New Stuff

Reading local history @ home

Posted on by McArthur Library in New Stuff

Folks who are home during this time are taking the opportunity to catch up on their “To Read” lists – and for many of us that includes local history books! Here are 3 which you can access fully online…

A History and Stories of Biddeford by Dane Yorke (McArthur Public Library, 1994). Published in late 1940’s, this book has some dated points-of-view, especially the Native American narratives. However the timeline, index, and overall simple writing and storytelling make this a continued go-to for a pre-WWII overview of Biddeford.

A Brief History of Biddeford by Emma R. Bouthillette (History Press, 2017). The most up-to-date local history work on Biddeford, it updates and dives into the details of Biddeford history, as well as bridging the gap post-WWII left by the Yorke book.

Images of America: Biddeford by Charles L. Butler (Arcadia Publishing, 2003). The “best-of-the-best” tour of numerous local photograph collections by an imminent Biddeford historian. With rich details and excellent storytelling, this book is a lovely walk through Biddeford’s highlights.

ONLINE ACCESS PROVIDED BY…

  • “A History and Stories of Biddeford” is made available to read online or download to your device of choice! Posted with permission of McArthur Public Library.
  • All other titles on this post made available by the publisher(s): Arcadia Publishing and The History Press.
  • *While Arcadia Publishing/The History Press graciously allow readers to view their materials in full on their website, please do consider purchasing the books that you love to support the authors and their work, if it’s within your means.
  • HAPPY LEARNING AND READING!!
Folks reading, sewing
Image 927. Painting Lesson, 1887 (McArthur Library collections)

LOOKING FOR MORE? These topical books aren’t about Biddeford specifically, but you will find Biddeford stories in both. If you are interested in a topic not found here, send us an email and we’ll see what we can find for you! Many of the newest titles are not available online so we’ll do our best.

FRANCO-AMERICANS OF MAINE by Dyke Hendricksen

IMAGES OF AMERICA: MAINE’S JEWISH HERITAGE by Abraham J. Peck and Jean M. Peck