I use old newspapers to learn what people were thinking about at a certain time and place. The first issue of each season of the Kennebunks summer newspapers is especially enlightening because it was devoted to describing everything that had changed since the last issue of the previous season. July 2,1938 High Tide covered some notable changes.

The Bath Houses at Gooch’s Beach were torn down and rebuilt.

“Newest asset to Kennebunk Beach and Kennebunkport are the super Seaside Bath Houses at Gooch’s Beach which open next Monday, surpassing anything of their kind in Maine. Built by Rufus Twambly of Kennebunkport and designed by William Armitage of South Portland, they present the most imposing structure on the coast with a large lobby or central building for the comfort of bathers who want a warm fireplace after their dip, an easy chair, a place to buy candy or soft drinks, or maybe a shower. As well as a life guard and life boat, bathers will also have the use of surf boards, umbrellas and beach chairs, and courts in the rear for sun bathing if desired. The old, original bath houses (removed about two months ago in almost hurricane style) were built in part by Isaac Gooch some forty years ago, were later rented to Edward Towne, and thence to his son-in-law, Edward Parker, who managed them up to this year.”

A permanent Nonantum Lighthouse was erected.

“Most apparent asset to Kennebunkport is the new white lighthouse erected on the shore of the Kennebunk by the Nonantum through the effort od Mr. Felix Bridger. People will recall that Mr. Bridger has made good his promise to someday make the carnival light a permanent fixture.”

A new Historical Map of the Kennebunks was published.

“Hot on the heels of Kenneth Roberts’ “Trending into Maine,” comes a new map of the Kennebunks done by Instructor George K. Sanborn of Andover Academy; one more chapter for the archives of Kennebunkport; one more thrill for those familiar with the locality.”

We still occasionally sell copies of George Sanborn’s 1938 maps at the Kennebunkport Historical Society.