Moxie!

As we reach the weekend that follows 4th-of-July weekend, it’s time to celebrate Maine’s own and much-loved Moxie! Moxie Fest is this weekend, as always, in Lisbon Falls, Maine. In fact, the root beer-like soda, invented in 1884 by Dr. Augustin Thompson (of Union, Maine), was declared the Maine State Beverage in 2005. Maine is surely the heart of Moxie country, and we all know that Maine libraries have moxie!

Moxie and Monument Square, with the Library at center.

To help celebrate the annual Moxie Festival, here are some images to encourage the enjoyment and study (yes, research is enjoyable, too!) of the fabled 19th century remedy / modern soft drink.

Moxie can surely be researched in the Portland Room, which produces the Maine News Index, navigating through microfilmed newspapers and hardcopy local periodical imprints.

As well, here are 2 popular Moxie references we have here in the Library:

Snapshots from the Moxie Parade, in 2011

The Moxie Mobile, which is actually steered from a “horseback” seat!

Moxie Man stopped long enough for me to take his picture- and to offer his prescription to cure all that ails!

All of Lisbon Falls gets into the spirit !

During Moxie Fest, the Kennebec Fruit Company (the Moxie birthplace store) serves Moxie ice cream and splendid Moxie floats.

From the Portland Public Library Archives

Checking out the Moxie supply, in 1947.

Moxie Fest, in 1984. Reading up on the goods!

Moxie Fest, 1984. At the wheel of the Moxie Mobile.

Moxie Fest, 1984. Moxie expert, Mr. Frank Anicetti, packing up a purchase at Kennebec Fruit Company store.

Willie Nelson, playing a concert at Portland’s Cumberland County Civic Center, June 21, 1985. Willie’s Moxie hat tells us he knows what’s what!

Have a Wicked Good Weekend !

Whether you’re writing, reading, or enjoying parades and the outdoors, enjoy-

and know you’re always welcome at the Portland Public Library !