp, Gala and dozens of other apple varieties and also presses its own sweet cider. You'll have views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack and Green Mountains as you pick your own juicy apples.
Vermont Orchards - statewide
From All About Apples, here is a directory of orchards throughout Vermont.

Neighboring New York Apple Picking

Apple Hill Farm - New Paltz, New York
Homegrown apples are yours for the picking, and you'll also find hayrides, fresh-pressed cider and mulled apple cider donuts at this Ulster County farm.
Applewood Orchards & Winery - Warwick, New York
Applewood is in the heart of Macintosh Country, and they offer gardens, a farm store, old-fashioned pressed cider by the glass, wine tasting and, of course, pick-your-own apples.
Greig Farm - Red Hook, New York
Located not far from where I grew up in New York's Hudson Valley, Greig Farm has always been one of my favorite places to go apple picking. Don't miss the chance to visit the Hudson Valley Market and Grandiflora Nursery while you're there.
Maskers Orchards - Warwick, New York
A drive-through apple orchard? Maskers claims to be the only apple orchard that lets you drive right up to the tree, which would make it a wonderful spot to take older relatives or small children. They also offer pony rides, baby animals, wagon rides, a country store and special events.
Pick Apples on Long Island - Long Island
About.com's Long Island Guide Linda Tagliaferro has a round-up of places to pick apples on Long Island this fall.
Prospect Hill Orchards - Milton, New York
Pick your own apples and picnic by the pond at this scenic orchard that grows more than a dozen apple varieties.
Weed Orchards and Farm Market - Marlboro, New York
The sign that reads, "Weed Farm U-Pick" may make you laugh, but when you arrive at Weed Orchards and Farm Market in Marlboro, New York, you'll soon be marveling at the lushness of this beautifully manicured farm, located just about 70 miles north of New York City. There might not be any weeds to pick, but you will find acres of ripe, red apples and other produce.
Wilklow Orchards - Highland, New York
This Ulster County orchard is open for apple picking daily in season, and on weekends, you can savor fresh apple cider donuts or head out on a hayride.



New England Trips (Regional Travel Guide)New England Trips (Regional Travel Guide) by Ray Bartlett
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Beagle survives Burlington-Bristol Bridge fall

Beagle at home after 70-foot jump

Alexis Lorenz holds her 7-year-old beagle named Brandi
 on Wednesday.  The dog got loose from her harness and leaped off
 of the Burlington Bristol Bridge and survived.
 / DOUGLAS BOVITT/COURIER-POST
BURLINGTON TWP. — Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s … Super Beagle?

Well, Brandi the beagle can’t exactly leap tall buildings in a single bound, but she did recently jump some 70 feet off the Burlington-Bristol Bridge suffering only minor bruising.

The 7-year-old canine went AWOL Friday night during her regular walk on the Burlington Riverfront Promenade.

Owner Alexis Lorenz said her husband, Robert, left to walk their two beagles around 8 p.m. An hour later he returned — sans Brandi.

“I was in my bathrobe. He wanted me to get dressed. I said. ‘Let’s go,’ ” Lorenz said. “He couldn’t drive fast enough down there.”

Lorenz said they searched the promenade area by foot and by car for hours. While searching near Pearl Street, they were told Burlington County Bridge police had spotted Brandi.

“The police had their searchlights out, and that’s when one of the officers told me she jumped from the bridge,” Lorenz said.

While it’s clear Brandi is a tough pup, she has her Kryptonite.

Lorenz said the rescue beagle went through some type of traumatic experience before being adopted by the Burlington Township family five years ago.

The dog’s past experiences have made her very nervous around unfamiliar faces.

Bridge officer Rob Bittner said he saw Brandi walking up the bridge toward the Pennsylvania side during his normal patrol Friday night.

“I get a fourth of the way up the bridge and I see this dog in the road and cars are moving all around it,” said Bittner. “I activated my lights to slow traffic and I pretty much followed the dog because I didn’t want to scare her by chasing after her.”

Bittner said Brandi was moving fine until she got to the top of the bridge where a steel grate caused her paws to get trapped. At that time, motorists who had gotten out of their cars were also attempting to grab the dog, he said.

