Maine Trivia: A Storyteller's Useful Guide to Useless Information

Professional storyteller John McDonald, author of the now-classic A Moose and a Lobster Walk into a Bar, offers up his unique take on Maine trivia. John delivers an educational and hilarious mix of basic and fun facts about the Pine Tree State, including, of course, more than a few wicked funny stories. For example, did you know the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War was fought in Maine in 1775? That Maine boasts 65 "Mud Ponds"? That Maine Sen. Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for the U.S. Presidency at a major party's convention? Readers are sure to learn a lot about both the Pine Tree State and the United States, as well as have a few laughs in the process.

John McDonald, now regarded as a dean of Maine storytelling, got his start as a performer playing at local Downeast Maine events in the 1970s before catching his first big break when he was asked to perform on stage with the legendary Marshall Dodge and Kendall Morse at Ellsworth's Strand Theater in 1980. In the years since that event, McDonald has performed for audiences across New England, released two audio recordings, and written three books with Islandport Press, including the now-classic, A Moose and a Lobster Walk into Bar. In the 1970s, John and his wife, Ann, lived in Cherryfield, where he worked as a DJ in Ellsworth and as a bureau reporter for the Bangor Daily News. In the 1980s, he moved to Portland to work at the Portland Press Herald and eventually as talk show host on WGAN.