We left the Bar Harbor area last weekend, Destination Canada! We dropped the jacks in a quaint little campground Sunset Point in Lubec, Maine where we were met by a wonderful workcamper named Cindy who checked us in and made us feel welcome. Every site is right on the Ocean and happens to be the eastern most campground in the United States.
Lubec is a fishing village that once thrived on the Herring industry. The last packing house was shut down by the government in 1991. Another example of the government getting involved in something it should support not attack.
Lubec’s connection to the sea also offered ideal conditions for the rise of ship-building, with 20 vessels launched from town shipyards between 1804 and 1830. The first schooner, Hope, was built in North Lubec by Captain George W. Allan. The growth of this industry brought increased prosperity to area farmers, who harvested the timber, and to blacksmiths, carpenters, ship-chandlers and other suppliers of materials needed to construct the yards and vessels.
In the wake of the sardine industry’s demise those fishermen who remained turned to the lobster, scallop, shellfish and urchin fishery. Salmon aquaculture has also grown in Lubec and Campobello waters. Gathering balsam fir tips for the manufacture of Christmas wreaths, cutting fire wood and raking blueberries offers seasonal employment.
Growth in the tourism industry provides opportunity for future economic development. The opening of the Roosevelt International Bridge linking Lubec and Campobello in 1962, as well as the establishment of West Quoddy State Park and other conservation areas have contributed to an increasing number of visitors to Lubec, lured by the area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many of these people have purchased second homes here, established businesses, or become residents of the town.
In 2011 Lubec is celebrating its bicentennial, marking 200 years of existence on the easternmost edge of America. The town has watched its fortunes, much as the Fundy tides, rise and fall as the abundance of herring and demand for sardines disappeared. Throughout its history Lubec’s citizens have; through hard work, resilience, ingenuity and neighborliness; met the challenges posed by geographic isolation, a sometimes harsh environment, and the vagaries of a fisheries-based economy. These strengths should sustain the town as it welcomes its third century.
Today most of the industry has to do with fishing. It appears that the locals are trying to stick with their gem near the sea and create an economic recovery.
Lubec is a fishing village that once thrived on the Herring industry. The last packing house was shut down by the government in 1991. Another example of the government getting involved in something it should support not attack.
Lubec’s connection to the sea and its close proximity to the Canadian Maritimes have shaped its destiny from trade and fishing in the early years, through the prosperous years of herring processing, and into the present with aquaculture and tourism. From its earliest settlement the town has maintained ties of family, friendship and commerce with New Brunswick.
In the wake of the sardine industry’s demise those fishermen who remained turned to the lobster, scallop, shellfish and urchin fishery. Salmon aquaculture has also grown in Lubec and Campobello waters. Gathering balsam fir tips for the manufacture of Christmas wreaths, cutting fire wood and raking blueberries offers seasonal employment.
Growth in the tourism industry provides opportunity for future economic development. The opening of the Roosevelt International Bridge linking Lubec and Campobello in 1962, as well as the establishment of West Quoddy State Park and other conservation areas have contributed to an increasing number of visitors to Lubec, lured by the area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many of these people have purchased second homes here, established businesses, or become residents of the town.
Passamaquoddy Indian (Peskěděmakâdi 'plenty of pollock.') A small tribe belonging to the Abnaki confederacy, but speaking nearly the same dialect as the Malecite.
Above is a demonstration from the Peace Pipe Celebration.
In 2011 Lubec is celebrating its bicentennial, marking 200 years of existence on the easternmost edge of America. The town has watched its fortunes, much as the Fundy tides, rise and fall as the abundance of herring and demand for sardines disappeared. Throughout its history Lubec’s citizens have; through hard work, resilience, ingenuity and neighborliness; met the challenges posed by geographic isolation, a sometimes harsh environment, and the vagaries of a fisheries-based economy. These strengths should sustain the town as it welcomes its third century.
Today most of the industry has to do with fishing. It appears that the locals are trying to stick with their gem near the sea and create an economic recovery.
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