Economic woes have hit this college town, which is also facing the shut down of its naval air station in 2010.
Grand City, the downtown Woolworth-like department store and restaurant is slated to close by year’s end. It’s been a Maine Street institution for ages and a gathering spot for many, who enjoyed the inexpensive fare and friendly service in its restaurant.
Already gone is another long-time favorite, Bookland, which has been selling books here since 1974. Like Grand City, it, too, had a cafe, although a fancier and pricier one, and it, too, doubled as a community meeting spot. I really hate to see the loss of an independent bookstore. Maine is still blessed with many, but their not faring well in the age of Amazon and the big box retailers.
