Portland Monthly Magazine November 1986

What Do These People Have in Common?

07447019402611

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At Shop 7n Save7 you get lower prices all the time. And something more. Outstanding customer service.

When you write a Customer Comment Card about one of our outstanding people7 we reward them.

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The Mercedes-Benz 300 SDL Turbo Sedan. It repeals the laws of diesels. And maintains the standards of Mercedes-Benz.

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FEATURES 11

Special R eport: th e 10 Most Intriguing People in Maine.

20

C ontroversy: Legal Eagles...

A Look Inside Pine T ree Legal

By A lan R osenberg.

26

Style: W hat P ortland Is W earing.

By M argarete C. Schnauck.

33

Interview : M arguerite Y ourcenar, F ren ch A uthor, A cadem ician.

By John Tavlor

DEPAR TM EN TS 5

On T he Tow n: P erform ing A rts A nd E n tertain m en t Listings.

By M ichael Hughes.

7

Letters

19

R estaurant Review: T he W histling O yster.

By G eorge B enington.

36

C om m ercial Real Estate: D esperately Sikhing Pritham .

By Colin Sargent.

41

Portlandiana: Myth, C ontretem ps, A nd L egend S urrounding The P ortland D ogm an.

By Tom V erde.

46

New Fiction: T he Pow erline.

By K enneth Rosen.

52

Flash.

D raw ings By Mike M oore

November, 1986 Volume 1, No. 7

C o v er P h o to g rap h s: “J o a n B en o it," c o u rte s y of N ike S hoe Co., B e a v e rto n , O reg o n . B lack a n d w h ite p o rtra its of L e o n ard N elson, fo rm e r G ov. K en n eth C urtis, T o n y DiMillo, J a n Fox, M ichael L iberty, an d P rith a m Singh b y T rish H arrin g to n .

NOVEMBER 1986

3

I

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

PORTLAND M O N TH LY

P ublisher S enior E ditor E ditorial A ssistant A dvertising D irector A dvertising

Nancy D. Sargent Colin Sargent Margarete C. Schnauck Bobbi L. Goodman Tom Lennox Marjorie Mills A dvertising A ssistant Susan E. Fortune

C ontributing E ditors On The Town Michael Hughes Movers & Shakers Marcia Feller Restaurant Reviews George Benington Flash Marjorie Mills Commercial & Resi­ dential Real Estate Richard Bennett The Arts Juris Ubans The Waterfront John Taylor Style Madeline McTurck At Large Kendall Merriam

P o r t l a n d M o n th ly is p ublished b y P o rtla n d M onthly, Inc., 154 M iddle S tree t, P o rtla n d , ME 04101. All c o r­ re s p o n d e n c e sh o u ld b e a d d re sse d to 154 M iddle S treet, P o rtla n d , ME 04101.

A d v e r ti s i n g O ffic e : 154 M iddle S tree t, P o rtla n d , ME 04101 (207) 775-4339.

his m onth, w e are proud to introduce two new features: Video Reviews by H enry Alan P aper and an invitation to participate in our upcom ing Classified and Personals Section, which will m ake its debut with the Jan u ary issue.

D eadline for our first Personals Section is N ovem ber 15.

W e’re bringing you video review s for tw o reasons. First, as a people to people m agazine with high new sstand sales, w e feel th at you, like city m agazine readers in m ajor cities across the country, will enjoy seeing them . T hey give a three-dim ensional feel to our already acclaim ed Listings Section, and they should provide relief to the w alking w ounded am ong us w ho think w e’ve picked the video

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stores clean and can ’t bear to watch REVENGE OF THE NERDS a third time. Screenw riter P aper’s inform ed re v ie w s of d e lic io u s s le e p e rs , com plete with am using anecdotes like the tim e (in this m onth’s issue) he crashed into Otto P rem inger’s New York penthouse apartm ent for an am bush interview , should turn your video w asteland into an oasis (in addition to our listings review s this m onth, Paper recom m ends another sleeper - try “The Coca Cola Kid”).

Finally, I’d like to thank you, our readers, for m aking P ortland M onthly the leading new sstand seller that it h a s b e c o m e . W e ’re p ro u d to announce that w e’re breaking all our grow th projections just as quickly as m etropolitan Portland is catapulting into national attention.

The energy, vitality, and visceral grow th of the Portland a rea is quickly becom ing “the subject of legend, verse, and song” - even though Time Magazine did misspell Pritham Singh’s nam e a few w eeks ago (Pritam (sic) Singh (Sikh)) - and w e’re proud to be covering the action for you first-hand.

Hope you enjoy this issue.

S u b s c r ip ti o n s : In th e U.S. a n d C anada, $18 for 1 yea r, $30 fo r 2 y ea rs, $36 for 3 years.

N o v em b e r 1986, Vol. 1, No. 7, co p y rig h t 1986 by P o rtla n d M onthly. All rights re s e rv e d . A pplication to m ail to second-class ra te s p e n d in g at P o rtla n d , ME 04101. (ISSN: 0887-5340) O pinions e x p re sse d in a r­ ticles a re th o s e of a u th o rs a n d do n o t re p resen t ed ito rial positions of P o rtla n d M onthly. L e tte rs to th e e d ito r a re w elc o m e a n d will be tre a te d as u n co n d i­ tio n ally a ssig n ed for p u b licatio n an d c o p y rig h t p u r­ p o ses a n d as su b jec t to P o rtla n d M onthly’s u n restricted rig h t to edit a n d c o m m e n t editorially. N othing in this issue m ay b e re p rin te d in w h o le o r in p a rt w ithout w ritte n perm ission from th e publishers. P ostm aster: S end ad d ress c h a n g e s to: 154 M iddle S tree t, P ortland, M aine 04101. R etu rn p o stag e m ust a c c o m p a n y all m a n u sc rip ts an d p h o to g ra p h s su b m itted if th e y a re to b e re tu rn e d , a n d no resp o n sib ility can b e assum ed for un so licited m aterials.

4

PORTLAND MONTHLY

d a d & vre cf \ 3 36 F o re St.. P o rtla n d , M e., U n d e r th e R ed C a n o p y , in the O ld Port

Dining for o n e —w e ’re th e p erfe ct p la c e . . . W e're n o t bad for two, th re e o r fo u r e i t h e r . . .

ON THE TOWN D ead lin e for listings is six w e e k s in a d v a n c e of p u b lic a ­ tio n d a te . P le a se s e n d m a te ria ls to M ichael H ughes, L istings E ditor, P o rtla n d M o n th ly , 154 M iddle St., P o rt­ lan d , M aine 04101. P le a se in c lu d e d a te , tim e, p la ce, c o n ta c t p e rs o n , te le p h o n e n u m b e r, c o s t a n d a d e s c rip ­ tio n of y o u r e v e n t. If y o u h a v e a n y q u e s tio n s, p le a s e call P o rtla n d M o n th ly at 775-4339.

M U S IC

T h e A u r o r a D u o , flutist S usan T h o m as a n d g u itarist M ychal G en d ro n , p erfo rm as p a rt of th e U n iv ersity ’s 1987-87 F acu lty C o n ce rt Series. N o v em b e r 7, C orthell C o n cert Hall, U n iv ersity of S o u th e rn M aine, G o rh am cam p u s, 8 p.m . $ 5 /$ 3 . 780-5256.

T h e C la n c y B r o t h e r s w ith R o b b ie O ’C o n n e ll, w ith special g u ests N o rth east W inds. S p o n so re d b y th e P o rtla n d C o n ce rt A ssociation. S atu rd a y , N o v em b e r 8, P o rtla n d C ity Hall A u d ito riu m , 8 p .m . $ 1 5 /$ 12.

772-8630.

USM W in d E n s e m b le , N o v em b e r 9, C o rth ell C o n ce rt Hall, U niversity of S o u th ern M aine, G o rh am cam p u s, 3 p.m . $ 3 / $ l . 780-5256.

T h e M a in e N e w M u sic N e tw o r k , featu rin g M ilto n B a b b itt, k n o w n as th e fo u n d in g fa th e r of c o m p u te r m usic. B abbitt, w h o h as ta u g h t at P rin ce to n U niversity for m ost of his c a re e r, is a re c e n t re c ip ie n t of a M acA rthur g en iu s a w ard . P o rtla n d M useum of A rt, S u nday, N o v em b e r 9 a t 3 p .m . F re e w ith M useum adm ission. 775-6148.

USM C h a m b e r O r c h e s t r a , N o v em b e r 14, C orthell C o n ce rt H all, U n iv ersity of S o u th ern M aine, G o rh am cam p u s, 8 p.m . $ 3 / $ l . 780-5256.

BOMALI ORIENTAL CARPETS WELLS U N IO N A N TIQ U E CENTER

T h e P o r t l a n d S y m p h o n y O r c h e s t r a w ith g u e s t a r t i s t g u i t a r i s t C h r i s t o p h e r P a r k e n i n g , u n d e r th e b a to n of guest c o n d u c to r P a u l V e r m e l. F eatu rin g a p ro g ra m of Berlioz, B o w d er, C asteln u o v o -T ed esco a n d B rahm s. P o rtla n d City Hall A u d ito riu m , T u esd ay , N o v em b e r 18, 7:45 p.m . $ 1 8 /$ 1 5 /$ 1 1 /$ 7 . 773-8191.

B a r i to n e T h o m a s C a r e y a n d p ia n is t R o b e r t K. G r e e n le e p erfo rm a t B ow doin C ollege on W ed n esd ay , O cto b e r 22 at 8 p.m . in K resge A u d ito riu m in th e V isual A rts C en ter. $6. 725-3253.

B a r i to n e C h r i s t o p h e r T r a k a s , w in n e r of th e 1983 Y o ung C o n cert A rtists In te rn a tio n a l A uditions, th e 1983 W a sh in g to n In te rn a tio n a l C om p etitio n for Singers, a n d th e 1983 C h am b er O rc h e stra of New E ngland C o n ce rto P rize. P art of th e P o rtla n d C o n cert A sso ciation’s M useum S eries. P o rtla n d M useum of A rt, T h u r s d a y , O c to b e r 2 3 , 7:30 p .m . F o r m o re in fo rm atio n , call 772-8630.

T e n o r B r u c e F ith i a n d o in g h is s o n g c y c le b a s e d o n t h e w o r k s o f E m ily D ic k e n s o n . U niversity of S o u th e rn M aine, G o rh am cam p u s, C orthell C o n ce rt Hall. F riday, O c to b e r 24, 8 p.m . $ 5 /$ 3 . 780-5256.

T h e P o r tla n d S y m p h o n y O r c h e s t r a , u n d e r th e b a to n of m usic d ire c to r a n d c o n d u c to r T oshiyiki S h im ad a, p re s e n t th e th e o p e n in g c o n c e rt in th e ir P ops Series w ith th e le g e n d a ry jazz p ian ist G eo rg e S hearing.

P o rtla n d City Hall A uditorium , S atu rd a y , O c to b e r 25 at 8:30 p.m ., a n d S unday, O c to b e r 26 a t 3 p.m . $ 1 7 /$ 1 4 /$ 11 /$ 7 . 773-8191.

USM C h a m b e r O r c h e s t r a W o r k s h o p w ith P a u l V e r m e l a n d m e m b e r s o f t h e P o r t l a n d S tr in g Q u a r te t . N o v e m b e r 19 f r o m 11 to 1 p .m . C o r th e ll C o n c e r t H a ll, U n iv e r s ity o f S o u th e r n M a in e , G o r h a m c a m p u s . F r e e . 7 8 0 -5 2 5 6 .

P ia n i s t A n n e - M a r ie M c D e r m o tt, w in n e r of th e Y oung C o n ce rt A rtists In te rn a tio n a l A u d itio n s in 1983.

T h e tw e n ty -y e a r old m usician h as b ee n d escrib ed b y th e W a s h in g to n P o st a s “ ...a k e y b o a rd v irtu o so ...T ech n ically d az zlin g .” P art of th e P o rtla n d C o n c e rt A ss o c ia tio n ’s M u seu m S eries. P o rtla n d M useum of A rt, T h u rsd ay , N o v em b e r 20, 7:30 p.m . F or m o re in fo rm atio n , call 772-8630.

T h e P o r t l a n d S tr in g Q u a r te t , a c k n o w le d g e d b y th e natio n al critical p ress re p e a te d ly as o n e of th e c o u n try ’s finest en sem b les, p erfo rm s th e m usic of T e lem an n , F ran ck , an d , w ith g u est artist flutist A lison Hale, B e e th o v e n ’s S ep tet in E flat M ajor, O p. 20.

Im m an u el B aptist C hurch, 156 H igh St., P o rtlan d .

F rid ay N o v em b e r 2 1 , 8 p .m . $ 8 /$ 5 . 775-0343.

M ic h e le N e ls o n , s o p r a n o , p erfo rm s h e r sen io r recital on N o v em b e r 2 at th e C orthell C o n ce rt Hall, U niversity of S o u th e rn M aine, G o rh am cam p u s, at 3 p.m . F ree. 780-5256.

646-3866

W e o ffe r a fabulous c o lle c tio n o f new and o ld pieces at very g o o d prices.

C o m e in and see o u r c o lle c tio n o f over 300 q u a lity carpets.

Decorators W elcom e.

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P e t e r a n d th e W o lf, featu rin g th e P o r t l a n d S y m p h o n y O r c h e s t r a a n d th e P o r t l a n d B a lle t R e p e r to r y C o m p a n y . T h e Y outh C o n ce rts ta k e p lace o n M onday, O cto b e r 27 a n d T u e sd a y , O c to b e r 28 at 9:30 a n d 11 a.m . e a c h d ay in th e City Hall A uditorium . $1.50. 773-8191.

P o rtla n d S y m p h o n y C h a m b e r O rc h e s tra co n d u c te d by a ssistan t c o n d u c to r R ichard V an sto n e, w ith g u est a rtists M ichael B raz a n d Shirley M athew s, h arp sic h o rd ists. T h e o p en in g C andlelight C oncert featu res a p ro g ra m of w o rk s b y Grieg, Bach, Purcell an d H orow itz. S o n esta H otel, E astland B allroom , P o rtla n d . S u nday, N o v em b e r 2 at 3:30 an d 7 p.m . $11.

773-7191.

Rte. 1 Wells, Me.

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T h e G a r y B u r to n Q u in te t, f e a t u r i n g k e y b o a r d i s t M a k o to O z o n e . N am ed “Best V ib est” ev e ry y e a r since 1968, B u rto n is at th e to p of his fo rm ; O zo n e is e v e ry bit B u rto n ’s m usical p e e r. S p o n so re d b y th e P o rtla n d C o n ce rt A ssociation. S atu rd a y , N o v em b e r 22, P o rtla n d City Hall A u d ito riu m , 8 p.m . $ 1 2 /$ 7 .

772-8630.

NOVEMBER 1986

5

The ultimate, originahstyle,

R O L L -T O P D E SK S Features: Raised beveled pan­ eling Solid brass hardware Accuride slides in all drawers both ends of drawers Carved drawer pulls Pendaflex rods in file drawers Hidden worklight Secret compartments Hide-a-way liquor cabinet One key locks entire desk U.S. made O A K ROLL TOP DESK

(66x36 x54)

Plus Oak File Cabinets, Flat-top Desks, Period Lamps & Accessories

€

Corner of Union and Commercial Sts., Portland 207-775-3346

Elements of Style.

T h e M a in e V io la C o n g r e s s , a u n iq u e g a th e rin g of a m a te u r a n d p ro fe s s io n a l v io lis ts f e a tu r in g a m asterclass w ith S co tt W o o lw e av er a n d a recital w ith Julia A dam s, Elliott S ch w artz a n d L aurie a n d J a m e s K en n ed y . N o v em b e r 22 from 9 a.m . to 5 p.m . $ 1 5 fo r th e d ay an d th e m asterclass, $5 for th e recital o n ly . F o r m o re in fo rm a tio n , c o n ta c t G reg B o a rd m a n a t 775-1660.

T e n o r R o b e r t G r e e n le e a n d g u i t a r i s t C h r i s t o p h e r K a n e p erfo rm at B ow doin C ollege o n S u n d ay , N o v em b er 30, 3 p .m ., in th e W alk er A rt B uilding. F re e .

725-3253.

THEATER

B a b y G r a n d , b y D avid C ohen, s c re e n w rite r for the m ovie ’’H allo w e en ,” en joys its N ew E ngland prem ier u n d e r th e au sp ices of th e Russell S q u are Players.

“B aby G ran d ” is a p lay ab o u t b ro th e rs w h o struggle n o t on ly w ith e a c h o th e r, b u t w ith th e ir h eritag e, their h o p es an d th e ir fears. T h e co m ed y , d ire cted by U niversity of S o u th e rn M aine A ssociate P rofessor of T h e a te r W illiam S teele, ru n s th ro u g h O cto b e r 25. All p erfo rm a n ces a r e at Russell Hall o n th e Gorham cam p u s of th e U niversity of S o u th ern M aine at 8 p.m. w ith a 2 p.m . S u n d ay m a tin e e. S eason tickets a re $20; individual tick ets a re $6. F o r in fo rm atio n and reserv atio n s, call 780-5483.

T h e p re m ie re p r o d u c t io n o f t h e M a d H o rse T h e a tr e C o m p a n y w ith stag in g s of tw o classic onea c t plays: “T h e L o v er,” b y H aro ld P in ter, is an e x p lo r a tio n o f th e ro le s p e o p le p la y in a m a rria g e /re la tio n s h ip ; a n d “B ird b ath ," b y Leonard Melfi, a to u c h in g stu d y of tw o lost souls w h o find love th ro u g h ea ch o th e r ’s pain. T h e M a d H o r s e T h e a tr e C o m p a n y is a co llectiv e of ex ten siv ely -train e d th eatre p rofessionals w h o w e re larg ely resp o n sib le for last fall’s acclaim ed p ro d u c tio n of ’’E x trem ities.” “The L o v er” stars M ichael Rafkin an d Lisa Stathoplos; “B ird b a th ” stars T e rry D rew an d W alt D unlap. Michael Rafkin will d irect. T he p ro d u ctio n ru n s from N o v em b er 7 to N o v em b er 16 at th e T h e a te r of F an tasy , 50 D an fo rth St., P o rtlan d . F or sch ed u le in fo rm atio n a n d reserv atio n s, call 775-5957.

T he W adsw orth. All th e e lem en ts o f a g reat lifestyle, w ith th e h e art o f P o rtlan d at y o u r d o orstep . M onum ent Square, E xchange Street, O ld Port, Back Cove . . . m aybe even y o u r place o f w ork. T h e fin e tu rn -o f-th e-cen tu ry style o f an eleg an t in-tow n resid en ce, n o w red esig n ed as a c o n te m p o ra ry living en v iro n m en t. T h e W adsw orth.

N am ed for th e p o e t Longfellow . . . reflecting tim eless e lem en ts o f style. Studios, one-, two- a n d th re e -b e d ro o m ap artm en ts from $395, including all utilities. Im m ed iate occupancy. Parking is available. For inform ation, please call Liberty M anagem ent G roup, 772-8896.

# The Wadsworth

6

PORTLAND MONTHLY

O n a C le a r D a y Y o u C a n S e e F o r e v e r v th e m usical b y A lan J. L ern er a n d B u rto n Lane. F ro m O cto b e r 31 to N o v em b e r 22. F o r sch ed u le a n d tick et in fo rm atio n , call P o rtla n d Lyric T h e a te r, 772-3824.

O th e llo , th e B ard ’s M oorish m a sterw o rk , a stu d e n t p ro d u ctio n p re s e n te d b y B o w d o in ’s M asque an d G ow n. P ick ard T h e ater, M em orial Hall, F riday, N o v em b e r 21, a n d S atu rd ay , N o v em b e r 22, 8 p.m .

T ick ets m a y b e p u rch ased o n e half h o u r b efo re p erfo rm a n ce. F or m o re in fo rm ation , call 725-3253.

LETTERS NOT THE TOURISM BUREAU To T he Editor: I applaud y our recen t attention to the arts com m unity in Maine. So little has been w ritten about it. At least little th at is not ghost w ritten by the Maine Tourism Bureau...

Tim othy Craig Portland

FROM BOXCARS TO BOUCONDORINAS - A LAMENT FOR COMMERCIAL STREET To T he Editor: Yard sale im presarios w ho profess to discern value in alm ost anything th at still w orks can only deplore the evisceration of Com m ercial Street. To scrap those railroad tracks w hich could as well rem ain in use seem s an im providence likely to provoke the gods. T he freight trains that have rum bled along th e w aterfront these past 135 years m ove th e cargoes that link P ortland to w orld trade. Besides renderin g this prim ary service, the ra ilr o a d c o n tin u e s to p ro m o te paralysis by im peding the general ebb and flow. A utom obile traffic, be it understood, exists for th e purpose of achieving fulfillm ent in term in al gridlock, enforced im mobility being every m otorist’s half-conscious goal.

For decades the freight trains on Com m ercial Street have contributed their m ite to the realization of this dream , but now th at the tracks have been condem ned, th e Million Dollar D raw bridge stands alone against the flux. As T a rz a n in c o m p a ra b le circum stances would conclude, “Big trouble w alk along jungle.”

“Jungle indeed!” snorts the G rand E viscerator as he deftly excises a n o th e r length of track not unlike that slice of th e B uddha’s colon enshrined in B ethesda Naval Hospital. “This is b oucondorina country, land of th e big rock candy w aterfront. H ere w e are, altruism personified, pioneering th e future of P ortland for th e benefit o f ... for th e benefit of ...”

“Good heavens, m y d ear fellow,” exclaim th e y ard sale realists. “Is som ething th e m atter?”

“Not really, but I do seem to have lost th e th re a d .”

“You w ere speaking of the future and public benefits.”

“Oh yes, now I rem em ber, but let’s not go into all that. It’s so tiresom e, this question of public concern. W hat I really w anted to say w as th at w e think th e least you could do is to show us a little appreciation.”

“V ery well, th e n ,” continue th e yard s h a r k s . “ C o n s id e r y o u r s e l v e s appreciated, if still a long w ay from being properly taxed. But once the tracks have gone, w hat will assure us of ultim ate gridlock? You w ouldn’t w ant to disappoint the m otorists, w ould you?”

“Of course not, and th e re ’s no reason to, anyw ay. Just form the tourists into picket lines and th e y ’ll bring everything to a standstill almost at once.”

“Now w hy on P eak ’s should tourists com e all the w ay to M aine only to spend their tim e picketing? W hat, pray, is tourism com ing to?”

It's com ing to Maine, w e hope m uch like the boucondorinas. But the tourists will soon discover th ey no longer have access to the big rock candy w aterfront and th a t’s w hy th e y ’ll be picketing. Nothing could be m o re cathartic or uplifting, except p erh ap s negative cash flow.”

“Hot Clammy! W hy didn't we think of that? So the idea is to build boucondorinas along every inch of the shoreline, shut the public out, th ereb y force the tourists to picket, and th en w ait for the gridlock soon to follow. M arvellous. M anny, y o u ’re a n atu ral. W e really can m an ag e w ithout those horrid railroad tracks on C om m ercial S treet.”

“You got it.”

“Well, w e have to tell you w e’re im pressed. P erhaps the next tim e we lay on a yard sale, yo u ’d like to com e in on th e deal?”

John Taylor New York, N.Y.

