Feeling right at home

To the editor:
    When my wife and I recently told people we were going to Houlton. The response was why. In Maine we told people we were going to Houlton. The response was “The County? … there’s nothing up there.”
    My wife is from Boston and I grew up between Connecticut and New York City. We arrived in Houlton to find not much had changed. Decided at 2 a.m. to drive around and went through Bridgewater (not much change from a photo we saw from 1909), and then to Mars Hill.
    We have a problem with the way Maine and The County is viewed. Everyone and every place has its pros and cons. It seems people see the negative and let me explain the positive. You get off the highway exit in Houlton and it is a different world. People will wave. Pull your car over and they’ll stop to see if you need help. My first encounter with everyone was at the rest area. The man working there asked if I needed help and was eager to help me. When I told him I knew the area the conversation grew. He knew my uncle and he got even warmer. You see I am related to the Spellman, Clark, Kinney, Shaw, Brooker, Rodgers and other families. So, when people from Maine or other states poke fun at The County … I take it personal. I may not visit for years and years. But when I do I know what I will find. Things you can’t find in other places or within other faces.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Brooker
New Hampshire