Those who are fortunate enough to have grown up in Maine know that it has a way of life and sense of humor unlike anywhere else. Spend time on a lobster boat with Roy Fairfield or Tim Sample, or on Echo Farm in Auburn as Dave Sargent relates it. Phil Candelmo talks about life in Portland during World War II, and Luthera Burton Dawson teaches us a bit of "Mainespeak." These are only a few of the stories told here and of the thousands cherished by Mainers. If you have ever wondered what it was like to live in Maine's bygone days, follow along with our contributors and see what tales they have to tell about this state's unique spirit.