Ruth, This website is a true gift to our community. The Farrell's: I remember most of them, in fact I used to babysit for Jeannie and Julie, daughters of Nancy Farrell Kennedy when she lived on Colin Kelly. I loved to babysit them because they were fun kids, Julie being maybe 3 years younger than me, but she was cool with that. They lived in a duplex beside Alonzo's and they had these really cool colorful clear plastic beads that were graduated all the way down the stairway.This was the early 70's. I think this was before little Joey was born.(Oh my, I hope I didn't forget him, as what kind of babysitter would I have been?) I tried to be conscientious as I took that American Red Cross Babysitting Course when I had to do CPR on a dummy!! Anyway, I guess I used to babysit for lots of kids, even at the Olde English Village. I was always spooked down there with that balcony and all and the long hallways there at Olde English. I babysat for a very nice family near the end of Wermuth for about 4 years, The Crocketts. I remember the Soucy's also. I recall David used to work at Foshay's, I believe with Todd Lewis, and Randy Lewis. Those were the days. We had everything except a bookstore in Redbank! Thank you for all your continued work and dedication to this site.I can't wait to see all the pics!!!
--suzan roberts norton

I just read Mrs. Morris' page. What great pictures!

I want to let you know, Mrs. Morris, that you were my favorite teacher at Memorial. I loved World History as taught by Maxine Morris!! I can remember that you had the prettiest penmanship. I had no idea that you had taught at Redbank. You had such a presence at the front of the classroom -- I am glad to hear that you are still around. My name was Cathy Nelson - class of 1978. Thanks for sharing your photos with us. Please stay in touch on the blogs. :)

Ruth & Sue: I want to say Thank You to the both of you for all of your hard work and determination in making this website a reality. I know that you both worked very hard all of these past months. I really, really appreciate it, and I'm sure that I speak for many others.

I look forward to chatting with many people!

Have a lovely day, ladies.

:) Cathy Robichaud

Maxine Morris is not yet on-line. She recently lost her husband (August 2007). She is in the process of getting a computer and getting on-line. Will be soon I hope!
--Ruth Conner Bastarache

What A Great site!it was cool to see all the pics of the classes at Redbank.Cant wait to see the Christmas ones.Although i never had Mrs Morris at Memorial i remember her name,never knew she taught at Redbank either.I have some class pictures somewhere and will post as soon as i can find them!Lets not forget the History that is Redbank :).
--Don McNeil
<mailto:mcn_350@yahoo.com>

The city directories are wonderful from 1962. Being a lover of all things history, I would be neglectful I I did not mention that we lived at 34 Powers Rd. and my dad was listed as John Merritt when his real name is John Merritt Roberts(there were so many John Roberts' that the middle names are important)Thanks Ruth... You are dojng a great job!
--Suzan Roberts Norton

Ruth
What a great job you've done. What a great letter from Ruth Morris - Great photos. I'm sure many will recognize themselves. I'm Sue Norton's Mom and so proud of both of you!
--Pat Roberts

I guess you would call me a late comer to the Redbank neighborhood. I moved there in the late 70's. I worked at the school Redbank/Marsh from the mid 80's until 2002. I was an ed tech. I loved every minute of it. What a great neighborhood to raise children back then. I have two grown sons. Both attended Redbank from kindergarten until 5th grade. Keep up the good work both you and Sue have given me many interesting stories and facts I never knew. Thanks again. I check the site every night.
--Donna Freeman

I remember you Ruth. You had blond, beautiful hair and you were younger than us and my croud, but I attended school with your brother, Jackie. I never even knew his first name was John. I remember your sister Gail, too. I thought she was so pretty and of course older than I, so really looked up to by us all. I also remember your and your mom. Mr and Mrs Conners. Your
Dad was very active with the kids and was always there watching us play and having fun on your swingset. I was pretty good buddies with Sally across the street. We taught each other how to jitterbug and we practiced on the refrigerater handle in our kitchens. Do you remember doing that? Thanks for these great memories I had almost forgotten.
Janet Horne Greenlaw

I too am enjoying all these wonderful stories. My start in Redbank came by way of marriage some 22 years ago. I have raised my three daughters here and it is "HOME" to me. My two oldest attended Redbank school and I was devastated to see it torn down. It was the center of the community. Years ago I think families actually settled here to raise their families. Today it is more or less a stepping stone. But, the community is vital and a beautiful place to live. More often than not when you mention the name Redbank, who ever hears you has either lived in Redbank or known someone who has. How many communities can say that? I still hear stories that make my blood curl, but I know the truth and so do the millions of others who once called Redbank home.
Keep up the good work..Thank you!
--Tricia Dow

This site is tres cool Ruth! Keep up the good work. Our numbers are growing!

Mrs. Morris is quite possibly the greatest teacher of all time. She always was in my book anyway. I had her for fifth and sixth grade. You should have seen the look on that poor woman's face when I walked into her 9th grade history class. It was priceless!

Oops...I forgot to leave my name in my tres cool post!
--Steve Bailey

Hey Steve, I bet she loved having the Steve Bailey rerun in 9th grade. You were always quite the character, and she loves characters. I am soon going to print this blog and hand deliver it to her. She will be tickled!
--Ruth Conner Bastarache

Thanks for having this site! I will never forget my life in Redbank. We lived through it all as a community. That is the most important thing. We were all a part of a bigger picture, not just people living amongst each other. I too was sad to see the school removed. I am happy to reminisce on memory lane!
--Melody from Wermuth Rd
<mailto:mnmfan@maine.rr.com>

