1960s – Voices of Ancestors

Did you grow up in Machias, Maine in the 50s and 60s?

Do you have any photos of the games we played in the neighborhood with lots of kids of all ages? Winter or summer. Playing ball at the Dodge field, gatherings at the field behind the Mace’s house running all the way to Emma Means’ backyard. The pond we skated on in the field in back of Cooper Street Extension. Sliding at St Regis or on the hill in Whitneyville at the top of the Crosscut road. Yard games. Our annual Memorial Day bike trip to six mile lake.

I’m writing a story about growing up in Machias in the 50s and 60s and all the adventures we had playing outside. I find that I have photos of kids, one or two at a time, groups of kids at birthday parties, but can’t find any of our outside activities together. I guess we were too busy to bring our cameras!

Square Dancing and Gatherings in the 60s.

Downeast Maine. Pictured above L to R. Vivian and Vernell Leighton, Lorna and Carroll Gay, and my Mom, Louise Johnson Rier.

Who else remembers when our parents went to Square Dances? When I was in Grammar School, I went along with them and learned to allemande left and other steps called out that I no longer remember. But I vividly recall that a good time was had by all!

The same group except Dad is sitting between Mom and Lorna Gay.

A buffet dinner after or before the dance. I believe that is Millard Whitney in the grey sweater beside his wife Dot?

A gathering at my parents home. I recognize Burt and Marion Bagley on the couch. Could that be Dot May Whitney in the blue dress?

Mom and Friends. Rotary Anns Bowling Team Trophy. 1959.

Rier Buick and Machias Auto Parts. Circa 1960s.

Located at the corner of Dublin Street and Kennebec Road, Machias, Maine. Pictured from left to right are: Gene Rier, George “Robbie” Robinson, Jim Rier, Charlie Cunningham, Emily Robinson, Lucy Dunn, Connie Young, Spencer Dill, Burt Bagley, Shorty Ackley, Warren Foss, Phillip Blyther, Fabian Thistlewood, Gordon Ackley, Phil Watts, Clyde Ackley, Warren Wood, ______ Foss.

The cars: 1963 Buick Riviera and 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix. Gene and Gordon are in top hats because it was Machias’ 200th Anniversary Celebration, 1863-1963. Lettering on the wrecker and parts van was done by my Uncle Robert (Bob) Johnson. (As told by my brother Jim Rier.)

If any viewers know the first name of the last man to the right in the photo, please let me know.

The Beginning of A Business in Machias Maine. Rier Buick. 1949.

After 23 Years in Business, Dad’s Car Dealership Burned to the Ground.

My Dad, James “Gene” Rier: Maine’s Dean of Gas Engines. 1985.