“There was a car ahead loaded with young kids that couldn’t have been more then 17 or 20 years old,” said Bittner. “They busted open the door and a young boy tried to grab the dog.”

STORY CONTINUED HERE

CREDIT: http://www.courierpostonline.com

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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Randy Pierce first blind person to climb NH's 48 summits


A local man is not letting his disability keep him from reaching new heights. He's one of about 50 people who have hiked all of New Hampshire's toughest mountains during winter.

But he's a real trail blazer; Randy Pierce is the first blind person to climb New Hampshire’s 48 summits in the White Mountains. What’s more, he did it in one winter, and all he needed was a little help from his guide dog and best friend, Quinn.


Read more

Hiker safe after dramatic rescue in NH mountains

September 19, 2012

FRANCONIA, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire Fish and Game officials say rescue crews who endured high winds and torrential rain to rescue an injured hiker in the White Mountains likely saved his life.

Fifty-nine-year-old Edward Bacon of Northville, Mich., was on the third day of a five-day solo hike around Franconia Notch when he fell Tuesday afternoon and seriously injured his hip. Authorities say Bacon crawled to an area where he was able to get brief cell phone reception and called for help.


A team sent by the Appalachian Mountain Club reached Bacon around 6:20 p.m., followed soon after by New Hampshire Fish and Game officers and volunteers. Facing wind gusts of 80 mph and swollen rivers and streams, rescuers carrying the injured man didn't reach the trailhead until after 3 a.m. Wednesday.

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Monday, September 17, 2012

{Photo's} Rattlesnake Mountain, Rumney NH


Summary
Rattlesnake Mountain, located on the south end of the Carr Mountain ridge, features views in nearly all directions from its ledgy summit. A fire burned a significant portion of the mountain in the summer of 2008.

This trail climbs moderately to a loop over the ledges of Rattlesnake Mtn., providing excellent views over the Baker River Valley for a modest effort.

Summit Elevation
1,594 feet

Trail time
1.3 miles, 1000 ft., 1 hr. 10 min.
2.5 miles (Complete loop), 1050 ft, 1 hr. 45 min.




Feature Name:Rattlesnake Mountain
County:Grafton County
Latitude:43.8072929
Longitude:-71.8403594


Credits:
White Mountain Guide, 29th: AMC's Comprehensive Guide to Hiking Trails in the White Mountain National Forest (Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain Guide)

White Mountain Guide, 29th: AMC's Comprehensive Guide to Hiking Trails in the White Mountain National Forest (Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain Guide)
By Steven D. Smith, Mike Dickerman

List Price:$24.95
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Sculptured Rocks Geologic Site, Groton NH


If you are passing through the area, this is a nice sight to stop and see. The well-carved gorge is quite impressive. This geological wonder is another New Hampshire attraction that is believed to have been formed by a retreated glacier from the great Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago. Swimming is a locally popular activity at this spot in the summer, but it is only safe in low-water conditions. You might spot people jumping off the gorge walls for a bit of adventure. Others may be enjoying some of the water-filled potholes alongside the river. Swimming can be dangerous here; if the water level looks too high, avoid the temptation, especially within the gorge.


Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, which spans 272 acres, is a unique example of nature's powerful yet delicate artistry. The Cockermouth River carved a narrow canyon in bedrock on its way to Newfound Lake, beginning as the last ice age drew to a close. Nature used grains of sand suspended in the current to carve the walls of the canyon into curious shapes and create potholes in the bedrock.


Pets are permitted in the park. See the NH State Parks Pets Policy for more information.




View Larger Map


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Saturday, September 15, 2012

{PHOTO's} Deer at Mine Falls Park, Nashua NH

3 Deer @ Mine Falls Park, Nashua NH
©Dave Peatfield 2012
#923458



Format






Mother and Daughter Deer Portrait
Mine Falls Park, Nashua NH
©Dave Peatfield 2012
#303954



Format






View Larger Map

Mine Falls Park
Park hours are 6 AM to 10 PM.

Mine Falls Park is one of the most instantly recognizable and vital parts of the city of Nashua. The park is located in the heart of the city and was purchased in 1969 with city and federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) monies. The 325-acre park includes forest, wetlands, and open fields; it is bordered on the north by the Nashua River and on the south by the Millpond and canal system.

