A story by Jason Pardilla
Portrait of Jason Pardilla
Lucy Nicolar Poolaw (1882-1969) was a Penobscot performer known as Princess Watahwaso (Bright Star). Aunt Lu, as she was known to the family, did a lot to improve our tribe through her notoriety at home and nationwide.
Lucy Nicolar Poolaw and Bruce Poolaw, Indian Island ca. 1940
Item Contributed by
Maine Historical Society
Aunt Lu brought more than one bridge to the Penobscot people, creating cultural and educational opportunities through her musical talents. She was a mezzo-soprano and performed in vaudeville shows, where she met my grandfather, Bruce Poolaw. Returning home during the Great Depression she focused on sharing and teaching Penobscot spiritual songs and dances in our community. During a time when it was illegal to do so, she disguised the events as tourist performances.
Lucy helped to build an actual bridge to Indian Island. Installed in 1950, it was a hand me down bridge from Howland. Lucy and Bruce were the first people to drive across it, home to the Island.
Lucy utilized her connections to raise the educational standards for Penobscot children and demanded the right for Penobscots to vote. The State of Maine finally extended suffrage to the Penobscot Nation in 1955, where Lucy cast the first ballot.
Lucy and Bruce Poolaw were partners in life and business. They pushed for the betterment of the Penobscot for their entire lives.
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