On Dec. 21, 1924, the Portland Sunday Telegram published a festive spread about how children were celebrating the season. Click on the image to go to the full page on newspapers.com
There was a lot happening in Maine in December 1924: Christmas pageants, Hanukkah festivals, caroling through the streets and visits with Santa Claus.
Shops were decorated for the season and stocked with everything from silk scarves to mechanical toys and fancy ribbon candy. Schoolchildren adorned their classrooms with tinsel and ornaments and rehearsed songs to perform for their parents.
It was the middle of the Roaring Twenties and Mainers were in the mood to celebrate.
With a world war and deadly global influenza epidemic firmly in the rearview mirror, the nation’s economy was surging and people had money to spend on household appliances, cars and clothing. Radios were becoming increasingly popular, with people tuning in to listen to news and entertainment from around the world. A host of new consumer products hit the market: Wheaties cereal, Bit-O-Honey candy bars, Dum Dums, iodized table salt and Kleenex facial tissues.
Popular children’s toys included Raggedy Ann dolls, teddy bears, Crayola crayons, chemistry sets, Lincoln Logs, Tinkertoys and yo-yos. The holiday season kicked off with the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
A look through the archives of Maine newspapers provides an enticing glimpse at the holiday merriment 100 years ago.
PARTY TIME
The elementary schools around Portland went all in on their holiday celebrations.
A full page of the Dec. 21 Portland Sunday Telegram was devoted to describing the festivities. The spread was topped with photos of local children under the banner headline “Jolly Old St. Nicholas We’re Sure You Can’t Resist Us.”
The Morrill School held a Christmas party in every classroom “with games and stories and Christmas stories and Christmas songs and best of all ice cream for all.” Fifth-graders watched stereopticon slides illustrating Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and the kindergarten room was “especially attractive.”
“The tree is ablaze with crystal and silver trimmings. After greetings to the parents and guests, the children told the real Christmas story and sang their songs about the Little Christ Child,” the newspaper reported. “Gifts that the children had made to give away, and gifts that they contributed for some needy families, were then distributed and after a meal with ice cream and animal crackers all went home most happy.”
At the West School, students put on a Christmas program featuring poems, songs and readings. There were piano solos and an instrumental performance of “The Desert Caravan” featuring students playing mandolins, violins and the piano. Two sixth-grade classes banded together to put on a Christmas play titled “Santa and the Dragon,” with a Santa, a woodcutter, witches and fairies, dolls for various countries and a knight named St. George.
Santa Claus visited six schools across the city – his arrival was “a gala occasion” everywhere he went.
“The very most elaborate party given for Santa was at the Oakdale School where hosts of parents came in, and where Santa’s arrival was heralded by loud honkings of automobile horns which sent the children rushing to the window. When he drove up in state with his pack just crammed with good things for small boys and girls pandemonium broke loose, albeit a teacher-regulated pandemonium,” the paper reported. “Here and at every other school which Santa Claus visited he distributed rolls of life-savers, one for each child, and the munching and crunching of these goodies accompanied the farewells to the Christmas saint.”
LETTERS TO SANTA
Hazel Fillmore asked her letter to Santa to be read on the radio in 1924. Click on the image to go to the full page on newspapers.com
A young Portland girl’s attempt to get her letter to Santa drew the attention of the Sun-Journal. In a story published on Dec. 18, the newspaper detailed how a letter by Hazel Fillmore of Hanover Street was read by Mr. Messter, the WCBR Portland Radio Exposition announcer.
“The up-to-date child no longer depends on the slowness and the uncertainty of mail. He establishes direct communication to the Saint of Christmas thru radio,” the newspaper wrote.
Hazel used the letter to introduce Santa to her new baby brother, Philip Calvin Fillmore (“we love him very much”), and detail the Christmas wishes of her other siblings. Everett, 2, and Helen, 3, both wanted rocking horses, while 5-year-old Millard and 7-year-old Warren wanted horns and drums. Iona, 8, asked Santa for a sewing box and a sleeping doll.
“As for me, I want a pair of bedroom slippers and a Bible, and if it is not asking too much, a sleeping doll,” she wrote. “Dear Santa Claus, Mamma is in bed sick but I want you to please answer over the radio tomorrow night. My papa will tune in for me.”
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
The Jewish communities in Portland and Biddeford celebrated Hanukkah starting on Dec. 21.
In Portland, the YWHAA Intermediates and Juniors prepared an evening of musical numbers and refreshments for the first night of Hanukkah, the Portland Sunday Telegram reported.
