Cold War Relics, Maine is full of them!!!

[mwilson]

I have discovered in the last few years just how many military installations there were in the State Of Maine during the cold war.

Our location made it ideal for radar, missile and long range bomber facilities.



This gentleman has created a website dealing with the locations of the decommisioned locations and as we were touring the Columbia Falls area I remembered reading about this one.

http://coldwarrelics.com/



Three receiving antennas for the Over the Horizon Backscatter Radar that are each 5000 feet long!!! Straight as an arrow..... They are dismantiling one for scrap but right now the other two stand in as used condition.

Please remember that these are back in the blueberry fields out in the middle of nowhere, you come onto paved roads, drainage, drilled wells, fire hydrants, etc. I can't even start to imagine the construction costs.

This is me performing a B&E to get a close look.



The towers are at least 75 feet tall, the wire that you see comes down where I am standing, hits the ground and the goes across the open area all the way to the far fence!!!!!!

I will add more to this as I get time, composing this at a campsite picnic table and right now it is taking too much concentration... :-laf

!!!



Mike.

 

[jgillott]

Those are some excellent pictures. I wonder if our future generations will appreciate the magnitude of the Cold War times as the years pass. There was a story on the History channel or a similar station a few years ago that talked about a military installation near us here that I never knew about, even growing up here as a kid. The complex was mostly underground and the only thing they showed were hundreds of feet of chain link and razor wire over grown in the middle of the woods. I can only imagine what went on in that place.

On edit: I think the one near us was called a Nike Site PI-37.

 

[HBarlow]

Will future generations appreciate the Cold War?

Hell no. The younger generation right now coming out of high school or college doesn't know the difference between the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Cold War, Iraq I, Iraq II, Afghanistan, and Disneyland and they have no interest.

Much of the current early 20-something generation is interested in their genitalia, cell phone, I pad, big gulps at the convenience store, and fast food.

 

[Buffalo]

I'm 66 now, & when I was growing up in Detroit, MI. , there was a Nike Missle Site right in a park about 2 miles from my home. It was in Rouge Park just on the north side of Joy Rd. , on the far west side of the city. I remember how beautiful those missle's were on their launch pads (devices). As I recall, they were pointed to the East.



Joe F.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Mike



Not to far from you in Caribou Maine was Loring AFB that I had the pleasure to stay at, Maine is a treasure that not many have explored and you and the other Maniacs :-laf are grateful of that im sure. Loring was a SAC base Long range Bombers were the main reason I thought. Went snowmobiling one time and found a place that went on for miles and miles that had nothing but missile silos East Base Loring. Next thing we knew we were surrounded by armed security police helicopters and having our A** kicked and no one was going to stop it. Took us in and finally let us go because we were on the same team. I asked my neighbor in base housing about east base he was in telephones and took care of ADT alarms out there. He said that the ones in the mounds of the silos aren't the big deal it was the ones that the ground opens up and a launch platform appears are the ones that you have to worry about. It didn't dawn on me but Russia is just right over the TOP and not to far away.

 

[jhenderson]

When my Uncle Walter worked at Loring he was the highest rated civilian on the base. Many a time I would go up for a hunting or fishing trip to Alagash, only to have the phone ring the night before we were supposed to leave. He would have to be on a plane the next morning for Greenland or Iceland , or somewhere he couldn't even tell me about. The good thing is, they were usually only 1 day trips and he always got a little extra time off to make up for short notice. He was a flight mechanic, and spent a lot of time working on B52's . I still remember watching them fly over his house in Fort Fairfield. That is part of the reason I fly today.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Those air crews had a rough row to hoe they spent as much time with each other as with their families. Where you go they all go.

 

[JR]

Will future generations appreciate the Cold War?



Hell no. The younger generation right now coming out of high school or college doesn't know the difference between the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Cold War, Iraq I, Iraq II, Afghanistan, and Disneyland and they have no interest.



Much of the current early 20-something generation is interested in their genitalia, cell phone, I pad, big gulps at the convenience store, and fast food.

