That Dadbernd Thing

My father often told the story of a man who lived deep in the woods of Maine. I, of course, assumed it was near Grand Lake Stream and that he knew the man. Though, I know what is said of people who make assumptions.

Anyway, the tale goes that the man was at his home when he heard an awful racket coming through the woods toward his house. Around the bend soon came a sputtering new car, kicking along with its proud driver sitting on top. The old man raced into his cabin and quickly emerged with his shotgun. He fired shots into the front grill of the shiny new automobile. As its driver leaped from the car and ran off into the woods screaming, the old man proudly grunted “Well, I made that dadbernd thing let go of that man anyway.”

I can still see my father laughing at the thought. I would love to know if anyone remembers my father telling this story, where the story came from, if it is true and, if so, who the old man or driver might have been. (And how do you spell dadbernd?)

MYSTERY PHOTO - The Little Willy

The Little Willy was owned by Buster Benard.  That's all I know of this photo.  I would love to know more about Buster Benard, the boat (if it operated as a sort of ferry), and what lake this is.

MYSTERY PHOTO

This photo was found amongst an unorganized mixed stash given to me by my mother, for a photo album she hoped I would take over and finish one day. (I'm still trying.) Many are unidentified, such as this.

Perhaps the person in the canoe is a loved one starting off on a familiar adventure. I can only guess. Having been kept for so many years, I am inclined to think he (or she) must be a family member. However, they could be from either side of my family, since the rest of the photos were clearly a blend.

To me, the boggy waters suggest the location could be Musquash. Being as old as the photo appears to be, though, I could easily be mistaking floating bark from the tannery days as marsh.

If this photo brings back memories for anyone I would love to know. I also invite others to share their mystery photos. Perhaps together we can solve a few mysteries.

In my mind's eye...

I often see Grand Lake Stream, Maine as it once was... or as I imagine it to have been. The images are sometimes quite clear... its generations-past paddling the lake, building the dam, finding their way through the woods and along the water's edge... long before the one road in.

The clarity comes primarily from stories told to me by my parents, aunts and uncles. My parents have passed; yet I can still hear their voices recounting the funny, often poignant stories. Some were not much more than simple moments, and most held within them subtle lessons.

In holding with the traditions of the storytelling generations, my family's stories were thankfully repeated often.   With each telling, they became more a part of me.  I cherish every word they shared and yearn for more.

In starting this blog I hope to find kindred spirits with a common connection to Grand Lake Stream and its surrounding area. They need not be native; one of my favorite books about Grand Lake Stream (once known as Hinkley Township) was written by a summer visitor or "summer folk," as I suppose I am. I dream we together may collect stories and images from the past that piece together our common past, both for ourselves and our children.