I lived in Redbank Village from 1948 until 1954 until our family moved to Thornton Heights in South Portland. Our next door neighbors were Bucky and Fran Newman and their daughter Ann on one side and George and Helen Gammon and their son Arthur on the other. Across the street were the Beck's, and their daughter Jane was my babysitter. My best friend was Billy Williams. Our principal, at the time, was Mr. Stanhope, a small balding man who always wore gray suits, as I recall. My 1st Grade teacher was Mrs. Boldger (sp) and my 2nd Grade teacher was Miss Redmond (sp). I remember the weekly "A-Bomb" drills when we would sit against the wall under the windows with a Life Magazine covering our faces to protect us from the blast. I was also one of the first children at the school to receive the Polio Vaccine on a sugar cube. I believe our photos were in the Portland paper at the time. The Blizzard of 1952 was another memory, with all the neighbors pitching in to make sure folks had heat and plenty of food. "That Fontane Boy" as he was known to my Mom, was the local thrill-seeker who would build a raft and sail through the backyards of Cannon Road when the snow melted and the annual Spring floods came. And my Mom always threatened that if the boys from the Reform School escaped and came toward her house, she would hide them in the cellar until the coast was clear. She was a firm believer in discipline in the home, not in a special school. Living on Cannon Road, our backyard faced an open field which eventually led to the Portland Airport where, on occasion, blimps would land. I also remember the crash of what I believe was a Douglas DC-35 during that same period. At Christmas time, one of the neighborhood men would dress up as Santa and visit each house with children, patiently listening to our lists of wishes. On the 4th of July, neighbors on Cannon Road would pitch in to buy fireworks and while the men orchestrated the show, the women sat by with buckets of water to put out the occasional fires that were started. The Community Center was the gathering place for pot-luck dinners, live shows like "Hansel and Gretel" and concerts. My Dad was one of the Scoutmasters of the local Boy Scout Troop, although I was too young to join, and he held some of their meetings in our home. Thanks for letting me ramble on like this: once I read Suzan Norton's article in the Portland Press Herald (9-22-07), the memories have come flooding back. I live in Phoenix, Arizona, now, but when I am in Maine, I always drop by the old neighborhood. So sad to hear that the Redbank School is gone. Best wishes to all!
--Bruce Maguire
<mailto:maineman22822@msn.com>

Wow, Bruce, what an interesting story you have written. I'm glad that you saw Sue's article in the paper to refresh your memory. She's done that for a lot of us. To think that you had bomb drills. It sounds like there was always something going on around the old neighborhood. It's nice to blog with someone in Arizona!
~ Cathy Robichaud

Bruce, what an awesome addition! I remember "Air-raid" drills too. We had to get under our desks in 1958. The air raid horn would sound (it was on the community hall) and it was scarey to a 5 year old. Sometimes it would sound randomly like on a Saturday morning and I would run home so fast I had all I could do to breath when I got there. I am anxious to hear more from you. I will be emailing!
--Ruth Conner Bastarache
<mailto:heartrc@aol.com>

I remember Mrs. Bulger (jees, was she ALWAYS there???) telling us to get under our desks because if it was a real air raid the windows would be breaking and we would get cut to ribbons. Comforting thought for Kindergarten huh?
--Ruth Conner Bastarache
<mailto:heartrc@aol.com>

Ruth, The site looks beautiful....love Maxine Morris pics and Janet Cheney's collection. They are fabulous. Please thank them for all of us! What a treat to see very early Redbank. I saw my apt at 36 Wainwright CE(downstairs-3 BR). I recognize the old elm behind Rudells on Devereaux as well. I took a pic of my JT in the snow showing that same elm.They are a wonderful addition. A very nice little piece for Jim Briggs as well. Take Care, Suzan

Bruce, Thank you for posting such informative stories. This is just what Ruth and I are looking for. Thank you for taking the time to write. We hope you stay connected to us. I am so glad you found the site. Ruth and I are having a good time with all of this.
--Suzan Roberts Norton

I just read your article about Jim Briggs. He was an outstanding teacher. If you were to look up the definition in the dictionary, Jim's name would be there. I had the pleasure of working with Jim at Redbank/Marsh for many years. I was fortunate to hear all his stories of growing up in Redbank. He will be greatly missed. Thanks for all your information on the neighborhood. Keep up the good work.
--Donna Freeman

Hello Ruth
I'm not sure the 'clown' and 'lollypop' story took place at the time my husband and I were active running the Saturday morning movies, but we did that for a few years. We ran teen dances, adult dances, arranged a community day, with a bike race (a real Beech Ridge flagman took part). The Saturday morning movies were great. We would make popcorn for the kids and bag it. After the movies were over, we had to sweep up a couple inches of popcorn!! We used to send Brian Labbe out on the back of a pick-up truck with a bullhorn, announcing what the movie was going to be. Your site is wonderful! The pictures are priceless! Keep up the great work.
--Pat Roberts (Suzan&#39;s mom)

Hello Ruth
I'm not sure the 'clown' and 'lollypop' story took place at the time my husband and I were active running the Saturday morning movies, but we did that for a few years. We ran teen dances, adult dances, arranged a community day, with a bike race (a real Beech Ridge flagman took part). The Saturday morning movies were great. We would make popcorn for the kids and bag it. After the movies were over, we had to sweep up a couple inches of popcorn!! We used to send Brian Labbe out on the back of a pick-up truck with a bullhorn, announcing what the movie was going to be. Your site is wonderful! The pictures are priceless! Keep up the great work.
--Pat Roberts (Suzan&#39;s mom)

ruth:
someone wrote about the big elm on devereaux. If my memory serves correctly, that was the tree directly behind our house at 38 devereaux circle. we lived downstairs and the gordius's lived upstairs. their son lived on wainwright directly behind them.
--Gary Fancy
<mailto:dbloh745@lexcominc.net>

Pat,
I Remember the bike races very well.Think i went to one or two movies as well.I was telling my mom about this site and she says to say hi.She was good friends with marie demaris your next door neighbor.We didnt move there until 1963 after my brother David was born she was telling me.Welived at 163 Deveraux first then 10 Powers and Eventually 18 Powers.I didnt realize you and your husband were behind alot of the events,many Thanks althought a little belated:).Hope we can have a Reunion soon my Mom would love to come.She is still living in South Portland on Broadway and she has Ms but she is hanging in there!Take care for now and again many thanks and hope you are well.
- Don McNeil

Ruth, I spoke with Brenda B., your upstairs neighbor, this evening. She said she would love to talk with you and that you helped her very much with tutoring in math when she was in 8th and 9th grades. Never thought about the good fortune of having closeby tutors. Our neighborhood really was very unique.
--suzan Roberts Norton

OK, I lived in Redband from 57 to 62, do you remember how they would blow the siren at the Community Center at noon every Saturday? Lunch time, every one go home. Every game we played from marbles to jump rope were played by "Redbank Rules" as I called them. No one played the way we did, no matter where I went. I learned how to ride a bike, skate...hey Ruth remember going to see "A hard Day's Night at the Portland Twin Drive-In"?
--Estelle Perham Day

