L.L. Bean Catalog, 1994

I had scanned in some pages from a 1994 L.L. Bean catalog that was hidden in our bookcase a handful of years back.  And as I came across these scans today,  I thought it might be interesting to see if any of the items from 32 years ago were still as good today.  I grabbed some links of the same, or similar, items for comparison.

• Women's Premium Double L Polo, Short-Sleeve Relaxed Fit
• Premium Double L Polo
• Men's Premium Double L Polo, Banded Short-Sleeve, Tipped
• Men's Premium Double L® Polo, Hemmed Short-Sleeve with Pocket
• Men's Premium Double L Polo, Long-Sleeve Without Pocket

Steele Canvas - 250th Anniversary Edition

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

Steele Canvas launched this summer their new Icon collection, celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary, and did it brilliantly.  It is made of an especially good shade of Navy, and of the tough all cotton canvas for which they are known. I honestly cannot imagine a tougher canvas duffle bag, with a big rugged zipper, a duffle that will indeed last decades. 

All made in Massachusetts.

• Medium Canvas Tote Bag, 250th Anniversary Edition

• Canvas Duffle Bag, 250th Anniversary Edition

• Full Icon Collection

They also offer this style in two of their popular and useful trucks, including the 3 Bushel truck below. 

• Canvas Elevated Truck, 250th Anniversary Edition 

 

Branford, Connecticut's Thimble Islands (repost)

All Photos of/by Muffy Aldrich

Branford, Connecticut's Thimble Islands, a collection of islands adjacent to Stony Creek, is worth experiencing for its unique geography, structures, and culture.  

Those Lazy, Hazy Summer Days

Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich

 

 

June on Wheels

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

 

A Reader Question: What goes in your G&T?

 A reader question:

Dear Muffy,

On the assumption that I'm not the only one of your readers that enjoys a gin & tonic, what is their favourite "slice" or for that matter "wedge". I personally prefer lime, but I have a dear friend who likes orange, which is not something I've seen anyone else do. If it's not lime, it's usually lemon. Any thoughts?

Kind regards

Camp Moc vs Blucher Moc vs Boat Shoe

Shorts (A Summer Solstice Repost)

Photos by Salt Water New England

Questions for the Community:

Where do you get your shorts?  Do you have a favorite source or do you treat them more as a commodity?  For colors and styles, what are the "must haves" and deal breakers?

 

What do Colby College, Linda Bean, and a Tishman have in Common? Saving Port Clyde, Maine

Photo by Salt Water New England 

In the New York Times:

Colby College, about 90 minutes away in Waterville, and a construction magnate with a hefty foundation have joined forces in an unusual environmental initiative aimed at reviving Port Clyde and then some... Colby’s plans would expand Port Clyde from a town almost exclusively dependent on tourism, fishing and the arts to an academic and research center aimed at helping to find remedies for natural disasters and climate change nationwide. The initiative, if successful, would change not only the economics of Port Clyde but also its cultural and physical fabric. 

- A Town With Wyeth Ties Plans a Comeback From Disaster <https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/19/business/colby-college-port-clyde-maine-waterfront.html> 

Our 2012 Photos of Port Clyde, Maine, Before the Devasting Fire of Almost Three Years Ago: