Editorials - Fiddlehead Focus

Editorials

Honor the old stories

Some of us love winter. Others not so much. For our ancestors winters could be brutal. Until the mid-20th century, a majority of Americans lived in rural areas, many on back roads. For them there were no town plows, sanding trucks, ambulances, phones or cars. Horses with sleds couldn’t fight their way through deep snow drifts.

How much wood?

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck … no, we're not doing that one. Instead, we're going to talk about actual wood. As in, how much have you gone through during the cold snaps this winter, and how can you compare energy use so far this year to other years?

Always go for the dress

So, what is it like to be a bit older than most brides-to-be and also the star of a scenario much like that of the television show, “Say Yes To The Dress?” Well, dear friends, let me borrow your attention for just a bit and I will tell you.

Les lettres I pi J

Well, les fêtes ont passé pas mal comme une base messe. Pas trop d’visite, pas trop d’neige, pi pas trop d’voyageage. Comme vous savez, ça fait deux ans qu’ c’est d’même pi j’crée b’en qu’ont a pas fini avec toute les nouvelles sortes de covid.

Preserving family photos

It’s a new year. Perhaps it’s time for a new project. If you’re like most of us your photo collection is probably housed in albums, scrapbooks, paperboard boxes or even plastic bags.

‘Dear Diary’

Editor's note: This is a reprint of one of Ted Shapiro's original Weather Whys columns. Most folks don’t know that some very important weather information has been gleaned from old weather diaries, which were often kept by farmers and town folk alike.

Humanity unites us

I had what is categorized as a “sleepless night” last evening. I am not sure what it was that was behind such turmoil within me, but it was causing great havoc and dismay. I believe we all strive for peace of mind and during the usual hours of sweet and welcome slumber.

Ending the year grateful for Aroostook County

As 2021 officially comes to a close, it’s hard not to look back and reflect upon this past year -- all the ups, the downs and everything in between.

Genealogy goals

It hardly seems possible that 2021 is coming to a swift end. For some it’s flown, while others can’t wait for it to be over. Whichever category you fall into, 2022 is looming on our horizon and it’s a good time to take stock and reflect on what needs doing in your research and how to accomplish your goals.

The slippers – part 2

Upon returning home, we sat in the dooryard for a few minutes, the three of us rewinding the events that had just taken place. What was in that box that was breakable? Certainly not my seasonal slippers.

Does a storm draw nigh? Watch the sky

Have you ever noticed that in advance of a winter storm, an otherwise sunny day may feature a sky criss-crossed with lines? Well these lines are actually ice crystals from jet exhaust, called contrails (short for condensation trails).

Connections with people are what matter

Despite COVID-19 and all its variants, we as a community seem to have found an anchor to keep us from drifting: each other.

The slippers

I have always loved Christmas. It was and still is a magical time for me. Those who choose to celebrate the holiday embrace kindness and sweetness and are not reluctant to use the word “love” in greetings and departures.

Helping Maine families stay warm this winter

A recent report that inflation has hit a 30-year high confirmed what the American people have been feeling in their wallets for months. The soaring cost of virtually everything, from gasoline to groceries, is a growing crisis that affects families across our nation.

Fixing errors

Have you ever run across an error in a vital record? A misspelled name or a wrong date, perhaps? You know there’s an error but is there anything you can do about it? The answer is maybe.

La lettre G, toute d’un coup

Noël approche trop vite. Quand j’étais un enfant, j’avais assez hâte que j’pensais que Noël arrivais rien que a toute les deux ou trois ans. Mais, la, comme un p’tit vieux, on dirais que Noël arrive deux ou trois fois par année.

Census release

This year genealogists will have something extra to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day. In April 2022, the 1950 U.S. Census will be released by the National Archives and Records Administration.

Reopening the border, rejuvenating business

At long last, the U.S.-Canada land border reopened Nov. 8 for fully vaccinated Canadians. For many Maine families and small businesses, this day was long awaited.

Prev Page 1 Next