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Comment on Redbank Plane Crash 1944- The people of Redbank... what do you recall from that day?

suzan — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:50:14 GMT

Deborah, I answered you in an email separate from my blog. Thank you very much for telling your story. I will be sure your family and their story is not forgotten. Thank you- Suzan

Comment on Redbank Plane Crash 1944- The people of Redbank... what do you recall from that day?

Deborah Mitchell — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:36:43 GMT

Dear Ms. Roberts-Norton,

I understand that you work for the South Portland Historical Society. The reason that I am writing to you is because I understand that you had gathered some stories from people that were either victims or survivors of the July 11, 1944, Long Creek Tragedy, plane crash. I am the granddaughter of one of the families that survived the plane crash.

My Grandfather was Charles Edward Mitchell, he and his wife, Irene, were living in the trailer park. On that day, my grandfather was dozing on the couch, his 3 year old son, Edward was playing on the floor. My grandmother was standing in the doorway watching her 18 month old son, James, my father, playing outside on the lawn. My grandmother saw the plane crash..She told reporters that she saw and heard a terrific explosion and the plane's wing ripped through the trailer across the way. She grabbed my father from the lawn. She told me years later that my grandfather was awaken by the explosion and my grandmother started screaming for him to grab my uncle, (Edward) and get out of the trailer. My grandfather, a religious man, told my grandmother not to panic, he thought it was Armageddon, it was meant to be...My grandmother yelled, " No, a plane crashed, we need to leave now! " He grabbed my uncle and they fled the trailer. My uncle's eyes were injured due to the flash from the explosion and had to wear glasses for the rest of his life. My grandmother then told me my grandfather started to gather little children, She said the only safe place for them was off the ground so he started to put them up in the trees. My grandmother told me many of the little children were badly burned and some would later die from their injuries. One child, was pulled from the wreckage by my grandfather, her name according to the news articles was Nancy Little, she would die the next day from her injuries.

The only time my grandmother spoke of the plane crash is when my Uncle Eddie showed me a piece of the plane wing my grandfather had take from the wreckage. My family still has the piece of the plane. A mangled chunk of green heavy metal with rivets and bolts. It was in my uncle's shed for years and when he passed, it was given to my brother James. Honestly, I wouldn't know what it was if I had not heard that story from my family.

I know you did the research on this crash a few years back. I wish I would have known sooner.

By the way, my grandfather was in the Navy and later became a police officer for the town of Orono. Even though he died before I was born. He was a true hero to many people and influenced my decision in life to also become a police officer. I have served as a police officer at the University of Maine in Orono for 28 years.

I hope that this helps with the memory of that tragic day and that these people are not forgotten.

Sincerely,

Officer Deborah Mitchell
University of Maine Police Department

Comment on Occupy Google

Pat — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:51:36 GMT

You go, girl!!!

Comment on Portland ,Maine to Portland ,Oregon- The Conscientious Objector-1918

mjs — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 03:31:39 GMT

I just ran across this post while looking for images of the Portland, OR main library. It strikes me that democratic freedoms in the USA are sacred and inviolate just so long as you don't actually try to invoke them in a tangible fashion. Thank you for sharing this story--every era has Joe McCarthys and bullies, using patriotism as a cudgel to condemn rational thinkers, but it is the brave ones who inspire me, the ones who don't just 'go along to get along.' I'll think of Marietta the next time I visit the library. Peace to you and yours!

Comment on The Unsolved Murder of Patrolman Michael Connolly Portland Me.

tom — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:10:12 GMT

On 2/29/39 the Portland PD (an officer named Koshen) killed a local bootlegger in cold blood in his own home on Pleasant Street. He was a father of 5 children. The involved officers were all absolved of any wrong doing within hours according to the Press Herald. Perhaps our "unofficial historian" of the Portland PD can provide some insight into this incident.

Comment on Social Media Application

Jeanne — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:02:16 GMT

As always, I am so glad I subscribe to your blog Suzan. Enlightening OP!

Comment on Remembering the Day the Twin Towers Collapsed- A Telephone Operator’s Account

Jeanne — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:07:31 GMT

As always, wonderfully written piece from an ordinary citizen on a day the world will always remember. Thank you Suzan.

Comment on Remembering the Day the Twin Towers Collapsed- A Telephone Operator’s Account

Fred Stuart — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:58:23 GMT

Very nice piece.

Comment on MEMORIAL DAY 2011

Don McNeil — Sun, 29 May 2011 14:12:51 GMT

well said as always Sue.I have a grandson in the Army.He is in Basic Training right now,and after that will be joining the 101st airborne.I am extremely proud of him for volunteering to join that elite group of Army Men&Women.W e should all be very thankful for the Men&Women of All Armed Forces:)

Comment on 'A Boy named David' : Munjoy Hill, Portland, Maine-1943

suzan — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:40:05 GMT

Angela, Thank you so much for taking the time to write. Thank you for caring about my Uncle Phil also. I haven't stopped in for a while, but want to do that soon.I have a few pictures I need to bring to him of the dedication of the memorial of the plane crash in 1944. We took him there with us on that day as it was important he be there. I have lots of good memories of visiting him as a kid. He was always very interesting. Thank you so much for being part of caring for our older generation. your letter meant a great deal to me. Regards-Suzan