From the Collections

By Linda Snow McLoon

An interesting picture has surfaced that expands our knowledge of Scarborough’s past. From a photograph and accompanying notes, we learn about an event that must have caused some excitement in Scarborough in the early 1940s. Shortly after music teacher Miss Steele started teaching in the Scarborough schools, she directed a cast of students in the Gilbert & Sullivan production HMS Pinafore. With Charlie Kilby playing the role of Captain, the group was invited to perform at City Hall in Portland. This was a family affair, as the girls’ dresses were crafted by mothers, grandmothers, and other volunteers out of material reported to be dark blue with stars on them. A town school bus transported the children to Portland. We are fortunate to have a picture and the names of the young actors taken on the steps of City Hall. If anyone can contribute more information on this event, please let us know.

HMS Pinafore cast members on the steps of Portland City Hall.

List of HMS Pinafore cast members.