The East Side: Then and Now

with John O'Connell from Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation

Saturday, May 6 at 1pm

Estimated duration: One hour

Boothbay Harbor's history starts with the arrival of fishermen attracted by the bounty of the sea. For hundreds of years fishing was the primary occupation along with the related boatbuilding industry. The East Side of the harbor was the focus of much of this activity. This walking tour on Atlantic Avenue from the Footbridge to the Fishermen's Memorial Park is only a few hundred yards yet is packed with history, stories, changes and scenery. We will start near the Footbridge, which is being rebuilt, then walk to our Waterfront Park and finish up at the Memorial Park.

Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation has purchased the former Cap'n Fish's Motel and restaurant, formerly Atlantic Boat Works, and is now in the process of converting it into a public park, marina and working waterfront. This effort to preserve working waterfront and public access is an essential counterweight to the major development pressure being experienced all along the beautiful coast of Maine.

There will be a number of guides/narrators many of whom have long term connections with the East Side. They will explain the fishing and boatbuilding history and locations. Then an eclectic mix of potato chip factory, barbershop/candy store, art school and studios, grocery, luxury hotel, saw mill, fertilizer factory and more. Also a small ice pond and the visit of JFK to the Catholic Church. There will be lots of opportunity for discussion.

Accessibility: No special considerations but reasonably accessible.

Starting point: 31 Atlantic Avenue, Boothbay Harbor at Footbridge

 

Ending point: 82 Atlantic Avenue at Fishermens Memorial Park, across from Catholic Church

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.