As I explore the cite more I remember more. My closest neighbors were Lillian Akley, Ann Powell, The Bibeaus(sp), and of course Ruth. We would walk to Sunday School at Thornton Heights every Sunday, and on Easter the new shoes and dresses! And chinese jump rope during recess...which by the way is how I blew out my knee in my 40s teaching my granddaughter.
--Estelle
<mailto:estelleday@hotmail.com>

Yes Estelle! We were huge Beatle fans. Remember Percy Akeley letting all of the neighborhood kids pile into the back of his pickup and ride around Redbank like we were in some parade? Sleeping in blanket tents out in the yard? Digging worms for bate to go fishing at Clark's pond? Delivering the "Maine Edition" Sunday Paper with Lee Akeley because it was a huge paper and he wanted help with that one?
--Ruth

We Moved to Redbank in 1963 after my brother David was born.My Mom told me she had to borrow 10 bucks for the deposit.......lol. i can faintly remember the JFK assasination being on tv the whole weekend before Thanksgiving.It was a very sad time looking back on it now.I remember that my mom use to take intown Portland on the Bus.At Christmas time it was an awesome sight to see all the decorations on the top of Porteous Department store.Does anyone else remember downtown at christmas time before the mall was around?.I will write more memories as Christmas approaches,take care for now everyone!
--Don McNeil

This is for Don -- I absolutely remember the old downtown Portland at Christmas time. My aunt used to pick me up and take me to WT Grant's for a milkshake from the "soda fountain". It was the first time I every went on an escalator. It seems to me there was a very nice African-American lady who manned the elevator in either Grant's or Porteous. I remember the decorations they had on top of the store as well. Wow, it's been a long time. We use to be able to walk to a lot of shops on Congress St - Lerner Shops, Rhines Shoes. I also remember HH Hay on the corner of Congress & Free streets. I think aunty used to take me in there as well soda. She lived above the Splendid Restaurant upper Congress Street near the Fine Arts Theater. They used to make the best muffins in town. We used to eat a lot at The Pagoda as well --- that went in after Splendid closed (then they moved to Congress Square Plaza). They had the best Chinese food EVER!

I remember JFK as well. I know I was watching As The World Turns with my mother when the show was interrupted. I was only about 4 at the time, but I remember my mother crying.


--Cathy Robichaud

Thank You for the kind words Cathy.My Grandmother lived above that restaurant as well for a few years!I remember the Pagoda,i had my first chinese food there..lol.I forgot about Grants that was an awesome place too.I remember the elevator at Porteous and they use to have a huge Downstairs as well.I think my mom bought my shoes at Rhines,it was awesome to be able to walk to all the stores!I think Woolworths was on Cogress street as well?I also saw my first movie at the State Theater........i beleive it was Pinocchio,Great Memories!
---Don McNeil

Out of curiosity, what was your grandmother's name? I spent a lot of time in that building--I may have known her.

I think that I saw Snow White at the State Theater. Back in the good old days....

TTFN.
--Cathy Robichaud

The State Theater is where I saw Bambi....Remember Haven's Candy Kitchen on Congress up near the Pagoda and Joe's Smoke Shop? I spent a lot of time in Portland too.
--suzan

This is for Cathy-my Grandmothers name was Fannie Bird,I dont know how long she lived there but i remember going there alot.I seem to remember there was an old Elevator there?I saw Bambi at the State Theater also,i remember being sad about Bambi being all alone.........lol.Intown was a great place then,i was sad when Porteous closed down it hasnt been the same since.
--Don McNeil

Sue-I remember that as well. The hotel next to the Pagoda (Weslander?) used to have bands and dancing every Fri & Sat night -- I know some of my friends were going to Bubba's in those days so probably did not enjoy dancing at the hotel! My first job was at the Fine Arts Theatre (before it was naughty)--I remember the big hit while I was working there was Jaws.

Is the Treasure Chest head shop still there? Wasn't there also some sort of art shop near the Treasure Chest?

:) Cathy

Don--your gram's name doesn't sound familiar, but you never know--it's a small world.

I think that I saw Bambi there as well.

Downtown is definately not the same as in the good old days. But, at least we can remember the times, right!

TTFN---Cathy

I Saw Jaws at the Fine Arts,I remember the line was all the way back up to the State Theater!All we have now are the memories of how it use to be.Its Great that this site exists and to have somebody else to remember with.
-Don

Ahhh Christmas Memories!......i have so many but the ones i treasure the most were ffrom the Ages of 5 to 12.I can remember waking up Early and being very excited to see all the Presents.My Brother David and i would open our Stockings with Great Anticipation...lol.My Brother Danny was born in 1967 and he joined us then.I can remember always getting McDonalds Gift Certificates.......they use to sell them for fifty cents each in those days.I remember the year my mom got a Mr Coffee,it was the first time i had coffee!i think it was around 1974 or 75.We always had a great Christmas,i am forever greatful for that til this Day.I can remember alot of white Christmases it seems like,we always went sledding up on the Hill at the BTC as it use to be called.Hope more people can write Memories about Christmases Past, Take Care Everyone and Happy Holidays to all!
--Don McNeil

Hey does anyone remember bike parades (4th of July or just whenever we felt like it?) I seem to remember putting crepe paper through the spokes. Also remember baseball cards attached to the spokes with clothespins to make that cool sound. Baseball cards were really big when we were kids. I recall going to the Red Sox games on occasion. My dad took my brother, Mark Powell and me once and this was in 1968. We saw Yaz, Rico Petrocelli and so many others. I think we may still have a program somewhere.
--suzan
<mailto:fiddlinsuz@roadrunner.com>

Cathy there was a frame shop near the Treasure Chest
--sue

  I  remember  the  bikeparades  Suzan.It  was  cool  to  have  those  back  then!I  wish I  still  had  my  old  Baseball  cards  from  back  then.I  was  a  huge  Red  Sox  Fan....I  still  am :).I  remember  that  Dick  Green  took  me  to  a  game  in  1978,i was so  excited!Great  to  see  the  Pics  on  your  website,it  is  how  i  remember  your  Mom&Dad.--Don

I just spent the last 15 minutes looking through the Roberts family collection that Sue put on the site. They were so awesome - I can still picture all of you back then. I even remembered Turk. I so miss those days. I am so glad that you have all of those pictures - I envy you. It warms my heart to see how close you all were--seeing the parents playing games on the floor with their kids really hits home. I don't blame you for being so close today. I really like your parents. I used to enjoy Diane Rogers' parents as well. I think that all of my friends had nice parents. Sheri Higgins parents were really awesome as well.

