For the past seven years, my wife and I have spent August on Orr’s Island. I walk laps around Mitchell Field daily, so if you are an early morning dog walker, we have undoubtedly waved to each other.
To be clear, I am an outsider. I live in New York City and normally would consider it presumptuous to comment on local affairs. But people who are not outsiders have encouraged me to write this, so here goes.
I hear talk of developing Mitchell Field. I think it would be a mistake. Mitchell Field is one of the places that makes Harpswell special. The wildflowers and tall grass sloping down to that perfect harbor are something I carry within me.
If there is another spot with this combination of beauty, space and tranquility, I am unaware of it. As custodians of this special place, I urge you to be very careful about making changes. As the poet said, “Even where we mean to mend her we end her.”
It would be a shame if your children and grandchildren (and even the occasional visitor from New York) never knew the unique peace and beauty you have now.
Charlie Feitel, New York, New York
