Looking for the Port in Newport

Where is the PORT in Newport? That was one of several questions on my list as I began the research for this town’s feature. You can find a “port” in the names of more than a dozen Maine towns and cities, but nearly all of them are located along the coast. Newport isn’t even close to the ocean.

The mystery was solved by reading a history of Newport which was written in 1914 for the town’s centennial celebration. Describing the route of members of the Penobscot tribe, the booklet explained the following:

“Their mode of travel was by way of the Kenduskeag Stream to Stetson; carry across to Stetson Pond; thence to Great East Pond and so on to the Kennebec; this was the Indian highway between the two great rivers of Maine, and from it originated the name of Newport, so called because it afforded a portage for the Indians in their route to and from the Penobscot and the Sebasticook.”

Lake Sebasticook is one of the most notable features of Newport. According to the town, “Sebasticook Lake is the largest lake (4,288 acres) within the confines of an individual municipality in the State of Maine.” Though the town has experienced waves of change over the years, the lake has been and remains a focal point. In the 1990s, an ancient fish weir was discovered in it which dates back thousands of years. Though Newport has “new” in its name, the region has a very old story. 

In more recent centuries, Lake Sebasticook has been center stage for a wide variety of activities, including boat races, ice harvesting, and – on the day I visited – snowmobiling. Various cabins and camps were built around the lake, along with Camp Benson which was created by veterans of the Civil War. 

All Things Nokomis

Close by Lake Sebasticook is a smaller body of water with the name of Nokomis Pond. The word Nokomis comes from “The Song of Hiawatha” written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who was born in Portland (the east coast version). For many Mainers, the term will bring to mind the regional middle and high schools in Newport. 

Mary Nadeau has served at Nokomis High in various capacities for three decades, but presently as its principal. Despite her busy schedule, I was generously allowed to make a trip to the principal’s office. It was a pleasant experience. Principal Nadeau shared many fascinating aspects of this regional education center. 

The building is new and expansive. Light pours into the space from the large windows and doors. But the school extends far beyond the well-constructed building in which I sat. Nokomis includes 199 acres of fields and water and woods. Principal Nadeau referred to it as their “outdoor campus.” In every way possible, the administration and educators work to capitalize on, celebrate, and integrate this natural environment.

Nokomis High opened in 1968; more than 600 students are currently enrolled from eight towns. With so many communities represented, the school functions as a type of hub, especially for older students whose towns might not be able to offer activities for their age group. Sports, music, art, and many other options, such as JROTC, are available to them. 

Principal Nadeau highlighted two points that were the most “Maine things” I’ve heard in a while…

• The school district encompasses 400 square miles, but has only ONE set of traffic lights.

• Up to a dozen students don’t need to bother with those traffic lights because they drive their SNOWMOBILES to school in the winter! 

There is a strong culture emphasized at Nokomis. Students frequently hear their principal repeating key phrases and mottos such as, “Be a warrior!” “Once a warrior, always a warrior!” and “Go, warriors!”

While working to give the young people a solid high school education, there is also a priority on preparation for life after graduation. Students are equipped to attend college, if that is their preference, but Nokomis doesn’t assume that every student will choose that path, nor imply that getting a college degree is the better option. Collaborations with local businesses encourage students who prefer to move directly into a career after graduation. The message is clear: you don’t have to “get out” of your hometown to find success. Throughout the visits for this feature, I met recent Nokomis grads who not only were employed at a local business, but enthusiastic about their work environment and opportunities. 

So many Newport businesses and organizations could be included in this feature, but the goal is an overview, not a comprehensive book! Three other locally important stops were included in this town visit…

• Anglers Restaurant

• The Rolling Thunder

• The Newport Cultural Center

Anglers Restaurant

If you’ve been around awhile, you might refer to the Anglers Restaurant in Newport as the old “Log Cabin.” But since 2006, Anglers has been the correct name. Like many Mainers, I have childhood memories of eating at this iconic place. Sometimes when a business changes hands, there is no resemblance to what came before. Not so with this Anglers location. The food is still delicious, and the sense of community remains strong.

If it has been a few decades since your last visit, you won’t be confused as to where you are the next time you come. The building is larger, and the bathrooms are now located inside (you’re welcome), but all feels familiar. The walls are covered with seafood-related decor, along with photos and drawings from the customers. Many of those are of a prize catch from a fishing trip; others are pictures of regulars in a past generation. All of the treasures point to a well-loved establishment in which customers feel like family. 

When it comes to the menu, the staff want to remind you that while seafood is an important aspect of the restaurant, the options go beyond lobster, shrimp, and haddock. You can choose from sandwiches, chicken, pot roast, and more. They also wisely suggested I mention that they are open year-round; a common misconception is that they close for winter. You might even find the line a bit shorter during the snowy months, though the wait is worth it, if not.

The Rolling Thunder

Another favorite of locals in Newport is the Rolling Thunder newspaper. In 1985, Jerry and Sylvia Angel opened their business in town. I stopped by and asked the folks in the office about their key to success. Without hesitation, they told me, “loyal advertisers and loyal readers.”

The paper is distributed free of charge within a 30 mile radius. The Rolling Thunder is supported by local businesses, but 30% of the print space is dedicated for nonprofits.

The copy I brought home covers a wide array of topics important for small Maine towns. Among other items, it includes stories about a square dance club, a craft fair and fishing derby, announcements regarding locally earned awards and distinctions, updates from libraries and churches, tidbits of history and trivia, obituaries, and tips of many kinds.

If you live out of the area, but want to take a peek for yourself, the paper is also available online on the Rolling Thunder website.

The Newport Cultural Center

This final highlight is the first place to go if you are interested in learning more about Newport. The town has a unique collaboration within a space known as the cultural center. In addition to providing a center, this is also the home of the library and the historical society. In many ways, it is like a museum.

Glass display cases have been placed on top of the library bookshelves. They are filled with a variety of fascinating pieces of local history. Large, framed photos hanging on the walls show important buildings from Newport’s earlier years, some of which are still standing.

More modern history was being showcased at the time of my visit with this amazing physical timeline displaying the development of the computer.

If you are a resident of Newport and haven’t had the opportunity to visit the cultural center, I believe you would find it to be a worthwhile stop.

My thanks to everyone in Newport who helped make this trip special. If this is your first time to land on Maine Features, I’m on a long and wonderful journey to visit, photograph, and write about every town in the state of Maine. See which other towns have been featured by hopping over to the INDEX PAGE, or see what’s new on the HOME PAGE.