The smell of spent welding rods, WD-40, and
decades of baitfish combined with the sight of
oars, outboards, and slickers. That is the
Paul's Marina I remember best. A series of
sheds and shacks nailed together to give the
appearance of a single one-story building.
While my sister may remember the desk and
freezer I remember the drill press and cutting
torch. There could be no better environment
in which a Maine Boy could spend his
childhood.
Hard work pays off. Even if it is not broke, try
to fix it (everything needs improvement).
Service above Self. Hurricanes always hit at
high tide. And if you cannot tie a good knot, tie
plenty of them. These edicts are just a few of
the life lessons I have taken from the bow and
stern lines to the flight lines.
I spent most of the time working at the Marina
during challenging times. I watched my
grandfather (Pepe) battle Mother Nature, the
Economy, and Cancer. He solidly proved
tenacity could defeat two of the three. In the
early eighties I worked the docks and learned
the art of the Marina. These lessons were fast
and succinct for we knew the tiller would soon
be passed to the next generation.
In the early 1980s all indications were I was to
carry on the trade, until I heard the call for "A Few
Good Men". Now, with just over 16 years in the
Marine Corps my memories have faded ever so
slightly. (I still remember never to shackle without
safety wire...) Today, my parents carry on with
the tenacity of their predecessor tempered with
imagination. 25 years ago, who would have
believed you could enjoy fresh ice cream,
sandwiches, soup, fresh coffee, and lobster rolls
on Mere Pt. The Marina has grown beyond my
belief but yet the people have not changed in its
60 years.
While the faces have changed and some of the
names of changed, the character of the patron
has remained true to course. It is the patrons that
have changed "Paul's Marina" to "The Marina."
Their support and loyalty have set this small
coastal business apart from all others, their
support and loyalty extents well beyond credit
card receipts. I have many memories and have
heard the recounts of all the patrons have done
for this small family business. Their combined
efforts have made "The Marina" better than the
efforts of one man or just one family. Although I
will be on the other side of the globe on the
Anniversary Celebration I join my sister and
parents in saying Thank-You to you all.
Semper Fi
Damien M Marsh
Major US Marines
HMM-262 "Flying Tigers"
