Before & After: Grand Trunk Railroad

The Grand Trunk Railroad used to have quite a presence along the Eastern Waterfront back in the day. The main terminal, pictured to the  right, was at the corner of India and Fore Streets. Most of this site is now a dirt lot that may someday be home to a residential and/or hotel development. 

[Image source]

Pictured below is the site as of today. There is some sort of water/sewer pumping station where the terminal once stood.

Bayside Reflecting Pool

Despite the lack of financial or other resources, I have decided to boldly propose the construction of a reflecting pool in Portland's Bayside neighborhood. This spot, at the  corner of Somerset and Chestnut  Streets, is where the city in recent years has stored snow that has been cleared from roads and sidewalks downtown during the winter months. It is also right next to the newly christened Bayside Trail. Since there is an almost perpetual puddle here, why not make it into something better? I envision something like the pool at the Christian Science Center in Boston or maybe the big one in the Washington, D.C. It would lure new development to the area and provide a peaceful retreat for anyone passing by this happening area.

Skyline peeking over some buildings in the area:

*The bit about the reflecting pool was sarcasm, but I do like reflecting pools. Portland could use more fountains and other water fixtures I think.

Sidewalk Art Festival & Picnic Music and Arts Festival

In the category of upcoming events, the 45th annual Sidewalk Art Festival will take place this Saturday along Congress Street from Monument Square all the way to Park Street. Also happening close by in Lincoln Park will be the 3rd annual Picnic Music & Arts Festival. Be sure to visit these events if you are in town. It's supposed to be nice and rain free on Saturday.

Below is a photo of Portland High School,  just because school is starting  again soon (if it has not already).

Apologies for the lack of top-notch posts lately, I'm in the process of moving. I will still be on the peninsula, a street over from my current place, so the photos will start pouring in again shortly. 

3G's

The GGG garage, at the corner of Anderson and Fox Streets in Bayside (East Bayside?)

Not much new at the old Jordan's factory / new Hampton Inn site, but here's recent photos

Monday Again

A bike on Fore Street, in front of 'Fore Street.' 

Street of misfit toys

I approve of flower boxes

Where It's At

Thanks for the comments to yesterday's post, the answer to the "where is this?" segment is indeed the Clapp House at 97 Spring Street. Once part of the Maine College of Art, it became property of the Portland Museum of Art in 2008. It was built as a private residence for businessman Charles Q. Clapp.

Part of the Museum of Art sign

Across the street, our beautiful Holiday Inn. This property could be reborn with a fancy new facade.

Still of the Night

The sun goes down on Bayside -

Piers at night - 

A new addition to the "Where is This?" series below. Answer will be posted tomorrow or feel  free to guess/answer in the form of a comment:

Federal Street

The Corner Room restaurant is at the corner of Exchange and Federal Streets. It's owned by the same individual, Harding Lee Smith, who owns the Front Room and the Grill Room. Some restaurant workers were suing Mr. Smith not long ago for back-wages, not sure how that case ended up. Anyhow, the Corner Room isn't doing too great with the Portland Urban Spoon crowd but  I had a meal there during Restaurant Week last year that was two thumbs up. 

And just a bit East of the first photo, this is in Lincoln Park, where the 3rd annual (where does the time go?) Picnic Festival will be held on Saturday, August 28th.

Today's Portland volunteer opportunity:

• The Portland Trails 10K 'trail to ale' race is coming up on September 19th. They are still looking for volunteers for various race related tasks. Visit here for more info.

Summer Still

Nothing is free...except cardboard.

Doggy in the window

Fly by Night

Bike Sharrow

Local readers may have been seeing some fresh new symbols painted on the roads around town. These markings are bike sharrows and they raise awareness among motorists that bicycles are entitled to share the road. Instead of bike lanes, which require more paint and lead the the false assumption that bicycles have to stay within the bike lane at all times, the bike sharrows seem to be more appropriate and get the message across concisely.

Weekend Stuff

The weekend is usually a good time to post random photos such as these