TTFN Cathy

Winter always brings back the memories! Walking to school in snowstorms, rarely had snow days then! Watching cartoons on Saturday morning until Mom booted us outside dressed in those scratchy wool snow suits. I never needed coaxing during skating times, always up at the crack of dawn with skates in hand...Ann Powell gave me her out grown skates the summer I was 6 and I waited impatiently for winter...snow forts, and school Christmas parties!
--Estelle Perham
<mailto:estelleday@hotmail.com>

I was an incredible Red Sox fan when I was young, I still am but it's just NOT the same. It was awesome when they won the World Series again though!!! I collected baseball cards back then and still have most of them. I would get them at Herbie's for 15 cents a pack, which included the stale gum! Loved it!
I now live in NH and my best friend of 10 years is Rico Petrocelli's daughter in law. I work for Rico and his son Mike at Petrocelli Marketing Group in Nashua.
--Wanda (White) Poudrette
<mailto:marcali2@msn.com>

I remember taking the bus intown every Sat w/ My sister Debbie. We would go to Grant's for hotdogs and to buy our "weekly" 45 record to add to our collection. We would go to every store there, Porteous, Army/Navy store,etc. The cool record store (it just closed a few years ago?) I remember going to Grants during Xmas time and buying my mom the lovely glass pieces that were 2-toned. Remember them? My mom had it all- the vases, candy dishes, etc! What a buy!! lol My favorite place to go was Loring, Short and Harmon- I liked to see all the cool art supplies! Years later I cleaned the offices at night w/ my mom. Then the "Mall" came to town-what a wonderful store Jordan Marsh was! lol
--Tish Alonzo

Tish, That was Recordland and the owner Ruth Baker just passed away this year I think. She was a wonderful woman. Congress Street was quite the place to shop years ago.
--suzan

I Dont have any special New Years Memories From the past.I remember staying up sometimes though and watching Guy Lombardo........lol.I can remember it was almost t ime to go back to school and dreading to go back!Everyone must remember listening to the Radio on snow days and waiting to hear if we had school or not.With all the snow we have had this year it made me remember cherishing those days.Happy New Year to Everyone!
-Don McNeil

Hey Don, I still listen for that no school annoucement. It's a little charge before I get my sad self out of bed to clean the car off and get to work, which, by the way, never gets called off. What a drag it is being an adult huh?
--Ruth Conner
<mailto:heartrc@aol.com>

Hey Don, I still listen for that no school annoucement. It's a little charge before I get my sad self out of bed to clean the car off and get to work, which, by the way, never gets called off. What a drag it is being an adult huh?
--Ruth Conner
<mailto:heartrc@aol.com>

Wow, twice... How did that happen?
--Ruth Conner

Hey Ruth,Thanks for the pics of Clarks Pond.I use to Fish there as a kid,they use to stock it every Spring.I can remember when Pape Chevrolet and 295 was not there!Guess i am getting old,i spent lots of time there fishing.
Don McNeil

Thank You Ruth and thank you Elford Messer.. What a marvelous collection at Clark's pond. Wow.. doesn't that bring back memories? I went with my dad and my brother David once fishing there... and I whined until I wnet home. I am sure my dad was just being nice to bring me but I was a pain in the A...I recall it was drizzly that day and we walked on the path on the side nearest present day 295... I seem to recall kids catching eels down there too. I never went on the ice as I was too afraid that I would fall in. I must have heard stories that kept me away in the winter. Thank you for some nice views of that area, especially the partial view from the air... very nice.
--slrn

There is a ew store in Redbank!It is where Robinsons,Stans,and Tims Variety use to be.I was there the other day driving through the Neighborhood with my Mom and saw it.It has a very nice new sign on the outside that says Redbank Variety.I dont know who the owner is and did not go inside but i will next time i am in South Portland to see my Mom.I hope it does well and that the current residents of the Village will patronize it and appreciate it.:)

oops forgot to sign....Don McNeil

Nice entry with the long Creek Cemetery pic and names. That George Roberts was one of my grandfathers. He and his four sons all went to be a part of the Penobscot Expedition. Sort of funny that those Roberts' never moved far from Redbank.....
--suzan roberts norton
<mailto:fiddlinsuz@roadrunner.com>

Hey Ruthie (you will always be Ruthie to me no matter how old we get!) So many memories...we were such huge Beatles fans! I do the same on snow days...wait for the siren to tell us to stay home. I remember how much I hated moving away and to Buxton of all places, I was heartbroken leaving everyone. Every Sunday we would walk to Thornton Heights to Sunday School and on Easter the new shoes and outfits!
--Estelle Perham
<mailto:estelleday@hotmail.com>

Estelle, Lillian Akeley used to go the church with us! Wonder where she is now. I still have a huge picture of John Lennon on my wall. Remember how we used to sleep in blanket tents behind your house? How about Kathy Towle. She could burp-talk. There was one time when were were playing scientist and were mixing things together in paper cups with plastic spoons and I mixed talcum powder with hand cream and some other stuff from a first aid kit and when we went back after lunch to continue it had melted the spoon and eaten through the cup. We're lucky we didn't end up in the ER.
--Ruth Conner
<mailto:heartrc@aol.com>

Does anyone remember Valentines Day Parties at the School?I remember we had cards to make out for everyone in the class........lol.We always had cake i think and those candy hearts with the sayings on them:).I dont know if kids today still do that,that was probably the end of an era.
-Don McNeil

I remember going to the community building to pay rent, go to the dentist and get your teeth cleaned. In the club we would have weekly dues for activities like hay rides,and dances on Saturday nights. On Sundays we would clean for nursery school the next day. Some of the people I remember doing this with are; Sharon Brown, Johnny Farrell, Dicky Farrell, Jimmy Murphy, Nancy Murphy, John and Jigga Loring, Skippy French, Connie W?, Kent& Alden Gilbert, and of course my sister Gloria. (sorry if I forgot anyone.)
I remember a snow storm when I was 6 or 7, that the snow drifts were so high we could touch the top of the telephone poles on the corner of Colin Kelly Rd and Cannon Rd.
I remember the boys that would escape from the "boys school" that would cut through our yard to cannon Rd. to hide in the woods, but always got caught.
At the end of Cannon Rd. we used to swing on a huge tree swing and Kenny Gunn broke both legs when he hit a tree.
Who could forget Farmer Browns garden and the rhubarb? Eating it under the tree on westbrook st. and watching the airplanes.
I miss Redbank, I moved in 1961 when my first daughter was born, to Chatham, Massachusetts. I have been in Chatham since.

