Defining and Giving Example to . . .
“The Maine Spirit” — On the Farm — At the Fairs — On the Track!
“The Maine Spirit” Initiative is a great opportunity to promote and educate Mainers about “The Maine Spirit” — the character and values of those engaged in agricultural pursuits.
By employing the three C’s — Cooperation, Coordination and Collaboration, I am positive that collectively we can create a publication that will tell our stories and present the concept that the lives of Mainers who work in agricultural industries are living an authentic way of life that dates back to the 19th century.
In the early 19th century, my ancestors farmed in Kingfield, Maine. Then in 1875 Solomon Thompson moved to Limestone and his children and his children’s children continued farming into the 1970’s. To my knowledge, the last to farm was my father’s brother Colby.
My grandfather, Roy Thompson and his brothers farmed with horses. His work was captured through our family’s fascination with photography. Some may remember their brand — Thom’Son’s Taters—A.L. Thompson & Sons. Our family’s story is similar to many other Aroostook County farming families. In a way it is also similar to the stories told by many who farm today.
I encourage everyone who may possess “The Maine Spirit” — those who work on our Maine farms, those who exhibit their work and compete at Maine Fairs and those who raise and train Standardbreds to compete on Maine tracks to join me in the “Maine Spirit Initiative.” Let’s make this effort the opportunity that will bring our stories to the people of the State of Maine.
— Stephen D. Thompson—
