Amy in the Garden

Oh, Maine, how do I love thee? Let me count the signs.

Most signs are practical, sturdy bits of information. We’re Open. We have an ATM machine. We will inspect your car. Other signs show the personality of the author, and pre-date social media. It used to be that wit was local. Now with Facebook and Twitter, and whatever new technology is lurking on tomorrow’s horizon, wit is shared with the universe. Most of it isn’t worthy. There are pearls out there, but they are few and far between. The tsunami of humor on social media makes me appreciate a good bit of signage even more.

I’ve kept a photo album for years of signs that were so funny I had to pull the car over and photograph them. It’s a good collection. “Lawless for District Attorney” (Cape Cod), “Used Furniture and Tropical Fish” (Martinsburg, WV), “No Parking Except for Bob” (Kent, CT), to name a few.

Maine is nothing if not funny. I appreciate this state so very much, because its humor is wry and witty. I’ve been pulling to the side of the road ever since we moved to Damariscotta, and I thought I’d share the collection, so far.

It’s clear: You are welcome here as long you mind your manners:

Three signs from a harbor-side restaurant, with instructions, cautions, and graphic red ink:

This sign is a menu at a wonderful pub, once again making the point that if your family hadn’t settled in by 1604, you’re “from away”:

Here’s one with a nod towards tourists’ expectations:

Here are two signs from the glorious Common Ground Festival, agricultural fair and source of Maine food, practical ideas, and wit:

A sign that truth is often charming:

Evidence that those only lucky enough to be in Maine during the summer, long for it all year:

Truth in Advertising — no promises made that cannot be kept, so don’t arrive too early:

And finally, three signs that tell you where you are. Sort of:

And my favorite for last. What I wouldn’t give to have this be my address:

I keep my camera with me at all time now. Maine is just that good.

WORDS FROM OTHERS
“Wit is educated insolence.”

–Aristotle