__________ASAP____________ To T he Editor Please start m y subscription ASAP. You’ve got a top-notch publication!

P eter T. Haas Q uincy, M assachusetts

C H I L D R E N 'S 377 FORE STR E ET PORTLAND, M AINE 2 0 7 -7 7 3 -8 G S I

A NOMINATION FOR GEN. WALLACE NUTTING To The Editor I would like to nom inate m y neighbor as one of the 10 m ost intriguing people in Maine.

He is a native son w ho served his country m ost nobly for 35 years and how has retired hom e to serve his state as best he can. He is an outstandingly intelligent, dedicated m an.

He is Gen. W allace Nutting of B iddeford Pool. Of course he has no idea I am w riting this since he is also a v ery m odest m an. I hope you will consider him for your excellent m agazine.

Name W ithheld By Request Biddeford Pool E d ito r’s note: We’d like to thank o u r readers fo r the m any responses to o u r poll. F or the results, please see page 11.

NOVEMBER 1986

7

GALLERIES

B abbitt, P e y to n H iggison, R.C. G o rm an , Will B arnet, N ancy Jo n es, C arol C ollette, H aro ld A ltm an, A lan M agee, Jim D ine a n d m a n y m o re . M onday to S atu rd a y , 10:30 to 5:30. 772-2693.

T h e S f e in G la s s G a lle r y , 20 Milk St., P ortland.

M onday to S a tu rd a y 10:30 to 6; S u n d ay 1 to 4.

772-9072.

The D elightful Experience of M aking Unexpected and Valuable Discoveries.

Fine Imported Clothing and Craftwork

T im e s T e n , 420 F o re St., P o rtlan d . F in e Functional crafts fro m te n M aine c raftsp e rso n s, in cluding clocks b y R on B urke, e a rth e n w a re p o tte ry a n d tiles b y Libby Seigars, an d h a n d w o v e n ru g s b y S ara H otchkiss.

M o n d ay to S atu rd a y 10 to 6. 761-1553.

A b a c u s H a n d c r a f t e r s G a lle r y , 44 E x c h an g e St., P o rtland. M o n d ay to W e d n esd a y , 9:30 to 8; S u n d ay 12 to 5. 772-4880.

B a r r i d o f f G a l l e r i e s , 4 C ity C e n te r, P o rtla n d .

S elections b y G allery a rtists a n d sele cted n in e te e n th an d tw e n tie th c e n tu ry e s ta te p ain tin g s. M o n d ay to F riday, 10 to 5; S a tu rd a y 12 to 4. 772-5011.

C a f e A lw a y s , 47 M iddle St., P o rtla n d . T h ro u g h N ovem ber, C olor P h o to g ra p h s - S u m m e r - Islesboro.

By M arjorie Mills. D ining a n d v iew in g h o u rs, T u esd ay to S unday, 5 p.m . to 10 p.m . C losed M onday. 774-9399.

C o n g r e s s S q u a r e G a ll e r y , 5 9 4 C o n g ress St., P o rtland. A ch a n g in g e x h ib it of g allery artists, including Siri B eck m an n , Jill H oy, H o w a rd Fussiner, a n d Phil B arter. M onday to S atu rd a y , 10 to 6.

774-3369.

F r o s t G u lly G a lle r y , 25 F o rest A ve., P o rtlan d .

E xhibitions of re c e n t w o rk s b y a rtists re p re s e n te d by th e gallery. M o nday to F riday, 12 to 6. 773-2555.

D a v id H itc h c o c k G a lle r y , 602 C o n g ress St., seco n d floor suite 204, P o rtla n d . C o n te m p o ra ry M aine artists an d w o rk s fro m th e H itch co ck C ollection. M o nday to F riday, 4 to 7 (until 9 o n T h u rsd ay s), S atu rd a y an d S unday, 12:30 to 4. 774-8919.

H o b e S o u n d G a ll e r ie s N o r th , 1 Milk St., P o rtlan d .

T h ro u g h N o v em b e r 22, a n o n g o in g a n d c h a n g in g g ro u p sh o w featu rin g artists fro m th e g allery ro ster, including B a rb a ra J. S ussm an, J o h n M uench, D iana K an, Ed L angford, M arcia D o n ah u e, J o h n L a u ren t a n d C abot Lyford, a m o n g o th e rs. T u e sd a y to S atu rd ay , 10:30 to 5. 773-2755.

J o n e s G a lle r y o f G la s s a n d C e r a m ic s , off R o u te 107, S ebago, M aine. T h e G allery w as fo u n d ed in 1978 to fu rth e r th e stu d y of a r t in glass a n d ceram ics, p re s e rv e re p re s e n ta tiv e p ieces, a n d p ro v id e public op p o rtu n itie s to e x p e rie n c e th e d e c o ra tiv e a rts of glass a n d ce ra m ic s fro m all ag es. W ith an e x te n s iv e re searc h lib rary an d a co llectio n w h ich p re se n tly n u m b e rs o v e r 4,000 pieces, it is th e o n ly m u seu m of its kin d in th e co u n try . M onday to S atu rd a y , 9:3 0 to 5; S u n d ay 1 to 5.

787-3370.

T r a c y J o h n s o n F in e J e w e l r y , 62 M arket St., P o rtlan d . F eatu rin g th e w o rk o f T ra cy Jo h n so n , Cindy E d w ard s a n d Jan ic e G ryzb. O ne-of-a-kind an d custom d esig n a sp ecialty of th e ho u se. T u e sd a y to Saturday 12 to 6, o r b y a p p o in tm e n t. 775-2468.

LITERATURE T h e M a in e N o v e l in t h e 2 0 th C e n tu r y , th re e sy m p o sia sp o n so re d b y th e M aine W riters and P u b lish ers A lliance. W h a t m a k es M aine literatu re un iq u e? W h at h isto rical a n d lite ra ry tre n d s have m o tiv a te d M aine litera tu re? W h at d o M aine novels rev ea l ab o u t life in M aine in th e 2 0 th ce n tu ry ? W hat is th e ‘M aine V oice?’ W h e re a re M aine n o v els going?

“T h e M aine N ovel in th e 2 0 th C e n tu ry ” will look at im p o rta n t n o v els ab o u t 2 0 th c e n tu ry life in M aine for an sw ers to th e se q u estio n s. P o v e rty a n d w ealth, e x p lo ita tio n of th e la n d a n d sea, th e M aine “c h a ra c te r ,” ro m a n tic is m vs. realism , a n d the v a c a tio n la n d m y stiq u e a re so m e of th e issues raised by th e n o v els th a t will b e ex p lo red .

In N o v em b e r, th re e sy m p o sia will ta k e th e scholars an d n o v elists ac ro ss th e state. O n N o v em b e r 1 in B an g o r, a sy m p o siu m will e x a m in e th e w ork of “W o m en P io n ee rs” su ch as E lizab eth C oatsw orth, V irg in ia C h a s e , a n d R u th M o o re. “ A m erican D ream s/M ain e D ream s” is th e focus of a sym posium o n N o v em b e r 8 a t th e C ollege of th e A tlan tic in Bar H arb o r. “T h e Real M aine” will b e e x p lo re d a t th e final sy m p o siu m of th e series o n N o v em b e r 15 at the U n iv ersity of M aine at F arm in g to n .

R eg istratio n form s fo r th e sy m p o sia a re av ailab le from th e M aine W riters a n d P u b lish ers alliance, 19d Mason St., B ru n sw ick 040 1 1 , o r b y calling 729-6333. A dvance reg istratio n is $5 fo r e a c h sy m p o siu m . S cholarships are also av ailab le. “T h e M aine N ovel in th e 2 0 th C entury” sy m p o sia a re s u p p o rte d , in p art, b y a g ra n t from the M aine H u m an ities Council, a n affiliate of th e National E n d o w m e n t for th e H um anities.

M USEUM S H O W S/TO U R S/ SPECIAL SHOW S

L’A n tib e s , 27 F o rest A ve., P o rtla n d . W o rk s b y A lex K atz, W illiam T. W iley, P e y to n H iggison, P at Steir, Guy W illiam s, G en e D avis, D avid S hapiro, K aiko Moti an d m a n y o th e rs. T u e sd a y to S atu rd a y , fro m 5:30.

772-0453.

An Original Collection Cashmere, Mohair and Alpaca Sweaters & Jackets.

Fine W inter Suits and Coats.

Handcrafted Carpets and Bedspreads.

57 Exchange Street Portland, Maine 04101 772-0219

M a in e P o t t e r s M a r k e t, 9 M oulton St., P o rtlan d .

S to n ew are, p o rcelain a n d e a rth e n w a re b y 14 M aine craftsp e rso n s. M onday th ro u g h S atu rd a y , 10:30 to 5:30. 774-1633.

M a p le H ill G a lle r y , 367 F o re St., P o rtla n d , an d P erk in s C ove, O g u n q u it. M o n d ay to S atu rd a y , 10 to 9; a n d S u n d ay 11 to 6. 775-3822.

T h e P in e T r e e S h o p a n d B a y v ie w G a lle r y , 75 M arket St., P o rtla n d . M o n d ay to S atu rd a y , 9:30 to 5:30.

773-3007.

P o s t e r s P lu s G a ll e r ie s , 146 M iddle St., P o rtlan d .

F e a tu rin g orig in al p rin ts b y R o ckw ell K ent, M arg aret

8

PORTLAND MONTHLY

P o r t l a n d M u s e u m o f A r t, 7 C o n g ress S quare, P o rtla n d . T h e V in a lh a v e n P r e s s , a n ex h ib itio n d o c u m e n tin g w o rk p ro d u c e d d u rin g th e first tw o seaso n s of th e V in alh av en P rin t W o rk sh o p , o p en s at th e M useum o n S atu rd a y , S e p te m b e r 20. T h e

V in alh av en P rin t W o rk sh o p w as established in M aine in 1985 to p ro m o te c o lla b o ra tiv e p rin tm ak in g , w h e re artists w o rk closely w ith m a ste r p rin ters. A m o n g th e a rtists in cluded in th e e x h ib itio n a re Mel B o chner, L ouisa C hase an d R o b ert In diana. T h e V inalhaven P ress rem ain s on vie w th ro u g h N o v em b e r 30. $ 3 / $ 2 / $ l . T u e sd a y to S atu rd a y , 10 to 5; T h u rsd a y to 9; a n d S u n d ay 12 to 5. 775-6148.

A hotel in thegrandtradition.

M a in e P h o to B ie n n ie l T o u r 1 9 8 5 -8 6 , a juried e x h ib it of 30 M aine artists, including p riz ew in n ers K atie F ag an a n d W illiam T huss. T h e to u r sh o w s at th e T h o m as M em orial L ibrary in C ape E lizabeth th ro u g h O c to b e r 23.

B o w d o in C o lle g e M u s e u m o f A r t, B ow doin C ollege, B ru n s w ic k . V ita l S t a t i s t i c s : A m e r i c a n F o lk D ra w in g s a n d W a te r c o lo r s fro m P riv a te C o lle c tio n s (th ro u g h N o v em b e r 9); M a s te r p i e c e s f r o m t h e C u r r i e r G a ll e r y o f A r t (th rough N o v em b e r 2); a n d A S u r v e y o f I n ta g lio P r in ts f r o m t h e P e r m a n e n t C o lle c tio n (th ro u g h N o v em b e r 23). A series of G allery T alks at th e M useum is offered in co n ju n ctio n w ith th e ex h ib itio n s: "T he A ssyrian Bas Reliefs an d T h e ir P lace in th e W orld,” by B arb a ra N evling P o rter, d o c to ra l c a n d id a te from th e U niversity of P en n sy lv an ia, on W e d n esd a y , N o v em b er 5, 1 p.m ., a n d S u n day, N o v em b e r 9, 3 p.m .; “A S urvey of Intaglio P rin ts from th e P e rm a n e n t C ollection,” by M ark C. W ethli, asso cia te pro fesso r of art, on W e d n esd a y , N o v em b e r 12, 12:30 p.m ., a n d S unday, N o v em b e r 16, 3 p.m .; "T h e B ail-handle A m p h o ra: A R ecent A cq u isition," by H e n rie tta M. T ye, re g istra r, on W e d n esd a y , N o v em b e r 19, 1 p.m ., a n d S unday, N o v em b e r 23, 3 p.m . All G allery Talks a re at th e W alk er A rt Building, w hich is th e B ow doin C ollege M useum , an d a re sp o n so re d b y th e M useum . T u e sd a y to F rid ay , 10 to 4; S atu rd a y , 10 to 5; S unday, 2 to 5; closed M ondays an d holidays. F or m ore in form ation, call 725-8731, x253.

P e a ry - M a c M illa n A r c ti c M u s e u m , H u b b ard Hall, B o w doin C ollege, B runsw ick. O sgood C ollection of Inuit C arvings, a n d c o n tin u in g ex h ib its from th e co llectio n s, including artifacts, carvings, co stu m es a n d p a in tin g s of th e tw o fam ed arctic ex p lo rers. T ue sd a y to F rid ay , 10 to 4; S atu rd a y , 10 to 5; S unday, 2 to 5; clo sed M ondays a n d holidays. F or m o re in fo rm atio n , call 725-8731, x253.

H a w th o r n e - L o n g f e llo w L i b r a r y , B ow doin C ollege, B runsw ick. S elections from th e H aw th o rn e C ollection (th ro u g h D ecem ber); th ro u g h S aturday, 8:30 a.m . to m id n ig h t; S unday, 10 a.m . to m idnight. 725-8731, x253.

The Sonesta Hotel Portland. A charm­ museum, only a short walk to the Old ing place to stay that combines the Port and just minutes from the Portland ambience of turn of the century New Jetport. Our Rib Room features England with the comforts and amenities everything from roast prime ribs of that today’s traveler expects. A hotel beef to fresh Maine seafood delicacies. where personal service and attention to And, we have superb meeting and ban­ detail is deeply rooted in tradition. quet rooms, ideally suited for a variety We’re located downtown near the Civic of business and social gatherings.

Center, next to Portland's new art So, this year stay with tradition.

For reservations call a travel agent or Sonesta at 800-343-7170.

f§> Sonesta Hotel Portland 157 H igh Street, Portland, M aine 04101

207-775-5411

Sonesta means personal service in Boston (Cambridge), Key Biscayne (Miami) and Orlando (Florida), New Orleans, Portland (Maine), Amsterdam, Bermuda, Egypt, Israel.

PORTLAND HAS A W ARM HEART

M a in e M a r itim e M u s u e m , 963 W ash in g to n St., B ath.

T h e M useum offers th e visitor a co m p re h e n siv e e x p e rie n c e of n in e te e n th c e n tu ry seaco a st life, a tim e w h e n half of all m e rc h a n t vessels flying th e U nited S tates flag w e re built in B ath. T h e M useum ’s c o l le c t io n s in c lu d e s h ip s ’ p a in tin g s , m o d e ls , n av ig atio n al in stru m en ts, fishing gea r, a n tiq u e tools, p erio d fu rnishings, fam ily p o rtra its, foreign tra d e item s a n d o th e r m e m o rab ilia, a n d an o u tsta n d in g collection of o v e r a half m illion d o c u m e n ts, ac c o u n t bo o k s, ships’ logs, sh ip s’ plans, m ap s a n d ch arts. T h e M useum ’s A p p re n tic e sh o p co n stru c ts an d re sto re s w o o d e n b o ats using te c h n iq u e s a n d to o ls from th e g o ld e n a g e of sh ip b u ild ing. F or m o re in fo rm atio n , call 443-6311.

J o a n W h itn e y P a y s o n G a lle r y o f A rt, W estb ro o k C ollege, S tev e n s A v en u e, P o rtla n d . T h ro u g h Ja n u a ry 18, 1987, w o rk s from th e p e rm a n e n t collection, featu rin g w o rk s by C hagall, C o u rb et, D aum ier, D egas, G a u g u in , G la c k e n s, H o fm a n n , H o m e r, In g re s , M arquet, M onet, N evelson, Picasso, P re n d e rg a st, R enoir, R eynolds, R obinson, R ousseau, S arg en t, Sisley, S o u tin e, V an G ogh, W histler a n d W yeth. T u e sd a y to F riday, 10 to 4; S a tu rd a y a n d S unday, 1 to 5; closed M ondays, h o lid ay s an d b e tw e e n exhibitions. 797-9546.

P e n o b s c o t N a tio n M u s e u m , C e n te r St., Indian Island, O ld T o w n . T h e P en o b sco t T ribal M useum displays tra d itio n al a n d c o n te m p o ra ry n o rth e a st Indian a rts a n d crafts, including b a sk e try , w ood ca rv in g s, sto n e scu lp tu re, a n d p reh isto ric s to n e im plem ents. P aintings, artifacts a n d co stu m es a re also on display. M onday to F riday, 12 to 4. M ornings by a p p o in tm e n t. $ 1/ $ 1.50.

827'6545-

If you think just because it's November you have to be cold, hear an alternative. Stop by One City Center, sit down in our Food Pavilion, and enjoy anything from a cozy cup of chocolate to a hot dinner. Feel the chill melt away.

Or perhaps a stroll through One City Center shops is more to your liking. Share the warmth of the friendly, knowledgeable salespeople there to assist you, whether browsing or buying.

Come into One City Center, to the warm H e a rt o f P o rtla n d

ONE CITY^pCENTER T h e H e a rt o f P o rtla n d

Continued on page 30 NOVEMBER 1986

9

A MAST ERPI ECE IN M A I N E

For y o u r inspection and delight, the results o f this, o u r First A n n u a l People Issue, wherein our readers have selected the 10 M ost Intrig uin g People In Maine. The depth o f the response and the thought given to these selections by o u r readers has been extrem ely gratifying, and w e’d like to thank the many peo ple who have given Portland Monthly a feel fo r the personalities who are the m ost interesting to you — rig h t now. M aine is attracting national attention m ore now than ever b e ­ fore, and as a result, the people in

“Dusky Petrel" by J.J. Audubon fro m the Inn By The Sea Collection

J.J. A udubon art collection, belve­ L ocated o n beautiful C rescent dere library tow er overlooking the Beach, the Inn By T he Sea is a Atlantic, 24-hour concierge, and celebration o f the elegance private guest-only dining and style o f a bygone era. room . O utside you will T he In n ’s spacious suites find form al flow er gar­ and cottages offer luxury dens, original sculpture not available o n the Maine and fountains, English Coast until now . . . all are gazebo, tea garden, exquisitely furnished w ith c ro q u et court, heated o n e or tw o bedroom s, p ool and jacuzzi, rolling living room , balcony or lawns, tennis, and m uch po rch overlooking the m ore. T he Inn By the Sea bay, and fully stocked is quite simply, the best. kitchen and bar. O ther O peningjuly, 1986. For features include the m ore inform ation call Crescent Beach m arble entryw ay and (207) 799-3134. lobby, extensive original

IN N

BY THE SEA

In n By T h e Sea • C a p e E lizab eth , M ain e 0 4 1 0 7

T

I

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E

T

A

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K

...We'll Keep You Rolling!

W HAT

CAUSES

UNEVEN

OR

ABNORMAL

T IR E

H ERE TH EY ARE!

W EAR?

The 10 Most Intriguin People

Here are examples and explanations of why your tires may be showing abnormal or uneven wear.

in When a tire is underinflated, ruN D E R i n f l a t i o n * most of the tire contact is on the outer treads, causing the edges to wear faster than the middle.

Overinflation, when most tire o v e r in f la t io n * contact is on the middle treads, causing the center to wear faster than the edges.

One sided wear, when either the outer or inner shoulder of the tire wears faster than the rest. This is commonly caused by improper wheel alignment camber, often aggravated by underinflation.

Cupping, when wheels are out of c u p p in g ^ balance or the shock absorbers and ball joints are worn, causing dips or cups to appear in the tread.

Protect your tire investment— maintain your tires.

From the tire experts at: Feathering, when the tread ribs FEATHERING actually scrape down the road— common when the tire needs toe-in or toe-out alignment.

10

PORTLAND MONTHLY

xenturutireco. ...W e K e e p Y o u R o l l i n g !

185 Kennebec Street • 82 St. John Street • Pine Tree S h opping C enter • Route 302 Across From G ordan’s Marina • 775-3777 C onnects all locations.

M a in e

MOVERS AND SHAKERS these pages are an yth in g b u t w a ll­ flow ers: They’re colorful, d is tin ­ guished, understated, flashy, liberal, conservative — yo u name it — th e y ’re alive w ith personality, and th a t’s the m ost fascina ting thing that a m agazine can hope to do — p ro je c t the three-dim ensional. In a way, these 10 people are the m ost ta lked -a bout receiving line you c o u ld ever assem ble in Maine, so p o u r y o u rs e lf a glass o f cham ­ pagne, step lig h tly to y o u r right, and m eet the 10 M ost In trig u in g People In M aine!

The 10 Leonard M. Nelson, 51 This highly respected Portland attorney (partner, Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer, and Nelson, 1 M onum ent Square, Portland) has been and continues to be a m ajor contribu t­ ing force toward the im provem ent of Portland. A 1953 Deering High School graduate (Harvard College, 1957, A.B., with high honors and Phi Beta Kappa, and Har­ vard Law School, 1960, LL.B.), Leonard Nelson’s public responsibilities have included being the president o f the Board o f Trustees o f the Portland Museum o f A rt during the critically im portant years (19821984) that gave us the celebrated Charles Shipman Payson Wing o f the Museum, designed by I.M. Pei. Other im portant con­ tributions include: Chairman, Building Design Review Committee, Cumberland County Civic Center, 1972-74; Chairman, Maine State Commission on the Arts and Humanities, 1967-75; Trustee, Portland Public Library, 1969-1974; President, Board o f Trustees, Portland Sym phony Orchestra, 1963-1966; Trustee 1961-1980; Chairman, Music Policy Panel, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington, D.C., 1979 to 1981; Panel Member, 1975-1981; CoChairman and M ember o f Executive Com­ mittee, Trustee Committee, American Association o f Museums, Washington, D.C., 1984 until the present. As Chairman o f the "Committee o f 100, ” he continues to support the Portland Museum o f A rt as we approach the 1990s.

In the news recently for his purchase, for $1.7 m illion, o f Prince Point, the palatial Falmouth Foreside estate form erly owned by the late Margaret Payson, Leonard Nel­ son heads one o f the state’s m ost note­ worthy families: His wife, Merle Royte Nelson, is a m ember o f the State Legislature (D -D istrict 28); his son, Judd, 26, is a professional actor; Eve, 23, is a theatrical agent in New York, and Julie, 20, is a Harvard College senior.

NOVEMBER 1986

11

M ichael Liberty, 26

H e ’s one o f the m ost exciting, in trig u in g developers in P ortland d urin g one o f the c ity ’s m ost e xciting periods o f growth. When asked how he reacts to the visib ility h e ’s getting, he says, “Som etim es it's scary. O ften I fin d m y strengths and weaknesses are exaggerated. I wish I co u ld have m ore p riva cy." His com pany, the L ib e rty Group Inc., 38 Preble Street, Portland, has scored rem arkable — and h ighly docum ented — successes (100 M iddle Street Plaza; C h a n d le r’s W harf and Long W harf on the P ortland w aterfron t) in the m idst o f high scrutiny, and he and partner David Cope have always bou nced back w ith new ideas, im agination, and a genuine love fo r the city. His selection as one o f the 10 M ost In trig u in g People In M aine is “Flattering, but i t ’s p ro b a b ly only because o f m y age.” He's also q u ick to m ention that “ Underneath the corporate name there are two principles. D avid Cope and I are both M aine natives and are sole owners o f L iberty G roup Inc. We w ill make som e m istakes along the way because we are human, but we are tryin g to b u ild the highest level of professionalism . We're learning fast!"