“One of the most important features of the evening will be the Chanukah pageant, written by Miss Alice Modes, in which about 10 girls take part and which will prove very interesting. The pageant is a sketch of the history of Chanukah and the scenes will be very pretty, the girls in their flowing white gowns, each carrying one of the letters that form the word Chanukah. Musical numbers will follow and refreshments will be served.”
The Biddeford-Saco Journal wrote about the “impressive services” given by Rev. Lipin at the synagogue on Bacon Street in Biddeford and printed a detailed history of the holiday.
“The feast of lights as it is sometimes called was celebrated with elaborate exercises at the synagogue on Bacon Street at sunset Sunday,” the story said. “One candle was lighted and today, two, with three tomorrow, four the next day, five the next, six the following day, seven on the next day, and eight on the eighth day.”
Ads in the Biddeford-Saco Journal on Dec. 22, 1924, detailed the food and gifts offered in local shops. Click on the image to go to the full page on newspapers.com
GIFTS GALORE
The 1920s ushered in an advertising boom and local shop owners took advantage of the trend to market their holiday season offerings.
In newspapers across southern Maine, shops advertised all manner of gifts – from slippers to kitchen appliances to custom-made suits. Toys, of course, got top billing in many ads.
The Biddeford Bargain House on Main Street had a lot of gift ideas: child’s carpet sweeper, 35 cents; little horse rocker, 35 cents; trains 50 cents to $2.50; electric toasters for $3.95; 42-piece dinner set for $7.95; dolls 10 cents to $7.50; mechanical toys 25 cents to $2.98; solid maple desks and chairs, $4.98.
Over at Mrs. S.E. Ladd on Main and Water streets in Saco, the shop offered “Interesting Christmas gift for women” – most of them involving silk. In stock were sweaters, silk underwear, silk boudoir caps, silk scarfs, underarm bags, silk bloomers, corset covers, bath robes, silk mules, silk hosiery, silk ribbons and silk blouses.
Just two days before Christmas, ads in the Evening Express targeted Westbrook shoppers looking for last-minute gifts. At the Emile Begin clothing shop, “Gifts for Him” included shirts, ties, armbands, bathrobes, umbrellas, mufflers and cuff links. Over on Bridge Street, Carr’s Shoe Store offered ladies’ and men’s Christmas slippers for 59 cents to $3.50 in “all kinds and colors.”
LaFond & Co. invited shoppers to “come to our Toyland on the 2nd floor” for last-minute gifts, including silk hosiery, silk umbrellas, rubber aprons, muslin underwear, baby crib sheets and leather pocketbooks.
WHAT PEOPLE WERE EATING
When it came time for holiday meals, local markets were ready with everything people needed.
The Andrews & Horigan Co. grocery store on Main Street in Biddeford had Christmas turkeys, ducks, geese and chickens, “all fresh killed and fancy stock” ranging from 42 to 48 cents. There were also California and Florida oranges, jumbo pecans, cranberries, squash and all the vegetables needed for dinner. For dessert, 2-pound boxes of ribbon candy were just 43 cents.
“We have everything to complete your Christmas dinner,” read the ads for Bibeau Bros., The Pure Food Market, at the corner of Alfred and Jefferson Streets in Biddeford. Their offerings included extra fancy turkeys direct from the farm, native geese, ducks, grapefruit, apples and nuts.
The grocers encouraged people to “shop early and avoid disappointment.”
To help readers expand their holiday menus, the Biddeford-Saco Journal published a cooking column called “The Kitchen Cabinet” that offered recipes for yuletide goodies, including butterscotch Spanish cream and snowballs made out of sponge cake.
In Portland, ads for Spear Folks Candy at 495 Congress St. – famous for Needhams and caramels – highlighted its “splendid gift packages for $1. There were also candy-filled cedar chests, ribbon candy, novelties, hard candies and stocking fillers ready to be packaged for shoppers.
“Remember, everybody likes candy!” the ad read.
Summertime means packed touring schedules for bands of many musical genres, and plenty of them are making stops in Maine. From ’90s alternative darlings The Breeders to legends like Joe Jackson and Barry Manilow, along with Maine acts 12/OC and The Ghost of Paul Revere, there are many ways to make this a live music summer to remember.
Here are 19 shows to consider between now and early September at some of Maine’s biggest indoor and outdoor venues.
6 p.m. June 16. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $63.75-$159.75. waterfrontconcerts.com.
One of the biggest events of the summer of 2013 was Mumford & Sons bringing their “Gentlemen of the Road Stopover” festival to Portland’s Eastern Prom. This summer, the band will be performing in Bangor, in support of its sixth album “Prizefighter.” Dylan Gossett opens.
