The year 1956 was a momentous one on the world stage: Khrushchev denounced Stalin, a hopeful sign that the Soviets might be mellowing, but the Soviets then began conducting multiple nuclear tests—putting the rest of the world on edge and … Continue reading
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It’s no secret what was happening in the world in 1944: the news was all about the war, and it was often tragic, especially the reports from the Pacific and Europe of the neighbors, friends, sons and husbands being killed … Continue reading
We came across an article recently written by Sam Saunders, well known Calais historian and raconteur, which mentioned what Sam called the “Ole Steel Bridge” at Ferry Point, the main bridge connecting Calais and St. Stephen and how the local kids put … Continue reading
ske·dad·dle/skəˈdadl/ Verb INFORMAL depart quickly or hurriedly; run away. “when he saw us, he skedaddled” A Maine Unit assembled after the Battle of Marye’s Heights, Fredericksburg, Virginia Although we have written a good deal on the St. Croix Valley and … Continue reading
Ned Lamb and Emma Boardman, “Dueling Cameras at Ten Feet”, Calais Waterfront, probably in the 1920s The circa 1920 photograph above is titled “Dueling Cameras At Ten Feet”. The scene is the Calais waterfront and the two photographers are Ned … Continue reading
The Gravestone above reads: Leonard T.Son of Leonard & Mary E. FarrisDied Aug. 28 1898AE 7 Mos & 18 Dys The grave pictured above is in the Calais Cemetery, between the Beckett lot which is on the main avenue on … Continue reading
“Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment day;Under the blossoms the Blue;Under the garlands the Gray.” Memorial Day originated after the Civil War to honor the dead of both the North and the South by decorating the graves … Continue reading
Guy Murchie in Cuba with Roughriders One of the more interesting personalities in St. Croix Valley history was Guy Murchie, son of William and Ella Murchie. The Murchie’s were one of the most prominent “lumber baron” families of the St. … Continue reading
For those interested in history, the new resources available online, especially old newspapers, provide a wealth of information and odd stories from the St. Croix Valley. Warning: we take no position on whether the articles we send are actually true … Continue reading
The Annie Smith, built in Calais The Annie Smith was one of the largest and most beautiful ships built in the St. Croix Valley during the age of sail. It is shown in the painting above in the harbor at … Continue reading