Possessed of h ig h ly praised in tu itio n and A rm and Assante eyes, L ib e rty ’s rise to a m u lti-m illio n a ire has happened so q u ickly that it seems to defy chronology. A 1978 graduate o f G ray/N ew G loucester H igh School, where he was an A ll-S tate gua rd on the basketball team (he continues to w aterski com petitive ly and drive in state E nduro m o to rsp o rt com petition), at 26, Lib e rty is now all o f a sudden as intrigu ing , astonishing, and perplexin g to M aine residents as the idea o f progress itself.

12

PORTLAND MONTHLY

Kenneth M. Curtis, 55

A lifesaver for the M aine M aritim e A cadem y d u rin g the storm ie st gale ever to hit that in stitutio n, form er G overnor Kenneth C urtis has le ft his private law practice (C urtis, Thaxter, Corey, Lipez & Stevens, One Canal Plaza) and accepted his a pp oin tm ent as the new S u perintendent o f M M A. “ I lo ok forw ard to p a rticip a tin g in the e xcitin g futu re that M aine M aritim e A cadem y w ill m ost ce rta in ly enjoy. I am co n vinced that this unique college is one o f M aine's true assets, and is in keeping w ith our rich m aritim e heritage, ” C urtis says. Never d id an in s itu tio n need a class act like Gov. C urtis more. Last sum mer, M M A was rocke d by controversy as a result o f drunken, d iso rd e rly co n d u c t by a h a n d fu l o f M M A cadets d u rin g a sum m er cruise stop at the Portuguese island o f Madeira. D u rin g the p u rple hours o f m o rn ­ ing, an angry m ob o f Portuguese youths co lle cte d at the thro at o f the p ie r the State of Maine was berthed at, and before the infam ous “N ig h t at M a d e ira ’’ was over, 1 MMA cadet was m urd ere d. E nter lifesaver Curtis, a M aine M aritim e graduate (1952) h im se lf before spending 2 years in the U.S. M erchant M arine as a licensed second mate and 12 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve (Lieu te nant Com m ander). His rise tow ard in te rn a tio n a l respect as a leader and n e g o tia to r began w ith his graduation from the P o rtlan d U niversity Law S ch o o l in 1959 (now the M aine S ch o o l o f Law); w ork as an assistant to Congressm an James O liver; spadew ork w ith the Legislative Research Service, Legal D ivision, U.S. L ib ra ry o f Congress, 1961; Field C o o rd in a to r fo r the Area R edevelopm ent A d m in istra tio n fo r M aine (U.S. Dept, o f Com m erce), 1961-1964; S ecretary o f State, State o f Maine, 1965-1966; G overnor, State o f Maine, 1967-1974; Chairm an, D em ocratic N a tio n a l Com m ittee, 1977-1978; U.S. Am bassa­ do r to Canada (O cto b e r 1979 - February 1981).

NOVEMBER 1986

13

Joseph Ricci, 42 The new, q u ie t Joseph R icci is interested in m aintainin g a low p rofile while he continues to be a m ajor em ployer as co -o w n e r o f Scarborough Downs and the Elan yo u th developm ent center. With an unsuccessful campaign for the state D em ocratic g u b e rn a to ria l nom ination, a recent appearance on C B S ’s 60 M inutes, and several m u ch -talked-abo ut co u rt cases in his imme­ diate past, it w o uld seem u n like ly that h e ’d be able to sm ooth his tracks, but that is exactly what h e ’d like to do at this p o int: “I wish to express my sur­ prise at being nom in ated by y o u r readers as one o f the m ost in trig u in g peo­ ple in Maine, ” he writes. “I am greatly flattered that I was chosen by your readers, b u t feel that m y life is private, and wish it to rem ain so. If it were not for m y stron g p o litic a l beliefs, I w o uld n o t have run fo r the governorship in the first place. I am som ew hat o f a recluse by nature, and being in the public eye fo r so m any m onths has o n ly made me realize how reclusive I am."

14

PORTLAND MONTHLY

IJan Fox WCSH-TV’s popular new anchor laughingly declines to tell us her age, saying only that “I ’m a little younger than Linda Evans." With television experience at Computer World, W SM W -TVin Worcester, and WCVB-TV (Channel 5) in Boston under her belt, she came to Portland last year to take her first shot at prim e-tim e anchor. Her first screen appearance in Portland was during the special telecast o f the “New Year’s Portland” celebration on December 31. With a background that includes teaching, modeling, and broadast journalism, Fox has quickly built up a strong follow ing in Portland, where she lives with her 16-year-old daughter, Kris, herself a m odel for Laura Butterworth's Portland Models Group. While in Boston, Jan earned her masters in education at Lesley College.

James F. Orr III, 43

T h e

1 0

M o s t

In tr ig u in g P e o p le in

M a in e

The new COO o f UNUM (is that uh-num , you-num , or oonoom ?). Frankly, we were surprised that som eone w h o ’s only been in M aine a m atter o f weeks received so m any votes.

However, one wag suggested that it was a ll the U n ion m utual vice presidents who s tu ffe d the b a llo t boxes! In this case, eve­ ryone, it seems, wants to know m ore about this b rig h t young m an in a very enviable p o sitio n who was head-hunted “from away. ” U n fo rtu n a te ly we were n o t allow ed to talk to Mr. O rr because “He is n o t acclim ate d to his environm ent yet, ” said his spokeswom an.

As the press release w o u ld have it, he became C hief O perat­ ing O ffice r effective S eptem ber 15.

Form erly Executive Vice President, Treasurer, fo r the C o n n e cticu t Bank & Trust C o rp o ra tio n where he was respon­ sible for both the b a n k ’s investm ent fu nctions and diversified fin a n cia l services, O rr was also responsible fo r leading a team in one o f the b a n k ’s largest acquisitions. C o n n e cticu t Bank & Trust is a m a jo r subsidiary o f the Bank o f New England C orporation.

O rr held a num ber o f senior positions d u rin g his m ore than 10 years w ith the bank. He has extensive expertise in both re ta il and corporate banking, in c lu d in g brokerage, investm ent m anagem ent, p ro d u c t developm ent, m arketing, and in te r­ na tio n a l fin a n cia l trading.

P rio r to jo in in g the bank, O rr w orked for six years as an independent co n su ltant in the fin a n cia l services field.

O rr received his B.S. from Villanova U niversity and his MBA from B oston University.

NOVEMBER 1986

15

aWSSBRs »

Tony DiMillo, 53

A

TRISH HARRINGTON, MACOMBER INC.

H e ’s been called the area’s m ost courageous b u si­ nessman. H e ’s used to having people shake their heads and w hisper in cre d u lo u sly about his ‘next p ro je c t,' and he loves to m ake them eat th e ir hats. His 2 0 6 -foot F lo a t­ ing Restaurant is now a m a jo r attraction on the Eastern Seaboard. “ With the exception o f the Queen Mary in C a lifo rn ia ," he has said, “it's the biggest floatin g res­ taurant in the country, and i t ’s one o f the best, to o .’’

H e ’s right. Peak sum m er tra ffic hits over 1,300 people a day. He may also be the area’s shrew dest negotiator.

For instance, a W CSH-TV anch or has suggested that Mssr. D iM illo ’s m u ch -a n ticip a te d new floatin g hotel, represented by an un to u ch e d barge tied up beside the restaurant, was m ore o f a po ke r chip in the high-stakes neg otiation s fo r the sale o f his p a rkin g lo t than a new pea rl fo r the C onvention and Visitors Bureau to display.

D iM illo started w ith A n th o n y ’s, 69 Fore Street, in 1958.

N ext came C apri Dine & Dance, then B e n tle y’s on Forest Avenue u n til 1965, the year he b o u ght Theo­ d o re ’s Lobster House and changed its name to D iM illo ’s.

He read about a car ferry, nam ed The Newport,’ being fo r sale in New London in a trade magazine, dared to be great, and the rest is history. His im agination and skills are universally adm ired in the area business com m unity, and his outstanding, novel floatin g res­ taurant concept has been in stru m e n ta l in attracting n a tio n a l attention to the P ortland waterfront.

16

PORTLAND MONTHLY

▲ Pritham Singh, 33 Pritham S ingh’s mysterious­ ness and recent $17.25 million purchase o f prim e Key West waterfront property has made him a solid choice by our read­ ers. If com pletely developed, he estimates, his projects will be worth $350 m illion in the next few years. For an exclu­ sive interview with Singh in the wake of his characteristically bold new acquisitions of hunks of Portland, Key West, and Freeport real estate, turn to our Commercial Real Estate Sec­ tion in this issue.

Joan Benoit-Samuelson, 29 “A yo u n g wom an ju s t startin g o u t,” she calls herself in a m uch-aired M aine Savings Bank C om m ercial where she appears in her South Freeport hom e and rom ps w ith her black Lab ra dor retriever, Creosote. Indeed, B enoit-S am uelson seems a reasonably fair risk fo r a bank loan, especially in lig h t o f her w inning the first-ever O lym pic w o m e n ’s m arathon at the 1984 Los Angeles O lym pics and u n to ld com pensation for endorsem ents ru n n in g from Nike Shoes to Dole Pineapple Juice. W inner o f the Sullivan A w ard last year fo r her o u t­ standing c o n trib u tio n s to am ateur athletics and the su b je ct o f a con tin u o u s stream o f a rti­ cles in Running, Runners World, Sports Illustrated, et. at., Benoit-S am uelson is the arche­ type o f the progressive M aine wom an: savvy, conce rn ed with a num ber o f issues at large, in cre d ib ly poised, and successful. I t ’s hard to be a nice person when the whole c o u n try is rum m aging through y o u r garbage, b u t Benoit-S am uelson does it. A Cape Elizabeth native w ith patented Cape Elizabeth blue eyes and a m arvelously s tra ig h t Cape Elizabeth smile, Joan is c u rre n tly le nding her presence to the “Jam fo r S am ” p ro je c t in s u p p o rt o f the goals o f a nother M aine legend, Sam antha Sm ith. A n o th e r plus is her s u p p o rt o f M aine runners across the c o u n try as w ell as her appearance at M aine road races to boost attendances. G old m edal w inner B enoit-S am uelson holds the A m erican R ecord in the m arathon (2:21:21, C hicago M arathon, 1985), is lo o kin g at both the 10K and the m arathon in the upco m ing S eoul ’88 O lym pics, and can b o rro w m oney from us anytim e!

Olympia J. Snowe, 39 Congresswoman Snowe is the first GreekAm erican woman to be elected to the Congress and, at age 31, was the youngest Republican woman elected to the House of Representatives.

She was elected in November, 1984 to her fourth term in the U.S. House o f Representatives. A Republican representing M aine’s Second Congressional D istrict — the largest Congressional District east o f the Mississippi River — Rep. Snowe is serving in her second term as deputy whip, the first woman to hold such a position in the House Republican leadership. In the 99th Congress, her committee positions are: House Foreign Affairs Committee, ranking Republican on the Subcom ­ mittee on International Operations and a member of the Subcommittee on Arm s Control; House Select Committee on Aging, ranking Republican on the Subcommittee on Human Services; and the Joint Econom ic Committee, Subcom mittee on Agriculture and Transportation, and the Subcom ­ mittee on Economic Goals and Intergovernmental Policy.

In addition, Congresswoman Snowe is the co­ chair o f the Congressional Caucus on W omen’s Issues, and serves on the executive Committee of the Congressional Textile Caucus. She is also a member o f the New England Congressional Cau­ cus, the Congressional Caucus on Tourism, the Environment and Energy Study Conference, and the House Footwear Caucus.

The form er Olympia Jean Bouchles, Olympia Snowe was born on February 21, 1947, in Augusta.

She is the daughter o f the late George Bouchles, a native o f Mytilene, Greece, and the late Georgia Goranites Bouchles, whose parents emigrated to.

America from Sparta.

Raised by her relatives Mary and the late James Goranites of Auburn after the death o f her parents, Rep. Snowe graduated from St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison, N.Y., in 1962, and com pleted her second­ ary education at Edward Little High School in Auburn. She graduated with a degree in political science from the University o f Maine at Orono in 1969. Prior to her election to Congress, she served in both the Maine House of Representatives and Senate. She was first elected to the Maine House in 1973 to the seat vacated by the death o f her husband, the late Peter Snowe. She was re-elected for a full two-year term in 1974.

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18

PORTLAND MONTHLY

(207) 775-1800 (207) 782-1800

RESTAURANT REVIEW

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T h e

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ive y ears ago, w hen one listed th e best restau ran ts in Maine, th e W histling O yster was nearly alw ays am o n g them . Its rank on that list has undoubtedly been diluted by th e proliferation of new restau ran ts in P ortland (as well as statew ide), but it w as still w ith g reat anticipation th at w e h ead ed south out of Portland one even in g for th e sandy shores of Ogunquit.

O u r a n tic ip a tio n d im in is h e d som ew h at w hen w e realized it w ould be a 45-m inute drive for dinner, th at it w as starting to rain, and th a t it w as S aturday night during a recen t threeday w eekend. O gunquit is probably not the place to be on an y S aturday night rem o tely n e a r th e to urist season, but th at evening it w as a parking lot. The traffic was solid from Wells to Perkins Cove (we kept expecting to see traffic helicopters).

H ence, th e W histling O yster hum m ed its first positive n ote by having a young gen tlem an standing read y to p ark th e car.

T hat n ote soured som ew hat w hen w e w alked past th e W histling O yster gift shop on the w ay to th e m aitre d ’, and as w e w ere led th ro u g h the cav erno u s dining hall - looking not unlike a sum m er tourist seafood stop -- full of tourists. Past th e piano-bar pianist, past th e w a ite r/w a itresses in th eir brow n an d off-white uniform s, w e w ere finally seated at a table in the far co rn er. At th a t point, an y restau ra n t w ould have been at a disadvantage. Yet from th at point, virtually every th in g im proved.

T he service w as am ong the finest in Maine. W e had a w aiter an d two young ladies assisting: n ev er far aw ay, n ev er too late or too early with any course, not too ch atty nor too distant. P recisem ent. Culinarily the m eal beg an and en d ed som ew hat unim aginatively - beginning with four small bites of toasted b read topped with ch eese spread (1 alm ost said whiz), an d ending with an A v A ndes m int. If o n e is to serve ^ fine food at fine prices, w hy not spark ev ery touch w ith im agination?

VS

h is tlin g T he prices w ere a bit of a surprise given this w as still M aine (the m ore interesting en trees hovering near the $20 m ark), but the selection was a p p e a lin g a n d p ro m ise d to be w orthw hile.

For a first plate (their term ) the country p ate distinguished itself from the d rier version one expects by consisting of veal and goose livers and, m ost im p ortantly, currants!

T h ree kinds of crack ers accom panied it; it w as predictably garnished and serv ed w ith m ustard. The steam ed m ussels in a w ine and tom ato broth with onions w ere also quite good.

Also available w ere oysters (of the non-w histling variety, fortunately), served raw w ith a basil sauce.

U nder th e designation of second plate w as the dinner salad, tw o soups, and o th e r salad variations (including a tortellini salad w ith prosciutto and p arm esan , but I didn’t think I could face m ore boxed tortellini).

Finally a salad with good breeding!

In g red ien ts included bib lettuce, endive, red leaf lettuce, and purple cabbage, dressed w ith a delicious ra sp b e rry v in a ig re tte .

H ow u nfo rtu n ate that all the greens w ere a bit w ilted and old; th ey had such

BY GEORGE BENINGTON

"H

O y s te r

potential. The tom ato soup with scallops was good but not rem arkable; it seem ed too facile.

T he W histling O yster’s grapefruit sorbet betw een the second plate and the en tre e w as a fine touch cleansing, fresh, and tart.

W ith that note how could the en tre es fail. The chicken breast stuffed with spinach and sausage was an enorm ous portion (Frank Perdue has been w orking on those chickens again). It was perfectly cooked in a w ild m u s h ro o m c r e a m sau ce.

U nfortunately the swordfish w as not as desirable. A lthough it w as broiled hot and fast in a co rriander butter it did not seem fresh -- a bit fishy and oily. W e w ere fortunate enough to have a seafood ex p ert -- som eone actually from Maine - on hand to m ake th at call. The en trees w ere served w ith a side plate of vegetables w hich included squash, zucchini, yam s, and snow peas. T hey w ere well p rep a re d but w ere rem iniscent of Thanksgiving or Christm as dinner at g ran d m o th e r’s house. O ther en trees included beef filets with candied shallots, roast duckling, leg of lamb, lobster of the day, am ong m any others.

The sep arate dessert m enu was quite elegant, in fact, m ore th an the selection (they even had som ething like a sundae). But the special selections - cheesecak e with Scotch and blackberries, a vanilla genoise, and one o ther - w ere quite tem pting.

T he coffee was excellent. A nd as I am one of those peculiar anim als w ho likes one cigarette after a m eal, I was pleased to have one brought on a plate. For me it w as a fine finish to a fine meal.

T he W histling O yster is certainly a w orthw hile trip, being on the outside of th e Portland dining corridor.

Perhaps not every w eek, particularly not on a holiday w eekend, but som etim e your palate will thank you even if your accountant doesn’t.

First plate -- $4.95 to $6.95; second plate - $2.75 to $4.95.

Entrees -$ 1 2 .5 0 to $24.95. tV tf NOVEMBER 1986

19

CONTROVERSY

BY ALAN ROSENBERG acked to the bulletin board is a postcard-sized photo of Rosie th e Riveter. T he sym bol of A m erica’s m uscle on th e hom e front is show ing off h er bountiful biceps. The caption reads: “W e can do it!”

T he symbol is appropriate. The spirit of a cam paign no less zealous than the one th at enlisted w om en in th e w ar effort is present in the offices of Pine T ree Legal Assistance, Inc., of Portland. The mission: defense of the poor.

At her desk, below the picture, K arm it H ym an attends her first client of th e day. On the intake sheet it says th at M ary (the clients’ nam es have b een changed to protect their privacy) is being sued for $800. Her ex ­ boyfriend claim s she stole his w ashing m achine w hen th ey split up.

M ary says th at isn’t so. T he w asher had been his birthday present to her.

And, in fact, he had cleaned her out w hen he left.

T h e initial p a p e rw o rk d o e s n ’t m ention it, but M ary’s problem is m o re th an the prospect of a suit filed in small-claims court. Her boyfriend, she says, has beaten her. Now he is harassing her. Mary, just 23, is scared for herself and her th ree young children.

ary is one of about 210,000 M a in e rs, o r a b o u t 19 p ercen t of the population, that last y e ar m et th e eligibility req u irem ents to obtain free legal services. The cutoff point for a single individual is a gross annual incom e of $6,652. For a family of four it is $13,312. In 1985, 12,000 eligible people called Pine T ree offices in six M aine cities. E very caller w ho qualified w as provided som e degree of aid, from detailed legal advice to rep resentation through to th e end of com plex court cases.

M

t is T hursday m orning at the P ortland office, the tim e set aside for interview ing new clients.

E m ergency cases, of course, are taken all w eek, and, says H ym an, “All d o m e s tic v io le n c e c a s e s a re em ergencies.”

F rom M ary, H ym an h e a rs a “tex tb o o k ” story. A few m onths back, th e night their relationship ended w ith h e r frantic call to the Portland p o lic e , M a ry ’s b o y f r ie n d h a d “p o unded” her.

A fter letting Mary vent, Hym an directs the conversation to issues she

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20

PORTLAND MONTHLY

will need to substantiate in court.

“W hen w as the last tim e he physically abused you? Anything?

Pushed you, shoved you?” Hyman asks.

“About a m onth ago,” she says.

“And w hen was the last tim e he cam e by?”

“He com es by four or five tim es a w eek and peeks through my window.

And everybody I go out with now, he tells them I have herpes, which I don’t. I’m scratching because 1 get hives w hen I’m nervou s.”

“Go on,” says Hyman.

“H e’s very jealous. I ended up trying to kill myself I do n ’t know how m any tim es to ju st get out of the relatio n sh ip . I sta rte d seeing a psychiatrist.”

“Tell m e a little bit about the abuse.

How did it happen?”

“Mostly, h e’d scream at me. He’s an ex-boxer, and h e’s got quite the punch. H e’s got a good right hook...”

“Did he ev er leave bruises on you?”

“Many times. I’ve had black and blue on m y face and on my legs from kicking m e. He’s got a pair of cowboy boots th at com e to a tip at the end.”

“Did you ev er have to go to a doctor or the em ergency room ?”

“I would never have done that.”

“W hy not?”

“I w as too scared.”

“O kay.”

An e m e rg e n c y o rd e r of protection can be obtained almost im m ediately, H ym an tells Mary. “I think you need it. I think w e’ve got a good case for it. It sounds like th ere’s been a lot of abuse. No m atter what, w e’re going to be able to help you.

You can be assured about th a t.”

About the small claims section, Mary can either file her ow n suit or ask th e judge for the property at a subsequent hearing to m ake the protection ord er perm anent.

M ary’s com plaint about the herpes rum ors h er ex-boyfriend has allegedly been spreading is som ething she will have to pursue with a private attorney. Pine T re e’s people don’t h a n d le d e f a m a tio n , a n y o th e r personal injury cases, or criminal m atters.

Eighty p ercent of the cases taken by Pine T ree involve eith er public benefits or housing. Clients com e for help defending their rights to benefits

fro m g o v e rn m e n t p ro g ra m s, in c l u d i n g g e n e r a l a s s i s t a n c e , v ete ra n s’ benefits, an d Aid to Families of D ep en d en t C hildren. Housing disputes usually c e n te r on landlordten a n t clashes. The rest of th e cases cover a b ro ad ran g e, including c o n su m e r c o m p lain ts a n d o th e r m atters m ost often settled in small claim s and district courts.

H ym an is at once pleased and dism ayed after escorting M ary to the front door.

“She seem s like a nice credible w om an w h o ’s really b een having a hard tim e,” says H ym an. “It feels good to know w e can m ost likely help her. It’s unusual. I rarely say so straight-forw ard to a client th at I know w e can help her. In this case, I can.

“But w hat I’m alw ays shocked and sadden ed about is that a w om an gets to this point and n obody’s told h er she could get an o rd er of p ro tectio n .”

Though the police are doing a b etter job inform ing abuse victim s of their rights, som e w om en still slip through the cracks, she says.

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ym an, 28, is a slender w om an with h er long brow n hair tied back tightly in a businesslike bun. Filled w ith fervor for th e cause and intense w hen she talks shop, H ym an is typical of the law yers Pine T ree attracts. If you didn’t know she has b een battling in th e judicial tren ch es for alm ost tw o years, you m ight tak e h er as naive. Says Hym an: “I’m h e re because I w an ted to help people. I w an ted to effect social change, especially as w om en are co n cern ed .”

The p ractice of pov erty law had been a goal for H ym an before she left her native Chicago for Boston's N ortheastern U niversity Law School.

Her c a re e r course is not suprising.

Her m o th er is a professor of social w ork. H er father has w orked as an adm inistrator in th e g o v ern m en t’s anti-poverty agency.

“Ever since I w as young m y p aren ts involved m e in their crusades to help disadvantaged p eople,” she says. “I w as 5 y ears old w hen they took m e along on the m arch on W ashington.”

O ne day each y ear, she atte n d e d a Freedom School taught o n e tim e by Dick G regory, a n o th e r tim e by the Rev. M artin Luther King.

