We had an informative tour of Portland with Jim Millinger

On March 6, 2012, twenty knowledge seekers from The Highlands went on the van to visit Portland and learn about this very historic seaport and commercial city.



As a preface, Jim gave us a half-hour introduction about the history of Portland and how maps of the city had changed over the years, particularly the filling in the waterfront and the development of Commercial Street.



Here is the vanload of "Happy Campers" en route to Portland.

After touring State Street, Congress Street, the Eastern Promenade, Fort Allen Park and some of Fore Street, we had lunch at Gilbert's Chowder House on Commercial Street.

Don't go to Gilbert's for a steak dinner, but if you want a lovely seafood meal, try this restaurant.

Tummies full, we reboarded the van to continue our exploration of the Old Port area, more of Fore Street, the western part of Commercial Street, the Western Promenade, Deering Avenue, Park Avenue, Deering's Oaks and then back to Topsham.

And this is Jim Millinger, teacher and historian, who pointed out in this photograph that Gilbert's Chowder House is located at the site of Lundgren's Market, near the former waiting room and ticket counter of the Casco Bay Lines.  We were all very appreciative of Jim's sharing his knowledge and research with us on March 6th.