Visitors enjoy numerous passive recreation opportunities such as walking, boating, fishing, cross-country skiing, and biking. The park also includes several fields for organized sports.

The name "Mine Falls" derives from the 1700s, when low quality lead was supposedly mined from the island below the falls. In the early 1800s the potential of the Nashua River to drive the wheels of industry was recognized. Workers used shovels and mules to dig the three-mile long canal, which provides a vertical drop of 36 feet at the mills.

The Gatehouse near the falls was built in 1886—with the first gates being built in 1826—and it still brings the river to the Millpond. Currently, the gatehouse is the focus of a middle school student lead restoration project. The hydroelectric plant near the falls was built in 1984.

In 1987 the Nashua River Canal and the Nashua Manufacturing Company Historic District (the Millyard) were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1992 the park trails were designated part of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail system, which extends 130 miles along the Merrimack River from Massachusetts to Canada.

Mine Falls Park Rules
*These rules are legally enforcable by City Ordinance Article II, Section 15-16 Parks & Playgrounds

Do:

Carry out all trash
Keep pets on leash
Pick up pet waste
Stay on established trails
Get a permit from the Nashua Park & Rec. Dept.* for Group Events

No:

Motorized vehicles
Alcohol
Fires
Discharge of Firearms
Camping

Don't:

Harm or deface trees, plants, wildlife, or rocks
Damage or deface signs or structures, such as bridges, rocks, etc.
Create or modify trails without City approval
Remove Park signs
Cut trees
Start fires

Park abuse should be reported to the police: (603) 594-3500

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

NH Warns Drivers Over Sharp Increase In Deadly Crashes

CONCORD, N.H.  — Traffic fatalities have spiked in New Hampshire, prompting authorities to urge drivers to slow down and avoid dangerous activities such as texting and talking on cell phones.

Safety Commissioner John Barthelmes says there have been 71 fatal crashes so far in New Hampshire this year, compared to 54 during the same period last year. The crashes resulted in the deaths of 77 people, compared to 57 last year at this time.

Barthelmes also stated the number of reportable crashes so far this year totals over 15,000, compared to over 17,500 for the same period last year.


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Sunday, September 9, 2012

Mass woman rescued from NH's Mount Monadnock

JAFFREY, N.H. (AP) - New Hampshire officials say a Massachusetts woman had to be rescued after suffering a leg injury while hiking down Mount Monadnock.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department says 27-year-old Mia Parviainan of Lowell hurt herself Saturday afternoon while descending from the summit of the 3,165-foot mountain in Jaffrey.

Officials say Fish and Game employees, volunteers, and students and staff from Franklin Pierce University hiked up the mountain in pouring rain and carried Parviainan on a stretcher down 1 of the mountain's steepest trails.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

McFarlane Toys MLB Sports Picks Series 11 Action Figure Johnny Damon (Boston Red Sox) Red Jersey

click on any photo to enlarge in a new window for detailed view


Manufacturer: McFarlane Toys
Series: McFarlane MLB Baseball Sportspicks Series 11
For ages: 4 and up
Details (Description): Johnny Damon, Boston Red Sox CF, No. 18, makes a leaping grab in the outfield.
Condition: Very Good, there is minor cupping of the paper label on the front of the package and that is about it.  Great item to add to any collection!  (detailed photo's below)










CHECK IT OUT! Available auction collectables FOR SALE on eBay http://ow.ly/dsZsL

Slumber Party Barbie Fashions is a 1994 Arcotoys, Inc.

Click image for larger view

Product Features:

  • Slumber Party Barbie Fashions is a 1994 Arcotoys, Inc. A Mattel Company production.
  • Totally Soft Fashion & Extras You Can Sleep With!
  • Included: PJ's (2 Pc.), "Quilt" Blanket & Pillow, Slippers, Stuffed Teddy, Hairbrush & Mirror, Cardboard Diary.
  • All items are Barbie doll size. Fits most Barbie & 11.5" dolls.
  • Great for any collection or just for fun play!
  • Style: 68221-94
  • UPC#: 026676682210 

Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
Slumber Party Barbie Fashions is a 1994 Arcotoys, Inc. A Mattel Company production. Model #68221-94. Totally Soft Fashion & Extras You Can Sleep With!