Stereotypically, law yers a re sure-

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bet Yuppies. Their econom ic futures have no bounds. Not so hers. T hey are professionals, of course, but hardly u p w a r d ly m o b ile . A r e c e n t l y negotiated salary scale ran g es from about $17,000 to $31,000 after 12 years. T hese law yers, w ho provide counsel to som e of Portland's bag ladies, m ore often than not, take bag lunches. H ym an’s pay-back appears to be the pride the job provides.

“We treat our clients as royally as any a tto rn e y should tre a t their clients,” she says. “We give them as much attention, if not m ore, because w e don’t see dollar signs behind every m inute we spend with them . T here are atto rn ey s w ho do. ‘This client,’ they say, ‘is going to pay me $200, so I ca n ’t afford to put a lot of hours in it.’ I don’t look at it that way. I'm very happy 1 d o n ’t look at it th at w ay.”

he stories of th e tw o other law yers in the Portland office, P eter Darvin and staff head Tom Kelley (a fourth staff atto rn ey is on leave) h a rm o n iz e w ell w ith

T

H ym an’s.

Darvin, 28, w ent to law school to obtain credentials to be a social w orker. “1 don’t particularly think that being a law yer is som e trem endous vocation,” he says. “In and of itself, it doesn’t interest m e.” G raduating in the top 15 percent of his class at G eorge W ashington University Law School, Darvin could have tripled his salary had he accepted an offer to join a private firm for which he had w orked part-tim e. While in school, he also v olunteered with a legal services office.

“T he contrast betw een the two practices was, for me, significant,” he says.” I’d be w orking on auto injury, personal injury cases, and to be quite honest, though they w ere som ew hat intellectually interesting, 1 found them unexciting.”

T h o u g h p a s s io n a te a b o u t his purpose as a poverty law yer, D arvin’s e x p e c ta tio n s a b o u t th e job a re grounded in reality.

“1 have no illusions that legal services w ork is going to change the w orld. The people w ho have that attitude are the people w ho last only

two or th re e years in legal service.

You see the sam e clients com ing b ack with the sam e problem s and yo u re a liz e th e le g a l s y s te m h a s limitations.

“I don’t know how m any tim es som eone has com e to m e and said, ‘I’ve got four kids and my landlord’s evicting m e and h e ’s got no reaso n and it’s not fair.’

“And I’ll look over the papers a n d I'll tell him, ‘You know what? Your landlord can evict you. T h e re ’s nothing we can do about it, and you’re right, it’s not fair.' I don’t get a real sense of changing the world with those kinds of cases.”

Like the other law yers in the Portland office, Darvin, in a welltailored tw eed sport coat, dresses well, often better, he says, than some of the pricey attorneys they m eet in court.

“I think it’s im portant to dress well,” he says. “I w ant people to know that low incom e people have law yers who are just as good.” His clothes a re also m eant as a subtle m essage to his clients.

“A lot of clients have bought into

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society's prejudices,” D arvin says.

“T hey think th at if th e y ’re getting som ething free it c a n ’t be w orth m uch. I’ve had people say, ‘W hat are you guys, apprentices?’ or ‘Is this w hat you have to do before you becom e law yers?”’

Kelley, an eight-year Pine T ree v e te ra n , w as m o tiv a te d by his experien ce as a com m unity organizer in Portland, a foot soldier in the federal w ar on poverty. W orking at the grass-roots level, he says, “I ended up taking a lot of people to Pine T ree Legal, an d som e of th e law yers at Pine T ree would com e in and w ork for us. I w as im pressed.” his, says H ym an, is a slow day, though you couldn’t tell by the p h o n e -ju g g lin g of th e receptionist Kay D ucharm e, w ho is the first to face th e clients’ frustrations and fears. She too is a booster. T he w ay D ucharm e sees it, “Pine T ree evens th e odds.”

She and o th ers w ho w ork in Pine T ree as secretaries an d paralegals say th ey feel m uch a p art of th e mission.

Indeed, at first glance, it is difficult for an outsider to m ake out a hierarchy.

Legal secretary Sue N adeau, paid just $226 a w eek, says the perks a re personal.

“I’m tre a te d like a p a rtn e r h ere, not a se c re ta ry ,” she says. “W e w ork to g eth e r for the com m on good. As a secretary in a private firm, I felt like I was run-of-the-mill, so m eone w ho m akes coffee, takes dictation and types, an d th a t’s it. In this office, they enco u rag e you to participate, to go to court and observe or be involved with case m eetings.”

T

ym an finds Jane, h er second client, sitting on a couch by D ucharm es’ desk w ith h er pigtailed daughter.

“If she w ants to bring in p ap er and crayons, it’s all rig h t,” says H ym an.

On th e bookshelf by th e couch is a tub of crayon stubs, som e torn an d taped children ’s books, a card b o ard box of hand-m e-dow n toys. For adults, th ere is only a stack of People m agazines.

Subscriptions and o th er am enities are frills Pine T ree can little afford.

Jane, a h eavyset w om an w earing hiking boots with no laces, is being sued for $1,200 in back rent. The dispute is com plicated, involving a house th at has long b een condem ned,

H

com plaints of a defective furnace, and allegations of broken prom ises.

Quickly and efficiently, H ym an sifts the legal w heat from the chaff. “...And every tim e you tried to call th e landlord about the furnace, he hung up on you? He w asn’t willing to fix it?”

“Right, he w asn’t willing to talk to m e about it.”

“How cold was it getting? Did you have a th erm o m eter in there? Did you get readings?”

“No.” “W as th e furnace w orking at all, providing any heat?”

“No, no. And w hen it did th ere was a real h eavy oil sm ell.”

As she speaks, Jan e spills from her purse a dozen Speed Letters from the landlord to docum ent h er case.

“I think you have a pretty strong case,” says H ym an. “I’m not going to say 100 p ercen t right now. T here are som e w eak points like the fact that you didn’t give him a 30-day notice.

A lthough you had a good reason for it, th a t could be a problem .”

H ym an suggests a c o u n te rsu it against the landlord for renting out a house th a t had been posted. W hen Jan e and her daughter leave, Hym an shakes h er head. "This landlord,” she says, “is notorious.” n th e nex t office, while Hym an hears the w oes of a preg n an t teen ag e m other th re a te n e d with eviction, paralegal Jo an n e D oblere advises a young couple w ho have a com plaint against a furniture store.

T hey a re clearly intim idated by the law. “All 1 know is ‘People’s C ourt,”’ says the young m an in a torn green ski jacket. The sixpiece livingroom set they bought for $839 literally fell apart. Two of the defective pieces w ere replaced by the store. T he replacem ents w ere no better.

D oblere and th e o th e r th re e paralegals in the office can do every th ing the law yers can except to take a case to court.

R efraining from any legal jargon, she outlines the tack the couple can take to build their case. T hey should, she suggests, present a list of their specific com plaints to th e store m an ag er or ow ner.

“My advice to you is to tell them y ou’ve been to Pine Tree. Som etim es, if people know you are serious

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enough to have gotten legal counsel, that will often help with negotiations."

The interview ends with Doblere sounding like a coach giving a pep ta lk . B ec a u se of th e ir lim ited resources, Pine T ree’s effectiveness depends a great deal on convincing clients that they have pow er under the law. inety percent of Pine Tree’s $1.6 million annual budget is funneled through the Legal Services Corporation, a quasi public corporation funded by the federal governm ent. O ther m oney comes from the state, private grants, and foundations. For several years, since Ronald R eagan took office, poverty law program s have been high on the adm inistration’s hit list. The positions of the 27 law yers w ho w ork for Pine T ree in Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, Bangor, Machias, and Presque Isle have alw ays been precarious. This year again, the president’s proposed budget includes no m oney for the Legal Services Corp.

President R eagan and other critics argue that the legal services burden can be shifted to volunteers from the private bar.

Says David Kennedy, Pine T ree’s director: “That contention is ludicrous. Maine has one of the very best lawyer volunteer efforts in the country, but (the private bar) doesn’t have the resources to replace Pine Tree.

“T he second argum ent (for cutting th e p rogram ), to use President R eagan’s w ords, is th at w e’re ‘a bunch of ideological am bulance chasers.’

T here's som e thought th at w e’re pursuing som e kind of revolutionary social agenda to restructure society and th a t’s an inappropriate use of public funds.

“My answ er to th at,” Kennedy continues, “is that A) w e’re not; and B) the things we do are, in fact, legitim ate and appropriate. We are an apolitical organization ... We have proven w e will sue or aggressively pursue clients’ interests w h erever that lea d s us. If th a t m ea n s suing som ething or som eone defined as liberal, fine. On occasion, we m anage to irritate ev ery o n e on the political spectrum . In part, th at is our job.”

T h o u g h th e a g e n c y m ay be apolitical, the practitioners don’t hide their politics. Both in H ym an’s and D arvin’s offices are posters advancing th e c a u s e of th e N ic a ra g u a n revolution. On D arvin’s file cabinet is

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a bum p er sticker saying: “Stop the Arm s Race, not the H um an R ace.”

Says Darvin: “O bviously people who a re a ttra c te d (to legal services w o rk ) a r e of a m o re lib e ra l orientation. T hat is p art of th e fuel for w hy you w ork here. You h av e certain liberal, idealist values.”

If th e pro g ram w ere to disappear, K ennedy allows th at th e private a tto r n e y s w o u ld in c r e a s e th e ir contribution. But th at w ouldn’t be enough. Pine T re e ’s law yers and paralegals have, by necessity, becom e specialists in certain areas. T hat expertise would be sorely missed, says K ennedy.

Public benefits law, for instance, is “an arcan e, esoteric a re a ,” says K ennedy, “th at m ost law yers have alm ost no fam iliarity with.”

“W ith so m an y of those cases, w e’re th e e x p e rts on o n e sid e, th e D e p a rtm e n t of H u m an S e rv ic e s law yers are ex p erts on th e o th e r side, and no one else know s anything about it.”

T hough K ennedy believes Pine T ree will escape th e ex ecu tio n er’s axe o n c e a g a in , p a rtly b e c a u s e of u n a n im o u s s u p p o r t of M a in e ’s congressional delegation, he says the agency is bracing for m ore cuts.

“W e’re alread y en co u n terin g fiscal difficulty. In 1981, th e re w as a 25-percent cut th a t w e’ve n ev er fully reco v ered from .”

D espite th e lim ited resources, says K ennedy, Pine T ree has a reputation as one of th e best legal services agencies in th e country. Part of the reason m ay be th at Pine T ree retains its staff longer th an agencies in oth er states, an a v erag e of five to nine years. “O ther legal services a re lucky to keep people b etw een tw o an d four y ears.”

K ennedy declined to consider his staff's success on th e basis of a wonloss record.

“It’s alm ost a bad thing to pay attentio n to ,” he says. “It m ight enco u rag e th em to tak e only cases th at a re clear w in n ers.”

e a r 3 O’clock, Tom Kelley plays tow n crier, calling th e staff to g e th e r for a w eekly c a s e m e e tin g . N ew c a s e s a r e review ed, assigned, strategies set.

T hey g ath er in th e library, th e law yers an d paralegals, aro u n d a hollow w ood table - a door th at has been recycled from form er quarters.

N

T hirty-three cases a re on the agenda.

T he cases run the gamut: An elderly m an is being sued for the $100 he ow es a service station for gasoline. T he sta tio n o w n e r is ap p aren tly being vindictive. He w o n ’t accept $10 w eekly paym ents.

A m an claim s he is being evicted from a church-run shelter because he did not a tten d services.

A w om an w ho built a house on land provided by h er recently deceased friend is being asked to m ove by the friend’s son.

A m an has been booted off the w elfare rolls because he allegedly hasn ’t put in th e requisite num ber of w orkfare hours.

Despite th e pressures of tim e and th e serious n atu re of m ost com plaints, som e cases provide a ch an ce to chuckle. Peter D arvin presents “the Case of th e Funny P otatoes.” The client lives in a housing project for the elderly, w h ere residents are required to pay $100 a m onth for m eal service, w h eth er or not th ey partake.

Says Darvin: “He says the food is greasy, th ey d o n ’t have butter, th ey have too m uch rice, the peas a re too h ard for dentures, the food is alw ays cold and has no flavor and th ey serve ‘funny p o tato es.’”

“1 told him to have a t least one m ore person (from th e project) call m e.”

S a y s T o m : “ I t’s o u r c la s s ic organizing case.”

Darvin agrees, but the client had a stroke an d is in no condition to rally o th e r residents. “W e at least could w rite a letter for th em ,” he suggests.

It is alm ost 5 o ’clock w hen the receptionist Kay D ucharm es breaks into the m eeting. “Y our abuse case has just com e in,” she tells H ym an.

“T h ey ’re both out th ere, the husband an d wife. I’m going hom e but I didn’t w an t to leave them alone.”

H ym an hustles to the reception area to place her body betw een tw o w arring parties. She is now both the defender and diplom at. H er client, Susan, a young willowy w om an w ith a six-m onth-old baby, has been brutally victim ized by h er husband, John, a chain-sm oking y o ung m an in a scarred denim jacket. H ym an has been negotiating term s of a protective o rd er an d ultim ately a divorce.

T he session lasts until 7 p.m. “1 got an ag re e m en t w orked out,” H ym an says later. “T he husband tried to m anipulate m y client into dropping th e w hole thing. Jo h n ’s law yer was just trying to keep him un d er control.

Continued on page 38

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Tossing a D ickensian ru a n a about m y sh o ld ers, I sa sh a y e d dow n P o r tla n d ’s c o b b le s to n e r u n w a y , com ing to an abrupt halt w hen I caught m y heel on the discovery that like the rest of the country right now, M ainers a re m ad for m oderations e.g., w e can celebrate the torso, sculpt lines, experience m om entum , and be in trig u ed by le o p a rd spots and plunging necklines, but the fact is,

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Susan Bergier, o w ner of A m aryllis, 41 E xchange Street, ag reed th at as a rule, P ortlanders a re “considerate, cautious consum ers not totally w ooed by flash.” Still, th e re ’s plenty of room for adventure. “People grow up, they m ature. Kids a re hip; th ey are into a d a p tin g n e w sty les; a n d th ey eventually grow up. T hese kids take risks, and th ey influence their m om s.”

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both are loosening up in term s of fashion. W hen she first o p en ed her store, “People did not w ant to stand out; th ey h ad a v ery rural attitude.

Now th ey w ant to. They a re com ing out of the woods.

“People in Portland have becom e m ore clothes conscious,” a g re e d Joanne Larm on of B enoits. “People a re d ressin g up m o re for th e Sym phony and th e Portland Stage C om pany.” Larm on sees a m ovem ent aw ay from th e oversized look to m ore traditional looking clothing. “A lot of our clothing is career-oriented. We cater to w om en w ho are b etw een 30 and 60 y ears old.”

A nd th e y ’v e got th e sc ra tc h .

A ccording to th e latest available figures, P ortland consum ers spent $440 million in retail sales. From this figure, $23.6 million was spent in apparel and accessories stores, $7 million of w hich was spent in the w om en’s clothing, specialty, and fur d epartm ents. A nother $2.6 million w as spent in shoe stores.

A nd th e y a re not necessarily looking for th e Union Label, either.

Susan B ergier’s m ajor lines for fall include In Wear from D enm ark, w hich, she pointed out, “is unique because though m ost E uropean labels c reate tw o lines, one for Europe and one for th e United States, In Wear d o es n o t.”

THE LABEL YOU CHOOSE IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE FUR YOU BUY! The most magnificent furs in the world wear the Ward Bros, label... your assurance of flawless quality, enduring fashion & true value.

Your fur is an investment...one you’ll enjoy for years to come. At Ward Bros, we stand behind every fur we sell.

Our expert furriers are here to assist you in every aspect of purchasing, owning & caring for your fur. When you select a Ward Bros, fur, you have the best.

Our Entire Collection of magnificent furs is now priced to save you 20% & more.

M AINE M A LL - D O W N TO W N LEW ISTON - B AN G O R M A LL

The Old Port—Portland, Maine Brick sidewalks, the strong influence o f a thriving port, stunning architecture o f G othic and R om anesque Revival, Italiante, Federal and Q u een A nne com plete the picture o f Portland, a city which successfully com bines m odern lifestyles with an abiding respect for its heritage.

M odern Offices in H istoric Buildings “W hat did Jordan M arsh say?” laughs Nicholas E. Crom bie of F ile n e’s , w hen I tell him 1 am w riting a story in search of ‘th a t elusive

24 C ity C enter 178 M iddle Street 50 M o n u m en t Square 415 C ongress Street 39 -1 0 3 Exchange S treet Po rtlan d Perform ing A rts C enter

D1R1GO MANAGEM ENT COMPANY 1 7 8 M ID D L E S T R E E T • P O R T L A N D , M A IN E 0 4 1 0 1

P o rtla n d Style’. . .

“H ere at Filene’s w e’re focusing m erchan d in g to a particular m ark et,” said C rom bie. “W e’ve id entified certain p attern s in th e Portland area.

T he P ortland custom er is a m oderate, traditional o n e.” Most of C rom bie’s custom ers can be divided into th ree

W e are the Old Port.

For lease inform ation, contact: Dave R obinson

207-871-1080

Continued on page 31 NOVEMBER 1986

29

Continued from page 9

P o r t l a n d P u b lic L i b r a r y , 5 M o n u m en t S quare, P o rtla n d . T h ro u g h O cto b e r 30, th e L ibrary p re se n ts In T im e a n d E t e r n it y : M a in e S h a k e r s in th e I n d u s tr ia l A g e , 1 8 7 2 -1 9 1 8 . This ex h ib it of 50 historic p h o to g ra p h s will b e o n v iew in th e Level O ne E xhibition A rea of th e L ibrary. L ibrary ho u rs, M onday, W e d n esd a y a n d F rid ay , 9 to 6; T u e sd a y an d T h u rsd ay , n o o n to 9; a n d S a tu rd a y 9 to 5. Closed S undays.

773-4761, x l 10.

P o r t l a n d S c h o o l o f A r t, B ax ter G allery, 619 C o n g ress St., P o rtlan d . S w is s D e s ig n : P o s t e r s co n tin u es th ro u g h N o v em b er 9. F ro m N o v em b er 3 to N o v em b er 26, th e S chool sh o w s P h o to g r a p h i c W o r k s b y Joel Sternfeld (th e P h o to g allery is o p e n d u rin g c o lleg e’s li b r a r y h o u r s ; c a ll 7 6 1 -1 7 7 2 ). A g g r e s s i o n , S u b v e r s io n , S e d u c tio n : Y o u n g G e r m a n P a i n t e r s sh o w s from S u n d ay , N o v em b e r 16, w ith a public re c e p tio n fro m 6 to 8 p.m ., th ro u g h J a n u a ry 4, 1987.

M onday to F riday, 10 to 5; T h u rsd ay e v e n in g s to 7; a n d S u nday, 1 to 5. 761-1772.

U n iv e r s ity o f S o u th e r n M a in e A r t G a lle r y , G o rh am cam pus. E r ic H o p k in s : E a s t / W e s t P r o je c t. T h ro u g h N o v em b e r 20. 12 to 8, S u n d ay to T h u rsd ay . 780-4440.

M a d e le in e L ’E n g le , lay th eo lo g ian a n d aw ard w in n in g a u th o r (A W rin k le in T im e and 35 o th e r titles), will lead a q u ie t d a y called “S ep aratio n F ro m th e S tars” at th e C ath ed ral C h u rch of St. Luke in P o rtla n d on S atu rd a y , O c to b e r 18 fro m 10 a.m . to 4 p.m . $15.

F o r m o re in fo rm atio n , call 772-5434.

DANCE D a n ie l M c C u s k e r , A rtistic D irecto r of R am Island D ance C o m p an y , e x p lo re s th e crea tiv e p ro cess of c h o re o g ra p h y as p a r t of th e P o rtla n d M useum of A rt’s W o rk in P ro g ress series. M cC usker will discuss th e p ro g re ss of his c u r r e n t w o rk , “V an tag e P o in ts,” a v id e o /d a n c e p e rfo rm a n c e c re a te d by M cC usker in co llab o ratio n w ith v id eo artist Ted Miles, to be p re s e n te d at th e M useum o n N o v em b er 21 a n d 22.

P o rtla n d M useum of A rt, T h u rsd ay , N o v em b e r 13, 7:30 p.m . F ree. 775-6148 V a n ta g e P o in ts , a co llab o ratio n of th e R am Island D a n c e C o m p a n y a n d v id e o a rtis t T e d Miles.

S im u ltan eo u s d a n c e /v id e o e v e n ts, co m p o se d in sh o rt sections, will b e p e rfo rm e d in th e M useum ’s g allery spaces; a u d ie n c e m e m b ers will b e free to m o v e b e tw e e n th e v ario u s e v e n ts to fashion th e ir o w n v a n ta g e p o in ts o n this ch a llen g in g w o rk . T h e h o u rlong p e rfo rm a n c e ta k es p la ce at 7 an d 9 p.m . o n th e e v e n in g s of N o v em b e r 21 a n d 22. $ 7 /$ 6 . 775-6148.

S c o ttis h C o u n tr y D a n c in g , w ith Paul Sarvis, a p ro fessio n al d a n c e r w h o h as ta u g h t m a ster classes an d w o rk sh o p s in S cottish d a n c e th ro u g h o u t th e U.S. a n d C anada. E very W e d n esd a y e v e n in g a t 7:30 at W illiston W est C hurch , 32 T h o m as St. in P o rtlan d . 775-4019.

C la s s e s a t P o r t l a n d D a n c e C e n t e r , T e r m , 25A F o rest A v en u e, P o rtlan d . v a rie ty of d an c e form s for all levels of n o n -d an ce rs. Classes for ch ild ren an d 773-2562 for a sch ed u le.

F a ll S c h o o l Classes in a d a n c e rs an d ad u lts. Call

FILM

O P E N D A IL Y 1 0 -6 /T H U R S FRI S AT 10-8 S U N 12-5

A M A R Y L L I S A m a r y l l i s

C l o t h i n g

41 E xchange Street, Portland, Maine04101

30

PORTLAND MONTHLY

Co.

207772-4439

M e p h is to , Istvan S zabo, H u n g ary , 1981. U n iv ersity of S o u th ern M aine, L u th er B o n n ey A u d ito riu m . F riday, O cto b e r 24, 5 p.m ., a n d S u n d ay , O cto b e r 26, 4 p.m . $2.75. 780-4440.

G e r m a n y P a le M o th e r . H elm a S an d ers-B rah m ’s p o w erfu l 1978 re -c re a tio n —p a rt fiction, p a rt m e m o ry -of h e r p a re n t’s e x p e rie n c e s d u rin g an d a fte r W orld W ar II. P art of th e P o rtla n d M useum of A rt’s New G erm an C inem a film series. O cto b e r 30, 7 p.m . at th e M useum . $ 2 .5 0 /$ 3 . 775-6148.

T h e B a s ile u s Q u a r te t , Fabio Carpi, Italy, 1981.

U n iv ersity of S o u th e rn M aine, L u th er B o n n e y A uditorium . F riday, O cto b e r 3 1 , 5 p.m ., a n d S u n d ay N o v em b e r 2, 4 p.m . $2.75. 780-4440.

