Books by Mac Smith

Disaster at Mount Desert Ferry tells not only the complete story of the people and the events of the worst disaster in Maine history, but of a time and way of life long gone by and nearly forgotten.

Siege at the State House tells the true story of a coup that was attempted between Maine's governor and the leaders of a new political party, almost plunging the United States into its second Civil War. With the Maine State House under siege for several weeks by a confederate force, the occupation culminated in a showdown between armed rebels and Civil War hero General Joshua Chamberlain, with Chamberlain standing on the State House steps, exposing his chest, and daring any man present to settle the standoff with violence, if they dared. It was an event the war hero called "Another Roundtop." In light of recent national events, this piece of Maine history is a timely and cautionary tale brought to life by historian Mac Smith. Elements of the story include a Christmas Day raid on Maine's weapons arsenal, missing election results, and seven jackasses.

It is a well-known fact, perhaps legend now, that Peyton Place, the controversial, scandalous best-seller was filmed in Camden, Maine and the surrounding towns in 1957. But how did the movie come to be filmed in Maine, who was involved in getting it here, and what did the locals think about 20th Century Fox shooting a big-budget film in their dooryards?Historian Mac Smith (Mainers on the Titanic) has done the research and conducted the interviews and presents a fascinating account of events and key players. Beginning with the arrival of film crews, he traces the making of the movie, what happened after the crews left, and the premiere of the film, which was held in Camden.Includes quotes from Maine residents who were extras in the film.

Meticulously researched, this book reveals the agonizing day-to-day wait of Mainers for news of what really happened on the Titanic, and tells the stories of Maine passengers from their boarding to the sinking and rescue; and, for those who survived, of their coming ashore in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It's a fascinating addition to the Titanic story.