Local historian, Calvin Dodge, fascinated a Lincoln Home audience as he shared some of the maritime history of the Damariscotta Riverfront surrounding The Lincoln Home.

In his talk on January 9, Dodge spoke about the nine shipyards that were located between the Damariscotta-Newcastle Bridge and Barroll Point (on which the Lincoln Home is located). The audience was surprised to hear that 211 ships were built in Newcastle from 1847-1919, and that several of the ships were built in the field where the Lincoln Home holds its annual Founder's Day.

Dodge shared numerous photos of ships, shipbuilders, buildings and wharfs. He led the group in a walk back in time and through the many changes that this small area has seen over the last 150 years.

Of particular interest was a ship's log from the Indian Hunter

built and

owned by the Austin Brothers of Newcastle.