I would wager that few people know their state’s etching on the flip side of the quarter. About ten years ago, the United States Bureau of the Mint decided George needed a rest from the ubiquitous eagle. So every state was asked to provide an alternative representing its own special grandeur, natural treasure or other uniqueness. For sure, I had no clue about Maine’s submission, until today. Drum roll…. it is Pemaquid Point that adorns General Washington on his back side. Two girl friends, a gentleman friend and I ventured forth to this point at the end of one of the many peninsulas jutting into the ocean – for reference it is 60 miles south of Belfast and near Booth Bay Harbor and Wiscasset. (Maybe a map would be handy!)
Pemaquid Point is spectacularly beautiful with rugged, rocky shores, steep ledges, and pounding waves; it ideally represents the splendor of Maine’s shoreline. I can see why Maine wished to be represented on the quarter by this place. The point is equipped with one of the 60 plus light houses that dot the coastline; visitors can climb to the top for an even more splendid view. A museum completes Lighthouse Park at Pemaquid Point. I asked the attendant if we could get one of the quarters – sure, for $5.00 wrapped prettily in a blue cellophane. Well, our group decided to forgo that treat and just hope we come across one in general circulation. BTW, the Mint issued these quarters in numbers proportionate to the state’s population, so getting one of the Maine quarters any time soon is not a foregone conclusion.
View from the lighthouse
Three babes: JoJo, Mary and Diana at Pemaquid
After our rugged day on the coast, the four of us repaired to Shaw’s Wharf in nearby New Harbor for a Maine meal of lobster, clams and sweet potato french fries. And of course a cold one.
Later,
Diana
Still three babes - at the bar!
