Shettleworth and Smith's collaboration has produced a gem. The depth of knowledge of Maine's state historian and Gardiner's librarian/historian is clearly evident. The wealth of photographs bring the town's past to life. The causes of Gardiner's recent economic downturn are briefly covered with an objective eye.

This is a book of photographic images of a beautiful past. The South Gardner Historical Society has carefully selected over 200 photos to trace the development of this city over the years. The quality and subject matter of the pictures is outstanding. If you are an avid historian or geneaologist, this book is for you.

The book took me back to that time. It was very descriptive. I felt as though I were there with him every minute.

This is a beautifully written and presented book where the author transport you to a time and place before the complete assimilation of the American population. The Kennebec Valley is not home to the colorful fisherman that Mrs. Paul's fishsticks have made synonymous with Maine but with farming life that has all but vanished. The changes in the author and his family during the course of this work put you into the very frame that shaped so many from New England. A must read for any fan of early 20th century American history and for any fan of Americana in general

A very enjoyable story for children as well as adults. It teaches a valuable lesson about overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal. The story is both entertaining and educational. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about what life was like in Maine during the shipbuilding era of the early 1900s.

The crisp blue waters that fill the pale seaweed laden rocks of the Maine coast are simply breathtaking. This book is yet another example of how words just can't do justice. The area covered in this title is some of the hardest to write about without relying on amazing facts of the historical importance of the Maine coastline, yet the author does an outstanding job of putting the historical, artistic and wildlife qualities into context. As a guide for the area and for pleasure reading, this book has exemplary qualities to keep you interested from front cover to the last page. The one shortfall that I found was there wasn't enough of it, which is probably good since the point of the book is for you get out and see this "Gods Country" for yourself! Overall I can completely recommend this book if you are a "Mainiac," or just on vacation in this part of the world (believe me you'll feel like you're out of the USA). Read it, love it, put it down and experience it !