Well Im in my early 30s and I think its safe to say Im still interested in my genitalia, or more importantly what I do with it at night :-laf. As for the rest of the new technology, Im not too interested in any of that. My grandfather was thrown on the front lines in Germany when he was 17 yrs old. As I grew up through the years, he occasionally would share a story or two with me about his experiences in the war. As I became older, some of the stories became more and more graphic. Ive got nothing but respect for war veterans, past and present. Theyve seen and done things that nobody should ever have to do. As I drew closer to graduating high school, joining the military was always a strong consideration for me, mainly because I wanted to make my grandfather and uncles who served proud. But I had family that was in the iron worker trade, and the potential thrills of working at heights and the money influenced my decision and I ended up following them. I put my nose to the grind for 13 years and made a good living to boot. Eventually landed my "dream job", at which I will probably retire from. It pays well, exc benefits, exc pension, and about as stable and secure as I could ask for given todays economy. The point of my babbling is not to ruffle any feathers Im just sayin us young pipsqueaks arent ALL bad, even though it seems we are trending more and more in that direction. As I am a father of 2, I am understanding more and more that it really does start with the parents. I was raised with "tough love" from my pops and I can appreciate what he did for me and I give my boys the same love despite looks I get from other parents at times. Im not shy in the least to correct my kids if theyre wrong wether in public or not. As far as how much correction, the punishment fits the crime. This is a new concept for many parents, and it shows as the kids get older and figure out they are the boss.

 

[mrtrombley]

I worked in Eastern Mass in the mid 80's. I remember seeing some Anti Ballistic Missle sites hidden in areas NE of the Boston area.

Do you remember LAUGH IN ? They used to run those humorous banners across the bottom of the TV screen. I laughed when they did a play on words with "A. B. M. feels good". Get it??

 

[BIGNASTY]

Well Im in my early 30s and I think its safe to say Im still interested in my genitalia, or more importantly what I do with it at night :-laf. As for the rest of the new technology, Im not too interested in any of that. My grandfather was thrown on the front lines in Germany when he was 17 yrs old. As I grew up through the years, he occasionally would share a story or two with me about his experiences in the war. As I became older, some of the stories became more and more graphic. Ive got nothing but respect for war veterans, past and present. Theyve seen and done things that nobody should ever have to do. As I drew closer to graduating high school, joining the military was always a strong consideration for me, mainly because I wanted to make my grandfather and uncles who served proud. But I had family that was in the iron worker trade, and the potential thrills of working at heights and the money influenced my decision and I ended up following them. I put my nose to the grind for 13 years and made a good living to boot. Eventually landed my "dream job", at which I will probably retire from. It pays well, exc benefits, exc pension, and about as stable and secure as I could ask for given todays economy. The point of my babbling is not to ruffle any feathers Im just sayin us young pipsqueaks arent ALL bad, even though it seems we are trending more and more in that direction. As I am a father of 2, I am understanding more and more that it really does start with the parents. I was raised with "tough love" from my pops and I can appreciate what he did for me and I give my boys the same love despite looks I get from other parents at times. Im not shy in the least to correct my kids if theyre wrong wether in public or not. As far as how much correction, the punishment fits the crime. This is a new concept for many parents, and it shows as the kids get older and figure out they are the boss.

I have to agree We have 13 Nieces and Nephews in our clan. Not all but most have become productive members of society I dont know of many that can bat 1000%. The schools are a joke today most of the parents dont take the time to work with their kids at home and then when the kids come up short on test scores ITS THE SCHOOLS FAULT. The reason that I find the schools at fault is instead of leaving the test results the same they just lower the standards to make more pass to make the district look good. I dont blame parents for home schooling except for the social contact that isn't as much or as varied as public schools the curriculum is better and better taught.



Both of our children have done pretty well the Son just moved from Ca to MT. He asked about it he was told that we would support his choice anyway we can but in today's job market is it a wise choice? He came to MT and went to 4 hospitals that didn't even have a job opening in his field he filled out a job app and gave them a resume 3 of the 4 called him with a job offer. And both attended public schools,but had help from home, NO Dresslered not as much from me but Mom just to make that clear. I like to think I gave them the thought that your going to work so make the best of it. So IMO someone that generalises that all young people have a problem with their JIMMY and electronics must have had a very limited child rearing experience with there own children. And it shows in his inability to converse with others in a civilized manner yelling and screaming your opinion to the point of submission is not communication its just ignorance.

 

[BIGNASTY]

D4L im 59 and dont wait until nite to think with my JIMMY!!!DAYLIGHT IN THE FIELD,BARN HAY LOFT, SHOP or even some place as mundane as any room in the house or on the deck outside is fine with me and mine COURSE WE ARE EMPTY NESTERS and I dont need any electronics Oo.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Mike,

Thanks for sharing. While I was never stationed in ME, it was on my dreamsheet. OK, so some say I was nuts... On the list... Minot, Ellsworth, Loring, K I Sawyer, Altus, Greenland, Alaska, among other cold, isolated locations. Well... I got CA - thrice - Beale, Norton (non-SAC) and Castle (The BX had a t-shirt that said "Castle AFB - 20 miles to water, 2 miles to hell" - I thought: "Who'd I tick off to get this assignment" Wasn't bad at all) then finally got AK - Uh, Shemya . Sheesh... Ain't no BUFFs there. Not quite what I was expecting - but - uh - still a fun mission. At least it was SAC. Having been SAC-umcised from day one in the AF, I found many of the other SAC bases had mirrored facilities. Sure brought back some good memories seeing your pictures and the pics in the link you supplied. Sad to see them in such lonely disrepair, contrasting from the former bustling 24 hour activities of the days past.