--Sheryl Proctor (Huskins)

Don - just so you know, the elementary school kids still do the Valentine's Day cards. They still come home with a list of names of the kids in the classroom so that no one is left out. Once they go to Middle School, it's over! Thankfully the tradition lives on in the lower grades. A lot of parents either send in or bring in cupcakes, and yes, they still bring home the candy hearts. My girls used to love to fill out the cards they were going to give to their friends. I always enjoyed looking at the cards they got -- they usually made a folder in which they could put their cards. It's only been 4 years since my youngest was in elementary school, and I doubt the tradition has changed.

See ya! :)

Very nice Videos Ruth!Your Dad was smart to take them way back then.I thought the music wasnt that bad......lol,Thank you for sharing them!
Don McNeil

Ruth - you are very fortunate to have a video of yourself at age 4 -- not many of us have that. It's nice that your uncle did that. You were quite a little tow-head, weren't you. It almost made me feel like I was back in Redbank! Very nostalgic - I really liked watching this. Cathy

it amazes me that nobody remembers my family in redbank. my father delivered heating oil to almost 75% of the families in redbank. i'm not complaining about not being remembered, but we lived at 38 devereaux for more than 20 years, and i have yet to see any mention.
--Gary Fancy
<mailto:dbloh745@lexcominc.net>

I remember you and Marilyn! Don't despair!! Hey, Gary, I am posting the video of the fire in the lot across from your house (controlled burn, vacant house). Where did you say that house was moved from? Look at "Conner Family Videos" this weekend. I will have it up by then. Send me some scanned pictures of you and your family back then. I will post them for you to jog people's memories. Surely your or your sister have something I can post.
--Ruth
<mailto:heartrc@aol.com>

I remember you and Marilyn! Don't despair!! Hey, Gary, I am posting the video of the fire in the lot across from your house (controlled burn, vacant house). Where did you say that house was moved from? Look at "Conner Family Videos" this weekend. I will have it up by then. Send me some scanned pictures of you and your family back then. I will post them for you to jog people's memories. Surely your or your sister have something I can post.
--Ruth
<mailto:heartrc@aol.com>

ruth:
the house that was burned was moved from the corner of westbrook st and the road to the reformatory.

Gary
--Gary Fancy
<mailto:dbloh745@lexcominc.net>

Great Pics Scott!we had some good fun at head start,we had lots of field trips i remember.Thanks to Ruth for the Home Movies those are very special i am sure to you.Thanks to the Havener Family as well,Good Pictures of back then.I was trying to think what we would do in those cold winters for fun.Does anyone remember going Roller Skating ay Happy Wheels?down by the VFW i think.We also went bowling down at Millcreek Bowling Lanes sometimes,does anyone remember that place?a Rite Aid is there now.Thanks to everyone again for their memories.
Don McNeil

Don, I spent many Saturday afternoons at the roller rink. At that time it was called the "Rollerdrome". The old building is still there.
--Ruth Conner
<mailto:heartrc@aol.com>

Thanks for the info Ruth,I never knew it was called that.I spent alot of Saturdays there trying to Skate....Lol.I cant imagine doing it now with bad back!ouch.Thanks for all the time and effort you are putting into this site it is awesome.
--Don McNeil

Red Bank was a great school when I was there, 1995-1999, it's only been 8 years since I moved from the area, but I still miss it, when I saw that article in the paper I was too also shock, but now there is this community where we can mingle and reminisce about the good times.

Debbie Adams! I saw you signed the guest book and hope you read this. Remember you and I and Donna Soucy playing in the barn with all the tomato boxes?

Debbie Hunter...I remember you too!

Roller skating..wow now that is something I will remember being able to do, and waiting by the cemetary for a ride and Lenny London scaring the crap out of us!
--Estelle Perham
<mailto:estelleday@hotmail.com>

        Another  great  Video  Ruth!Did  they  allow Dogs  back  then?Hope  you are  well  i  enjoy seeing  your  Videos.                                 Don   McNeil

There were so many dogs back then, and no leash laws. They were running in packs! Sometime in the early or mid sixties they banned them and grandfathered the ones that were there. That is how I learned the meaning of the term "grandfathered". I remember one older man in the barracks having to have his little lap dog put down, and then going out and getting another one that looked just like it so no one would know and he wouldn't be lonely. He swore me to secrecy.

I was knocked down and attacked by a dog one day when I was about 5. It bit my leg and I had to be tested for rabies because afterward I couldn't identify which one it was. I still have the scar.

The above was from me! Forgot that part! Hey Don, can I post some of your pictures in a album for you? Email me!
--Ruth
<mailto:heartrc@aol.com>

Hi, Gary Fancy! Don't get bummed out. John and I remember you and your family. Give the site more time to find us old people. Say "hi" to your sister. Been years since I've seen her or you. I think you and I were in the same grades at Redbank school. Did we do the bomb scare at 63? I can't remember. I do remember the Friday night dances!!! Well, anyway I love this site and all the memories, so keep writing. Ruth you're great! Jigger Loring

very interesting newspaper articles Ruth.I love reading about the History of how Redbank came to be.I remember heating with with coal in the Furnace.Its interesting to think that those Places have stood up pretty well over the years.
--Don McNeil
<mailto:mcn_350@yahoo.com>

Surely, there are so many former Redbankers... why don't you all comment? Let's keep it alive. Whatever memories or pictures you have , they would be a fine addition to this site. It is about time there was a tribute to our old neighborhood. Don't be shy. Look through your albums and please share your stories and pictures with this site. This site and the one at Mainetoday.com are long overdue. After presenting the collection of stories that I put on the Mainetoday.com site concerning our neighborhood to the South Portland Historical Society, they were delighted to say the least. They have no contributions of that magnitude from any other neighborhood in South Portland. Redbank... don't let the memories fade away... please continue to share.....Thanks
--Suzan Roberts Norton
<mailto:fiddlinsuz@roadrunner.com>

