To the Editor:
The lights are on, the sign is lit and vehicles are filling the parking lot. Hilltop is once again open for business. I have to give tremendous credit to new owners Gary and Jane Gravel for their investment and commitment to bringing back and carrying-on the great offerings of Arthur House and David Page at Hilltop.
This local iconic landmark certainly spans the 20th and 21st Centuries of memories for those of us that grew up here in Damariscotta and Newcastle.
The importance of the past as well as its strong connection with the present is often underestimated, especially in this era of information, high technologies, fast food, big-box stores, on-line shopping and the mad rush. Memories are an integral part of our daily life. They help us to learn from the mistakes we have made. They shape our character. They make this life complete.
The rebirth of where so many of us visited at lunch during our careers as students at Castner School brings a great local business back to “Main Street.” Running across the field at the sound of the lunch bell for Steamed Hot Dogs or a (Real Maine) Italian Sandwich was a treat for everyone I shared that moment in history with.
Local residents who were born here have a whole new sense of nostalgia and insight about this community we live in with the reopening of Hilltop. There is continuity in the lives of the amazing people who have called Damariscotta and Newcastle home. Whether you’re remembering your own past or learning about the things you missed out on, it’s still great watching the rebirth of a local landmark.
Personally, besides reminding me of how many great things have happened here, it also is a reminder of all the things that aren’t here anymore. The rush of nostalgia that filled my heart when I walked across the threshold of Hilltop the other day also made me remember so much of that which we have lost.
Wright’s Store, Pine Grove-Drive In, Clark’s Spa, Leighton’s Barber Shop, Strong Chevrolet, Weeks & Waltz Motors, The original Round-Top Ice Cream with the squeaky screen doors and Round-Top Dairy’s delivery truck leaving milk on the front porch; Clark’s Bottling, Keene’s Shoe Store, Wheeler’s, Western Auto, Brigg’s Pharmacy, The Cricket Shop, Gay’s, Coggin’s Jewelry Store, Reed’s Corner Dry Goods, The Diner, Page’s Butcher Shop, the bowling alley, Patrillo’s Pizza, The 5&10, The Firehouse, County Fair Restaurant and Motel come to mind very quickly. All gone, but certainly not forgotten.
They were the people and businesses that made this a magical place to grow-up. All the things that aren’t here anymore and the importance of each to all of us for many years, drives the point home of exactly why Damariscotta-Newcastle is truly a great community.
I remember the faces of every lost business on our Main Street. Each represented the true strength of Damariscotta and Newcastle. Faces that heralded every annual event; faces that supported our schools, boy scouts, girl scouts, Little League, civic groups, the library, our local hospital, graduations, provided jobs and attracted folks from other places to visit our Main Street; faces with incredible work ethic, community spirit and a love for where we call home.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… while it may seem awesome to you that there are only a few people in your favorite place of business when you visit, it’s not great for the owner, especially during this economy. So if you don’t want to see your favorite places lost to history, make a point to go outside today and spend every possible moment appreciating and discovering the great things this community offers.
Don’t keep the treasures of our Twin Villages a secret… spread the word and support our current local businesses so they live a long time!
Kudos to Gary and Jane Gravel for turning the lights on once again at Hilltop.
John Miller, Newcastle