When our KC-135s had a stop at Loring and all personnel dismbarked, upon return to the aircraft there would be little stickers, with a characture of a laughing (maniacal?) KC-135, plastered in and around the entry hatch, as well "in" the electronics cabinets (to be found much later), letting one and all know the Maine-e-acs had been there.

 

[JR]

D4L im 59 and dont wait until nite to think with my JIMMY!!!DAYLIGHT IN THE FIELD,BARN HAY LOFT, SHOP or even some place as mundane as any room in the house or on the deck outside is fine with me and mine COURSE WE ARE EMPTY NESTERS and I dont need any electronics Oo.

Yes bieng empty nesters probably does have its advantages, at least from the sound of it. :-laf Its hard to even think about it during the day light hours as Ive usually got one or both little ones shadowing my every move. The other day I crawled under the wifes car to investigate a new "squeak" she was complaining about. I wasnt under there for a minute when I heard footsteps in the gravel followed by some shuffling. I rolled over to come face to face with my 8 year old. With inquisitive eyes he asks "can I help dad" it seems no matter what Im into theyre always interested in learning watching or helping which is great I try to slow down and take the time to let them "help" even if it takes twice as long to do something. So as you can see if I were to attempt anything any place besides behind a locked door late at night Id have some rather uncomfortable questions to answer

 

[ABennin]

I came across this tread and enjoyed reading until it turned into a young generation complaint tread. I am 26 and like reading about the past. I do not own any apple products, I am not out chasing women all the time. I work in agriculture and alot of younger people in my area do also. Don't get me wrong there are a fair share that fit your generalization, but not all. I have known about TDR for about 10 yrs and finally joined and have liked most of what it has to offer. With this kind of close minded remarks I am questioning if I am going to renew my membership. But I have to remember that most people on here do not share this mentality(I hope) and will most likely renew. I bought my first diesel when I was in high school and have been hooked since. I try to fix what ever I can with what I have.
Several of my friends have been in the service and some have been deployed over in iraq and afghanistan. One was wounded, but at least they all made it home. These guys are very interested in past conficts and wars. They go to reanactments regularly and would like to get involved down the road.
So please don't base your opinion on the bad apples you see or hear about. The young people who do not fit your stereotype are flying under your radar. It seems you only hear about the bad not the good in the news, so it is easy to form a negative opinion.

 

[jgillott]

I came across this tread and enjoyed reading until it turned into a young generation complaint tread. I am 26 and like reading about the past. I do not own any apple products, I am not out chasing women all the time. I work in agriculture and alot of younger people in my area do also. Don't get me wrong there are a fair share that fit your generalization, but not all. I have known about TDR for about 10 yrs and finally joined and have liked most of what it has to offer. With this kind of close minded remarks I am questioning if I am going to renew my membership. But I have to remember that most people on here do not share this mentality(I hope) and will most likely renew. I bought my first diesel when I was in high school and have been hooked since. I try to fix what ever I can with what I have.
Several of my friends have been in the service and some have been deployed over in iraq and afghanistan. One was wounded, but at least they all made it home. These guys are very interested in past conficts and wars. They go to reanactments regularly and would like to get involved down the road.
So please don't base your opinion on the bad apples you see or hear about. The young people who do not fit your stereotype are flying under your radar. It seems you only hear about the bad not the good in the news, so it is easy to form a negative opinion.

When I asked "I wonder if future generations will appreciate the magnitude of the Cold War times", I certainly didn't intend to lead this discussion in a negative direction. For that, I am certainly sorry. The point that I intended to make was that do to the focus on terrorism, the wars in the middle east, etc. , it is very easy for those of the current younger generations to not be aware of the anxiety felt in this country during the cold war and the way we lived life as a result. I remember, especially in the later part of the 70's and early 80's, being convinced that the US and then USSR were just moments away from all our Nuclear War. Anyone else remember movies like "The Day After" and songs like "99 Red Balloons", fallout shelters in public buildings and practice in school for air attacks?

