Bruce Joule retired from the Department of Marine Resources in 2018. But he didn’t entirely retire from everything, just DMR. Now he is helping the Southport Historical Society and Museum with new ways to invite people to visit the wonderful collection that recalls Southport’s past, people and places. And I gotta admit, it’s a fascinating and extraordinary adventure. I had no idea that things were as they were back in the day!

Evelyn Sherman, over the years, has been very active in the creation and management of the museum collection. She and many others have contributed countless hours of beneficial support. Whether you are from here or from somewhere else, the history of this island is truly amazing.

Back in the winter Bruce contacted me about the idea of doing a small project for the museum which would show the island as it was many years ago compared to how things are now. He asked me if I might help with making current photographs of specific areas on the island that would match up with old views well represented in archives assembled over the years by museum supporters. I was honored to be asked and set about with Bruce to select some images to replicate. Its been an amazing project for me, and now its ready to be seen by you!

Bruce used scans of old photos held in the museum collection to reproduce about 20 11” x 17” prints and I used my handy dandy Canon digital camera to make photographs that would show the old areas in new light. The changes, as you might guess, are significant and quite interesting to see. The exhibit occupies a small space in a room that houses the remains of the Cape Newagen post office. The display allows the viewer to see many comparative views simultaneously. I had no idea the island was actually three distinct “towns,” i.e., Cape Newagen, East Southport and West Southport, all with gas stations, unique post offices, a bus station, boat landings and general stores. And the number of rooming places for visitors was mind boggling! The ‘Casino” which sat at the Southport end of the swing bridge was huge And hard to imagine when one looks at the space it once occupied! Southport Island was a very busy place, especially in summer.

Stop by sometime. You won’t be disappointed and you just might get to visit with Bruce and Evelyn who can fill you in on much more of the island history, Other volunteers are also well informed and very willing to share their knowledge of what was then and what is now.

Southport’s Hendricks Hill Museum visiting hours are: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, July and August; 5:30-7:30 p.m., first and third Tuesdays of the month, July and August; Saturdays in September. Phone: 207-633-1102. The physical address is 419 Hendricks Hill Road.