Maine Memory Network

Balloon view of Saco Bay, including Biddeford Pool, ca. 1880

Contributed by: McArthur Public Library Date: circa 1880 Location: Biddeford; Saco; Old Orchard Beach; Scarborough Media: Ink on paper

Bay View Hotel, Saco, ca. 1900

Contributed by: Dyer Library/Saco Museum Date: circa 1900 Location: Saco Media: Photographic print

Dyer Library alterations, Saco, 1913-1917

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1913–1917 Location: Saco Client: unknown Architect: John Calvin Stevens and John Howard Stevens Architects

Port of Portland's Custom House and Collectors of Customs

The collector of Portland was the key to federal patronage in Maine, though other ports and towns had collectors. Through the 19th century, the revenue was the major source of Federal Government income. As in Colonial times, the person appointed to head the custom House in Casco Bay was almost always a leading community figure, or a well-connected political personage.

Eye in the Sky

In 1921, Guy Gannett purchased two competing Portland newspapers, merging them under the Portland Press Herald title. He followed in 1925 with the purchase the Portland Evening Express, which allowed him to combine two passions: photography and aviation.

Biddeford History & Heritage Project - CONTACT

"CONTACT Balloon view of Saco Bay, including Biddeford Pool, ca. 1880McArthur Public Library Got a question or comment about what you have seen…"

Biddeford History & Heritage Project - Shipbuilding in Biddeford: Lore, Leaders, and Legacy

"… was changed to the much simpler District of Saco, and the collector was now allowed to live either in Biddeford or Saco."