Maine's Famous People

Chester Greenwood - Earmuff Inventor

Chester Greenwood was born in Farmington, Maine in 1858. A grammar school dropout, he invented earmuffs at the age of 15 (1873). While testing a new pair of ice skates, he grew frustrated at trying to protect his ears from the bitter cold. After wrapping his head in a scarf, which was too bulky and itchy, he made two ear-shaped loops from wire and asked his grandmother to sew fur on them. He patented an improved model with a steel band which held them in place and with Greenwood’s Champion Ear Protectors, he established Greenwood’s Ear Protector Factory. He made a fortune supplying Ear Protectors to U.S. soldiers during World War I. He went on to patent more many other inventions. In 1977, Maine’s legislature declared December 21 "Chester Greenwood Day" to honor a native son and his contribution to cold weather protection.

Farmington Maine is now the Earmuff Capital of the World. There is a parade that celebrates Chester's birthday the first Saturday in December, with local police cruisers in the parade decorated as giant earmuffs.

Patrick Dempsey 1966 to Present.

Born in Lewiston, Maine. One of the 80's favorite nerdy guys, Patrick appeared in many teen hits. Among them are "In the Mood," "Can't Buy Me Love," "Meatballs III" and the TV series "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." In the 90's Patrick's film credits include "With Honors," "The Escape," "The Right to Remain Silent," "Blood Knot" and the blockbuster 1995 movie with Dustin Hoffman, "Outbreak." In the 1997 movie "Hugo Pool," he starred with Alyssa Milano. Patrick is currently modeling for the J. Crew catalog.

John Ford 1894 -1973.

John Ford was born in Cape Elizabeth and raised on Munjoy Hill in Portland before he went on to win 6 Oscars for the Western films he directed over the course of the 20th Century. Ford, born John Feeney, moved to Hollywood in 1914 where he immediately began work in the film industry. He directed such classics as, "The Grapes of Wrath," "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," "Stagecoach," and many others.

David E. Kelly, 1956 - Present.

Born in Maine, David attended Princeton University and Boston University Law School. A former Boston Lawyer, in the last decade he switched careers to become a successful television producer and writer. His first film script was "From the Hip" starring Judd Nelson. He has written and produced for the TV shows "Hill Street Blues," "L.A. Law," "Picket Fences," and is the executive producer of "Chicage Hope." David's most recent shows are "The Practice" and "Ally McBeal" which have both won Emmy Awards. He is married to Michelle Pfeiffer and they have two children.

Abbott Vaughn Meader 1936 - 2004.

Born and raised in Waterville, Maine, Meader was Camelot's court jester, known for gently poking fun at the Kennedys on the 1962 album "The First Family." The album was the fastest-selling record of its time. It sold 7.5 million copies and won the Grammy for album of the year and best comedy performance. He appeared in Time and Life Magazines, on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and packed rooms in Vegas.Upon his return to Maine, he wrote and played bluegrass and country music and became known for his honky-tonk performances at local taverns.

Judd Nelson 1959 - Present.

Portland native Judd Nelson achieved his first taste of success in the movie "St. Elmo's Fire." Since then, Nelson has appeared in hit films such as "The Breakfast Club" and "New Jack City." He also starred in the situation comedy series "Suddenly Susan."

Victoria Rowell

Prior to her role in Diagnosis Murder, Victoria Rowell was best known for her portrayal of Drucilla in the daytime drama The Young and the Restless, on CBS.

A professional dancer since the age of 17, Victoria received scholarships to the School of American Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She also danced with the American Ballet Theatre II.

Bill Cosby discovered her while she was auditioning for The Cosby Show, and she landed a recurring role in the series. She was later cast by him in Leonard Part VI. Other television credits include guest appearances in the prime time/ series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Herman's Head, and the daytime
dramas As the World Turns, on CBS, and One Life to Live. She also appeared with Eddie Murphy in the feature film The Distinguished Gentleman.

Victoria, who was a foster child, founded the Rowell Foster Children's Fine Arts Scholarship Fund, which provides ballet classes for foster children.

She was born in Portland, Maine. Her birth date is May 10.

More on the Foundation:http://www.rowellfosterchildren.org/vcorner/index.html

William King 1768 - 1852.

A marine shipper by trade, this Bath resident pushed himself into the forefront of the Maine political scene by becoming one of the most outspoken advocates for the state's independence from Massachusetts. In 1820, King's hard work came to fruition when legislators in Boston granted Maine the right to secede and become its own state. The people of Maine rewarded King's efforts by electing him the first governor of Maine. He would later go on to lead a rather distinguished career in public service at both the federal and state level.

http://www.state.me.us/sos/arc/general/admin/king.htm

Percival P. Baxter 1876 - 1969.

Born in Portland, Maine. Member of the Maine House of Representatives, 1905-1906, 1917-1920; member of the Maine State Senate, 1909-1910, 1921-1922. Percival Baxter served as Governor of Maine from 1921-1925. Percival Baxter is known for the selfless act of donating the 202,064 acres of land known as Baxter State Park to the State. His only interest was that the area was to remain forever wild. Baxter State Park is home of Maine's tallest Mountain, Mt. Katahdin. He is shown here with his dog, Garry.

James Blaine 1830 - 1893.

James Blaine began his career as a journalist in Maine before going on to become one of the nation's most prominent politicians. After serving in the Maine State Legislature for three years, Blaine was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he served as Speaker of the House from 1869 to 1875. In 1884, Blaine earned the Republican Party's nomination for President of the United States and was narrowly defeated by Grover Cleveland. Blaine was also named the U.S. Secretary of State twice by Presidents Garfield and Harrison.