Word.Hunt

Each of these clues is inspired by a Maine author or artist, and each clue leads you to words on a plaque, building, or monument in Blue Hill town center. Print this list of clues out, or pick up a printed copy at Blue Hill Books, and fill in the answers. Feel free to use Google or any other research assistance you’d like. When you’re done, drop off the completed answer sheet at Blue Hill Books, or email us your answers at word.bluehill@gmail.com. You can type your answers into a message, or email us photos of your answer sheet. All entries must be received by 5:00 pm on Saturday, October 25th. On Monday, the winner of a random drawing of completed entries will win a Word tote bag and a gift certificate to Blue Hill Books. Send us photos of your solutions and we may feature them on our web site and Facebook page!

1. Consult your almanack, wait for the mist to clear, and then head to the building where this writer shepherded townsfolk from 1986 to 2014. The sign to the right of the front door will tell you what the building is and when it was built. 

Writer                                                   Words on Sign                                                                

2. This Maine poet laureate wrote a “Prayer for Joy” when he found a “J” in his alphabet soup. Turn that letter upside down, and then look for it in the skillful grip of another man whose endurance, strength, speed and grace are honored by a sculpture somewhere in town.

Poet                            Name of honored man (and sculpture)                      Sculptor

3. A poem written by this Rockland-born poet of yore contains the name of this special place. It’s almost at the end of her Journey, just three feet in, and near a silver lake. Once you find the name of the place, you'll see it all over town. Give us one example.

Writer                                        Place name                                  Where did you find it?

4. Born in Blue Hill in 1887, this author’s most famous novel will blow you away. Find the sculpture whose name (on a plaque) includes the first syllable of this novel’s blustery two-syllable title. 

Writer                     Title of novel                  Location and full name of sculpture

5. Sal didn’t come here for fellowship and pancake breakfasts, but the odd groan she made when she realized she’d lost her tooth sounds an awful lot like the four letters on its building. 

Building                          Letters on building                       Writer who told Sal’s story                        

6. These four words from John 14:6 will guide you to this sculptor’s rocky creation—a piece of art whose title (on its plaque) echoes these biblical words.  (Hint: A lot of kids pass it every day!)

Artist                                    Title of sculpture                             Location

7. The plot of this prolific Maine writer’s 1978 novel about a deadly virus feels eerily prescient at this tiring time.  If you find yourself Flagg-ing, take a seat and rest on this lovely park bench (and memorial)—and find half the novel’s title carved into it.

Writer                       Novel                          Location of bench and person it commemorates

8. They say that “One man’s _______ is another man’s poison.” The title of this beloved Brooklin writer’s essay collection was inspired by the first part of this saying.  Can you fill in the blank and find the word somewhere in town? 

Writer                            Missing Word                              Where did you find it?

9.  It isn’t a Reach to say that this Deer Isle/Portland poet is a favorite both Here and Away. Her new collection of poems is sure to catch on as well. Can you find its title's last word somewhere in town?

Writer                                 Word                                         Where did you find it?