Included inside the package is a pair of 2 piece PJs that has a purple color top with pink & green flowers w/leaves pattern with white trim around the neck, long sleeves & bottom of the PJ top, a pair of pink PJ bottoms that have white trim around the leg bottoms, a "quilt" style blanket & pillow that has pinks, purple, white, green & blue color floral square pieces (the fabric is made to look like a quilt, but is a one piece fabric) and there's a ruffle at the top with a pink ribbon bow and a pillow sham that matches the quilt look blanket, a pair of pink faux furry slippers, a purple color stuffed Teddy Bear that has black thread outline for it's mouth, eyes & nose and a pink bow at the bear's neck, a pink color hairbrush & faux mirror, and a cardboard Diary.

All items are Barbie doll size. Fits most Barbie & 11.5" dolls. All descriptions are to the best of my ability and may not be exact. Slumber Party Barbie Fashions , a 1994 Arcotoys, Inc. A Mattel Company production is great for any collection or just for fun play!

CHECK IT OUT! Available auction collectables FOR SALE on eBay http://ow.ly/dsZsL

Barbie Fashion Avenue Bridal Collection 1997

click on image for larger view
click on image for larger view

Features:

• Barbie Fashion Avenue Bridal Collection is a 1997 Mattel production.


• Includes: a white Sheath satiny Gown w sheer white fabric above bust & long sleeves; neckline, bodice & cuffs are satiny white. Bodice center has bows w/white faux seed pears in center & there's white sheer fabric Overskirt) starts at dropped waist). Set includes a sheer white Veil w/satiny Head Piece, a pair of white Hi Heel Shoes, & a sheer fabric flower "Bouquet w/white faux pearl in center.

• For ages 3+ years. CAUTION: Small Parts Included.

Model: Asst. 17621
UPC: 074299176210

CHECK IT OUT! Available auction collectables FOR SALE on eBay http://ow.ly/dsZsL

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Don't Shut Down America's Best Idea: National Parks need our help!

Yellowstone

Don't Shut Down America's Best Idea

Laid-off park rangers. Unmaintained roads and trails. Closed national parks. These are some of the consequences if Congress fails to protect the Park Service from dangerous cuts in January under the so-called sequester. Congress must find a solution that protects America's best idea. Share our infographic with facts on how every dollar invested in national parks benefits the country—then ask your representatives to stop the sequester!

Take Action »


Parks in Jeopardy - NPCA Infographic

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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Man rescued from Mount Adams in NH

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire fish and game officials say a 43-year-old man who injured his knee has been rescued from Mount Adams.

Officials learned Friday evening that Jason Baker, of Chicago, had dislocated his knee on the south slope of the mountain and was unable to walk. Due to the remoteness of the area, it was decided that Baker and his companions would stay the night on the mountain.

On Saturday morning, state conservation officers hiked to Baker’s location. An Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter airlifted Baker off the mountain and his two companions were safely escorted from the remote area to the summit of Mount Washington.

Officials say that Baker’s rescue was made much easier because the helicopter was available.



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Sunday, September 2, 2012

Portland Head Lighthouse Slideshow


Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine that sits at the entrance of the shipping channel into Casco Bay. The headlight was the first built by the United States government, and is now a part of Fort Williams Park.

Construction began in 1787 at the directive of George Washington, and was completed on January 10, 1791. Whale oil lamps were originally used for illumination. In 1855, following formation of the Lighthouse Board, a fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed; that lens was replaced by a second-order Fresnel lens, which was replaced later by an aero beacon in 1958. That lens was updated with an DCB-224 aero beacon in 1991.


In 1787, while Maine was still part of the state of Massachusetts, George Washington engaged two masons from the town of Portland, Jonathan Bryant and John Nichols, and instructed them to take charge of the construction of a lighthouse on Portland Head. Washington reminded them that the early government was poor, and said that the materials used to build the lighthouse should be taken from the fields and shores, which could be handled nicely when hauled by oxen on a drag. The original plans called for the tower to be 58 feet tall. When the masons completed this task they climbed to the top of the tower and realized that it would not be visible beyond the headlands to the south, so it was raised approximately 20 feet.


