A bold and daring folk flocked into the Freeport region about 175 years ago, itching to establish themselves. A mixed ethnicity hauled in with it a diversity of skills and burning ambition. The broad influence of the settlers' European ethics--hard work, frugality, and faith--has persisted through Freeport's maturity. The vast number of innovative industries, coupled with a passion for education and the finer things of life--not to mention a zest for plain old fun--all testify to the city's colorful past. Freeport industries have infiltrated world markets with name brands in windmills, engines, automobiles, tires, batteries, switches, beers, toys, patent medicines, household furnishings, and animal feeds, to name a few. Something is always going on in Freeport. Fueling this are a community college, vibrant public and parochial school systems, churches, service organizations, and a network for artistic tastes with museums, community theater, and concert series.

There have always been two Freeports: the image presented to outsiders, and the vital, quirky life enjoyed by residents of this small town in Maine. Once part of ancient North Yarmouth, Freeport was “set off” and incorporated in 1789, making it the sixty-fourth town in what would become Maine in 1820. Photographs have chronicled Freeport's daily life, her changing images, and the milestones of transportation which have pushed her forward. From E.B. Mallet's manufacturing and retail empire to that of L.L. Bean, from South Freeport's shipbuilding and canning industries to the arrival of the summer visitors, there are vivid images which capture both the public and private lives of historic Freeport, and there are photographs of great beauty which chronicle the special character of beloved landscapes.

From baymen and oysters to thespians and the LIGHT club, journey through over 300 years of Freeport's history in this photographic tale. Founded in the mid-1650s, Freeport was originally a hamlet of farmers and baymen and was famous for its oysters. In the late 1880s, developers John J. Randall and his partner, William G. Miller, increased their real estate acreage by filling the lowlands from canals, such as Woodcleft and Randall's Bay. Hotels sprung up, and Freeport became a popular destination, drawing the rich and famous to the area's beautiful beaches and seaside activities. Entertainers found Freeport a perfect place to relax, so in the early 20th century they formed the Long Island Good Hearted Thespian Society (LIGHTS) Club and erected a world-famous clubhouse. Along with a rich entertainment history, boating and fishing (both sport and commercial) abound here. The Nautical Mile is a working port with docks for commercial fishing boats, boat dealers, boutiques, and fabulous restaurants.