Surely, there are so many former Redbankers... why don't you all comment? Let's keep it alive. Whatever memories or pictures you have , they would be a fine addition to this site. It is about time there was a tribute to our old neighborhood. Don't be shy. Look through your albums and please share your stories and pictures with this site. This site and the one at Mainetoday.com are long overdue. After presenting the collection of stories that I put on the Mainetoday.com site concerning our neighborhood to the South Portland Historical Society, they were delighted to say the least. They have no contributions of that magnitude from any other neighborhood in South Portland. Redbank... don't let the memories fade away... please continue to share.....Thanks
--Suzan Roberts Norton
<mailto:fiddlinsuz@roadrunner.com>

What great memories you have brought back, Ruth. I found out about your webpage from a co-worker and former Redbanker, Dan Lockhart.
My family moved to 105 Wainwright West in Feb of 1966. I lived there until I got married in 1977 and my parents lived there until 2000, when my dad died. My parents, Gene and Ruth Snyder raised three children there: Gene (me), Alan, and Dana. This site has brought back a flood of great memories and I thank you for that, Ruth.
I remember playing boulders against the wall at Redbank School. Playing Indian Ball at the ball field near the swamp. If you hit a homer into the swamp you "swamped" it. Fishing at Clark's Pond in the summer and taking part in the many fishing derbys there. Catching eels under the dam and thinking about walking acroos the top of the dam. Collecting bottles and going to Herbie's store to get the latest comics and an ice cold Pepsi in the summer. Playing baseball all day long with the guys in the summer rec program. Shoveling driveways in the winter for $5 a driveway. delivering newspapers in the dead of winter. Taking the bus to Mahoney for seventh grade for a year. Being happy when Memorial Jr High School opened and school was real close. I remember Mrs. Morris, the best teacher I ever had (grade six and ninth grade World History at MJHS)John MacMillan (Mac), Glenn (Giggy) MacMillan, Dar Ricker and his German shepherd, Blitzen. Man, I was afraid if tha dog. The Daicy family. The Dave Soucey, Steve Powell, Steve Blaisdell, the Mathews ( Lois, Linda, Sharon, Bruce), Candy White, Dave Verrill, Lenny London (may he rest in peace), Steve Bailey, Tibbetts, Dawn Laverrdiere, Ted Angel, Alan Haley, Brian Haley, Rick Haley, Eileen Haley, Jennifer Haley, Eric Haley, and three other Haleys I can't remember. Listening to the '67 Red Sox win the AL pennant, many nights of trick or treating, thousands of miles bike riding around Redbank, bakyard football, basketball, Whalers at BK, the opening of the Maine Mall in 1971. The piggery on Running Hill Road. The woods on Gorham Road before the mall was there. Paying the rent at the community center.
I'm sure there are many things I haven't let bubble to the surface yet.
Redbank was really the only home my family ever knew. I wouldn't trade those days for anything. If I think of anyone or anything else, I'll post again.

Thanks, Ruth!
--Gene Snyder
<mailto:esnyder1@maine.rr.com>

Awesome Pictures of the Teachers from Days gone bye.Ive never seen color pictures of them before only B&W from the Class pictures.I remember alot of them very fondly:).Thank You for posting Ruth and Thank You Mrs Morris for sharing them:).
Don McNeil

Mrs. Morris -- I am so glad that you sent these pictures to Ruth. They are awesome! I see Mrs. Bulger, Mrs. Schofield, Mrs. Ayers, and Mrs. Morris. I could not find Mrs. McDonald. A few of the others looked familiar as well. Most likely they were younger than I would remember. Thank goodness you found them!

Take care everyone.
Cathy Robichaud

I lived in Redbank 1957-1959. We lived at 15 Wermuth Rd. My brothers Guy and Gene Pliskowski went to Redbank School.My Grandmother Lottie Leighton lived in Redbank when the plane crashed into the trailer park, my mother was pregnant with me and staying with Gram, she had me July 18th.I loved Redbank and still keep in touch with some of the friends i made there. Terry Jo Pliskowski Reynolds
--Terry Jo Pliskowski Reynolds
<mailto:terryjorey@yahoo.com>

I lived in Redbank 1957-1959. We lived at 15 Wermuth Rd. My brothers Guy and Gene Pliskowski went to Redbank School.My Grandmother Lottie Leighton lived in Redbank when the plane crashed into the trailer park, my mother was pregnant with me and staying with Gram, she had me July 18th.I loved Redbank and still keep in touch with some of the friends i made there. Terry Jo Pliskowski Reynolds
--Terry Jo Pliskowski Reynolds
<mailto:terryjorey@yahoo.com>

Memorial Day is a time to remember Family.Although my Dad never served in a war he was in the Army&the reserves for a few years.He was called to serve i remember him telling me in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.My Dad passed away at the Veterans Hospital in Scarborough on Labor Day 2006,i miss him and just wanted to write this rememberance of him.

Really enjoyed reading Robert Dyke's very descriptive story about growing up on the farm. His recollections were great and gave some good insght to a life almost gone now in these parts. His early memories about the Phinney Farm and Mr. Brown were good. Thanks Mr. Dyke for sharing.
--suzan roberts norton
<mailto:fiddlinsuz@roadrunner.com>

Hi, Thank you Ruth and Suzan (who had I been in contact thru this site with the aid of her sister Debbie) for the site.

I lived in Redbank from 64 to 69 with my Mom Mary, and brothers Randy, Allan, Ricky and Johnny. I remember quite a few who have posted on here.

I also remember fixing up our bikes with the cards and crepe paper and what FUN that was.

Do any of you remember when the little store "Herbies" burned? It was quickly back to being opened, so it couldn't of been bad. A bunch of us kids thought "WOW! FREE candy ! And so ran and bit into some of it ! Oh I remember our faces ! LOL PRICELESS ! Who knew when a place burned the stuff was smoke damaged ! Ewwww ! LOL though on the memory.

