Maine Memory Network

Pressed flowers, ca. 1840

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1841 Location: Gorham Media: Flowers, paper

Collage of pressed flowers, ca. 1846

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1840 Location: Gorham; Cambridge Media: Plants, paper

179 181 St. John Street, Portland, 1924

Owner in 1924: Imogene Flower Use: Dwelling - Single family

A City Awakes: Arts and Artisans of Early 19th Century Portland

Portland's growth from 1786 to 1860 spawned a unique social and cultural environment and fostered artistic opportunity and creative expression in a broad range of the arts, which flowered with the increasing wealth and opportunity in the city.

Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In

Adorning oneself to look one's "best" has varied over time, gender, economic class, and by event. Adornments suggest one's sense of identity and one's intent to stand out or fit in.

John Martin: Expert Observer - Annie Martin Snow casket, Bangor, 1889

"… a wreath interspersed with roses and the choicest flowers, No 5 was I might say a mound of flowers presented by neighbours, friends from a broad."…"

Lincoln, Maine - Solomon's Store

"The House of Crafts and Flowers sells flowers, jewelry, and craft materials. The comparison is very strong between Solomon Store and House of Crafts…"

In 1970 I served in Vietnam, and sent my parents a package
by Peter P. Joyce Jr.

My Parents' war story

How roses became a big part of my life
by Clarence Rhodes

Clarence Rhodes's experiences growing, exhibiting, and judging roses in Maine and around the world.