Again, this is an easy part of history to forget because nothing externally happend thank God.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Yes bieng empty nesters probably does have its advantages, at least from the sound of it. :-laf Its hard to even think about it during the day light hours as Ive usually got one or both little ones shadowing my every move. The other day I crawled under the wifes car to investigate a new "squeak" she was complaining about. I wasnt under there for a minute when I heard footsteps in the gravel followed by some shuffling. I rolled over to come face to face with my 8 year old. With inquisitive eyes he asks "can I help dad" it seems no matter what Im into theyre always interested in learning watching or helping which is great I try to slow down and take the time to let them "help" even if it takes twice as long to do something. So as you can see if I were to attempt anything any place besides behind a locked door late at night Id have some rather uncomfortable questions to answer

When I asked "I wonder if future generations will appreciate the magnitude of the Cold War times", I certainly didn't intend to lead this discussion in a negative direction. For that, I am certainly sorry. The point that I intended to make was that do to the focus on terrorism, the wars in the middle east, etc. , it is very easy for those of the current younger generations to not be aware of the anxiety felt in this country during the cold war and the way we lived life as a result. I remember, especially in the later part of the 70's and early 80's, being convinced that the US and then USSR were just moments away from all our Nuclear War. Anyone else remember movies like "The Day After" and songs like "99 Red Balloons", fallout shelters in public buildings and practice in school for air attacks?



Again, this is an easy part of history to forget because nothing externally happend thank God.

D4L



Its good to take time with them it goes by so fast next week (seems like) you'll be standing beside him and his Grandfather looking at HIS son. I had that OUT OF BODY EXPERIANCE not long ago and it got to me. He tried to work with me on cars (like I can) but his interests were different. It didn't matter to me, My Dad asked me once if I was sure that he was mine because of his lack of mechanical skills? I told dad I dont care if he isn't he calls me Dad thats enough for me. But in High School and College he was into swimming and water Polo. Don't have a problem with swimming the rules were pretty straightforward. Water Polo looked to me like LEGALISED DROWNINGS I never did get the rules to it but was there on the pool deck for him and the Daughter.



Jgillott

It wasn't your question it was the generalization of ALL the youth not knowing. And in part he's right was in the hospital in shorts and kid asked did that hurt and pointed to my leg? Not really I was kind of knocked off my feet and disoriented when it happened and didn't even know until running was a pretty tough thing to do. He asked how it happened? I told him Vietnam and he said what was that about? He knew about it but didn't know why it happen. How do ya tell someone that it took 58 thousand lives and 13 years so the politicians/and Big Business got the money they wanted before they called a stop to it.

 

[ABennin]

jGillott your comment was not what I was after. I did see where you were coming from and agree with what you said. hBarlow's response I felt was a little harsh and condescending.



On a good note(maybe it is sad one now). There use to be a army airforce training center nearby where they use to pull drone aircraft over the lake and practice on them. My old neighbor was a pilot who told me this. It was abandoned in the '60s and torn down in the late '90s to build a golf course.

 

[BIGNASTY]

jGillott your comment was not what I was after. I did see where you were coming from and agree with what you said. hBarlow's response I felt was a little harsh and condescending.



On a good note(maybe it is sad one now). There use to be a army airforce training center nearby where they use to pull drone aircraft over the lake and practice on them. My old neighbor was a pilot who told me this. It was abandoned in the '60s and torn down in the late '90s to build a golf course.

Obviously you dont know Harvey and are better off for that!!!!!!!!!! I have let a professional Psycho person from the hospital that my Son works at look at the Post's of Mr. Barlow so that we (the unknown TDR members) will have a name for his recurrent behavior. So far the Psycho guy has given me a word of advice about Mr. Barlow. And that advice was to NEVER turn your back on him because they dont even have a name for his Problem yet and it would be good advice to ALWAYS REMEMBER that SOAP-ON-A-ROPE would be a sound practice because of his ANAL TENDENCEIS of jumping your A** without provocation of any kind other than having a point of view EVEN IF IT IS THE SAME AS HIS



On the second part of that I hope that it was an Army Air Corps center. I was in the Air Force and would NOT like to be associated with the Army. The Air Force got tired of taking the Army for a plane ride only to have them jump out of an apparently good aircraft in 1947. I have NOT been one to be associated with the lunacy of this practice. Just kidding

 

[ABennin]

BIGNASTY you are right. I am not a military buff. I just know that it was located nearby and used during WWII.

 

[BIGNASTY]

BIGNASTY you are right. I am not a military buff. I just know that it was located nearby and used during WWII.

Just goofin with ya its the Navy and the Marines thing it was the Air Force and the Army thing.