I’ve joked before that Bowdoin students think the only two things to exist south of Brunswick are the Schiller Coastal Studies Center and the Giant’s Stairs. Aside from those two popular destinations, well, it’s “here be dragons.” After spending two months working in the dragon’s den, I can say that I had a great experience and that no fire-breathing occurs in Harpswell.
Spending my days learning about the ins and outs of municipal government as an intern in the Town Office was certainly a departure from the urban chaos I grew up with in New York City. What Harpswell lacks in population density is clearly made up for in its natural beauty, deeply woven community, and maritime economy.
Early during my tenure here, I was made aware of the distinct communities within the town: the Neck, Orr’s, Bailey, Great Island, and Cundy’s Harbor. To me, it’s a beautiful microcosm, where each location has its own flavor of coastal Maine and corresponding services like post offices, churches and general stores.
I got the opportunity to visit many of these places in July while distributing flyers about a home sharing program. (Check out Nesterly!) With each person I spoke to, I began seeing the range of experience in Harpswell. There are the long-standing businesses with generational Mainers, fun new spots to patronize courtesy of those “from away,” and everything in between.
The theme that really stood out to me this summer is that Harpswell is in a critical transition period. So much of the work myself and others in the office contributed to will ensure that the town has a viable future without sacrificing the historical characteristics that define this place. Big questions loom over the communities. How will we protect these beautiful coastlines from major storms and sea-level rise? Should new ordinances follow the tune of other Maine towns? What might a new fire station look like?
Over 10 weeks, I sat in on many meetings about these issues. While opinions vary, the passion that Harpswell residents carry for their home is undeniable. I’ve seen careful debates among the Select Board, committees toiling for hours, and citizens speaking up for their livelihoods. Small New England governance is a special system that really highlights why participation is key to keeping a community successful. In a world of clogged bureaucracy and painfully slow change, it’s been refreshing to see a different perspective from the principal levels of government.
I will undoubtedly carry great appreciation for Harpswell, its town staff, and its residents going forward. The next time I visit, all the trees will be bare, the skies gray, and the water frigid. Yet I know that the beauty and warmth of this place remains. Maybe then, my classmates will discover more of the mysterious land that lies along the coast.
