South Berwick, Maine is a town rich in history and surrounded by voices from the past.  Here were written the stories of Gladys Hasty Carroll, here are the streets where Sarah Orne Jewett meandered.  The Hamilton House sits still in majestic splendor for all to enjoy.  The first site for waterpower in North America, and the first cow landed here from overseas.  It is the responsibility of the residents of our town to preserve the memories of the past for future generations.  Those memories are now threatened by progress and greed.

                  Hello you wonderful old building and loan.  Hello,  hello.  Who can forget Jimmy Stuarts character George Bailey’s  exhilarating run down Main Street as he realized the town he loved wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for him.  The angel said,  “one man’s life affects many others.”  His hard work and determination had prevented his beloved town from becoming the decadant Pottersville we all remember.

                  What will South Berwick be like in 10, 20, 30 years?  What sort of legacy will we leave our children and grandchildren, and our ancestors?  Will the strength and flavor of our town’s character be lost to progress?  Several of our historic buildings are being threatened by the bulldozers in order to build a chain store on Main Street.  Will a chain store fit in with the personality of our town, and how will it directly affect the businesses along Main Street? 

                  A group of people are working together with the Historical Society to prevent the demolition of these valuable old buildings, and the construction of a chain store in the middle of our town.  These people believe that a chain store would be better located on Rte. 236, or elsewhere out of the center of town.  New business is welcomed with open arms in South Berwick.  We need it, and we want it.  But please, not to the detriment of the beauty and esthetic quality of our town core.  A person’s heritage and history are an important part of their way of life, and the teachings of their children.  When our children Hike through History next year, lets not leave them with a legacy of Pottersville, but the strength and beauty of our Yankee past. 

                  Please join us in protesting this destruction of beautiful historic homes in our town.  Contact your local historical society and ask what you can do to help.  Your ancestors and your descendents are counting on you today.  Thank you.