A W o m a n in F la m e s is th e ta le of a b eau tifu l y o u n g w o m an w h o escap e s from a stultifying m a rria g e to find th a t sex can b e a v e ry p ro fitab le co m m o d ity . She is so o n living w ith a y o u n g m a n w h o is also a p r o f e s s io n a l lo v e r —a n d a s th e ir r e l a ti o n s h i p intensifies, h e b ec o m es m o re co n v e n tio n al an d jealous an d sh e sh ed s all m iddle-class restrain ts. “A W o m an in F lam es” w as d ire cted in 1984 by R o b ert van A ck erm a n . P art of th e M useum ’s N ew G erm an C inem a film series. N o v em b er 6, 7 p .m . at th e M useum . $ 2 .5 0 /$ 3 . 775-6148.

W r o n g M o v e, W im W en d ers, G erm an y , 1975.

U n iv ersity of S o u th e rn M aine, L u th e r B o n n ey A u d ito riu m . F riday, N o v em b e r 7, 5 p.m ., an d S unday, N o v em b e r 9, 4 p.m . $2.75. 780-4440.

T o B e O r N o t T o B e, E rnst Lubitsch, U.S.A., 1942.

U n iv ersity of S o u th e rn M aine, L u th er B o n n ey A u d ito riu m . F riday, N o v em b e r 14, 5 p.m . a n d S unday, N o v em b e r 16, 4 p.m . $2.75. 780-4440.

M a r y P o p p in s , at th e P o rtla n d M useum of Art. S u n d ay , N o v em b e r 16, 1:30 p .m . $ l / $ 2 in ad d itio n to M useum adm ission. 775-6148.

Lili M a r le e n , R.W. F assb in d er, G erm an y , 1981.

U n iv ersity of S o u th e rn M aine, L u th e r B o n n ey A u d ito riu m . F riday, N o v em b er 2 1 ,5 p.m . an d S unday, N o v em b er 23, 4 p .m . $2.75. 780-4440.

F ilm s S a n d w ic h e d In, th e P o rtla n d Public L ib rary ’s free, w eek ly n o o n tim e series. T h e series co n tin u es ea ch T u e sd a y th ro u g h m id-N ovem ber an d features films o n M aine, a rt a n d artists. V iew ers a re in v ited to brin g th e ir lu n ch es. Coffee, te a a n d light d essert are av a ilab le at n o ch a rg e . F o r m o re info rm atio n , call 773-4761.

C in e m a C ity , W e stb ro o k P laza, W e stb ro o k , 854-8116.

M a in e M all C in e m a , P o rtla n d , 774-1022.

M aine

Mall

R oad,

South

T h e M o v ie s a t E x c h a n g e S tr e e t, 10 E x c h an g e St., P o rtla n d , 772-9600.

N ic k e lo d e o n C in e m a , T em p le a n d M iddle S treets, P o rtla n d , 772-9751.

RESTAURANTS A l b e r t a ’s . 21 P leasan t S treet, P o rtlan d . All th e selectio n s fro m A lb e rta ’s e v e r-c h an g in g m e n u are co o k e d to o rd e r o v e r th e ir m e sq u ite ch a rc o al grill.

S teaks, seafo o d , a n d b u tterflied leg of lam b are ac c o m p a n ie d b y h o m e m a d e so u p s, b read s, and desserts, including “ D eath b y C h o co late.” Lunch, d in n e r, S u n d ay b ru n c h . M ajor cred it cards. 774-5408.

A f g h a n R e s ta u r a n t. 629 C o n g ress S treet, P ortland.

D elicious a n d ex o tic A fghani cuisine in a family s ettin g . A tm o sp h e re in clu d es p ain tin g s b y o w n er w ith fun p ersp ectiv es. 773-3431.

A m ig o ’s . 9 D an a S tree t, P o rtla n d . A w ide selectio n of M exican food in a re la x e d settin g . E nchiladas, tacos, b u rrito s, e v e ry th in g m a d e fro m scratch . Brings the M exican e x p e rie n c e to th e Old P ort. Lunch a n d d inner T u e sd a y s th ro u g h S atu rd ay s, closed S unday and M onday. 772-0772.

T h e B a k e r ’s T a b le . 434 F o re S treet, Portland.

R elax ed b istro b e n e a th th e O ld P o rt B ak eh o u se offers d iv e rse E u ro p e an co o k in g , v eal, fish, tou rn ed o s, h o m e m a d e c h o w d e r s , s o u p s, s te w s , in c lu d in g b o u illab aisse a re av ailab le, as w ell as fresh b read s and p a s tr i e s fro m u p s ta ir s . L o c a l a r tis ts e x h ib it occasio n ally . M ajor cred it card s. 775-0303.

T h e B lu e M o o n . 425 F o re S tree t, P o rtlan d . P o rtlan d ’s n ew jazz club re s ta u ra n t fe a tu re s le jazz h o t - live n ig h tly as w ell as an e n te rta in in g d in n e r m enu. A stro n g a d d itio n to P o rtla n d ’s n ightlife. 871-0663.

B o o n e ’s . C ustom H o u se W harf, P o rtlan d . T h e y ’ve b e e n s erv in g a n e x tra o rd in a ry ra n g e of seafo o d since

Continued on page 38

Continued from page 29 c a t e g o r i e s — “ t h e in - b e tw e e n m o d e r a te a n d b e tte r-p ric e -p o in t custom er, th e m o d erate up-dated custom er, w ho favors Liz Claiborne, and a budget, avan t-g ard e custom er w ho is very stylish but d o esn ’t w ant to spend a lot of m o n ey .” P o rtlanders, it seem s a re also ’’quality o riented, sm art shoppers. People h e re a re very f a s h io n - c o n s c i o u s . P r o f e s s i o n a l c lo th in g s a le s h a v e i n c r e a s e d dram atically. W ear-to-w ork styles are m ore tailored an d trad itio n al.” Sales of this type of clothing have in creased by approxim ately 40 p ercen t since Filene’s opened in th e M aine Mall.

And just w hat did J o rd a n M arsh say? “As m ore and m ore w om en en te r the business w orld th ey are beco m in g in creasin g ly c o n c e rn e d w ith im age. W om en a re m o re com fortable with how th ey depict them selves - th ey w ant to have a pro fessio n al p o lish ,” said Jam es Sullivan, vice president of fashion m erchandising for Jo rd an Marsh. He v o w s th a t th e J o r d a n M a rsh philosophy is n ev er second-guess the custom er, so his clothing, w hich is purchased in New York, is shipped to all 19 stores, regardless of location.

“Because y ou’re in M aine w e c a n ’t assum e that you w ant only n avy blue dresses. M aine does, h ow ever, lean m ore to w ard day th an ev en in g w ear.”

"Ralph Laruren, Giorgio Armani, Perry Ellis, and Calvin Klein are popular labels h e re ,” Joseph R edm an, o w n e r of J o s e p h ’s, to ld m e.

“Portlanders a re becom ing m ore fashion conscious. Men a re now realizing it’s just as easy to look good as dull - even L.L. Bean is adding a few in te re s tin g to u c h e s .” C arla M addrell, w o m en ’s sportsw ear buyer at Jo sep h ’s, says “Last spring w e began expanding in our w o m en ’s suit business. T rends are v ery classic. This fall, brow ns as well as th e jew el tones are in an d knits a re big.” O verall, she sees people becom ing m o re aw are, and “because th ey a re dressing up m ore, it inspires o th e rs.”

So w h ere are th e Revlon adjectives, the red sw erves? It all com es dow n to this: It’s deceptively easy to say ‘W hen the big designers decided to revive Dior’s New Look for fall, th ey should have com e to P ortland - h ere the New Look d o esn ’t h av e to be taken from m othballs; it’s b een roam ing th e streets for th e last 30 years.

But after all, w h at is fashion if it isn’t deceptively easy?

M cKEEN ST., BR U N SW IC K

A V E R Y U N IQ U E C O M M U N IT Y C O M P A R E T H E D IFFER EN C E! • • • • • • • • • •

31 R olling Acres • Front & rear yards Private W ooded Settings • Heavily landscaped lots Garages w ith door openers • Back yard patios Fully Applianced K itchens • 19’ Living Rooms T ilt o u t windows for easy care • Large dining areas Full chimney cases in each unit 1,200 sq. ft. o f living area-expandable to 1,900 Constructed to CM P "G ood Sense” guidelines State o f the art life saving sprinkler systems O ptions: fireplaces, dormers, skylines, add. 2 bedrms.

$ 7 9 ,9 0 0

Site office o pen daily 725-7769

E. H ona Longstaff Lewis, Bruce Lewis 775-5654 Bryce H am ilton 353-5521 • Chuck Gardner 865-6221 A nother fine Com m unity o f homes by Verrier Construction

M ARK STIM SON ASSOCIATES Several units nearing completion. Broker on site. M on.-Fri. 10-2 & Sat. Sun. 11-4

21 U N ITS N O W U N D ER CONTRACT

iNN€R CITY HAIR DISCOVER THE RRT OF BEING UNIQUE 658 Congress Street, Portland, M€ 04101 774-1235 NOVEMBER 1986

31

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h en in se a rc h of instruction in th e m ean in g of p atien ce, a p p re n tic e w riters w ould do well to co ntem plate M arguerite Y ourcenar, the French author an d academ ician. H er most

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im portant book to date, M em oirs o f H a d ria n , a p p eared in 1951, the year she tu rn ed 48. In th e 1963 edition she included som e notes, or Reflections , to

BY JOHN TAYLOR

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use her title, th at tell the story of how c a m e to b e w r itte n .

A ccording to this account, she w as all of 20 w hen ov ertak en by the am bition to w rite a book of som e sort about H a d ria n , th e illu strio u s R om an

M e m o irs

NOVEMBER 1986

33

,

WE SPECIALIZE IN ORIENTAL RCIGS 3 i J

-3

A lot of c o m p an ies sell Oriental rugs .. . along with furniture, wallpaper, and fabric. But at M ougalian & S ons, Oriental rugs are o u r only b u sin ess and we specialize in them . This d o es not m ean th at o u r rugs are m o re expensive.

But it d o e s m ean th at o u r know ledge is extensive, each rug we sell h as been individually selected, o ur reputation h as been built upon confidence, reliability an d personalized service, an d we stand behind each an d every o n e of o ur rugs.

Offering th e b est value to o u r c u sto m ers h a s been o ur tradition for th ree g e n e ra ­ tions. C om e visit o u r Show room .

_ .Robert P..

Mougalian ' “ ' ^ S o n s Inc

ORIENTAL RUGS 3'/2 miles West o f Gorham Village o ff Route 202 Open Tues. thru Sat. 10:00 to 5:00 Evenings by appointm ent 2 0 7 /9 2 9 - 5 5 2 2 • B an k financing available

Eight experienced owner/brokers in a unique partnership.

Selected hy Sothebyfs International Realty as its representative in Greater Portland.

J i m T h o r n e , P a t V ilv e n , H . B u d S in g e r, D ia n e S h e v e n e ll, B a rn e y B u r r a ll S e a te d : S u e L a m b , J a n ic e D r i n a n , C h r is J a c k s o n

A T r a d itio n o f E xcellence in R eal E state B ro k erag e fo r M o re T h a n 3 0 Y ears.

M A IN E M U L T I P L E L IS T IN G

34

PORTLAND MONTHLY

O n e U n io n W h a rf, P o rtla n d (2 0 7 ) 7 7 3 -0 2 6 2

em peror. Her choice of subject is less surprising than it m ight at first seem.

Having been trained in Greek and Latin by private tutors she felt at hom e in the classical w orld and all the m ore draw n to it by this sentence she found in Flaubert’s correspondence: “Just w hen the gods had ceased to be, and the Christ had not yet com e, there w as a unique m om ent in history, betw een Cicero and Marcus Aurelius, w hen m an stood alone.” Ultimately, M arguerite Y ourcenar would “do, from within, the sam e w ork of r e c o n s tr u c tio n w h ic h th e 19th century archaeologists (had) done from w ithout.”

Yet even though author and subject m ade a good m atch, 28 years w ere to pass before h er self-assigned task was com pleted. Throughout this period her readings in the G reek and Roman classics rem ained nearly continuous, w hereas her efforts at the writing table w ere fitful at best. Because it was her practice to destroy almost everything she w rote just as soon as she found it displeasing, she never had m ore than a few scraps to build on, or to sustain the hope that she actually did have a book in hand.

Though she does not report how m any m anuscripts, w h eth er partial or com plete, she simply threw out, it is clear th e re m ust have been a fair num ber. N evertheless she found the courage to begin w ork from scratch over and over again, despite years of b lu n d e rin g d o w n b lin d alley s.

Eventually, though, and perhaps inevitably, she scraped bottom . “From 1939 to 1948 the project was wholly abandoned. I thought of it at times, but with discouragem ent, and almost indifference, as one thinks of the impossible. And with som ething like sham e for ev er having ventured upon such an undertaking (Reflections , p.323).” It w as during this period that she w ent to the length of burning her research notes: “T hey seem ed to have becom e ... com pletely useless.”

But then by chance this rum or of a would-be book retu rn ed to life in D ecem ber 1948. While rooting about in a tru n k fu l of h alf-forgotten belongings she had n ’t seen in 10 years, she cam e upon “four or five typew ritten sheets, the paper of w hich had turned yellow .” H ere was a fragm ent, indeed one of the very few, to h a v e su rv iv e d h e r ru th le ss rejections, and “from th at m om ent th ere was no question but that this book m ust be taken up again,

w h atev er th e cost.” How m any would dare to resum e w ork at age 45 on a project first conceived at age 20 w hen re p e a te d e f f o r ts d u r in g th e in te r v e n in g 25 y e a r s h a d led absolutely n o w h ere at all?

Philosophers of craft distinguish betw een th e p atience of w aiting and the patience of doing. In w riting M em oirs o f H a d ria n M arg u erite Y o u rce n a r d e m o n s tra te d a ra re capacity for p atience of both kinds.

W h ile w a itin g s h e le a r n e d to discrim inate b etw een th e vision of the book she m ight at long last w rite and her failed attem p ts to realize that vision w hich had to be discarded. By rem aining clear about this distinction she m an ag ed to spare th e baby. It was only the bath w ater th a t got throw n out. Endow ed as well with th e patience of doing, she n ev er quit writing altogether, with th e result that by the tim e she had m atu red to the degree h er subject required, she had perfected a style exactly suited to her needs.

After nearly 60 y ears at th e ty p ew riter, M arguerite Y ourcen ar w on u n fo re se e n fam e w h en in Jan u ary 1981 she w as elected to the A cadem ie Francaise. She is th e first w om an to be so honored, and it redounds to th e credit of h er French peers th at in break in g w ith a tradition of m o re th a n th re e h u n d red y ears’ standing th ey could bring them selves to accept as o n e of th eir own a candidate w ho h ap p en ed also to be an A m erican citizen. M adam e Y ourcenar has lived in this cou n try since the late 1930s, having been stran d ed here by th e w ar. T hough she w rites only in French an d prim arily for a F rench audience, she has been tran slated by her com panion, the late G race Frick, so th at A m erican read ers have ready access to her principal w orks. It rem ains for h e r adopted cou n try to tak e due notice.

Since 1950 M adam e Y ourcenar has lived on Mt. D esert Island dow n east off the coast of Maine. For 31 years the local press had left h er in peace, but her election to th e A cadem ie was th o u g h t to m a k e g o o d c o p y .

O vernight she becam e ev ery editor’s first priority for an interview , and finding m yself in Maine at th e tim e I volunteered. From the first I had m isgivings ab o u t th e assignm ent because th e editor w as em phatic in professing his total lack of interest in anything to do w ith h er w ork. W hat his re ad e rs w ould w ant to find out, he ♦

3 GREAT REASONS . . .

TO BE AT

THE CORNER OF MIDDLE & MARKET STREETS 164 MIDDLE STREET IN THE OLD PORT

FOREIGN INTRIGUE Fashionable W om en's C lothing

774-5256

A B ear-G ram ™ : a cud d ly h an d crafted T eddy w ra p p e d w ith tissue in a gift b o x , w ith a h a n d w ritte n m essage o f y o u r choice.

/ V J VERMONT TEDOY

773-T E D I

T h e O y s te r C lu b se rve s a v a rie ty o f s p e c ia ltie s fro m o y s te rs to P rim e R ib. E x p e rie n c e fin e d in in g in o u r tra d itio n a l d in in g ro o m o r re la x a n d e n jo y th e sa m e fa re in o u r c a s u a l g r ill ro o m .

RAW BAR & GRILL w arned, w as the nam e of h er dog and how h er roses w ere doing. I w ent th ro u g h w ith t h e i n t e r v i e w nev erth eless because M em oirs o f H adrian w as a book of special im portance to me, having served as a kind of p rep aratio n for the study of M ontaigne. The opportunity to m eet th e au th o r w as not to be passed up, for th e re w as reason to hope th at an interview m ight yield a clue to the source of her exem plary patience. So I set out for N ortheast H arbor.

Of all the villages on the musselbound coast of Maine, N ortheast H arbor strikes m e as being am ong the least likely to a ttra ct a w riter of any kind, let alone a E uropean as cerebral ♦

as M arguerite Y ourcenar. As sum m er colonies go, it is one of th e m ost heavily m oneyed, w hich in Maine is saying ra th e r a lot, and during the season it teem s with expensive Philadelphians, few of them m uch inclined tow ard ideas or books. Yet N ortheast H arbor is hom e to M adame Y ourcenar w here she lives in a small w hite house w hich she calls “Petite Plaisance,” the nam e originally given to a n earb y island by the French explorer, Cham plain. “You can live your ow n life h ere,” she told me, her p ie rc in g e y e s illu m in a tin g a thoroughly F rench face. “I like the privacy, but I also like living in a village. You can learn so m uch m ore Continued on page 45 NOVEMBER 1986

35

COM M ERCIAL REAL ESTATE

D e s p e r a t e ly S ik h in g

P r it h a m

BY COLIN SARGENT

e advances his concepts with considerable rhetorical artis­ try. His eyeglasses steam up when he m akes a point. But to call the G reat B a y C o .’s b lu e-tu rb a n ed P ritham S in gh a w olf in S ikh ’s clothing, as one wag in Portland’s haut m onde did recently, is to miss a chance to understand the former Paul A. LaBombard, 33, a Brunswick native who has just purchased a number o f Portland buildings and parking lots (among them the 90-yearold Baxter Building, 562 Congress Street; the Young’s Furniture building, 6 Free Street; the Porteous, Mitchell & B ra u n p a r k in g lot; a n d la n d surrounding the Montana restaurant parcel - he already owns the land the Montana is on), as well as an abandoned naval base he purchased for $17.25 million on the Key West waterfront last month that earned him n a tio n a l w r ite u p s fro m T im e magazine and “dozens o f others in the last two weeks. ” The Key West property includes 102 acres and 70 buildings, am ong them the celebrated “Little White House, ” winter retreat for Harry S. Truman during his presidential years. Singh has become national news ju st as he has com pleted his luxury 44-room Inn-By-The-Sea in Cape Elizabeth and announced that he has decided to build his perm anent residence in Cape Elizabeth, on a waterfront parcel adjoining his Inn-By-The-Sea:

P r it h a m S in g h h a s r e c e n t l y purchased the B axter Building at 562 Congress Street. C urrent ten an ts of the 90-year-old structure, include W PO R R adio, C o m m erc ia l a n d In d u strial P ro p e rtie s, M acD onald Page & Co., Jordan Gorrill Associates, E.C. Jordan So., V enture Investm ents, and N ortheast Realty. O w ner also of F reeport Crossing Mini-mall and the new 44-room inn-By-The-Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Singh estim ates th at w hen com plete, his cu rrent projects will be w orth up to $350 million.

H

Pritham Singh: Key W est is similar to the Old Port in th at both have a large num ber of intact 19th century buildings which have a good scale and are oriented tow ard the ocean. A difference is that a great deal of new construction in Key W est is being done in a classical style as opposed to the B auhaus style - gables, massive glass expanses - I see com ing into Portland. T hey’re not allowing that to happen in Key West. One more com plex in Portland like the Long W harf project or the Maine Bonding and Casualty Building and the city will be irrevocably changed. I personally favor a m oratorium -- including my buildings - until the city can com e to grips with w hat’s happening now. The city of P ortland’s obsessed with its own grow th. How’s that? (He smiles

and nods his head toward three women who have accompanied him i nt o t h e of f i ce, a gi ggl i ng, multicultural retinue o f friends who laughingly referred to themselves as “P r i t h a m ’s e n t o u r a g e . ” They obviously approve and he continues, stepping closer and picking up speed.

Pritham, it seems, is on a roll.)

PM: You’re not in favor of new developm ent in Portland?

PS: I personally as a hum an being am greatly offended by this new (Long Wharf) project. I’m really concerned th at it’s too high with too great a mass and the 19th century style is not being taken into account. It’s too bad. What buildings like this are doing is dw arfing the city. 1 have a great deal of adm iration for Michael Liberty, although I’ve never m et him and

Portlan d M onthly: You’ve likened your new p ro p erty in Key W est to the w aterfro n t half of the Old Port District. W hat a re som e similarities and differences?

The m ysterious Pritham Singh 36

PORTLAND MONTHLY

w ouldn’t recognize him on th e street.

He's a brav e m an w ho’s ach iev ed a lot at a very young age, and h e ’s to be c om m ended for that. T he point is, I’m not just talking about th at building. It's any building being built in P ortland that could just as easily be plopped right into Miami or New O rleans.

PM: How has th e Old Port ch anged since your early days here?

PS: It’s ch an g ed a lot. One thing that attracted m e about th e Old Port in 1976 and 1977 - an d still attracts me about Key W est now - is th a t it was a place for small, creativ e individuals, ...people w hose criteria w asn ’t how m any buildings can you fit on one lot.

It was really exciting in th e early years. Fundam entally this has tu rn ed into just an intow n office area. To take and kick out Tim Conn and replace him with a chocolate shop . . . (shakes his h e a d ) . . . in Key W est w e’re going to set aside 30,000 square feet of space for v ery creativ e individuals like that. Sure, it w o n ’t be first-floor retail >but th e u pper spaces a re going to be m ade available to artists at a bargain rate.

T A

Xi

^

I3IJJIEBIRD CAB CO* Prompt, Courteous Service in the Portland Area for over 50 Years.

CALL US REGARDING OUR PACKAGE DELIVERY SERVICE 7 7 3 - 1 7 1 1

PM: A co-op?

PS: Yes. PM: You have a p retty m agnificent art collection. How did th at interest get started.?

PS: I started collecting H ow ard Clifford paintings and som e small Maine artists I’ve know n o v er the years, but it w asn ’t until th re e years ago, w hen I had m ore m oney and could afford it, th a t I w as able to indulge m yself and build a collection.

Besides th e A udubons, I just bought som e Neil W ellivers. I’ve also recently purchased a Rockwell Kent. I’ve found th at m y interest cen ters on socially-significant art from th e 1920’s to the 1960s. I have a W alt Kuhn, A John Marin . . .

PM: W h e re paintings.?

do

you

g et

th e se W ILTO N H O S P ITA L

Portland. Maine

PS: I buy alm ost all m y paintings from Rob (Elowitch, of Barridoff Galleries, 4 City C enter, Portland).

PM: W ere you really in terested in buying M aine Times?

Continued on page 40

A

r c h i t e c t s

3 8 6 F o re S tr e e t, P o r tla n d , M a in e 0 4 1 0 1 ( 2 0 7 ) 7 7 4 - 4 4 4 1

Four

NOVEMBER 1986

37

Continued from page 25

I told him, T h is is th e order, this is w hat she w ants. If you d o n ’t like it, w e’ll see you in court.’ I know John doesn ’t w ant to go to a hearing. H e’s frightened th e y ’d put him in jail. H e’s on probation.

