As Down East Books celebrates 50 years of great book publishing, it seems appropriate to reflect upon
the contributions Maine has made that have had significant cultural and historical impacts on both the
United States and the World. Did you know that the caterpillar tread, common on bulldozers and tanks,
originated from the design of Lombard’s steam log hauler; or that the dry plate photographic process was
created by the Stanley brothers, who also invented a speed-record setting steam powered car and whose
sister, Chansonetta, was a well-known photographer in her own right? Maxim’s machine gun forever
changed the practice of warfare. The humble peavey is a simple tool well-known to any forester or
lumberjack. The ubiquitous lobster boat, the microwave oven, earmuffs, and Monopoly—all came from
the minds of Mainers. This book is a celebration of Maine’s creative ingenuity—from the very large, such
as Portland Head Light and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge to the very small, such as the toothpick and the
Bean boot.

Nancy Griffin has been a freelance writer for more than 20 years, writing for newspapers, magazines and trade publications. Before that, she was a newspaper and wire service reporter and editor. Nancy is the author of several books, including Maine 101 (7,715) and Makin’ Whoopies (28, 255). She lives in Thomaston, Maine.