Since its settlement in 1769, Bangor's greatest resource has been its
people. Long before 1834, when the town on the Penobscot became a city,
future legends were born who transformed it into a world-class
community. Hannibal Hamlin served as Abraham Lincoln's first vice
president. Timber tycoon Sam Hersey financed urban development while
less affluent folk such as Molly Molasses also made their mark. When
philanthropists Stephen and Tabitha King are not writing best-selling
novels, they are spreading their wealth throughout the community.
Bangor's melting pot includes the Italian Baldacci family and the Jewish
baker Reuben Cohen, who, with his wife Clara, raised their son Bill, a
US senator and defense secretary. More infamous but equally legendary is
brothel keeper Fanny Jones. Paul Bunyan earned a statue on Main Street.
Airport troop greeters Kay Lebowitz and Bill Knight round out the list
of notables. They are all jewels in Bangor's crown, and each in their
own way is a bona fide legend.