“I felt as fru strated as she m ust feel and I felt scared for h e r.” Hym an w ound up driving Susan hom e.

W ith an o th er couple, the order calls for counseling. T he husband tells H ym an, “We really do n ’t w ant outside counseling. I would prefer to w ork it out w ithin the church ... I feel the p ro b lem h as to be d e alt w ith spiritually.”

“T he only stipulation is that you will deal w ith th e abuse p roblem s,” H ym an replies as she prepares to edit the o rder with a pen.

Says the wife: “I’ll be counseled by b urgundy briefcase is slung over th e sam e person. I’ll m ake sure he her left shoulder as she escorts knows.

Susan a few blocks to th e District T he husband tells Hym an: “I know Court. she has to do w hat she has to for her O nce inside th e narrow hallw ay, ow n safety, but 1 do n ’t feel th e re ’s any susan’s husband, John, persists in th re a t.” pestering her. “1 w ant th e baby to Says H ym an, “I hope not. W hen do have m y n am e,” he begs h er as you w ant to m ake the first paym ent?”

H ym an again m ust stand b etw een the two.

In quick succession, H ym an’s “T he n am e,” H ym an explains, “isn’t th re e cases are called. For each, an issue in the case. In fact, it m ay be H ym an tells the judge, “We have an b etter for h er client if the baby has the a g re e m en t.” In each case, the orders fath er’s nam e. It could bolster her are issued. case for child support.

T he corridor, packed with police, Leaving the courthouse, Jo h n ’s defendants, their friends, families, and law yer com plains about how the case law yers, becom es H ym an’s office. On proceeded. a long bench, she sorts out her files “I get the feeling,” he says with a n d m o v e s b e tw e e n th e th re e som e bitterness, “that th e re ’s a little couples, com pleting negotiations on bit of a crusade going on.” Referring con ten ts of th e protective orders. By to H ym an, he continues, “T he person w orking out the details beforehand, I was dealing with is a crusader, not on the am ount of child support, just on w om en’s rights, but sh e’s a visitation rights, and o th er m atters, little bit righteous.”

H ym an saves the court tim e and the H y m a n , s a t i s f i e d w ith th e clients an often-em otional b attle protection she has w on for her th ree before th e judge. This is an easy day, clients, particularly Susan, is told says H ym an. Som etim es she has to about th e com m ents. She takes no bounce b etw een as m any as five u m brage to the w ords “crusade” or clients. “righteous.” In fact, this w om an w ho To one husband, w ho tenderly posts a picture of Rosie the R iveter on holds his year-old baby, H ym an her bulletin board just nods her head confirm s the co n ten ts of the order: an d smiles. A crusader? Hym an takes “R em em ber, you will com e by just to visit th e kids and not h e r.”

“I w ant th a t,” he says.

Continued from page 30 “And you w on’t drink before or 1898. P o rtla n d m e m o ra b ilia a n d a n tiq u e s a re disp lay ed in th e h ea v y -b e am e d d ining ro o m , a n d th e re after you visit.” a r e n ig h tly specials in a d d itio n to th e e x te n s iv e m en u .

“I ag reed to th a t.”

L unch a n d d in n e r d aily, all m ajo r cred it cards.

774-5725.

“Can you pay som e support?”

“W hen I start getting som ething in B r a m h a ll P u b . 769 C o n g ress S treet, P o rtla n d . Soups my pay checks.” a n d s an d w ich es in a p re tty b rick-w alled settin g b e n e a th th e R o m a Cafe. 773-8329.

“Do you feel you could afford $20 a w eek?”

C a f e A lw a y s . 47 M iddle S treet, P o rtla n d . O n e of “Yes.” P o r tla n d ’s n e w e s t re s ta u ra n ts . F e a tu re s s tro n g , a m b itio u s m e n u a n d a r o m a n tic a tm o s p h e re .

H ym an, turning aw ay and checking 774-9399. over th e forms, sm iles and says, “That C a fe C o r n e r b r o o k . C o rn e rb ro o k sh o p p in g plaza, was th e m ost reasonable defendant o p p o site th e M aine Mall, S o u th P o rtla n d . T h e th e a tre I’ve dealt with. Part of the reason is k itc h e n serv es u p su ch specialties as s a u te e d soft-shell because w e’re giving him visitation c ra b , philo pie, seafo o d a n d p a s ta salads. Q uiches an d soups a re c re a te d daily; jazz b a n d s p lay nightly. anytim e he w ants as long as he calls B reakfast, lu n ch , a n d d in n e r. S a tu rd a y a n d S u n d ay her in ad v an ce.” b ru n c h . 772-3224.

A

38

PORTLAND MONTHLY

C a m p H a m m o n d . 74 Main S treet, Y arm o u th . Lunch an d d in n e r a re se rv e d in fo u r ro o m s of a beautiful V ictorian h o m e. V eal a n d lam b a re fe atu red o n a m en u th a t c h a n g e s w eek ly ; stea k s an d seafo o d a re g reat, too. M arble firep laces w a rm th e ro o m s of this historic b u ild in g , a n d c o n f e r e n c e s p a c e is a v a ila b le .

R eserv atio n s su g g ested . 846-3895.

C a r b u r ’s . 123 M iddle S treet, P o rtlan d . C a rb u r’s is fun, from th e m e n u to th e a n tiq u e a d v e rtise m e n ts, to th e ‘‘K itchen Sink Club,” a san d w ich a c co m p an ied by a p a ra d e of th e re s ta u ra n t staff. A lth o u g h th e m enu fe a tu re s san d w ich es, soups a n d salads a r e h o m e m ad e a n d in v e n tiv e , to o . C a rb u r’s h as a n ew b a n q u e t ro o m w ith a sp ecial m en u , a n d th e y h a v e a p rim e rib special T h u rsd ay , F riday, a n d S a tu rd a y n ights. L unch and d in n e r, m a jo r cred it card s. 772-7794.

C a v a n a g h ’s . 154 M iddle S treet, P o rtla n d . The affo rd ab le m e n u includes h e a rty san d w ich es a n d salad b ar. H ouse sp ecialties a r e ribs, ch ick en fried stea k , and lo b ste r specials. T h e re is a full b a r featu rin g jC a v an ag h ’s W orld F am o u s M argaritas. B reakfast, lu n ch , a n d d in n er: 6 a.m . to 1 a.m . 772-8885.

C h a n n e l C r o s s in g . 23 F ro n t S tree t, S o u th P o rtlan d .

A n e leg an t r e s ta u ra n t w ith an e leg an t v iew of P o rtlan d fro m its p e rc h o n th e w a te r. T eriak i sirloin is a favorite, as is “F resh C atch ,” th e v e ry fresh est fish available e a c h d ay . L unch a n d d in n e r. S u nd ay b ru n c h , m ajor cred it card s. 799-5552.

C h r i s t o p h e r ’s . 688 F o rest A v en u e, P o rtla n d . G reek w in es c a n b e h ad w ith th e b a k e d lam b in to m a to sauce an d o th e r G reek specialties. P hilo pies a n d stuffed g ra p e le av es lead crisply in to th e fresh b a k la v a and o th e r desserts. A re la x e d , sp acio u s re s ta u ra n t. Lunch a n d d in n e r M o nday th ro u g h F rid ay , d in n e r on ly on S a tu rd a y . C losed S u n d ay . M ajor c re d it cards.

772-6877.

C h u r c h i ll’s G r ille . 1 City C en ter, P o rtlan d . P retty n ew r e s ta u ra n t featu res grill fav o rites like steak, seafo o d , e v e n catfish in a b eau tifu l settin g o n th e first flo o r of P o rtla n d ’s n ew O n e City C en ter. 772-4884.

D e li O n e . 106 E x c h an g e S tree t, P o rtla n d . S p inach and sau sag e pie, p asta , o m e lets, deli san d w ich es a re am ong th e in te rn a tio n a l a ttra c tio n s in this co zy place. The so u p s a n d c h o w d ers a re in trig u in g as w ell. A sunny p atio w h e n seaso n p erm its. B reak fast, lunch, and d in n e r. S u n d ay b ru n c h . A rt ex h ib its b y local talent.

MC,V. 772-7115.

D iM illo ’s F l o a t i n g R e s t a u r a n t . Long W harf, P o rtla n d . U nique floating r e s ta u ra n t h as steaks, seafo o d , Italian cu isin e, ribs, an d , alw ay s, lobster. Fine w ines, n ig h tly ch e f’s specials, a n d en tertain m en t.

L unch a n d d in n e r daily. S u n d ay b ru n c h . M ajor credit card s. 772-2216.

D o c k F o r e . 336 F o re S tree t, P o rtla n d . D aily specials in this co zy O ld P o rt settin g in clu d e b u rg ers, quiches, s o u p s, ch o w d ers, fresh fish, ste a m e rs, a n d mussels.

L unch an d d in n e r. 772-8619.

E l M ir a d o r . 50 W h arf S treet, P o rtla n d . T h e tru e taste of M exico co m es to th e Old P o rt. D irect from New Y ork City, El M irador is o n e of P o rtla n d ’s n ew est and fin est re s ta u ra n t ad d itio n s. A u th en tic M exican recipes a re c re a te d fro m th e fresh est in g re d ien ts daily. D ine in th e Ix tap a, C h ap u ltap e c, o r V eracru z R oom s. Linger o v e r a m a rg a rita in o u r ex c itin g C antina. O utdoor d in in g seaso n al o n o u r P atio. O p en for lunch and d in n e r. Call fo r re se rv a tio n s. 781-0050.

T h e G a lle y . 215 F o resid e R oad, F alm o u th . Located at H an d y B oat Y ard, T h e G alley offers a b eau tifu l view of C lap b o ard a n d C h eb e ag u e Islands plus sleek racing y ac h ts a n d a n im p ressiv e, v aried m e n u of seafood specialties. C ocktail lo u n g e o n u p p e r deck . A m ust for th e y a c h tin g set. 781-4262.

T h e G o o d E g g C a fe . 705 C o n g ress S treet, Portland.

B reak fast is th e sp ecialty in this co m fo rtab le cafe.

H ouse fav o rites a r e th e h o m e m a d e h ash , English m uffins, a n d m u lti-g rain p an c ak es. T h e eg g variations a re en d less, a n d th e re a re h erb al te as a n d fresh g round coffees. M onthly e x h ib its b y stu d e n t artists. W eekdays

6-12, S a tu rd a y 7-2, S u n d ay 8-2. 773-0801.

soups. T w o brick-and-glass d in in g ro o m s. L unch an d d in n e r. M ajor cred it ca rd s. 773-0300.

G o r h a m S ta tio n . 29 Elm S tree t, G o rh am . A lovely full-service re s ta u ra n t in a re s to re d ra ilro a d station.

S teak a n d seafo o d , A m erican fav o rites. 839-3354.

J ’s O y s t e r B a r. 5 P o rtla n d P ier, P o rtla n d . D elicious w a te rfro n t sp o t fo r seafo o d lo v ers. O y sters, s te a m e d clam s, v e ry fresh seafo o d . 772-4828.

T h e G r e a t L o s t B e a r . 540 F o rest A v e n u e , P o rtla n d .

T h e ex o tic b u rg e rs, th e frie n d ly serv ic e, th e etc h e d glass, th e hilarious m e n u m a k e T h e B ear a special spot.

T h e re ’s also th e aw ard -w in n in g chili, ribs, c h ic k e n , a n d stea k , a n d of co u rse, th e h o m e m a d e Toll H o u se C ookie Pie. F o r su m m e ry days, th e r e is a p atio in B earidise A lley, a n d for S undays, a c h a m p a g n e b ru n c h . Lunch a n d d in n e r 7 d ay s s e rv e d rig h t to 11:30. 772-0300.

J a m e s o n T a v e r n . 115 M ain S treet, F reep o rt. S teaks, veal, seafo o d , a n d daily c h e f’s specials. V eal sa u te e d w ith p ro sciu tto , p ro v o lo n e , a n d m u sh ro o m s is a fav o rite, se rv e d in an histo rical co lo n ial h o m e . L unch an d d in n e r, S u n d ay b ru n c h . 865-4196.

J u s t i n ’s R e s ta u r a n t. 645 C o n g ress S tree t, P o rtlan d .

D electable a r ra y of seafo o d , beef, p o u ltry , a n d v e ry specialized v ea l e n tre e s . O u r lu n c h eo n m e n u includes a ch o ice of c re a tiv e , fresh salads a n d a v a rie ty of san d w ich es. E leg an t p a strie s a n d d e sse rts a re c re a te d daily a lo n g w ith o u r fresh ly b a k e d b read s. B reak fast, lunch, a n d d in n e r. C an d lelig h t d in in g w ith R oy F razee a t th e p ian o . 773-5166.

G r e e n M o u n ta in C o f fe e R o a s te r s . 15 T e m p le S treet, P o rtla n d . E x o tic c o ffee s a n d te a s , in te re s tin g c o n v e rsa tio n s, g re a t lo c atio n n e a r O ne City C en ter an d N ick elo d eo n m o v ie th e a tre s . O pen la te in th e ev e n in g s. 773-4475.

H a m ilto n ’s I n d ia R e s t a u r a n t . 43 M iddle S treet, P o rtla n d . N o rth ern a n d C en tral Indian cuisine b y chef H a m i lto n A s h . S p ic y , i n v e n t i v e , e x c e l l e n t .

M C /V ISA /A m . E xpress. 773-4498.

L ’A n tib e s . 27 F o rest A v en u e, P o rtla n d . E leg an t F re n c h cuisine se rv e d in th e P o rtla n d P erfo rm in g A rts C en ter. P erfect sp o t b e fo re a n d a fte r P o rtla n d S tag e p ro d u c tio n s a n d o th e r P o rtla n d P erfo rm in g A rts C en ter e v e n ts. E x ten siv e w in e list. 772-0453.

H o r s e f e a t h e r s . 193 M iddle S treet, P o rtla n d . T h e aw a rd -w in n in g m e n u offers fresh ch a r-b ro iled fish, stirfries, stea k s, v ea l O scar, as w ell as n o to rio u s “H orsefries” a n d nac h o s. M any daily specials, se rv e d by a c h e e ry , c re a tiv e staff. E leg an t a n d fun. E n te rta in m e n t n ig h tly . L unch a n d d in n e r, 11 a.m . to 11:45 p .m . daily.

M ajor c re d it ca rd s. 773-3501.

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cu isin e. O w n e r a n d c h e f A n th o n y N ap o litan o specializes in v ea l d ishes, in clu d in g v ea l scallopini m a rsa la, a n d th e re is an em p h asis o n fresh seafo o d as w ell. D in n er 5-10 w e e k d a y s, 5-11 w e e k e n d s. MC,VISA. 772-9232.

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Continued on page 51

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Continued from page 37

PS: Yes, I w as v ery interested about 3 years ago. W e (he and John Cole) first tried to buy Maine Times. T hen we c o n s i d e r e d a M a in e m o n th ly m a g a z i n e , c a l le d N ew M a in e M agazine, but I got cold feet w hen I decided I w ouldn’t be able to devote the tim e it w ould tak e to keep it running.

PM: W hat interests do you have that would surprise people?

PS: I’ve tak en salm on fishing trips to Alaska and Iceland. Also, I’m an artist of sorts with m y p ro p erty in V erm ont; I’m building Jap an ese g ardens th ere (laughs) . . . it’s just th at m y scale is ra th e r large.

PM: W hat have you been reading recently?

PS: Ironw eed by William Kennedy.

M arch o f Folly.

Group for $675,000. Parking is going to control this a rea in the future.

PM: Is th at one of your favorite turnovers?

PS: It’s not the best (smiles), but it’s a good one. I still ow n 11 condom inium units in 99 Silver Street, you know. It’s funny - I rarely go to public m eetings, especially m eetings of condom inum associations. (Laughs) A condom inum association is the ultim ate discordant group you can get together.

PM: Y ou r e s to r e d th e lu x u ry condom inum building on 150 Middle S treet recently. How are things going th ere ?

PS: Beautifully. On the top floor, we have a com m ercial ten an t nam ed Rick Jacobs. He ow ns a com pany called Real Vest.

PM: Is th at like LandVest?

PM: W hat do you see happening in the future?

PS: I d o n ’t know. I’m financially successful, w h atev er that m eans. If I develop all of m y p resen t projects com pletely th e y ’ll be w orth $350 million. I can keep going at this pace if m y staff c o n tin u e s to d e v e lo p accordingly an d I can just stay in an executive role.

PM: Do you businesses?

b ack

an y

M aine

PS: I have, but 1 h a v en ’t been terribly successful doing it. It's b etter to let them stand on their ow n tw o feet --better for them as well as me. Know w hat I m ean, Tracy? (He nods tow ard one of th e w om en he cam e in with, and they both smile.)

PM: Have you ev er been p artn ers with o th er Sikhs?

PS: Y es, once, with th e M arket Street M arket project, but I gave it up. Not a good idea. Business is business, friends is friends.

PM: Was th at “Singh Partn ers F our”?

PS: Yes. Six y ears ago I bought th e M arket Street M a rk e t/99 Silver S treet building an d th e parking lot behind for $90,000. Last O ctober, I sold th e p a rk in g lot a lo n e to G e n d ro n Com m ercial B rokers and th e Liberty 40

PORTLAND MONTHLY

PS: He thinks so. He’s a real good guy, a friend.

PM: W hat p roperty around Portland have you considered buying but passed up?

PS: I should have bought G reat D iam ond Island w hen it was for sale for $800,000. I would have m ade one o r tw o hom es and taken the rest and given it to the city. If fact, the city should have bought it! It could have been a park ow ned by the people of P ortland forever. If each Portlander has paid $125, it could have been theirs. I also w anted to do the Carroll M ansion, but I decided I didn’t have the tim e to do it right.

PM: W hat a re you going to do with the Y oung’s F urniture building on 6 Free Street?

PS: It’s a great location, on low er Free Street. Right now I’m willing to hold on and see w here things go.

PM: You’re w orking w ith Dick M c G o ld r ic k of C o m m e r c ia l Prop erties, Inc. on th e D eering Milliken block on Middle Street, w h ere new retail space has been created for the O yster Club, Foreign Intrigue, V erm ont Teddy Bear, and others. How did you first m eet Dick McGoldrick?

PS: He cam e to me in 1978-79 with a client for space in M arket Street M arket. The client was called the Rathskellar.

PM: W hat’s going on with Museum Row, on upper Free Street?

PS: The Museum Row buildings w e’re doing a re sm all buildings, low buildings. The problem I’m talking about is m assive buildings com ing hard against the sidewalk (he slaps his hands together) -- like that! It’s possible to do th at and still be consistent with the city’s style, like B o s to n ’s N e w b u ry S tr e e t a n d Exchange Street in Portland, but it doesn’t w ork with buildings like Maine Bonding and Casualty. The question is, w hat are these buildings going to be like 20 years from now?

Do you rem em ber how excited every o n e was w hen the ‘new ’ Maine Savings Plaza w as being built?

E veryone w as w riting about it, looking forw ard to it. And look at it now . . . It’s not my intention to be negative. It’s not personal to other developers - I don’t know these people. T here's no blam e to attach to anybody. I have nothing businesswise for or against them . Listen - the guy (Michael Liberty) is a genius (Pritham whistles appreciation through his teeth). Brilliant. He has skills I’d never have. P ortland’s buildings are going to look like buildings any w h ere else; w hy would anybody w ant to travel here to look at them ? It’s going to hurt the tourist industry as well as the feel of the w hole city. It’s just that because there w asn’t new construction built here for m any years, this is a historic tim e for the shaping of this city; for all of New England, for th at m atter.

PM: W hat’s a la rg e r b u ild in g that yo u like?

PS: Canal Plaza alm ost works. It was done pretty well.

PM: A re you investing outside the U.S. now or looking?

PS: (Shakes his head, smiles ) It’s not safe. I’m afraid of terrorists. I mean, I’m an A m erican, you know. I feel com fortable in this . . . I know what the rules are here.

PORTLAN DIANA

Myth, Contretemps, and Legend Surrounding T he Portland Dogman

BY TOM VERDE

51 f— first m et David Koplow by sh eer accident - one of his children bit me. It w asn ’t entirely h er fault, I suppose. I had snuck up on h er w hile she w as sleeping.

P erhaps 1 should elucidate. You see, David Koplow is b etter know n to the citizens of m etropolitan P ortland as “The D ogm an,” and his children a re a pack of 10 wild dogs w ho follow him aro u n d like obedient rats after the Pied Piper of Ham elin. A ccording to Koplow, how ever, th e dogs a re n ’t really his followers; instead, he just lives with them , provides th em with food an d com pany - an d th e y give him love, w arm th, protection, and w hat he considers “th e best exam ple for us all to live by.”

M any people know Koplow, or, m ore accurately, know o f him. Just m ention D ogm an to your av erag e P ortland citizen (not m any people know him by th e n am e of David Koplow) and you will invariably hear, “Oh, yeah, Dogm an. I know him. He com es from a w ealthy family I heard; has lots of m oney som ew here; w ent to law school; is v ery sm art.”

As with all local legends, lore, and rum ors, th ere is a basis of fact in the fiction that com es to surround a

f

c h a ra c ter like T he Dogm an. For the record, David Lee Koplow was born in 1940 in D orcester, M assachusetts, th e son of a local businessm an. M orey Koplow, D avid’s father, w as a p artn er in th e fam ily-owned W indsor Button Shops, Inc., a chain of sew ing shops in e astern M assachusetts. Koplow spent his childhood, along with tw o younger sisters, in the G reater Boston a re a and th e n in N e w to n . K o p lo w w as in terested in school and learning and w as even an Eagle Scout. He attended N ortheastern U niversity and studied ch em istry and the physical sciences from 1957 to 1959 until he dropped out.

“I quit because I couldn’t get all A’s,” he says.

A fter Koplow left school, he thought he w ould like to get an inform al education on the road. His first stop, w hich tu rn ed out to be his last, was P ortland, w h e re he w orked at fish processing and o th er jobs. David Koplow m ight have rem ained just a quiet, devout Jew from Boston, blending into the background fiber of the lower-class P ortland w orkforce until he was introduced to som eone in 1971. T hat som eone w as a scruffy, stray fem ale dog w ho cam e to be

know n as “Strictly Business.”

“W hen I saw the face on h er,” says Koplow, “I couldn't believe just the love and the intelligence there. I knew that she w as very special.”

S o m e o n e e lse fo u n d S tric tly Business special also. This w as an o th er stray “w ho cam e around looking for a girl.” Koplow nam ed this suitor Butchie, w ho is now the head of the “fam ily” of dogs w ho are constant com panions to Koplow as he walks through th e city or engages in his business dow n on W idgery’s W harf as a sign painter.

“Strictly Business died of cancer tw o years ago,” says Koplow, but her children and grandchildren are alive and well today. The “ fam ily” consists of four children - Favorite, Sammy, A nnie, an d Sally -- a n d th re e grandchildren - Mrs. Granola, Focus, and Ms. Punch. T h ere a re also tw o adopted m em bers of the family: You Too and Clarabell.

In nam ing the dogs, Koplow seem s to have called them as he saw them .

“A nnie is nam ed after A nnie Oakley in A nnie Get Your Gun; G ranola is just a dum b kid, a dum b broad w ho w ants to m arry a rich guy and be taken care of; Clarabell is just a happy soul, a

NOVEMBER 1986

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blithe spirit, like a ch aracter from ‘Howdy Doody.’ You Too I found as a puppy on Marginal W ay and I just invited her along, saying, ‘You can com e too, you too.’ Focus is a hocus po cu s focus dog, s h e ’s alw ays disappearing.”