8 p.m. June 18. State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland, $49.50 in advance, $55 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.
Alternative rock darlings The Breeders is sisters Kim and Kelley Deal, Josephine Wiggs and Jim MacPherson. Since 1990, the band has released five albums and gone through several hiatuses while members were involved with other projects. Most notable is their 1993 release “Last Splash,” home to quintessential ’90s tune “Cannonball.”
7:30 p.m. June 20. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $85.25-$223.95. waterfrontconcerts.com.
Jelly Roll is the professional name of Jason Bradley DeFord. Popular songs by the country, rock and hip-hop singer-songwriter include “Need a Favor” and “Son of a Sinner.” Jelly Roll won a 2024 Best Contemporary County Album Grammy for “Beautifully Broken.” His Little Ass Shed Tour pulls into Bangor with blues, country, rock and folk artist Kashus Culpepper opening the show.
7 p.m. June 21. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $62 in advance, $70 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.
Chicago-based rock band Wilco has played in Maine many times through the decades, and the next show is an outdoor one. Fronted by Jeff Tweedy, Wilco also features bassist John Stirratt, who owns a home in the Midcoast. With 13 albums of material to choose from, the show should satisfy new fans and longtime ones.
7 p.m. July 3. Cross Insurance Arena, Portland, $77-$385. crossarenaportland.com.
Pop singer Barry Manilow’s final concert in Portland is one of the crown jewels of the summer, after being rescheduled from April 19 because Manilow was ill. With classic songs like “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Copacabana (At the Copa),” the legacy artist will likely draw a huge crowd as he takes his final bow in Maine.
8 p.m. July 11. State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland, $55.50-$99.50. statetheatreportland.com.
British singer, songwriter and pianist Joe Jackson released the album “Hope and Fury,” his 20th, in April. The Grammy winner’s discography dates back to the 1979 debut album “Look Sharp!,” home to Jackson staples “Sunday Papers,” “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” and “Fools in Love.” His piano chops are as impressive as his vocals, so you expect a first-rate show from Jackson and his band.
6 p.m. July 11. The Bowl in the Pines at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, 1 Geranium Lane, Sidney, $70-$153. snowpond.org.
Alison Krauss & Union Station have been in the forefront of bluegrass and roots music for more than 40 years. With a show that will include songs from their latest album, “Arcadia,” you can look forward to a fantastic performance from the multiple Grammy winners. The band includes Krauss (fiddle, vocals), Jerry Douglas (Dobro, lap steel), Ron Block (banjo, guitar, vocals), Barry Bales (bass, vocals) and Russell Moore (guitar, mandolin, vocals). Theo Lawrence opens the show.
6:30 p.m. July 18. The Bowl in the Pines at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, 1 Geranium Lane, Sidney, $27.76. snowpond.org.
This on-the-rise Maine country band was founded by Portland brothers Will and Reid Nichols, who started playing gigs when they were 10 and 13. 12 O/C has been building a loyal following in Maine for several years and moved to Nashville about two years ago. The show is a benefit for the Travis Mills Foundation, with Kelsey Hart opening.
7:30 p.m. July 19. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $56.75-$213.45. waterfrontconcerts.com.
No one writes and sings pop parodies quite like Weird Al Yankovic. The Grammy winner has been at it for more than 45 years, and has sold more than 12 million albums. Hits include parodies of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” (“Eat It”) in 1984, Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” (“Like a Surgeon”) in 1985 and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (“Smells Like Nirvana”) in 1992. Yankovic’s “Bigger & Weirder” show will kick off with Puddles Pity Party, a sad clown character who sings covers.
6:30 p.m. July 21. The Bowl in the Pines at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, Sidney, $63.43-$120.06. snowpond.org.
For a summer night full of rock, funk, soul, jazz, blues, hip-hop and Caribbean-influenced music, head to Sidney for Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Shorty is the pride of New Orleans and his shows are both celebratory and musically tremendous. JJ Grey & Mofro will open the show.
6:45 p.m. July 23. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $35-$233.50. waterfrontconcerts.com.
Relive the heyday of ’80s pop music with a trio of acts who know how to pack a Top 40 punch. Toto will have you scream-singing along to “Africa,” Christopher Cross will remind you that the canvas can do miracles with “Sailing,” and the Romantics will have you jumping up and down with “What I Like About You.” All three have multiple hits, so plan on a highly entertaining and nostalgic night of music.
7:30 p.m. Aug. 1. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, $75-$110. porttix.com.
