Two passionate champions of The County
BUG GUTS & BEAUTY
Spring begins a new page as it leaves behind the soiled snow of winter. In The County it is a remarkable moment when the world stands still, blinks and begins again to start new ideas and pay homage to those who have gone ahead. Flowers, trees and grass are all itching to grow and if the temperatures hold steady green will soon replace the white and browns of the neighborhood.
In this pause before the rush it pays well to remember those who brought a bit of joy and happiness to us all.
There are many fantastic photographers in Aroostook County. Photography was not an easy trade to learn. At one time it was a magical feast. Point a box at an object, press a button, roll the film forward, repeat until no more film. Take this down to the shop and surrender it. At the shop the film is in total darkness where it’s washed, cooked, and washed again. Like magic, pictures appear.
Faster than paint drying on canvas people can savor memories good and bad; perhaps passing on the lessons learned to new generations. Heroic photographers are able to capture a moment giving it voice and value. The County says goodbye to one of its major photographers this spring. For almost 70 years his snaps marked milestones of joy and sorrow.
Voscar always had a camera with him. That’s how we knew him. His hat on his head and a collection of clickers, shutters, flashes, bulbs and rolls of film he sought to share the beauty that makes this a special place.
He shared his vision of The County with thousands, graduating from simple snaps into the practiced eye of an artist. Yearbooks, brochures, and books showcase some of those moments and each has its own story. If one loved photography and were curious about the more mystical magic of the art, then Voscar was willing to offer sage words on the images at hand. Simple snaps went around the world. All speaking volumes about the beauty that makes Aroostook County a great place to grow. Poorer for losing such a light, richer for having had the privilege of knowing the artist.
Art is not always in a painting or photograph. At one time medicine was considered an art. The magic of mending life, making it better, and helping the world to keep going was considered art. Medicine walks that fine line between. To the rhythm of a drum that beats from the moment we are alive to the moment we pass to another plane, medicine calls out the art of living. It is not an easy calling, medicine.
Dr. Hamlin was just as passionate about The County. And in a small way he is part of my own history. Like so many family stories lost to time it takes some other incident to bring it to mind. While rehabilitating a leg with exercises I renewed a friendship with a former teacher and Dr. Hamlin. Dr. Hamlin had been in the same medical program my dad was in at the University of Vermont, Burlington. He had had a small role in encouraging my father to see my mother. Lucky moment when the fates conspire.
The Gould hospital staff invited Dr. Hamlin to come to the community. In that first visit the doctors’ wives helped to organize meetings and events designed to encourage the candidate to come to the Star City. My mother was one of the hostesses for the events and ferried him and family around the city. Presque Isle welcomed the new practice and 50 years later there is much to show for the friendship. Thanks to Dr. Hamlin’s support and encouragement the city continues to have a quality library that is accessible to all.
Narcissuses, hyacinths, and crocuses are now beginning to bloom. In mythology the flowers have their own tales of sorrow and joy. While we mourn the passing of two passionate champions of The County we also celebrate their humble gifts. To capture the moment of sunrise on a new day and salve the pain of illness; to encourage exploration and admiration, these are gifts that will continue long after this spring becomes only a photograph.
Orpheus Allison is a photojournalist living in The County who graduated from UMPI and earned a master of liberal arts degree from the University of North Carolina. He began his journalism career at WAGM television later working in many different areas of the US. After 20 years of television he changed careers and taught in China and Korea.
