Tremblement de terre

Autumn is a special time in Maine. I, like many Mainers, take advantage of Adult Continuing Education that the local school district offers in the fall. This year I am taking French.

French is an important language in Maine. Maine borders two Canadian provinces: French speaking Quebec, and bilingual New Brunswick. Many of our visitors to our community are French speaking. Franco-Americans also make up the largest population in Maine. The first European settlement in Maine was by the French in 1604 on Saint Croix Island, by Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, 16 years before the pilgrims "landed" on Plymouth Rock.

While sitting in French Class last night going over "ER" verbs,  the floor started to shake.  First,  it was the floor,  then the walls, and then furnace pipes. Not being in to many earthquakes in my life, I had no idea what was happening. The shaking lasted for about 10 seconds, but seemed longer. I thought something smashed into the building. It was an odd feeling, like being on a fast moving train going over an old bridge.

The French Professor started saying:  tremblement de terre, tremblement de terre. Not knowing what this phrase meant, we quickly learned the meaning!  I guess this is a new one we need to know: Earthquake!

Earthquakes are  extremely rare in Maine.  Reports show that moderate earthquakes take place in Maine once every few decades.  This earthquake registered at 4.6 on the US Geological Survey. The earthquake was located in Waterboro.  I was in a classroom in Wells Maine, about 22+ miles from the epicenter.

Needless to say, this French class was memorable!

Antiques Ogunquit, Blacksmiths' Mall

I have this beautiful antique silver wine decanter that I bought at an auction. I always pour wine from that.                       
                                                                              -Paul Lynde

The southern Maine coast towns are dotted with antique and group shops from York to Arundel. In Ogunquit village centre, close to Ogunquit Beach Inn is the Blacksmiths' Antique Mall. This group shop originally was a livery station, and a place where horses would get shoed. The Hutchins family has been running this property since 1840. Seventh generation brother and sister,  David & Joanie manage and operate this high volume group shop with their children.

I am often looking for a piece of furniture for the B&B. The first place I visit is this antique mall.
















There are cases with estate jewelry, depression glass, McCoy pottery, ephemera, paintings, collectibles, objet d'art and furniture. You never know what you might find! There are over 80 dealers at this antique mall. 

The shop is a cornucopia of Americana, from classic to kitsch items. Well worth a visit if you are in Ogunquit!
 
The Details:
The Blacksmiths' Antique Mall
166 Main Street ( US Route One)
Ogunquit, ME 03907-0795
Telephone 207 646 9643
Owner/Manager
David Hutchins
Joan Hutchins Bannister

Staff is friendly and helpful, and prices vary from dealer to dealer.

Hours:
In the Summer seven days a week  9am to 4.50pm
Autumn hours vary. Call for details
MasterCard and Visa accepted.
Items vary from Antiques, collectibles, decoratives, estate items, antique garments and mid century items!
Interesting trivia:
Paul Lynde was a frequent visitor to Ogunquit, and would also perform at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Many locals claim that Paul was exactly how he was on TV, hilarious! Paul would visit the Front Porch Piano Bar, and wear a rain coat and rain hat, on summer days! He would walk through town with his standard poodle and admire the flowers and Marginal Way. Paul also shopped all the curio shops in the Ogunquit area.....