Cathy, I remember you easily along with Diane Rogers and her family. I hope all is well. I had met Vicki last year on the So Portland bus, and asked her to say HI to you. There are so many I remember well.

--Diane White

Thank you so much Ruth for posting the Street Directories.It is awesome to see names that i remember.It is also cool to see where you lived and what years,a little history of your family:).Hope you are well and keep up the great work on the site,i check it often for new things.
--Don McNeil
<mailto:mcn_350@yahoo.com>

Diane - it's been a while! All is fine with me. Are you still in the area? Have you checked out the Youtube videos that Sue has been posting? They are very funny, and will make you feel like a kid again!

Feel free to email me - mainegirl820@yahoo.com.

Take care, Cathy

For those of you who did not go to the evening chat at the SoPo City Hall last night, you missed a very good time! I saw some old friends whom I haven't seen in many years. I was amazed to see my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Storey (Bulger) -- she is 94 years old and still as sharp as a tack. Mrs. Morris looks awesome as well. It was so nice to talk about the community that we had there.

It was very nice to meet Ruth and once again, congratulations to both Sue & Ruth on all of their hard work in putting this website together and keeping it going.

If you missed the meeting, please be sure to look for it on public TV.

Cathy (Nelson) Robichaud

For those of you who did not go to the evening chat at the SoPo City Hall last night, you missed a very good time! I saw some old friends whom I haven't seen in many years. I was amazed to see my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Storey (Bulger) -- she is 94 years old and still as sharp as a tack. Mrs. Morris looks awesome as well. It was so nice to talk about the community that we had there.

It was very nice to meet Ruth and once again, congratulations to both Sue & Ruth on all of their hard work in putting this website together and keeping it going.

If you missed the meeting, please be sure to look for it on public TV.

Cathy (Nelson) Robichaud

Don McNeil- We missed you. Yes, the evening chat was good. It included people spanning many generations which was interesting. Scott(Jody) Irving , who has been responsible for gathering a great deal of info for us, was also there. Representatives from the families of Morin, Kierstead, White, Nelson,McHugh,Ricci, Roberts, Wheelock/Bickford, Partridge,Bulger (now Storey), Morris were in attendance. I am sure I forgot some but only because I didn't knew their names, which made me a little sad. It would have been nice maybe to have a list of contacts in the event we ever plan a reunion again. We had a wonderful community, with the wilderness in our back yards. We had many mothers; neighbors who looked out for us and helped when we were in a pickle. The school and the Community Hall were places where events took place. To see a fine clip of 1972 in the Bike Race Event at the Community Hall chekc out www.youtube.com/fiddlinsuz Be sure to click on the one marked Bike Race. Our community was unique- families remaining close after many years. There is a shared camraderie with fellow Redbankers. In the forties, it was extremely isolated and the world was very different, only radio and party telephones I also found out about at the chat. Mrs. Storey (formerly the teacher Mrs. Bulger) said the party lines had as many people as possible in the beginning. Later the party lines were usually between 3 families. Things changed when I was a kid as we had a tv (B&W), one car,and pretty much everyone's mom was a stay -at- home mom. The mall was built and development grew up around our neighborhood. There were even folks who grew up nearby the entrance to Redbank who attended like Mr. Foster. He spent a lot of time at the icehouse at Clark's Pond as a kid. I am grateful that SP Historical hosted the event and hope both Ruth and I can continue to collect info and stories and pictures from those willing to share. It is bigger than all of us. It is about preserving the memories of a community, a treasure in years to come. Thank you everyone.
--suzan roberts norton
<mailto:fiddlinsuz@roadrunner.com>

Don McNeil- We missed you. Yes, the evening chat was good. It included people spanning many generations which was interesting. Scott(Jody) Irving , who has been responsible for gathering a great deal of info for us, was also there. Representatives from the families of Morin, Kierstead, White, Nelson,McHugh,Ricci, Roberts, Wheelock/Bickford, Partridge,Bulger (now Storey), Morris were in attendance. I am sure I forgot some but only because I didn't knew their names, which made me a little sad. It would have been nice maybe to have a list of contacts in the event we ever plan a reunion again. We had a wonderful community, with the wilderness in our back yards. We had many mothers; neighbors who looked out for us and helped when we were in a pickle. The school and the Community Hall were places where events took place. To see a fine clip of 1972 in the Bike Race Event at the Community Hall chekc out www.youtube.com/fiddlinsuz Be sure to click on the one marked Bike Race. Our community was unique- families remaining close after many years. There is a shared camraderie with fellow Redbankers. In the forties, it was extremely isolated and the world was very different, only radio and party telephones I also found out about at the chat. Mrs. Storey (formerly the teacher Mrs. Bulger) said the party lines had as many people as possible in the beginning. Later the party lines were usually between 3 families. Things changed when I was a kid as we had a tv (B&W), one car,and pretty much everyone's mom was a stay -at- home mom. The mall was built and development grew up around our neighborhood. There were even folks who grew up nearby the entrance to Redbank who attended like Mr. Foster. He spent a lot of time at the icehouse at Clark's Pond as a kid. I am grateful that SP Historical hosted the event and hope both Ruth and I can continue to collect info and stories and pictures from those willing to share. It is bigger than all of us. It is about preserving the memories of a community, a treasure in years to come. Thank you everyone.
--suzan roberts norton
<mailto:fiddlinsuz@roadrunner.com>

Ruth--I love what you've done with the home page!!! You are very creative. Keep up the good work! Cathy Robichaud

Ruth- Great Job on the homepage!I remember some great Halloweens when i was a Kid.I always got lots of candy and felt very safe there.There use to be parties at the School also,i dont know if we willl ever see those Days again sadly.Hope you are well.Don McNeil

Nice to see all familiar names in the guest book, McNerney, Matthews, Newcomb(McGill),Brackley(Susan Reynolds, sister to one of my best friends Julie Reynolds) Keep posting folks-

Time it was and what a time it was, it was

A time of innocence, a time of confidences

Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph

Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you

Bookends – Simon & Garfunkel

Nicely put "Bookends".
Who are you?
--Ruth Conner Bastarache
<mailto:heartrc@aol.com>

