Longfellow Days – THE COURSEN READINGS, Pt. 1

LONGFELLOW DAYS 2019
A LITERARY LEGACY Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired by earlier poets, both international and local, and his influence on those who followed him was enormous. For our fifteenth year of Longfellow Days, we expand our lens to look at some other 19th-century poets from Maine – some well-known, and others perhaps too easily forgotten.

Sunday, February 3, 1:00 PM • THE COURSEN READINGS, PART ONE
Many superb writers have graced Brunswick and its vicinity through the years. We feature twelve of them in a four-part
Sunday series named for the late poet and Longfellow Days’ friend, Herbert Coursen. Each has been nominated by a poet
from a prior year. We begin with Dawn Potter, Judith Robbins, and Reid Urban. Refreshments. Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library

Other Longfellow Days Events:

Thursday, February 7, 10:30 AM • COMMUNITY POETRY READING AT THORNTON OAKS
This informal gathering is open to everyone, so please bring and share a poem (your own or another’s). Refreshments. Merrymeeting Room, Thornton Oaks, 25 Thornton Way (off Baribeau Drive)

Friday, February 8, 6:30 PM (snow date, February 9) • ANTICIPATING MAINE’S BICENTENNIAL
As we look ahead to Longfellow Days 2020 and a focus on Maine’s 200th birthday, University of Maine Professor Liam
Riordan will offer perspectives on Maine Statehood, including the role of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s relatives in that
history. In partnership with the Pejepscot Historical Society. Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Middle Street

Sunday, February 10, 1:00 PM • THE COURSEN READINGS, PART TWO
Maine poets Mike Bove, Colin Cheney, and Cyndle Plaisted Rials are featured. Refreshments. Fireplace Room, Curtis
Memorial Library

Sunday, February 10, 4:00 PM • IN THE POET’S PARLOUR
John Babin, author and visitor services manager for the Maine Historical Society’s Wadsworth-Longfellow House, will
offer two talks on Longfellow’s literary relationships. The first, this evening, will discuss HWL’s connections with the
Fireside poets and writers such as Nathaniel Hawthorne. Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Middle Street

Saturday, February 16, 11:00 AM • FAMILY MORNING AT THE MOVIES: CAPTAIN JANUARY
Yes, we’re showing a Shirley Temple movie! That’s because Captain January, one of her sweetest, was based on a novel
by Maine’s Laura E. Richards. The author was also renowned for her nonsense poetry for children, over which we’ll twist
our tongues a bit. And Bowdoin College film professor Tricia Welsch will tell us more about Shirley. Smith Auditorium,
Sills Hall, Bowdoin College

Saturday, February 16, 1:00 & 2:00 PM • TOURS OF THE JOSHUA L. CHAMBERLAIN MUSEUM
Longfellow Days and the Pejepscot Historical Society co-host tours of one of Longfellow’s residences in Brunswick – later home to Maine Governor and Civil War General Joshua Chamberlain. 226 Maine Street

Sunday, February 17, 1:00 PM • THE COURSEN READINGS, PART THREE
Come in out of the cold. The Library’s fireplace will be glowing as poets Adrian Blevins, Jason Whitney, and meg willing present their work. Refreshments. Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library Monday, February 18, 7:00 PM • THE POET OF TILBURY TOWN
Gary Lawless, poet and co-owner of Gulf of Maine books, will guide us in an appreciation of Gardiner’s Edwin Arlington Robinson, of Richard Cory fame. Come help us read Robinson’s always interesting, sometimes downbeat, often life-affirming poems aloud. The Brunswick Inn, 165 Park Row

Tuesday, February 19, 2:00 PM • COMMUNITY POETRY READING AT THE HIGHLANDS
Ted and Ruth Bookey host this informal poetry-sharing gathering for the community. Bring your own work or favorites by others. Refreshments. Georgetown Parlor, Maine Lodge, The Highlands, 30 Governors Way, Topsham

Wednesday, February 20, 12:15 PM • LONGFELLOW LEADING THE WAY
John Babin of the Maine Historical Society continues his examination of Longfellow’s literary relationships, highlighting some of the poets who were shaped by the writer and his work. (Perhaps you’re one of them!) This event is part of the Midcoast Senior College’s Winter Wisdom program. Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library

Sunday, February 24, 10:00 AM • LITERARY CHAPEL SERVICE
The focus of this ecumenical service, led by Rev. Sylvia Stocker, is Brunswick poet Robert Peter Tristram Coffin (note exhibit below). Great-nephew James P. Coffin will share poetry and family history. Visit the Bible that Longfellow signed and donated to his church in 1878. Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Middle Street

Sunday, February 24, 1:00 PM • THE COURSEN READINGS, PART FOUR
Our final installment features poets Alan Clark, Thomas Moore, and Mihku Paul. Refreshments. Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library

Wednesday, February 27, 7 PM • HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HENRY
He’s a mere 212 today – and always a party animal. Gary Lawless is back to assist with our everyone’s-welcome poetry open mic. Pam Burr Smith is our featured reader. Add your voice! Come read your work, and enjoy some cake. Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Middle Street