The tower was built of rubblestone, and Washington gave the masons four years to build it. While it was under construction in 1789, the federal government was being formed and for a while it looked as though the lighthouse would not be finished. Following passage of their ninth law,the first congress made an appropriation and authorized the Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, to inform the mechanics that they could go on with the completion of the tower. The tower was completed during 1790 and first lit January 10, 1791.


During the American Civil War, raids on shipping in and out of Portland Harbor became commonplace, and because of the necessity for ships at sea to sight Portland Head Light as soon as possible, the tower was raised twenty feet. The current keepers' house was built in 1891. When Halfway Rock Light was built, Portland Head Light was considered less important and in 1883 the tower was shortened 20 feet and a weaker fourth-order Fresnel lens was added. The former height and second-order Fresnel lens was restored in 1885 following mariners' complaints.


The station has changed little except for the rebuilding of the whistle house in 1975 due to it being badly damaged in a storm. Today, Portland Head Light stands 80 feet above ground and 101 feet above water, its white conical tower being connected with a dwelling. The DCB 224 airport style aerobeacon is visible from 24 miles away. The 400 watt metal halide lamp is rated for 20,000 hours and produces 36,000 lumens of light at 200,000 candlepower. The grounds, and keeper's house are owned by the town of Cape Elizabeth, while the beacon, and fog signal are owned and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard as a current aid to navigation. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Portland Head light (sic) on April 24, 1973, reference number 73000121.



Fort Williams Park is a 90 acre park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine encompassing numerous historical sites. Perhaps most famous for having Portland Head Light on its grounds, the park also encompasses the decommissioned and largely demolished United States Army post Fort Williams, which was operational during World War I and World War II. This fortification became known as Fort Williams on April 13, 1899, by order of Army Headquarters (General Order No. 17, Headquarters of the Army, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D.C.). It was named for Brevet Major General Seth Williams.



As built, the fort contained three batteries, each with two guns, Battery Sullivan, Battery DeHart and Battery Hobart, all built between 1896 and 1898. Three other 2-gun batteries were added later: Battery Blair, 12-inch disappearing guns (1903); Battery Garesché, 6-inch disappearing guns (1906); and Battery Keyes, 3-inch rapid-firing guns (1906), the latter to guard a minefield. Searchlights were also mounted at various batteries.



Between 1900 and 1911, most of Fort Williams' support buildings were constructed, including enlisted barracks, non-commissioned officers' quarters, commissioned officers' quarters (Officers' Row), hospital, gymnasium, post exchange, bakery, abattoir, commissary, laundry, chapel, fire station, Fort headquarters, and other buildings including garages and storage sheds. Infrastructure included an electrical substation, a bunkered telephone switchboard, and pumps and underground storage tanks for gasoline and fuel oil. Recreational facilities included a baseball diamond with concrete bleachers, and clubs (the officers' club utilized the already existing Goddard mansion, purchased by the government and added to the property).


During World War I, the fort was fully manned by artillery companies and National Guard troops. Anti-aircraft guns were added to the defenses during this time. Fort Williams served as the headquarters of the Harbor Defenses of Portland throughout World War II, during which time the last of the coastal artillery pieces were removed due to age and obsolescence. In January 1950, Fort Williams' mission was officially changed from a harbor defense post to a logistical and administrative support installation for all military units and personnel in the State of Maine.


On Saturday, June 30, 1962, Fort Williams officially closed and was turned over to the General Services Administration to be sold. The property was sold to the Town of Cape Elizabeth on December 1, 1964. Many of the fort's buildings were gradually torn down, though several structures remain, either intact or as preserved ruins. Most of the concrete bunkers and gun emplacements were backfilled, though one (Battery Keyes) survives intact. One of the two emplacements of Battery Blair was recently unearthed again, with its surfaces cleaned and painted and interpretive signage added; plans are being made to restore Blair's second emplacement in like manner.



Goddard Mansion, a prominent ruins inside of Fort Williams Park, was built in 1853-59 for Colonel John Goddard. It was purchased in 1898 by Judge Joseph W. Symond, and in 1900, during the expansion of Fort Williams (the army post), it was acquired by the federal government, which eventually converted it to quarters for noncommissioned officers. Currently, the mansion's remain ruins still stand on the hill overlooking Fort Williams.


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Written history source: wikipedia.org

Photo's:  ©Dave Peatfield 2012
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