The 1947 episode “The State of Maine,” part of the Carl Dudley Productions motion pictures series This Land Of Ours, gives viewers a taste of the largest state in the Northeast. The film opens with shots of forests (00:55), fitting for a state known as the “Pine Tree State.” Maine is also home to lakes, historic forts, and scenic lighthouses. August (01:26) is the capital and is shaped by the Kennebec River. Lewiston and Auburn are the heart of the state’s industry (01:47), producing boots and shoes among other things. Portland (02:12) is the largest city in Maine and is the birthplace of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Portland’s most important industry is fishing. Brunswick (02:50) is a city of commerce and industry, but it might be best known for education. Brunswick is home to Bowdoin College, which counts Longfellow, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Franklin Pierce among its alumni. Maine’s third largest city is Bangor (03:19). While not one of the top three largest cities in Maine, Orono is home to the University of Main (03:46); the school is famous for its agricultural college with experimental farms. Agriculture is very important throughout the state. Farmers till their own land and pass farms down from generation to generation. Blue berries (04:22) are an important seasonal crop, but dairy and poultry are the important year-round resources. However, the state’s most important crop is potatoes (04:52), especially in Aroostook County. More potatoes are grown in Maine than in any other state. Chinook puppies (05:15) are a unique breed of dog, as Maine is the only place one can get a Chinook from—in fact, Maine’s Perry Green is the only breeder of the dog. Shipbuilding (05:38) is as old of an industry as it is widespread in Maine, largely because of the state’s coastline and massive timber reserves. The lumber industry (05:50) employs thousands of Maine’s residents. Lumber is floated downriver (06:22) to factories in places like Winslow and Woodland, where most of nation’s pulp and paper are produced (06:40). Maine is also an ideal destination for the outdoor enthusiasts, with scenic rivers (06:54), forests filled with wildlife, and incredible coastal scenes. Bar Harbor (07:37) on Mt. Desert Island is a popular destination for visitors who love sailing. Skiers (08:10) also flock to Maine to ski its long, snowy slopes. The film closes with shots of Maine’s towns and natural landscapes, reinforcing why Maine is a great “land of vacation.”
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