A Glimpse of a Small Village in Maine

A Tiny Glimpse of a Village in Maine

I just found this post in my drafts. I started writing it during the pandemic as a follow-up to The Very Best of Maine 2019 Series

I have no idea where I sourced this or who quoted it, However, it speaks to the way a majority of Mainers view Maine. [Maine 5-star rating~ Maine: "The way life should be". We get to experience all four seasons. We can climb mountains, swim in the oceans, or do so many other activities in Maine. Why do you think they call our state vacationland? When COVID first hit this year, many were flocking to our state because our numbers were so low. [I don't want to live anywhere else.]

This portion below I had written years before in a creative writing class where we were supposed to describe a place from our childhood.

The small village of Steep Falls

I grew up in Steep Falls. It is a small village in the town of Standish, Maine. There used to be a roller skating rink called Wagon Wheels where the kids could skate for hours on weekends. There was an ice arena behind the fire station in the winter. This was a community where everyone knew and helped each other out. The Saco river runs through it and is known for the Indian curse of 3 deaths a year. As a child, we were warned over and over to stay away from the river.

During the summer, there was an annual carnival in the village green. The kids spent plenty of time out playing ball and riding bicycles. The village has changed a lot over the years. Now there are side walks and street lamps. No longer does the train go through tooting its horn as it used to daily. The roller skating rink is now an auction hall. There are now three farmers markets in the small village on weekends. Buying local and supporting your community is a strong theme. The new ice cream shop, Sweeties, the first in over 60 years, is another family-run business that brings the community together.

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Just for fun, I put “Small Village of Steep Falls” into ChatGPT, and this is what it says: ” The small village of Steep Falls conjures images of a quaint and picturesque community nestled in a wooded valley, with a waterfall cascading gracefully over rocky cliffs. Here, time seems to move at a slower pace, and the rhythm of life is attuned to the changing seasons and the natural beauty that surrounds it

.Steep Falls is characterized by its close-knit community, where neighbors know each other by name and come together to celebrate life’s milestones and support one another in times of need. The village center is marked by a charming main street lined with historic buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes where locals gather to catch up over a cup of coffee or a freshly baked pastry.

Surrounding the village are rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering streams, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. Residents and visitors alike can hike along wooded trails, fish in crystal-clear lakes and rivers, or simply take in the scenic beauty of the landscape.

Despite its small size, Steep Falls boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks and attractions that tell the story of its past. From historic churches and colonial-era homes to local museums and artisan workshops, there’s always something new to discover in this idyllic corner of the world.

Throughout the year, Steep Falls comes alive with festivals, fairs, and community events that celebrate its heritage and traditions. Whether it’s a harvest festival in the fall, a holiday market in the winter, or a summer concert series in the park, these gatherings serve as a reminder of the strong sense of community that binds the village together.

In Steep Falls, life is simple yet rich, and the beauty of the natural world is never far from reach. It’s a place where the pace of life is gentle, the people are kind, and the spirit of community thrives in every corner.”

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Steep Falls Maine: A Historical Perspective