A History of Cape Elizabeth, Maine

This is a comprehensive history of a Portland suburb from the 1500s to the early 20th century. Mr. Jordan has made superb use of official records of the town and its various organizations, the Portland newspapers and the manuscript collections of the Maine Historical Society and other libraries. Particular mention should be made of the Willis papers and the Benjamin Woodbury collection. He has also uncovered many hitherto unpublished illustrations. Chapters include: Exploration and Early Settlers; Indian Wars, Incorporation, and the Revolution; Early Developments; Pains of Urbanization; Watering Places; Ships and the Sea; Perilous Shores; Mind and Soul; and, Suburbia-by-the-Sea. Appendices present a list the Selectmen 1766-1965, the 1790 census, an inventory of vessels built in Cape Elizabeth, a list of shipwrecks, and a bibliography. An index to full-names, places and subjects completes this work.