Kent - Harvest Maine: autumn traditions and fall flavors

Published by American Palate

A Division of The History Press

Charleston, SC 29403

www.historypress.net

Copyright 2014 by Crystal Ward Kent

All rights reserved

First published 2014

e-book edition 2014

ISBN 978.1.62584.963.2

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Kent, Crystal Ward.

Harvest Maine : autumn traditions and fall flavors / Crystal Ward Kent.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references.

print edition ISBN 978-1-62619-424-3

1. Maine--Social life and customs. 2. Autumn--Maine. I. Title.

F26.K46 2014

974.1--dc23

2014021071

Notice: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. It is offered without guarantee on the part of the author or The History Press. The author and The History Press disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without prior written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is dedicated to my familymy utmost thanks for your support.

To my friends, whose loyal camaraderie has kept me going through some trying times.

To the state of Mainetruly, Gods Country.

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks to all who helped with this book, most notably Marcia Peverly and Budd Perry for providing wonderful photography; Dr. Diane H. Ranes PhD and Ronn Orenstein Photography for fabulous photos of the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest; and Robin Mayer, Pumpkinfest coordinator, for her extensive assistance. Thanks also to Paul Fuller, of Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Expositions and Bird Dogs Afield TV, and Cyrus Morgan for their assistance with my hunting questions.

Chapter 1

AUTUMN COMES TO MAINE

You see the first signs in Augusta touch of red on a maple, a bit of flame edging the leaves of a sumac. The nights take on a chillier feel, hinting at cooler times ahead, while in the fields, the whir of summer insects rises to a crescendo as they pour out one last song before their final sleep.

By September, there is no denying that summer is on the wane. Apple trees and sickle pears hang heavy with fruit. Deer and other wildlife steal into the orchards at dawn and dusk, seeking the drops. Along the old stone walls, grapevines burst with deep purple bounty, and birds, squirrels and chipmunks race to see who can devour the most.

Mornings are quiet now, as summers trilling birdsong is replaced by the winter calls of blue jays and nuthatches, chickadees and titmice. Gone are the colorful birds of summer, already wending their way to warmer climes. Instead, flocks of sparrows in endless patterns of brown and gray huddle in the bushes. These hardy species will ride out the snow and cold, feeding on winter berries and seeds.

For some time now, the call of wild geese has been heard in the evening. As moonlight floods the cold, clear skies, long skeins can be seen embarking on their ageless journey to southern fields. Their haunting call has a sadness to ita farewell to summer, to the year nearly spent.

As September deepens, the trees begin their color show. Maples put on the most vibrant display, with leaves that turn scarlet and orange, gold and yellow, sometimes all in one leaf. Oaks add flair with tones ranging from the vibrant red of scrub oaks to yellows and rich browns. Beeches, birches, aspens and ashes bring splashes of gold, while bushes and shrubs such as sumac, blueberry and barberry provide a riot of red.

A stormy autumn sky forms a dramatic backdrop to a windy Maine hillside. Marcia Peverly photo.

Maine is two-thirds forested, and much of the states woodlands include conifers such as pine, spruce and balsam, but the evergreens only enhance the hardwoods colorful display, their dark green foliage adding dramatic contrast to the flaming tones around them. The states abundant lakes and ponds create numerous picturesque views as autumns colors are mirrored in the dark blue waters.

Even along the coast, brilliant foliage is seen, and the autumn panorama is enhanced by the amber waves of the marsh grasses that stretch to the ocean beyond. The coast casts a different spell in fall. Gone are the tourists with their colorful umbrellas, beach towels and coolers. Now, the shore belongs to wind and water, sand and rock. Offshore storms send strong winds and surging tides sweeping in. The beaches become a treasure-trove of shells and sea glass polished by the pounding waves. A few hardy souls stroll the shore, invigorated by the wind, the oceans roar and having this wild world to themselves.

Fall brings not only storms but also cold air sweeping down from Canada. Nothing is more striking than the dramatic skyscapes formed by an arriving cold front. Row upon row of dark blue clouds reach back to the northern mountains. They float in low and ominous, their shadowed undersides promising cold and wind and hinting of the winter to come. Suddenly, a shaft of sunlight breaks through the dark ranks, burnishing the foliage below and backlighting the landscape so gilded trees glow against the slate blue of cloud. It is dramatic and beautiful, the juxtaposition of one season on the wane against anothers advent.

As October progresses, early morning frost is already riming the fields. The harvest is well in, save for a few late root crops, and farm festivals are in full swing. Much of Maine is farmland, although not the large-scale ventures of the Midwest. Maine farming tends to be smaller scaleapple farms and dairies, vegetable farms or a bit of everything. Up north, in the broad, flat land known as the County, large tracts are devoted to potato farming, one of the states major industries, but smaller growers are found everywhere. On a crisp fall weekend, families need not travel far to come upon a farm stand or pick-your-own operation. Here, they take a hayride into the fields, eager to gather pumpkins or apples. Later, back at the farm, they may sample homemade cider and doughnuts, enjoy some fiddle music or simply relish being out on a brisk fall day. They know the days of being able to sit and linger are drawing to an end. Winter is closing in, and every picnic and excursion is savored.

By late October, snow will already have brushed the mountains and sometimes even the entire state. Many of the leaves will be down, but the rusty brown foliage of certain oaks will cling well into the winter. Halloween will bring costumed children to the door, although often with ski jackets over their attire. More than once, a light snowstorm has brought a trick instead of a treat!

Night falls early now, with the last gleam of sunset fading around suppertime. A cool wind rises, rustling the last leaves and rattling the tree branches. The smell of wood smoke floats on the air, and somewhere an owl hoots as it soars off on its nightly hunt. A night like this calls for hearty, comforting foodchowders and stews, a plate of baked beans with homemade bread, a cheesy casserole. Surely there will be pie for dessertapple or pumpkin, mincemeat or squashsomething that reflects the seasons bounty. With the last sweet bite lingering on the tongue, families welcome the evening to come. How good to be snug inside, full and warm, savoring the season as autumn comes to Maine.

Chapter 2

FAIR SEASON

As August fades into September, the bounty of Maines harvest begins. Fields are ripe with late corn; pumpkins, squash and gourds fatten on the vines. The last of the tomatoes, cucumbers and pole beans are ready for canning, capturing those juicy bites of summer in a jar. Fruit crops are ready, too. Late blueberries and raspberries are quickly gathered, and the orchards are heavy with fruit.