Thanks for the great Homepage Ruth!You are very creative.Hope you had a great xmas and best wishes for a great New Year.
--Don McNeil
--Don McNeil
<mailto:mcn_350@yahoo.com>

i remember, not too fondly, my paper routes when I was in 5th and 6th grade. I delivered (literally) to the door on Cannon, Wermouth, Powers, and Devereaux Circle for one route and delivered the rest of the neighborhood for another route. Left the paper inside the screen door. And then collected money door to door every week. My brother also. He delivered newspapers all the way through high school. That was when there was a morning paper and an evening paper,(Portland Press Herald) and then a separate route for the Sunday paper. I remember sometimes the snow being so high that I couldn't deliver to the doors so I'd have extra papers left over and would have to go back out after people shoveled. Ugh! That was my first job.. :)

I live in California now where the newspapers are thrown on the lawn or in the driveway, not by kids, but by adults who drive in cars. Life was much different back then.
--Dawna Houston

I ripped this off a Jim Croce song. Jim was in many ways a music/lyric genius whose life got cut way too short in an early 73 plane crash. but this song, just slightly modified, says a lot. Changes are in brackets.

Photographs and Memories

Photographs and memories
Christmas cards you sent to me
All that I have are these
To remember you

Memories that come at night
Take me to another time
Back to a happier day
When we sang and rhymed

But we sure had a good time
When we started way back <then>
<Forest walks and backyard talks>
Oh how I loved you then

Summer skies and <fish and tents>
<Think of all the time we spent>
And of all of the things that we knew
Not a dream survived

Photographs and memories
All the fun you gave to me
Somehow it just cant be true
That’s all I’ve left of you

But we sure had a good time
When we started way back then
<Playground time and nursery rhymes>
Oh how I loved you then

To Anonymous,
What a great idea you had to think of this song by the Late great Jim Croce (one of my favorite singers).It does say so much about the past days of our carefree youth.I love to think of memories of those days,i think it makes you appreciate more what you had back then but didnt realize it until you were much older.
--Don McNeil
<mailto:mcn_350@yahoo.com>

It was so nice to read everyone's stories. My wife and I look forward to raising our family in Red Bank
--Tim
<http://www.myroadtotravelblog.com>

I loved growing up in Redbank! I lived there when I was 5 until about 17. I lived at 26 Powers Road and had THE best friends around. I wouldn't change my childhood for anything in the world!!
--Norma McGill
<mailto:t54bruschi@yahoo.com>

I lived at 101 Wainwright Circle, The Larsen family. Any of our old friends here to reminisce with?
--Jane (Larsen) Martin
<mailto:dmartin8@maine.rr.com>

I can’t believe all the memories reading these postings and seeing the pictures has brought back. I don’t remember when we moved in (too young). But, we lived in 3 different homes. I remember them working the lake getting ice out, and when the ice house burned. The fishing derbies, I caught my first trout at the trestle. I remember going to the movies on Saturdays. I also remember walking up to the office to get a lawn mower to use. And seeing the photo’s of the teachers. Mrs. Thompson, what a nice person, Mrs. Ruth, Mr. Kilgore. Walter Stilphen and I still keep in tough, I’ll get him to go to the site.
I graduated from SPHS in “72” and went to Maine Maritime Academy “76” grad. Went to sea for 5 years, worked as a consultant for a year, and have worked for General Electric since 82.
I’m glad that you sent your message, thanks.

--Dave Thibeau
<mailto:dttbow@yahoo.com>

Olivia Dianne Thibeau- Melanson This dose bring back memories. I loved growning up in Redbank we had a good life there. I am David Thibeau's sister and we were just on the phone and he told me to look up the web site. There,s Sandra and Paul have died. There is Micheal.me Dianne, Selina. We had a lot of fun grown up in Redbank. When I got Married we lived on Cannon Rd. for 35 years We have three boys Dean,Dana and Darren. They did very well with the teacher in Redbank school went off to collage and have their own family,s.
Some times I wish that we were all back in Redbank that was the good old days.

I grew up in Redbank (1978-1995) and attended Redbank Elementary school. I am so sad that it has been torn down because there are so many memories in that building. I am a differnt generaltion commenting here but I have some fond memories. I remember all my friends Duane, Ricky, Joshua, AnnMarie, Kenny, Jeremy, my siter Jessica, Kelly, Chad, Matt, Mike and so many more. I have great memories playing basketball with the boys and walking the streets with friends. Some teachers that I had at Redbank Elementary are: Mrs. Gagnon, Mrs. White, Mrs. Woods, Mrs. Munson, Mrs. Sollack, Mrs. Dulak, and MR. Briggs. I remember Mrs. Withham for gym and doing the square dances with Jeremy. I had a cruch on Jeremy in first grade. We lived in a two bedroom appartment on MacArthur Circle West.
--Jennifer Button Libby
<mailto:jennifer_libby45@hotmail.com>

I have been listening to the Bee Gees, Best of, vol. 2 for the last year when the lyrics to one song suddenly dawned on me. It usually takes me years to figure words out to a song. I though it appropriate to Redbank and the wonderful 60s. And you really need to here it sang by Barry Gibb to give it full justice but the words are pretty cool, just the same.

Don’t Forget To Remember

Bee Gees – From: Cucumber Castle
Also - Best of the Bee Gees Vol. 2

Oh my heart won't believe
that you have left me
I keep telling my self
that it's true
I can get over anything
you want my love
But I can't get myself
over you

Don't forget to remember me
And the love that used to be
I still remember you
I love you
In my heart lies a memory
to tell the stars above
Don't forget to remember me
my love

On my wall lies a photograph
of you girl
Though I try to forget
you somehow
You're the mirror of my soul
so take me out of my hole
Let me try to go on
living right now

Don't forget to remember me
And the love that used to be
I still remember you
I love you
In my heart lies a memory
to tell the stars above
Don't forget to remember me
my love


I can never forget my memories of Redbank. They were so great!

Fergie-"Big Girls Don't Cry" From the verse... "Like a little School Mate a School Yard..We'll play jacks and Uno Cards.. I'll be your best friend, and you'll be My Valentine. Yes you can hold my hand if you want to, cause I want to hold yours too. We'll be playmates and Lovers and share our secret world. But it's time for me to go home..It's getting late and dark outside" This little verse reminds me of RB school in the 1960's and having crushes on the boys, and them chasing the cute girls around the playground. I wasn't one of those girls but I sure had great memories of the playground.
--SN