According to Down East Magazine and an article written by Sarah Anne Donnelly, "Captain Lemuel Moody was one of Munjoy Hill's first prospectors. At the turn of the 19th century, the aging Moody quit his job as a sea captain after he was kidnapped and held briefly by pirates, he bought a large tract of land about halfway up Munjoy Hill, and relocated his family there. Few back then would have braved the stink from the docks or the odor of the cow pastures blanketing the Hill. And it wasn't exactly the safest spot to wander around after dark, given its nearness to the rowdy waterfront. But Moody saw nothing but opportunity.
In 1807, he capitalized on the Hill's panoramic view by building what would become one of Portland's most iconic landmarks - the 82-foot Portland Observatory tower at Congress and North Streets. Three times a day, Moody would tromp up the 103 stairs to the lantern to peer at the ocean with his telescope suspended from the ceiling. Merchants paid Moody to keep an eye on the horizon for incoming boats so they could gather the men necessary to unload when they docked. For a fee, Moody would raise a merchant's flag atop the Observatory when he saw one of their ships.
The business was lucrative, so Moody launched a few spin-off ventures. On his property at the base of the tower, locals could visit a dance hall or a bowling alley. 'A charge of 15 cents is made for the privilege of viewing the harbor and surrounding country,' wrote Moody, 'and no person who has made the investment has reason to regret it.' There is no point in Maine where the view of the sea or land is more delightful."
Earlier today, I asked my mother if she knew anything about Howard C. Reiche or the Reiche family of Portland - she told me she knew quite a bit since she was born and raised in the city along with her two sisters (my aunts) and their parents (my grandmother and grandfather). She told me that my great-grandfather, Herbert P. Simpson, owned H.P. Simpson, which was a business that sold and installed yacht engines in Portland. My mother also told me that Howard C. Reiche was actually a close friend of my great-grandfather's - and, in the summer months my great-grandfather would throw parties at his company that Howard C. Reiche would often attend - where they would make fresh chowder - and, fresh fish would be dropped off at the party freshly caught taken directly off the fishing boat earlier in the day. The annual summer parties were held in the building at the end of a pier in Portland's harbor.
Note: These are a few old photographs from a large collection that my family owns, which show the parties that my great-grandfather would have at his business. Mr. Reiche is marked in each photograph. Also shown below are a few photos of my great-grandfather busy at work at his business.
H.P. Simpson, Portland, ME
Howard C. Reiche at a H.P. Simpson Summer Party on the Waterfront in Portland, ME
Ca. 1960's
Howard C. Reiche at a H.P. Simpson Summer Party on the Waterfront in Portland, ME
Ca. 1960's
Howard C. Reiche at a H.P. Simpson Summer Party on the Waterfront in Portland, ME
Ca. 1960's
My Great-Grandfather, Herbert P. Simpson Inspecting a Boat Engine He Had Just Installed
Ca. Early 1950's
My Great-Grandfather, Herbert P. Simpson with a Shipment of Boat Engines that Just Arrived
This Photo was Taken at H.P. Simpson in Portland, ME in 1953
An Unused Bill-Head from H.P. Simpson - Portland, ME
Here are the details of the jug that I acquired: I am confident that this jug was made somewhere in northern New England; although, since Portland was a major harbor in the nineteenth-century - it is difficult to determine whether this jug is from a local maker or somewhere else. It may also be from a coastal New Hampshire potter, such as those that were employed in Exeter (Lamson and Dodge families) or Portsmouth (Dodge family), but it may also be from a local Maine potter that not much is known about today. For example, the Dodge Pottery operated in Portland for decades in the 1800s - and, very little of this production is known today.
There is a name written on the base of the jug; however, I am unable to make out the last name. The first name reads, 'Owen'. The dealer wasn't positive how the full name read, either.
I have always found it fascinating when cherished family heirlooms, such as paintings and trunks become available in the marketplace. Truthfully, I find it equally compelling when such treasures remain with the family; however, I have also occasionally pondered about my own family history and how utilitarian pottery may have been used by my ancestors. Unfortunately, I cannot be sure how any of it appeared since none is known to exist today; although, this jug can relate since it descended through a man's family in Portland, who had close ties to my mother's side of the family. It's kind of like a new family treasure that I had no idea existed - it's not quite something that has descended through my family, but it is kind of close since Howard C. Reiche and my great-grandfather, Herbert P. Simpson were close friends.
Jug that Descended in Portland, ME
19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Likely Made in Maine or Coastal New Hampshire
Descended Through the Reiche Family of Portland, ME
Ca. 1840-1860
Stands 7 1/4" Tall
View of the Handle
Another View of the Handle
Base is Signed with the Name, 'Owen' But I Can Not Make Out the Last Name
Note: Here is a link to another piece of red earthenware that also descended through the Reiche family of Portland.
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
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