"The goal of Down East has always been to hold a mirror up to Maine — its storied past and lively present — and to celebrate its flinty, independent character and unhurried way of life. As Maine has changed with the times, however, so has Down East. Today the state has come to embrace its future as well as its past. Accordingly, the magazine now focuses more on contemporary Maine life and what the future might bring and less on historical background and quaint rusticity. Booming circulation and advertising gains demonstrate the wisdom of this editorial shift."
Portland Public Library's collection of Down East is complete, and begins with the first issue, August 1954. The hard copies are available in the Portland Room.
Submissions from 2017
Dooryard; Making it in Maine; Tall Drink of Water: The entrepreneurs behind Tourmaline Spring are betting on a thirst for purity., Joe Ricchio and Gabe Souza Photographer
Dooryard. Making it in Maine: Urning Their Keep, Lucinda Ziesing and Jason P. Smith, photographer
Dooryard. My Maine: Fish Story, Tom Hennessey
Dooryard. My Maine: Ida and Her Island, Mary Cushman
Dooryard; My Maine; Knowing Phyllis Austin, Carly Berlin
Dooryard. My Maine: Living Deep by the Fire, Robin McCarthy
Dooryard. My Maine. Storm Gathering, Meadow Rue Merrill
Dooryard. My Maine: The Fort, Tyler Macdonald
Dooryard; My Maine; Winter's Bloom, Kim Ridley
Dooryard; Postcard From Home, Deepak Singh
Dooryard. Recipe: Cherries, Baby, Annemarie Ahearn's
Dooryard; Recipe; Down-Home Comfort: Creamy, rich chicken potpie is as satisfying as it is humble, Annemarie Ahearn
Dooryard; Recipe; Fresh and Sweet: Blackberry buckle is a fine farewell to berry season, Annemarie Ahearn
Dooryard; Recipe; Mussel Bound: Briny mollusks and rich, garlicky cream make a soul-warming stews, Annemarie Ahearn
Dooryard; Recipe; Seconds Best: Slow-cooked lamb riblets satisfy hearty winter appetites, Annemarie Ahearn
Dooryard. Recipes: Flower Moon Favorites, Annemarie Ahearn
Dooryard. Recipes: Fritter Away
Dooryard. Recipes: Gold Rush, Annemarie Ahearn
Dooryard. Recipe: Simply Elegant Chocolate Mousse, Annemarie Ahearn
Dooryard. Recipe: Sorrel is So Real, Martha Stewart
Dooryard. Recipe. Winter Comfort: A Classic British Dish is Well Suited to a Cold Maine Night, Annemarie Ahearn
Dooryard; Room With a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard; Room With a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard; Room With a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard; Room With a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard. Room With a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard. Room With a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard. Room With a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard. Room With a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard. Room With A View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard. Room With a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard. Room with a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryard. Room With a View, Franklin Burroughs
Dooryear. Critters: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Beetles, Greg Westrich and Michael D. Wilson, photographer
Fa-La-La-La-Low Chart: Find the Maine celebration that's right for you
Frappe Sheet: Here's where to get the shakes this summer, Brian Kevin
From Our Archives. August 1956: Flighty Friend, [Editorial staff writers] and Yolla Niclas, photographer
From Our Archives. July 1994: Stock Photos, Virginia Thorndike and Mark Jenson, photographer
From Our Archives. November 1977: The Young King, [Editorial staff writers]
From Our Archives. November 1985: The Audacity of Rope, [Editorial staff writers]
From Our Archives. September 1969: Reid All About It, [Editorial staff writers]
Full-Speed Ahead: A smart recession-era move favoring new boats and innovation has made Sabre Yachts an industry leader, John Grossmann and Brian Fitzgerald Photographer
Garden Party, Sarah Stebbins; Douglas Merriam, photographer; and Madeline Macomber, styler
Guide. Art: Art Nouveau, Will Grunewald