My parents, Phil and Bertha , and sister Sandra , moved here when my father was transferred from the Hartford Connecticut John Irving Shoe Store to the Portland Maine store. They lived on the Eastern Prom and participated in services, etc. at the Newbury St. shul. They also belonged to the JCC.

We moved to Williams Street in 1940 when I was born and lived next door to Bill and Eileen Slade who were as much like our aunt and uncle as any of our relatives. We did not have relatives in Maine and I remember that Bill and Phyllis Greenstein were very much like family as well.

In 1945 we moved to 147 Dartmouth Street, next door to the Godfreys. My sister Ellen was born in 1945. Bonnie and I went through kindergarten -eighth grade together - Oakdale Kindergarten, Nathan Clifford and King Middle School. We sang in the Temple Beth Ell youth choir which Cantor Messerschmidt started when he came to Portland. Bonnie was very talented and was a soloist with the choir.

My father also began working of Enterprise Stores.

We belonged to Temple Beth El beginning in about 1949. Sandra and I went to Hebrew School there and were confirmed there as well. My confirmation class consisted of: Bonnie Godfrey, Cynthia Sacknoff, Charon Cohen, Gail Burns, Roberta Citron , Joan Krantman, Barbara Cope, Barbara Mersky, Barbara Blumenthal, Minna Davidson, Gail Fineberg, Eleanor Finn, and me. I also have a photo of the group.

My sister Sandra went to Nathan Clifford, King Middle School and Deering High School. She belonged to Iota Phi and to the JCC youth group. She also acted in some plays at the JCC. She graduated from Deering in 1956. She and her husband Mark Gassner were active in Federation and they renewed Maine friendships during those years.

I went to Center Day camp. My sister Ellen went, too. I remember taking a taxi to the Center every day. We did not have a car at that time. The Zade's owned Town Taxi and were willing to provide the service. They were family friends as well.

Ellen and I also went to vacation camp at the JCC during school vacation weeks. At that time my mother, Bertha, was working at Tom Taylor along with Ethel Godfrey .

My Mom was very active in the National Council of Jewish Women. I think I have some articles on that as well.

I remember going to dancing school at the Center and being in a play directed by Fritzie? Cohen, She was Dr. Benjamin Cohen's wife and Charon Cohen's mom.

A group of junior high school students formed a youth group at the JCC. We had activities there and it was a great place to be. I can remember basketball in the gym and bowling on the top floor of the community center and even serving food for a high school dance. I also remember going to classical music concerts.

My dad was not in the military but was in the Civil Patrol. I had his hard hat, etc. for many years. As many people did, my parents invited military people to our home on Sundays and holidays. Nat Hyman was one of those young men He later owned Carroll Cut Rate on Congress Street,

In August of 1956 the family moved to Springfield Massachusetts when my father received another company transfer.

I have so many good memories of Portland Maine. Elaine Crasnick Kahaner, Barbara Mersky Miller, Bonnie and I reminisce so much about growing up here.

When we retired, my husband, Howard, and I moved back to Peaks Island in 2003. Our children are now enjoying the benefits of visiting Maine throughout the year.

last updated : April 18, 2009