2020-2021 Visitor's Guide

HOLLYWOODLAND 1917 Born in Portland in 1894, John “Bull” Feeney’s true success came after he changed his name to John Ford and began directing movies. Universal Studios gave Ford the opportunity to direct his first feature film, Straight Shooting , in 1917. The rest is Hollywood history. Considered one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation, Ford directed more than 140 films in his career spanning over 50 years. A statue of Ford oversees his city from a director’s chair, near the location of his father’s speakeasy where he worked in his youth—at the intersection of Danforth, Pleasant, Fore, and Union streets. Bull Feeney’s Irish pub, named in his honor, is down Fore Street in the heart of the Old Port, not far from the memorial. But Ford was only the first of many Portlanders

who found success in Tinseltown, including Anna Kendrick , Liv Tyler , and Judd Nelson .

STATE OF THE STATE 1929 Opulent and state-of-the-art in 1929, The State Theatre catered to movies, performances, plays, and concerts. In the 1970s when other theatres were torn down, showing pornographic films ultimately saved this elegant hall from the wrecking ball. The State was restored and reopened in 2010 by a NYC concert promoter. The historic 1,820-seat venue has renewed life as one of the most decorative performance spaces in northern New England. (More on p. 20)

FIRST STATE PARK 1939

Bradbury Mountain became the region’s original state park in 1939. Rising to an elevation of 407 ft., the peak is surrounded by 800 acres of forested land and offers a perch for migratory birds. And with Freeport’s L.L.Bean close by, outdoor supplies are convenient for people staying at the campground at Bradbury’s base. Six additional state parks are now located in Greater Portland, offering easy access to unspoiled nature throughout the region to enjoy forests, beaches, island trails, and open fields. (More on p. 28)

PHOTOS, FROM LEFT: ROBERT WITKOWSKI (2); TIM GREENWAY

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