Wonder what writers really think about? Get ready for a literary extravaganza! The Maine Festival of the Book, brought to you by Maine Reads brings together writers and readers to enjoy readings, panel discussions, book signings, and performances. With the exception of Opening Night and Youth Outreach, festival events are first-come, first-served, un-ticketed seating, and are free. Almost 2000 people attended this year’s three-day event. In its four years of existence, the Maine Festival of the Book has featured more than 200 authors, including four Pulitzer Prize winners.
For more information about The Maine Festival of the Book and to join the mailing list for 2011, check out Maine Read’s website.
This lectured entitled “Franco-American Women’s Words in Maine” featured author, Rhea Côté Robbins, reading from works in progress as well as from previously published titles weaving stories of the French woman’s life on the landscapes in Maine. Trudy Chambers Price was unable to attend, but pieces of her works were also read.
The Maine Festival of the Book is an annual festival brought to you by Maine Reads with support from the Maine Humanities Council.
The Blaine House is the Governor’s residence in Augusta, Maine. At the 175th anniversary celebration of this historic house on August 16, 2008, historian Jo Radner interviewed some of its former residents and staff.
Phyllis H. Siebert was the Blaine House chef from 1972 until her retirement in 2001. Cass Longley-Leahy is one of James B. Longley’s children. Governor Longley was in office from 1975 to 1979. Burton Cross served as Governor of Maine between 1953 and 1955. Margaret (Peggy) Gardiner’s father, William Tudor Gardiner, was the Governor of Maine from 1929 to 1933. Nancy Catlin is the great-granddaughter of Edwin Chick Burleigh, U.S. Senator (1913-1916) and Governor of Maine (1889-1893). Several other descendents of the Burleigh family—Mary J. O’Connor, Dr. Susan O’Connor, and Mari McGuire—joined her for this interview. Nicholas S. Sewall occupied the wartime Blaine House while his father, Sumner Sewall, served as the Governor of Maine between 1941 and 1945.
This excerpt from the Voici the Valley Audio Story features Allagash resident Joe Kelly recalling his experiences as a logger and river driver in the time before the chain saw. You’ll also hear a French folk song about a river driver, performed by traditional singer Rachel LeBlanc. The photo at right by Daniel Picard shows a traditional “Connors” river driving batteau on the St. John River.
This recording is excerpted from the Voici the Valley Cultureway Audio Story. We welcome your feedback on this Voici the Valley podcast.
Please be aware that the content in these audio files does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the Maine Humanities Council or any organization with which the Maine Humanities Council is affiliated. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Wonder what writers really think about? Get ready for a literary extravaganza! The Maine Festival of the Book, brought to you by Maine Reads brings together writers and readers to enjoy readings, panel discussions, book signings, and performances. With the exception of Opening Night and Youth Outreach, festival events are first-come, first-served, un-ticketed seating, and are free. Almost 2000 people attended this year’s three-day event. In its four years of existence, the Maine Festival of the Book has featured more than 200 authors, including four Pulitzer Prize winners.
This lectured entitled “Franco-American Women’s Words in Maine” featured author, Rhea Côté Robbins, reading from works in progress as well as from previously published titles weaving stories of the French woman’s life on the landscapes in Maine. Trudy Chambers Price was unable to attend, but pieces of her works were also read.