Herbie Hancock, 86, has been a huge presence in modern jazz, funk, electronic music, rock and other genres for his entire career. It’s no wonder he’s won 14 Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. You may recall Hancock’s 1983 instrumental hit “Rockit,” and his 2007 release “River: The Joni Letters” with its lush piano interpretations of Joni Mitchell’s songs like “Both Sides Now” and “Sweet Bird.”
4 p.m. Aug. 8 & 9. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $70, $40 kids, $130 adult two-day pass, $30 kids two-day pass. statetheatreportland.com.
This will be the eighth year that the rock band Guster, featuring Cape Elizabeth singer and guitarist Adam Gardner, has made Portland the home of its summer festival. The Merrill Auditorium show on Aug. 7 with the Portland Symphony Orchestra is long sold out, but there are still tickets to two big outdoor shows at Thompson’s Point. The lineup features Iron & Wine, Watchhouse, The Barr Brothers, Neal Francis, Eggy, Dave Butler & Friends, Bebe Stockwell, Khatumu and Cilla Bonnie.
7:30 p.m. Aug. 11. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $44.50-$181.50. waterfrontconcerts.com.
British rocker Billy Idol will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with the ceremony taking place in Los Angeles in November. Before that happens, he’ll be on a huge tour that includes a show in Bangor. Sing along with hits like “White Wedding,” “Eyes Without a Face,” “Dancing With Myself” and “Rebel Yell,” among others.
7 p.m. Aug. 13. Cross Insurance Arena, Portland, $85-$497. crossarenaportland.com.
Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile’s latest record is “Returning To Myself.” The Human Tour, named for its second track, swings through Portland in August. Since 2005, Carlile has released nine studio albums, including a collaboration with Elton John, and has won 11 Grammy Awards. Some of Carlile’s best known songs include “The Story,” “Hold Out Your Hand” and “The Joke.”
7 p.m. Aug. 25. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $53 in advance, $61 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.
Indigo Girls is the folk duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, known for their vocal harmonies, songwriting and musicianship. The show will feature sing-alongs of Indigo Girls’ signature songs like “Closer to Fine,” “Galileo” and if we’re lucky, “Kid Fears.”
7 p.m. Sept. 6. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $65.20-$304.70. waterfrontconcerts.com.
Texas rock band ZZ Top’s hits include “Legs,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” The band continues to play righteous shows after losing original Dusty Hill, bassist, in 2021. “The Big One!” tour features opening act George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Be ready to belt out “Bad to the Bone.” B-b-b-bad!
5 p.m. Sept. 6. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $55 in advance, $65 day of show, free for kids 3 and under. statetheatreportland.com.
Take part in a festival that’s a reunion for one of Maine’s best-loved bands. The Ghost of Paul Revere, started by childhood friends Griffin William Sherry, Sean McCarthy and Max Davis from Buxton and Hollis, were together for more than a decade and toured nationally before breaking up in 2022. The band hosted its own annual festival, Ghostland, usually at Thompson’s Point. They’ll play this year’s Thompson’s Point show with Futurebirds, Weakened Friends and Mikaela Davis.
7 p.m. Sept. 9. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $75 in advance, $85 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.
With a devoted following, dance-punk act LCD Soundsystem is led by James Murphy. Popular tracks include “Dance Yrself Clean” and “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House.” They called it quits in 2011, then rebooted in 2016. They’ve released five albums, starting with their breakthrough self-titled 2005 release.
This story was originally published by the Maine Trust for Local News. Aimsel Ponti can be reached at aponti@pressherald.com.
PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) — While the statewide moratorium on data center development was vetoed by Governor Mills, local communities across the state are now taking matters into their own hands, with some passing their own pauses.
At least four southern Maine cities and towns, including Scarborough, Sanford, and Westbrook have all implemented local data center moratoriums in recent weeks.
It comes as new polling show most Mainers opposed the construction of these facilities.
That poll, conducted by UMass Lowell and released last week, shows 72% of Mainers don’t want a data center built in their community, including 51% who strongly opposed it.
Just 28% said they would support that type of development.
The results mirror what’s being seen across the country.
According to a poll released Friday by Reuters, only 14% of Americans said they felt comfortable with a data center being built nearby.
77% said they worried AI-driven data centers would raise their electricity costs.
Those are concerns lawmakers here in Maine say cross the political spectrum.
“Red states, blue states, purple states are having this conversation, and people just want to have some answers about what this technology means, what this development opportunity means,” Rep. Melanie Sachs said.
Maine currently has a data center advisory council studying the potential impact large-scale data center development could have on the state’s energy grid and resources.
They’re expected to release a final report in January.
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