Asa’s World Tour of Maine continues with Poland as our third intranational location! Poland, Maine is the original source of Poland Spring Water, which has been bottled and sold since 1859. As the story goes, in 1844 after drinking water from the spring for 10 days, Hiram W. Ricker claimed that he was cured of dyspepsia. Alright, so the family had been drinking this water for decades if not longer, and never noticed any medicinal qualities before. Some historians speculate that Hiram may have just been dehydrated. Either way, the bottling company was founded, its health benefits attracted tourists to the area, which led to expanding their humble inn into the iconic Poland Spring Resort!

Asa: So I’ll be performing at the world famous Poland Spring Resort, which has attracted such celebrities as Judy Garland, Betty Grable, Joan Crawford, and Jack Parr?!

Chuck Billy: Well not exactly…

Asa: The senior center, that’s just over yonder?

Chuck Billy: Even better! There’s a “Magic Variety Show” at the library!

Asa: Awesome! I love variety shows. Wait? Why isn’t my name on the sign?

Chuck Billy: Oh, no! I told them once, I told them a hundred times: put “Asa’s World Tour of Maine” first and “Magic Show” last!

Asa: Well that taps into a morale builder, now doesn’t it? Wait? It says the show isn’t until the 14th? We are too early! Besides, don’t you already have plans for that day?

Chuck Billy: Did I mention in 1795 the town of Poland was named for an ancient psalm melody called “Poland” that its founder Moses Emery enjoyed singing?

Asa: That’s not very rock and roll.

Chuck Billy: Let’s go for a hike in the Heart of Poland, while I figure out the next week’s stop on Asa’s World Tour of Maine.