Koplow looks w arm ly over at his brood; one of them com es and lovingly nudges h er head into his legs.

“And this one,” he says, “is the Favorite. Favorite the favorite, my favorite.”

David Koplow has m anaged to rem ain in the public eye both physically and legally over the years.

From 1981 through 1984, the nam e of David Koplow was a familiar one on the dockets of both Portland District Court and the Superior Court of C um berland County. In August, 1983, Koplow w as the first person in the city of Portland to be cited for a violation of the then new “pooper scooper” o rd in a n ce. He d en ie d being in violation of the ordinance which stated th at a person m ust have in his or her possession “a tool, implement, or device” to clean up after a pet. At a trial the following Septem ber, Koplow introduced as his only witness a retired English professor to help him define the w ord “device” as a plan or a schem e to reach an end.

“T he device,” Koplow said at the trial, “is right here in my head. My m ind.”

Koplow ended up beating the courts on this one, but after several people filed com plaints th at his dogs had attacked them , Koplow found himself facing m ore serious legal dilem m as. In court proceedings th at w ent on for months with appeals, with the improper imposition of judicial requirem ents (Koplow w as placed on probation for six m onths as well as required to fence in the dogs; both decisions w ere reversed on appeal because his case was a civil suit, not a crim inal one, and thus the court didn’t have the jurisdiction to impose such measures) and the cases being sent back and forth from court to court like a tennis ball, Koplow was finally forced to pay dam ages. During the proceedings, K oplow su b m itte d h a n d -w ritte n , detailed briefs in his defense and in defense of Butchie and his family. He said th at he learned about his rights and the different legal avenues available to him from a book by one W illiam L. P ro sse r e n title d A H andbook o f Torts, a tort being a civil infraction.

L’E x p l o s i o n d e la V ie .

“Me, I’m a cipher, a nothing. I w anted to be a cut ab ove th e rest, a leader instead of a follower. I’m not doing a v ery good job of it. But Butchie an d his family are th e ones w ho a re special. T hey’ve got m ore going for them than m ost of us because of their values. T hey believe in honesty an d courage. T hey d o n ’t deceive or build em pires or pay tribute. T h ey ’re interested only in survival. More people should learn to live like Butchie and his fam ily,” says Koplow as he drags a paint-soaked brush across a large piece of plyw ood - a sign, he says, he is p rep arin g for the Sherry H uber cam paign.

“Clarabell. Clarabell, honey, m ove.

I’m going to get paint all over y o u ,” he says to one of th e pack. And Clarabell, like a lazy m atron, gets to h er feet slowly and m oves at w hat is m ore of a request than a com m and.

“I don’t rem em b er things. I have no head for figures. I’m not v ery talen ted .” M inutes later, he recites the first verse of “The Rime Of The A ncient M ariner” an d th e opening lines of W ordsw orth’s “T he Daffodils.”

He insists th at the only valuable things in his life are Butchie and his family.

Is David Koplow just a distracted, m iddle-aged, sign-painting w harf rat and a re Butchie and his family actually vicious? It is h ard to say. The tim es I have spoken w ith him he has been frie n d ly , c o u rte o u s , entertaining, an d good natu red . As for the dogs? O ne of them did bite m e, it is true, but it w asn ’t a bad bite an d I soon forgot about it after talking with Koplow and m eeting the rest of the family, m ost of w hom w ere ea g e r to m eet me. T he “D ogm an of P ortlan d ” is probably, as far as the general public is co ncerned, no m o re than that - a curious, bedraggled figure w ho has sh u n n ed th e co m pany of m en for th a t special relationship with the canine species which one Maine Suprem e Court Justice involved in the Koplow cases called “th e subject of story, verse, an d song.”

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C ontinued from page 35

about people an d hum an n atu re h ere - w ho’s getting m arried, w h o ’s getting divorced, w ho’s going to have a baby - th an you can leading an u pper crust existence in som e big city.” Possibly so, though it com forts m e th at I am not the only one from “aw ay ,” as the M ainers put it, w ho finds th e natives som ew hat baffling. In a neighboring village M adam e w as once o v erh eard to sigh, “I have not zee key to zeese peepul.”

W hat M arguerite Y ourcenar has instead is zee key to th e w orld of classical antiquity, an d it is her seem ingly total e m b ra c e of th e G raeco-Rom an view of life th at tu rn ed out to be th e clue I was seeking. We talked about h er w ork, h er travels, her election to th e A cadem ie, and so on, covering all th e topics com m on to interview s of this sort. But m onths w ere to pass before I realized that along the w ay she had told m e w hat I had m ost w an ted to know . Having had no occasion to call on h er since, I cannot say w h eth er she w ould ag ree with m y conjectures, but 1 am confident th at she w ould not dismiss them out of hand.

Early in th e interview 1 asked M adam e Y ourcenar w h e th e r she ever felt surprised at having spent m ore th an half h er adult life on an island off the coast of Maine, the only French w riter of h er g eneration, or p erhaps of any o th er, to have m et w ith that im probable fate. “Surprised?” said she. “Mais non. We d o n ’t like to adm it how im portant it is, but ev ery th in g is influenced by chance. G etting books w ritten is a m atter of c h an ce.” It struck m e at first th a t this w as an ex trao rd in a ry rem ark for h er to m a k e , t h a t h e r m o d e s ty w a s alto g eth er excessive. But later I realized th a t she m eant w hat she had said, and not only because it had indeed b een a piece of luck th at she should hav e found a fragm ent of m anuscript in a half-forgotten trunk while looking for som ething else.

W ithout th a t stim ulus she m ight never have resu m ed w ork. Yet th e re still seem ed reason to w o n d er w hy, given h e r d e m o n s tr a te d c a p a c ity for p ersev erin g labor, she should have been quite so read y to profess a respect for chance.

T ow ard th e end of our conversation I asked how it h ap p en ed th a t th e first two or th re e ch ap ters of M em oirs read

as if they m ight have been w ritten by M ontaigne. Flattery w as not my intention. A nyone w ho cares to read these books side by side will soon note th a t the prevailing tone of The Essays, especially of the later ones, seem s to re v e rb e rate through th e opening c h a p te rs of M em oirs, a n d this arrestin g sim ilarity of m ood had h o o k e d m y c u rio s ity . M ad a m e Y o u r c e n a r w as b y n o m e a n s displeased with this com parison, but being French through and through she assum ed w ithout hesitation th at for un A m ericain M ontaigne could not possibly be m ore th an a m ere nam e.

She th ereu p o n proceeded to sling m e a lecture on the w ho and w hat of M ontaigne, and on the w hole she did ra th e r well - a bit vague, perhaps, about som e of the biographical detail, but it was nevertheless clear th at she did know The Essays. Yet this fam iliarity, as it turns out, proves not to be the reason M em oirs is redolent of M ontaigne. My question had simply b een obtuse. In direct answ er to it she explained: “W e are both im m ersed in th e classical w orld.”

So that -- obviously - w as the c o n n e c tio n . As a th o ro u g h g o in g classicist, like M ontaigne before her, she had taken th e Graeco-Rom an view of life for her ow n, and central to th at view is a respect for Fortune, or w h at she chose to call chance. This sentim ent figures prom inently in The Essays:

ood and bad luck are in m y opinion tw o sovereign powers. I t is unwise to th in k th a t hum an wisdom can f ill the role o f Fortune. A n d vain is the undertaking o f him who presumes to embrace both causes and consequences and to lead by the hand the progress o f his a ffa ir ... I w ill say more, th a t even our wisdom and deliberation fo r the most p a rt fo llo w the lead o f chance. M y w ill and m y reasoning are m oved now in one way, now in another, and there are m any o f those movements that are directed w ith o u t me. M y reason has accidental im pulsions th a t change fro m day to day. (The Essays,

G

111:8:713, Donald Fram e trans.)

T hese passages should m ake it clear th at th e F ortune M ontaigne learned to respect and trust had nothing to do with the superstitions of late Rom an times. As the em pire disintegrated, Fortune becam e a cult and the mindless, passive fatalism thus en g en d ered gave her a bad nam e th at w as to last a thousand years until she w as rehabilitated during the R e n a is s a n c e . M o n ta ig n e a n d M arg u erite Y o u rce n ar c o n c e rn e d them selves w ith a m uch earlier period of Rom an history, a tim e “w hen m an stood alone,” w hen it w as necessary to confront the random ness of life w ithout the com fort of belief in Divine Purpose and ultim ate salvation, w hen the notion of Fate had not yet lapsed into fatalism. The Rom ans of th at era, w ho w e re able to a c c e p t th e dem onstrable im portance of Fortune w ithout disavow ing the individual’s responsibility, w ere fond of the saying: Each m an ’s c h arac ter shapes his fortune. For her p art M adam e Y ourcenar expresses th e sam e view in h er autobiographical rum inations, With Open Eyes: “I do not believe in an irrevocable, fore-ordained destiny: W e change our destinies constantly as we m ake our w ay through life.

E verything th at w e do affects our fate for b e tte r or w orse.”

Perhaps the surest, m ost direct w ay to affect fate is to accept the reality of it in the first place, to strive for a full a w a re n e s s of F o rtu n e a n d th e influence of the random on hum an hopes and plans. Such acceptance, I would speculate, fosters patience of the kind th at has sustained M arguerite Y ourcenar in a very long literary career. The link is to be found in a paradox. The m ore w holeheartedly you acknow ledge the im portance of Fortune, th e less you will expect of your ow n unaided efforts, and these low ered expectations will in turn becom e a source of p erseverance. To assu m e in ste a d th a t a d e sire d outcom e is and has to be entirely up to you can lead to swift and term inal discouragem ent. For if you alone are to determ ine the results of your efforts, you would probably be wise to abandon them the first tim e th ey fail.

“W hen it com es to m aking a book,” M adam e Y ourcenar observes, “you’ve got to know how to w ait.” The sam e lesson would apply to judge from her exam ple, w hen it com es to m aking a life.

NOVEMBER 1986

45

NEW FIC TIO N

BY KENNETH ROSEN

c h o o l le ts o u t e a r ly for te a c h e rs’ m eetings, the sun out, th e sky clear blue. D eer season is th e problem , open for buck and doe an o th er th re e w eeks, though m ostly local m en hunt here. You see one or tw o p ark ed cars w eekends or after w ork, ex cept th e first day of th e season and a g a in to w a rd s Thanksgiving. Then th ere are lots of cars and pickups pulled off th e road far from houses, m en in o ran g e caps and vests talking, sm oking, and they hunt all day.

The w oods start across th e road from m y school, tw elve square miles in all, th re e miles across, out to the co rn er of th e dum p road and Route 1, or four miles going by the pow erline o u t to th e H o w a rd J o h n s o n s .

Som etim es I get sick of th e schoolbus, the w ay it pokes and jerks, stopping an d starting, th e w ay th e kids go crazy to deal w ith it. “ L oo m is!” s o m e b o d y sc re a m s , seeing m e crossing th e road. More join in. “Hey Tommy! Loomis!”

T here 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from m y end of tow n, w aiting to climb onto th e bus, the good-looking kids of Falm outh Foreside, unfailingly blond a n d b lu e - e y e d , w ith c h o ir b o y haircuts, ski parkas, and button-dow n blue shirts, heading hom e for cold milk and Ring Dings. It’s easy to look like that. I’m one of them , though m y m o th er w orks and I have a paper rou te to do after school.

I d on’t like anyone to see w h ere 1 jum p the ditch and start the path into th e w oods, so I run a ways, charge through th e brush, and hit th e path at an angle. Soon I’m out of sight, out of earshot, only m y backpack flopping from one shoulder, banging at every step. I d o n ’t run far. The risk is I’ll draw shots from a frustrated hunter listening for his deer.

At th e b en d the path passes a string of junk cars sitting in th e sum ac like a string of fish. T hen it picks up an old farm ro a d , stra ig h te n s , w id en s, follows old stone walls and lookouts ov er fields. This p art is still used as a bridle p ath an d th e re ’s patches of horse droppings. It com es close to the Dum p Road, w eaves through glass

S

46

PORTLAND MONTHLY

and ashes, plasterboard folded over, a scram ble of strip metal. A flock of seagulls rises from tearing at a bag of garbage flung here because the dum p gate was locked, blood spots on their bills, clean w hite breasts, slotted eyes.

I cross the railroad tracks, go around behind the new fire barn, and at a spot I know , I skid dow n a banking, go through som e alders, com e out on a rock, and climb beside a fast, thin w aterfall, holding to rocks and old saplings bedded in the moss.

About half the leaves are down. The

leaves still up are bright red and yellow.

T h e re ’s a board across the creek at th e head of the falls and a path to a granite outcrop. W hen I climb this I am overlooking the pow erline and the jeep road and can see the Route 1 shopping center, even the dark pines and chim ney tips on the houses along th e Foreside. My new spaper bundle is w aiting o v er th e re , w h e re th e schoolbus stops, old U nderw ood School, windows and doors boarded up now.

T h e re ’s another path off the jeep road th at com es out behind the H ow ard Johnsons. It’s the long way aro u nd and I head for it today, I d o n ’t even know why. In a ravine beside th e pow erline clearing lie over a hun dred railroad ties. The railroad tracks com e out and follow the pow erline to a bridge beneath the turnpike spur, tall gold grass waving.

B etw een tw o thick pine trees and against the hill, I see som ebody's built a fort out of railroad ties. A black pipe with a tiny eye reaches over the top,

The

gives off a wisp of sm oke, and the leaves on the scrub oak behind me rattle and rip. Ka-bang wow. Just like that. No big rocks, no trees, now here to hide. A voice yells, “Come forward with your hands up!”

I can’t m ove right away. My eyes te ar over and the grass swims into the evergreens and brush, the sun hitting the pow erline stanchions as they m arch north, south, four abreast, fifty yards apart, m any on huge cem ent footings.

“Are you alone, my man? Throw down your arm s.”

I answ er w eakly, “I’m alone,” still not seeing anyone.

“Keep your hands up."

I ease my hands higher, facing the muzzle hole, but I can ’t see it steadily, a haze still splitting m y vision.

“T hat’s right,” draw ls the voice.

“Now com e forw ard.”

That would be straight downhill, so with my hands up, I step sideways.

“You’re just about dead,” he cries.

“Didn’t I say com e forw ard?”

I have to step off the side of the hill, into a dirt gulley, and then I slip and try to catch myself. Then I begin to cry. Tears fall dow n my face and 1 shout at him, “W hy do you w ant to shoot m e?” faking it, hoping to save myself.

My backpack has slipped off, books spilling out. W hen I look up a man is standing above the ties w earing a tan jacket and a Red Sox cap. His rifle is held loose in his hands.

“All right, kid,” he says. “Make it snappy.”

I gather my books into my pack, stand up, and stum ble up to the fort.

“I could have killed you,” he says.

He speaks slowly, clearly. ”1 shot to miss. So w hat are you doing here?

W hat’s your n am e.”

His face is sunburned red, pitted and hard like a peach seed.

“Tom Loomis, sir. 1 just com e this w ay som etim es after school.”

The sun is boring into my right eye, rem inding m e th at it will soon go down.

“Your fath e r a policem an or som ething? Any cops in your family?”

“No sir. Nobody.”

Powerline He stares at m e, squinting hard, testing m e for a lie, but I c a n ’t m eet his eyes to p rove th e truth. 1 look past him, not m oving. I see inside his fort is a railroad tie for a shelf, a few loaves of W ond erb read an d som e Coca Cola quarts.

“W here do you live?” he asks me.

His voice is like a radio announcer's, but he's not handsom e. His face is not only red, but pitted. He squints steadily, m outh open, lips curled aw ay from his teeth. Suddenly he closes his m outh to frown. I still h av en ’t answ ered. His face swells, pouting.

“Tell m e w h ere,” he says, and jabs the rifle aro u n d tow ard m e again.

“Ramsdell Street. On the Foreside.”

The w hole thing slips out just like that.

“Come inside,” he says, w aving me forw ard.

“1 got to go hom e. 1 got a paper ro u te.”

“I can ch an g e m y m ind, kid. 1 said I shot to miss.”

W hen I’m close enough, he reaches over th e top of th e ties and grabs my arm , guiding m e inside. T he fort is constructed like a giant snail-shell with one turning, the outer side built higher than th e inner, so it can hold the ties for the roof. He sets his rifle on som e spikes sticking from a tie. He doesn’t squeeze m y arm hard, but his fingers brush m y ribs in a w ay I hate.

T he little room stinks of creosote and body odor. It’s small, but w e can stand w ithout stooping. He holds onto m y arm . The sun com es through th e long eye-level w indow h e’s left in th e front wall. Though w e’re close, I turn to look at him. H e’s still squinting, still w earing that stiff smile. T he smell m akes m e gag.

“You tw elve, th irteen ?” he says.

1 nod m y head.

“Tw elve,” 1 tell him.

With one h and he picks up a tin box, an old Salada T ea box.

“I’m going to give you a five-dollar bill,” he says, an d he lets go of my arm .

I take a step aw ay, p retending to stum ble, ribs burning w h ere they w ere brushed.

“T om orrow you bring m e a few

pounds of ground beef and som e can d y bars with the change. D on’t fool m e, m an. I can alw ays go w here you live on Ramsdell Street and shoot a hole in every b o d y ’s head. If you tell a soul or fool m e for m y five dollars, I’ll com e and kill ev ery Loomis. I know Ramsdell Street. I can find your hou se.”

He shoves a soft w rinkled bill into m y hand.

“Now go aw ay,” he says, “and do n ’t turn a ro u n d .”

I turn around on the dirt-packed

floor of th e little room and go dow n th e little hall th at gets m e outside. It’s th at tim e w hen the shadow s stretch an d hover. The pow erline is like a canyon, the air darkening slowly, alm ost purple betw een the trees high at each side, th e clay and gravel of the jeep ro ad bright o ran g e and gray. I get m y backpack on with both straps and run along one rut, certain he can see m e from his fort, w atching m e to see if I go out to the dum p road and to call th e police from the fire barn. A dull black surveyor's post is tilting in th e grass. Behind m e I can h ea r the tinkling crash of th e falls and I feel safe. I turn off the jeep trail and take the shortcut out to Route 1, and across it I tak e the sandpits to an old road beh in d U nderw ood School. Soon I see th e backs of Foreside houses. I pass a g arage an d I’m out in the schoolyard.

1 open m y han d and look dow n at m y palm at the crazy m an ’s w rinkled fivedollar bill. y the tim e I get to my new spaper bundle, rip off the plastic tape, it is night. I hide

B

m y backpack behind a tree, crouch on th e school lawn, covered now with flow ering w eeds, o r yellow leaves and fallen apples, squatting, folding my new spapers into m y bag. I h ea r a m easured scuffing com ing up the road. B eyond the corn er of the school I see som eone w earing a tan jacket and a red cap. The noise gets closer. I stand up with m y route bag. The thing beside the school is a trash bag full of leaves.

“Tommy! A ren’t you pretty late?”

It's m y father, in a silver reflector vest, jogging up Foreside Road.

“Dad! W ait a minute! I have to tell you som ething.”

“Not right now ,” he calls back. “I got to get out before it’s too dark. I’ll see you at supper.”

And h e’s gone, cruising into the gloom. He runs m arathons, so his running style’s funny. He shuffles his feet as if so relaxed h e ’s got to coax himself forw ard. 1 w on’t be able to talk to him at supper, either. H e’ll sit staring at a carro t h e ’s bitten, hypnotizing himself so he w on’t o v e r e a t. B e sid e s, M om w o u ld ov erreact, Carol would hear, tangle m e up with her stupid questions, blab it all over.

“W hy is the paper so late tonight,” a little m an in a w hite shirt and a loose necktie com es out of his door to ask.

“I had to w ait for the bundle,” I explain, autom atically lying.

I guess I’m a daw dler, and th a t’s how I get into trouble. W hat I like is walking up gloom y drivew ays lined with tall firs or cedars, dropping the paper into an old insulated milkbox, clicking an iron gate closed behind me. From th e back steps of a doctor’s house, the hum of supper going on inside, I can see sunset flare over the ocean, th e Tow n Landing pier, the sm oking pow er station on Cousins Island. In the red glow filling the sky, the houses blur like fruit in a jello salad. Dad is running ben eath the folds of ev erg reen s and Japanese m aples on Foreside Road. T hree, then four signal lights dart from the stacks on Cousins, and a chain of sm oke s tre tc h e s from o n e of th e NOVEMBER 1986

47

chim neys. I reach into m y pocket and touch with m y fingertips, folded and velvety, the five-dollar bill. A bruise of em b arrassm en t still burns w h ere the m an ’s knuckles rested on m y ribs.

T h e re ’s nothing I can do. I walk uphill. In the birches that hang over the cliff behind the Mobil Station 1 think I see a khaki jacket and red ­ billed cap. I w alk with m y head tilted to one side, listening, and reach out m y fingers to play along a picket fence. It’s too dark to -see anything, only the pow dery birch trunks lit by the station lights, leaves lit yellow and shaped like playing card spades, droopy cotton birch tassels.

“Loomis, you done?”

It's D ana T uttlem eyer. He has the paper route over th e next five or six roads.

“Just tw o m ore houses. W ait for m e.”

“You w ant to split a pizza?”

“No,” I say, but then, realizing h e’ll go aw ay w ithout me, I call, “Okay.

Just wait up,” an d I begin to run.

I run up on a porch and a D oberm an leaps at me, just about rips the leg off the sofa h e’s tied to. The dog’s nam e is Hitler. I get past th e baby stroller, stick the paper behind th e doorknob, and jum p dow n th e front steps. A pizza’s a dollar fifty. W e’ll split it and I know I have 75 cents, th ree quarters, sitting in th e card b o ard box on m y bureau at hom e.

T u ttlem ey er’s w aiting for m e in front of the store, sw inging his route bag around his hips, tw isting side to side in the circle of th e streetlam p.

The store sells m icrow ave food, pizza and hot sandw iches. We go in, both of us w earing route bags.

“T u ttlem ey er,” I say, w hile w e’re w aiting for th e girl to com e take our order, “you ev er go across the w oods behind th e fire barn, past the w aterfall and th e pow erline?”

M aybe I’m hoping the problem of a red-faced m an shooting at kids from forts is well know n.

“Not since I w as little,” he says. “I nev er go back th e re now. Nobody goes back th e re .”

I try to see if h e ’s looking at m e while saying this, to see if h e ’s heard how I skip th e bus and go hom e through the woods.

“How com e you w ere so late doing your route tonight?” I ask him.

His face goes blank. I rem em b er hearing about T u ttlem eyer and A nna Bascom b, how h e’s seen w alking aw ay from th e schoolbus, w alking her

hom e from school. He’s in my grade.

It seem s incredible to have a girlfriend so young, how he could get her to calm dow n long enough to talk to.

“You’re pretty late too, Loomis.

How’s that?”

T he fat red h ead approaches the co u n ter to take our order, so 1 act interrupted while T uttlem eyer orders the pizza. H e’s pulling out a couple of quarters, looking at m y crum pled fivedollar bill.

“Lend m e a half dollar,” he says, “so 1 can buy a soda.”

“I can ’t do th at,” I say. “It’s not my m oney.”

“I’ll pay you back tom orrow . Come on, Loomis, just fifty cents. I w aited for you, didn’t I?” I’m too thirsty to eat a pizza w ithout a drink. If I lend D ana the half dollar, I can m ake up the difference from my lunch m oney.

