Sunday Tour

 Portland Maine is situated on a peninsula jutting out into Casco Bay and skirted by the Fore River. Several articles about Portland have described it as a village, town, and little city. It is uniquely all three and well worth seeing on the NAOSMM Sunday tour. The excursion will begin at 2:00 PM and move to the Western Promenade with views of the stately homes, such as the Victorian Mansion, and South Portland. On a clear day you can see Mount Washington in New Hampshire, over 60 miles away. Portland acquired portions of the Eastern and Western Promenades between 1828 and 1837 specifically for "the general public enjoyment." This was a remarkable achievement for the city and its was accomplished decades before New York City began planning Central Park and the Federal Government implemented its nation park program.

The city's "OLD PORT EXCHANGE" has been growing for more than 25 years and is located near the quayside, between Exchange and Pearl streets. It is quite entertaining with all sorts of antiquarian shops, specialist book and music stores. Visitors return year after year to this tiny village of six square blocks. You will see the working waterfront of Portland along Commercial Street where several companies operate boat trips from the nearby wharves for tours of Casco Bay. The "DOWNTOWN" area has become the center for artist, trendy and funky boutiques and excellent cafes.

Many beautiful parks and gardens intermingled with the city limits. Deering Oaks, a 51-acre park was designed by William Goodwin, the city engineer. The centerpiece of the park is the duck pond well inhabited by seagulls, wild ducks and domesticated geese. Enjoy the stroll between the high canopy of oaks, pines, spruce and other ornamental trees. Many of the oaks are 200 years old. There is an award-winning rose garden located adjacent to the park.

The next stop is Eastern Promenade where the scenic view is breathtaking. Fort Gorges lies in the center of the Bay. This historic fort was commissioned by Jefferson Davis, when he was Secretary of War, before he became president of the Confederacy. The paved walking trail will lead you along the shore line and into Eastern Promenade. The original plans for this park were developed by the nationally known Olmstead Brothers in 1904, but portions of the park date back to 1824. There is a walking trail which leads to the community gardens and East End Beach, Portland's only oceanfront beach. You will also see a working narrow gauge railway at the base of the cliffs.

Another park, Baxter Woods was a gift from Governor Baxter in honor of his father, Mayor Baxter, an early advocate for Portland's parks. Baxter Woods is a 30-acre nature preserve with a circular trail winding through woods that have been untouched in this century. Capisic Pond Park is another nature preserve situated on an 18 acre track with a walking trail and Portland's largest freshwater pond. Payson Park, a 48-acre all purpose recreational park, is home to the Longfellow Arboretum, is located with Payson Park.

Cape Elizabeth is the home of the Portland Head Light. Situated along the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park, the popular landmark is owned and managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The Museum at Portland Head Light is contained within the former Keepers' Quarters. The award winning Museum contains a number of lighthouse lenses and interpretative displays. Also on the site is a seasonal shop featuring fine lighthouse and Maine related gifts. The adjacent ninety acre Fort Williams Park offers picnic facilities, hiking opportunities, sports and recreation areas, historic fort structures, and unlimited ocean views.

Don't miss your chance to see the many fascinating sights of Portland and Portland Headlight for the minimal cost of $10 per person (children $5). The tour will return to the Holiday Inn by the Bay at approximately 4:00 PM, just in time to plan a sunset cruise on one of the many vessels along the wharf.

At Sea

See Maine from another perspective! Sail on the vintage 58' ocean racing yacht, Palawan and explore the seacoast of northeastern New England. This spouse/children`s tour will be on Monday, July 27, 1998 from 2pm to 5pm and the cost will be $25 per person. Children of all ages are welcome. The schooner has been reserved for 18 passengers, so make your reservations early and don`t be left on dry land!! . Send a check payable to NAOSMM, to Jeff Your, John Carroll University, Department of Chemistry, 20700 N. Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44118.

On Land

Come join us at the Spring Point Museum and learn about the early days of Portland Harbor. The museum is situated on the grounds of historic Fort Preble in South Portland with superb views of Casco Bay, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and Portland. This spouse/children`s tour will be on Thursday, July 30, 1998 from 12:15-4:00 PM and the cost will be $12 per person (payable at the conference). The agenda is as follows:
12:15 PM Bus on station at the Holiday Inn by the Bay
12:30 PM Depart for Spring Point
12:45 PM Arrive at Spring Point Museum Box lunch catering in the Museum hospitality room (overlooks Casco Bay and the islands) Lecture with slide show of the lighthouses of Casco Bay Visit the Exhibit Hall presentation "Portland Harbor Changed Forever-Legacy of World War II". Guided tour of Fort Preble Walk along the ocean walk way over to Preble Beach (swimming allowed)
3:45 PM Board coach for the return trip to hotel
4:00 PM Arrive back at Holiday Inn by the Bay
Contact Kevin Mautte at 1-617-373-4046 or kmautte@lynx.neu.edu and sign up early, or register at the conference.

Educational Tour

Corning Science Products' plasticware division in Kennebunk, Maine will be the sight of the NAOSMM educational tour on friday July 31, 1998. The plasticware division manufactures pipets, centrifuge tubes, tissue culture flasks and much more for the scientific community. A luncheon at the Kennebunkport Inn followed by sightseeing in downtown Kennebunkport will complete the day. The schedule will be:
8:00 AM Bus on station at the Holiday Inn by the Bay
8:15 AM Bus departs for Kennebunk day trip
9:05 AM Tour of Corning facilities
12:00 Luncheon at the Kennebunkport Inn (Grilled Salmon or Seafood Casserole)
1:30 PM Sightseeing in downtown Kennebunkport
4:00 PM Board bus for return to hotel
3:15 PM Approximate arrival at the Holiday Inn by the Bay
This educational tour will really fit into the schedules of any members who are planning to go to Nova Scotia by ferry from Portland. The ferry departs from the dock every evening at approximately 8:00PM, so fill in your Friday with the tour.