“The Great Portland Fire of 1866 destroyed much of the city, but locals eventually rebuilt and carried on, in the best tradition of the American can-do spirit,” reads an unsigned Monday (6/27) article in the Portland Press Herald (Maine). “On Monday, two Portland Independence Day celebrations will recognize the 150th anniversary of the fire. The Maine Historical Society will offer walking tours of the fire route, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra will play music selected to commemorate the dramatic event, as prelude to a fireworks show…. Visitors can view the new exhibition ‘Images of Destruction: Remembering the Great Portland Fire of 1866,’ featuring objects that survived the fire and art depicting the fire.… Later on Monday, the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration, ‘The Stars and Stripes Spectacular,’ will take place on the Eastern Promenade. The Portland Symphony Orchestra will begin a selection of patriotic tunes at 7:40 p.m. with the fireworks show starting at around 9:20 p.m…. Music Director Robert Moody said he chose this year’s music to commemorate the dramatic fire. Selections will include ‘1984 Olympic Fanfare and Theme’ and a compilation of music from the newest ‘Star Wars’ film plus ‘Stars and Stripes Forever.’ ”
Posted July 28, 2016