“1 got to w atch this m oney,” 1 say.

“It isn’t m ine. If I lend you m oney for a soda, you’ll let me drink som e?”

“T h at’s bull. W hy don’t you buy the soda and I’ll drink yours.”

I stare at the tall jar of red licorice on the counter, at the new boxes of football cards. I look at him to speak.

“Forget it, Dana. I can ’t play around with this m oney. I’m sorry.”

T u ttlem eyer looks at m e and shakes his head. W hen the pizza’s done we take it outside w ithout any sodas and sit on the back steps of the only ap artm en t house in Falm outh. My m outh is dry, I w asn’t hungry to begin with, and now the fumes of soap and bleach from the basem ent laundrom at m ake m e sick. The lights go out at the Mobil station up at the corner. It closes at 7 p.m., w hich m eans I’m a half hour late for supper.

“I got to go,” I say. “You eat the pizza.”

“Hey, take a piece with you,” he calls insincerely, w aiting until I’m ten s te p s a w a y , h e a d in g b a c k to U nderw ood School for my bookbag. I find it behind an apple tree. T hen I w alk down Ramsdell Street to my house.

I’m nervous about breaking the crazy m an ’s bill, and anxious to get hom e to my bank, my little cardboard box. The truth is, I never feel better after spending tim e with Tuttlem eyer.

Crossing the back yard I can smell th e ham my m o th er’s cooking for supper. The kitchen’s in an addition tacked behind the house to hold the pipes for the kitchen sink and the bath room upstairs. The w hole house

began as a sum m er place. We rent it from som ebody in Connecticut. I can hear the show er going upstairs, Dad back from his run. I go up to my bedroom to check m y cardboard box for m y th re e quarters. It’s em pty. I look around under m y socks and handkerchiefs. T h ere’s nothing there. he missing q u arters don’t m ake sense, but som etim es I forget I spent m oney on som ething I don’t like. Was it a stupid m agazine? A dry ballpoint pen? Back dow nstairs, sit down for dinner, trying to rem em ber. I keep draw ing a blank.

Mom brings in a chafing dish of cabbage, ham , carrots, onions, and potatoes. The b athw ater cabbage with its pale veins hits m e first.

“W ash your hands before dinner, Thom as, th ey ’re absolutely filthy.”

Dad com es in with the w ater pitcher. He looks sickly after his show er, his face pale, his hair tied back in a pony tail. He lifts his eyebrow s as he pulls his chair up to the table, as if he w ere the one asked to clean his hands. Across the table m y sister Carol has a new pad of draw ing paper and a box of colored pencils. The m ystery is solved.

“I’m not too hungry, Mom,” 1 say, my voice rising. “Carol, did you borrow th ree quarters from my room ?”

Carol is nine. She doesn't look up, and Mom’s quickly on the defensive.

Som ething m ust have gone w rong in the kitchen, dinner’s so late. Her face is flushed and her hair all ratty with loose wisps.

“A re you calling Carol a thief?

W here w ere you tonight? W hy are you so late? I had a dozen phone calls from people w aiting for papers.”

I look down at m y plate, greasy broth pooling around the quartered potato, ragged ham , whole carrot, and cabbage wedge.

“You think it’s fair for Carol to take my m oney?”

The m inute I say it, I can tell it is unwise. T he w ay she’s pulling away from Dad and being extra sensitive about Carol and the ham dinner is right th ere, but the w rong thing com es out anyw ay.

“W hat do you m ean? Do you mean those pencils? I paid for those pencils.

W hat’s fair? Is it fair for me to work in an office all day, then answ er phone calls while I’m trying to fix supper?

W hat’s fair?”

“Alice?” m y father intervenes.

T

“W hat is it you w ant Tom to do?”

My fa th e r is an u n e m p lo y e d s c h o o lte a c h e r. H e h a s s to p p e d teaching, he says, to b ecom e an artist.

“I w ant him to com e hom e straight from school and do his p ap er route. I w ant him to eat at least half his dinner before he m akes him self sick.”

Nothing m akes m e as sick as the salty food and th e cry of h er voice. I sip w ater from m y glass. I hold a piece of b read in o n e h an d and w ork m y fork into a piece of stringy ham . A fter I’ve chew ed on th e ham , I take a bite of b read and chew them to g eth er until 1 can w ash it all dow n with w ater. The knot in m y stom ach rises th e height of a fist after each m outhful. Knowing the n ex t bite isn’t going to go dow n, I get up from the table and w alk aw ay th ro u g h the living room . No one stops me.

Upstairs I stand over th e toilet, gag and drool into th e bowl, but d o n ’t vom it. I flush and in m y room kick off my shoes, d rop m y clothes on th e floor, lie dow n in m y un d erw ear, feeling too stuffed and sick to get un d er the blankets. Until this m inute 5 believe I am going to buy the ground beef and candy bars. I am going to be fair. He let m e go, he tru sted me. 1 can still fake th e price. I can use m y lunch m oney or b orrow m oney from school.

I can give him the m eat and candy and tell him I lost th e receipt. Now, suddenly I know I’m not going back to the woods. I’m going to put the m oney aw ay. I’ll tak e a ch an ce he w on’t hunt me. I’ll go to school on the bus and hom e on th e bus an d I’ll be safe.

asks, turning around. H er perfum e, heav y in the m orning, fills the k itc h e n , along w ith th e coffee, bologna, an d m ayonnaise. “I thought you h ated three-bean salad.”

“Go ah ead and m ake sandw iches," I tell her. “It’s all right.”

“W here a re you going?”

“To Tow n Landing. To see D ad,” an d I let th e storm door suck shut on its stopper.

It’s milky outdoors, just light enough for th e leaves in the back yard to glow underfoot. Silent houses and cottages line th e ro ad to the landing pier. Dad, a t th e far end, is in a hooded sw eatshirt and bluejeans, doing deep k n eeb en d s w ith his hands on the rail, facing the w ooded islands and sunrise.

“T om ,” he says pleasantly, stopping his dips.

“Hi Dad," I answ er, and stand next to him, staring w ith him at the red line of the horizon beginning to swell.

I’m b re a th in g hard, n o t from hurrying, but from my plan.

“Can I b o rrow som e m oney, Dad?” A dollar?”

I w an t to face the m an, to borrow a dollar from Dad, and bring him his m eat an d candy. The sun, red and im m ense, lifts and sends sheets of pink light across the w ater. A w ind starts. T he sun rises rapidly, faster th an it m oves all day, changing color an d changing the color of its side of th e sky.

“Sure. I got a dollar,” he says.

He puts his han d on m y shoulder as w e w alk dow n the pier and I squirm aw ay from him. In th e parking lot fisherm en a re carting gear from their pickup trucks to their dinghies. A m an ut I d o n 't feel safe. I im agine a in an oil slicker is row ing to his boat, one-m an b attlesh ip sh ap ed th e sun less red, m ore yellow now, the like a tea kettle, and th at I can sky behind it light blue. A b o om erang lie in it, safe, p eering a t th e sky of ducks lifts from the bank, flies through th e hole in th e spout. I could across th e w ater, and back to the float all night th at w ay, travelling bank. around m y room as if the d ark is the I could tak e Dad’s dollar too. I could bright flat ocean. Yet I sleep late. keep all the m oney. I d o n ’t ow e W hen m y eyes open, m y b ed ro o m is anyth in g to a m an w ho takes a shot at woolly w ith light. I h e a r Mom m e in th e woods. dow nstairs putting aw ay last nig h t’s “W h at’s the m atter, T om ,” he asks dishes and pans, running w a te r for on th e steps of the pier to the parking coffee. I h ear th e back d oor slam , Dad lot. slipping out to w atch sunrise. I h av e to I wish everything could be different, th at he goes to w ork in the m orning, stop Mom before she m akes my lunch. 1 dress in clothes from m y th a t Mom stays hom e. T ow n Landing b u reau an d h u rry dow nstairs. ro ad uphill begins across the parking lot. A dirt road goes behind the shore “I w anted to buy lunch tod ay ,” 1 say, staring at m ayonnaise sp read on houses over to Ramsdell Street. b rea d for m y sandw iches, cold cuts “Is som ething the m atter?” he asks and rinsed lettuce lying nearby. sharply, stopping so I’ll have to stand “Did you re a d the m enu at all?” she an d face him.

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I look dow n at the pebbles strew n by car tires, at the ruts of packed dirt.

“A m an,” 1 say, “yesterday, took a shot at m e.”

“W hat?”

I kick m y toe at a soda can tab in the gravel. I look up at a telephone pole, tarred a few feet above its base, and a num ber em bossed on a tin plate at about eye level.

“I didn’t take the school bus. I cam e hom e through the woods across from school, and som e guy took a shot at m e.”

"This is deer season, Tom. You c an ’t go skipping around in the w oods like th a t.”

“But he w asn’t a hunter. He said he shot to miss. T hen he grabbed me and gave m e five dollars to buy ground beef and candy bars. He said h e ’d com e and shoot us, everybody. I spent a little of his m oney on a pizza with D ana T uttlem eyer. T h a t’s w hy I missed my 75 cents at supper, and Mom got so m ad.”

“W e’ll have to call the police,” he says.

“Do we have to tell Mom? I do n ’t w ant to get into it w ith Mom.” He puts his hand on my shoulder again, gives m e a squeeze and I have to pull aw ay.

“Sooner or later w e’ll have to tell her, Tom ,” he says. “C an’t you see?”

“Yeah, I guess,” Isay.

About halfw ay to our part of Ramsdell Street, the dirt road jags around a house w here the people keep a big doll standing at the window. The dum b thing is smiling at m e, with h er hand outstretched.

Ramsdell Street is tarred. It winds downhill and takes over the dirt road.

T hen it begins its stretch to our house w hich sits at the dead end, at the edge of the w ater.

“W e’ll have to give the police the fellow’s five dollars.”

“Do you think h e ’ll ev er com e get us?”

“No. He sounds like he w ants som eone to get him, to take care of him .”

“He said he shot to miss. M aybe w e should just buy him his food.”

“People shoot to kill and it still m eans th ey w ant som ebody’s help, professional help. But th en it’s too late.”

Mom passes us in her car, taking Carol to school on her w ay to work.

She toots her horn and w aves, and turns up the hill. At the house my father calls the police and 1 am

o rdered to w ait for them before 1 go to school. I give my story to a detective and an officer in uniform.

“Did he touch you?” the detective asks me. “You can tell us.”

The question m akes me tense, my father listening.

“He just grabbed my arm once. He didn’t do anything to m e.”

I look at their faces. T hey look w orried, but they do n ’t ask any more questions. T he detective telephones headquarters, and afterw ards they drive m e to school. I get a note from the principal’s office to enter class late, but for the first half hour 1 can’t hear a w ord the teach er is saying.

T uttlem eyer com es up to me at lunch. I’m eating the bologna and lettuce sandw ich my m other made me.

“Som ebody said the police drove you to school.”

So I tell Tuttlem eyer too. He’s serious about it, and sym pathetic.

“I’m sorry I hassled you about the soda,” he says.

I tell him th a t’s okay.

Falm outh police, with the aid of Maine state troopers, go in to arrest him in the woods. It m akes the news th at night. The m an is a Bowdoin graduate with a history of m ental problem s, still living at hom e. He th reaten ed to kill himself w hen he left the house, and his elderly father, a well-know, retired Falmouth veterinarian, had been afraid to call the police. I’m surprised to see how m y nam e stays out of it, but I’m not afraid. I feel numb, or else I don’t know how I feel. Still I take the schoolbus until Thanksgiving, when deer season's over.

I walk back to the powerline before the first snow, climb the falls and all, so nervous 1 can hardly stand it. The woods seem shabby. Everything has lost its charm . Som eone has hauled aw ay the railroad ties. It seem s I’m not afraid of the crazy m an, I’m afraid of the place. It seem s boring, as much of a trap as the schoolbus. I stand in the tall grass sniffing the air, and I can still catch a whiff of the body odor, the creosote. T he pine trees look stark, as if they knew a fort in the shape of a snail once stood there and was ripped aw ay. I hurry back to Route 1 and behind the shopping center to the sandpits th at go to the back of U nderw ood School. It is already dark w hen I get to my new spaper bundle, because it’s alm ost w inter now, and the days have grow n so m uch shorter.

ON THE TOWN T he Right Banque Cafe. 225 Federal Street, Portland. Delicious lasagne, quiches, sandwiches, salads, hom em ade ice cream s, and fresh baked foods.

Eat in or take out. 774-3074.

F. Parker R eidy’s 83 Exchange Street, Portland.

Great steaks, seafood, soups, and American favorites are staples at this popular restaurant, a favorite with Portland’s law com m unity. 773-4731.

Rib Room. Sonesta Hotel Portland. 157 High Street, Portland. Elegant dining with impressive full-service menu (pates, mussels in basil and lemon sauce, steaks, seafood dishes with accents on rare flavorings), and a h ighly ro m a n tic a tm o s p h e re . A lso, try The G reenhouse and the newly rem odeled Top of the East lounge for cocktails and a stunning city view.

Reservations and major credit cards accepted.

775-5411.

T he Roma. 769 Congress Street, Portland. Classic Italian cuisine has been served in this Victorian mansion for 61 years. Enjoy seafood linguine or veal parm esan in one of the intimate dining rooms. Daily specials, and a unique collection of Portland Glass.

Smoking and non-smoking available. Lunch and dinner. 773-9873.

Ruby’s C hoice. 1 lF ree Street, Portland. The W orld’s Greatest H amburgers. 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. 773-9099.

Sapporo Portland’s buds with favorites.

772-1233.

R estaurant. 24 Free Street, Portland. new Japanese restaurant excites the taste colorful sushi dishes and other traditional Beautiful w aterw alk into restau ran t.

P u t B a ld a n za to w ork for y o u . A t P a rro ts y o u ’ll fin d o u ts ta n d in g s u it s an d se p a r a te s to m a tc h y o u r ca r eer an d y o u r s ty le . We’ll h elp y o u s e le c t th e p erfect lo o k a n d th e r ig h t a c c e s ­ so r ie s. C om e s e e o u r la t e s t a rriv a ls.

P a rro ts is open Mon. - Fri. 10-6 p .m ., Sat. 9-5 p.m . a n d Thurs. even in g 'til 8.

C all 7 7 2 - 2 7 7 7 .

Season s. 363 Maine Mall Road, South Portland. The Sheraton’s pride and joy, Seasons features a wide variety of seasonally changing A merican favorites as well as live entertainm ent and fashion shows.

775-0555.

S eou l H ouse. Route 77, Cape Elizabeth. Authentic Korean favorites. Intimate atm osphere and delicious, unusual food. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. 799-4031.

Sp ortsm an’s Grill. 905 Congress Street, Portland.

Italian and American favorites in four hom ey dining rooms. Spaghetti, of course, lasagne, breaded veal cutlets. Daily specials. Lunch and dinner. 772-9324.

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The Heart of Portland

Smith Farm. 226 Gray Road, West Falmouth. The Roast Turkey Feast is a special attraction in this postand-beam family restaurant, as are the desserts: The Indian pudding, apple pan dowdy, and shortcakes are all hom em ade. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, closed Mondays. MC.VISA. 797-3034.

Snow Squall. 18 Ocean A venue, South Portland.

Plants and sunshine, and a view of the w aterfront by day, candlelight by night. All the seafood, veal, chicken, and beef is prepared from scratch. Lunch, d in n e r, S u n d a y b ru n c h . M ajor c re d it c ard s, reservations accepted. 799-2232.

34 E xchange Street. Old Port Exchange. French Continental cuisine and fine wines served in two Victorian dining rooms. The m enu of beef, seafood, chicken, and veal changes often with the exception of the Beef W ellington. Dinner 5:30-10, reservations suggested. Major credit cards. 775-1100.

V alle’s. 1150 Brighton A venue, Portland. First-rate steaks and seafood at reasonable prices in a family atm osphere. A favorite for m any Portlanders for decades. Just off Exit 8. 774-4551.

T he Vinyard. 111 Middle Street, Portland. Seafood Diablo and baked quail are am ong the specialties of this beautiful restaurant. The emphasis is on French and Italian cuisine, with an extensive wine list to match. The m enu changes bi-monthly. Lunch and dinner weekdays, dinner only Saturdays, closed Sundays. 773-5424.

The W est Side. 59 Pine Street, Portland. H omemade delights in a stylish little neighborhood cafe with great breads, pastries, specials, and a seasonal patio. Menu always fresh, original. 773-8223. h

154 M IDDLE STREET • PORTLAND • 772-8885 SERVING BREAKFAST, LCINCH AND DINNER 6:00 AM-1:00 AM • 7 DAYS A WEEK

NOVEMBER 1986

51

VIDEO REVIEWS

BY HENRY PAPER PREMINGER SPELLBINDERS ON TAPE Otto Prem inger died earlier this year and took with him a certain lavish yet precise - and almost always spellbinding - style of film making. These adjectives applied to his personality as well.

Just before I w ent to Hollywood to try to capture and apply som e of that magic formula he himself projected so well, I was in New York and happened to see his nam e attached to the top suite in the lobby of an impressive skyscraper.

W hat the heck, I thought, if brashness was all (or certainly a large part of all) in Hollywood, I may as well give it a try. Arriving at the top and announcing myself, I waited, and then was finally ushered into a spacious office.

There in the far corner behind a large desk on a sea of carpet sat the man: inimitable, suggestively fearsome, and bald-headed. He was speaking, in his well-known clipped accent, on the phone, inviting the Israeli am bassador to the U.N. to dinner.

W hen he put the phone down, he gave m e a scrutinizing look, and I announced my reason for being there (a reason which now completely escapes me: I was writing a science-fiction script, but Prem inger didn’t do science fiction (then or ever). But no m atter. Prem inger immediately grabbed the bull (so to speak) by the horns and laid out som e timely advice to set me up on the road west. He told me about his own son Eric (through his liaison with Gypsy Rose Lee), who was now w orking in his office, and, w hen I happened to m ention the phrase “film industry," told me em phatically that Hollywood was not an industry, that “an industry m akes shoes."

As with all artists - and directors at their best are artists and not m erely craftsmen - Prem inger’s attention to, and instinctive feeling for, the small and real details of life (including, at that m om ent, me, I suppose) was part of w hat m ade him an artist.

Certainly his films (w hether artistically successful or not) w ere never assembly-line products. This by-andlarge gentle man who liked to tackle controversial subjects for his films was my inadvertent introduction to Hollywood, and I’m sure he provided most people -w h e th e r they are aw are of it or not - with some of the high points of their own history of moviewatching. Most of his films are in video and m any are widely available: You might just w ant to pay your own hom age to the man by checking som e of this highly interesting viewing out: THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM The first drug film to pull out all the stops on the subject, and it’s still pretty powerful. Due in part to Prem inger’s tau t and masterful direction, Sinatra’s perform ance as a sym pathetic junkie w hose friends try to help him still provides a real shot in the arm.

COMPULSION This grippingly analytical dram a of the fam ed Leopold and Loeb kidnapping/m urder case allows Prem inger to m ove in closely to some fascinating and disturbing characters ... and issues.

This film was done before Orson Welles, here playing the defense attorney, was willing to sit still for just anyone. He sat for Otto.

ANATOMY OF A MURDER Here the analysis and issues are put to the service of a suspenseful entertainm ent with a clever twist. Well-intentioned Jim m y Stew art defends sly and manipulative Ben G azzara in a m urder trial and winds up uncovering the fact that people are n ’t always w hat they seem.

LAURA Lastly, in his first m ovie and m any feel his best, Dana Andrew s is the tough detective investigating a m urder who falls in love with a portrait of the victim. This is a film that stands alone in the cleverness of its conceit, and in its slow revealing of fascinating characters.

Prem inger could m ake stark realism entertaining and fascinating, through his adroit and authoritative direction of characters. In m any of his films, the staples of entertainm ent a rer infused with intelligence. At his very best, no one could have done the films that he did, and th a t’s one of the things that defines an artist.

We can all be grateful he didn’t m ake shoes.

52

PORTLAND MONTHLY

FLASH A T THE GROUNDBREAKING ceremony for SouthBorough, a new office park complex C) Mac MacBride o f MacBride Dunham Group, the real estate Company responsible for the project, honors L) Frank A m o­ roso, Scarborough City coun­ cilman, and R) Sam DiPietro, ^ Mayor o f South Portland.

L) JERRE BRYANT, South Portland city manager and R) Robert Ganley now Portland city manager but o rig ­ inally the South Portland city manager, talk about the excitement in seeing this project come together.

THE INVESTITURE OF LC) Peter DeQourcy Hero as president o f the Portland School o f Art. L) Eric Saunders, Chairman of the Board of Trustees o f PSA; RC) Gary Young, Executive D irector for the Connecticut Commission fo r the Arts; and R) Frank Hodsoll, Chairman, National Endowment fo r the Arts, took part in the ceremony.

THE FIRST EARTH RUN, a relay-torch run held in major cities throughout an 86 day event, commemorates the International Year o f Peace and the 40th Anniversary of UNICEF. L) Joan BenoitSamuelson ran the last kilo­ meter for the United States in Portland. A ceremony honor­ ing the event included speaker, Governor Brennan. Both lit candles in honor o f world peace. When the torch returns to The United Nations on December 11th, a candlelighting celebration w ill be held again in Portland at One City Center.

IT WAS A MOMENT O F ESCAPE. OF EXHILARATION. OF PURE PLEASURE. A MOMENT YOU'LL BOTH REMEMBER. OMEGA. FOR A LL YOUR SIG N IFICA N T MOMENTS.

OMEGA ALWAYS MARKS SIGNIFICANT MOMENTS. IN THE OLYMPICS. IN THE SPACE PROGRAM. IN SIGNIFICANT LIVES LIKE YOURS. THE OMEGA CONSTELLATION. ADVANCED SWISS TECHNOLOGY. WATER RESISTANT. IN STAINLESS STEEL A N D I8K GOLD.

OMEGA

HOur most exciting challenge - and biggest responsibility is helping the businesses and individuals that make Portland grow. U Jo h n G e n d ro n

Ten y e a rs ago, Jo h n a n d R ic h ard G e n d ro n fo u n d e d a sm all real e s ta te firm . Today, th a t firm G e n d ro n C o m m ercia l B rokers - is h e lp in g to s h a p e th e fu tu r e of a city - by sellin g m o re co m m ercial p r o p e rty th a n a n y o th e r firm in P o rtla n d .

To u s , P o rtla n d 's g ro w th is m o re th a n a n o p p o rtu n ity . It's also a re s p o n s ib ility a n d a ch allen g e.

B ecau se a s w e h e lp b u s in e s s e s a n d in d iv id u a ls in v e st th e c ap ital th a t fu els th e c ity 's g ro w th , w e can also h e lp p re s e rv e th e q u a litie s th a t m ak e P o rtla n d a sp ecial place.

A ctive a n d p ro fe ssio n a l co m m ercial real e s ta te b ro k e rs play a v ital role in th e eco n o m ic life of a n y city. T h ey c a n m a k e a city ev en m o re attra c tiv e to n e w b u s in e s s e s a n d d e v elo p ers. In th e p ro c e ss, th e y c a n p e r m a n e n tly a n d p o sitiv ely in flu e n c e th e d ire c tio n th e ir c o m m u n ity w ill take.

A t G e n d ro n , th a t's a re s p o n s ib ility w e all tak e seriously.

Gendron

Commercial Brokers Portland's leading commercial brokers.

775-1811