Over their growing up years with oodles of summer and after school jobs, one experience always seemed to impress our daughters. Both girls worked with Lindy Bragg at “Calypso” in Boothbay Harbor. Frequently we would hear, “Mom (or Dad) I met the coolest people today at work. Lindy has some really neat stuff and many of her customers visit every year they come to the Harbor. They look forward to stopping by.”
When we shop for clothing for friends, family or my sisters, we like to find interesting and unusual items. Many who we know like clothing that is a bit out of the ordinary, just like us!
So when it comes time for special gifts, birthdays, weddings or surprises, it’s fun to check in with Lindy to see what she has on the racks. You never know what might turn up in her many displays, but there’s a good chance something will tickle our fancies and the fancies of our friends.
Lindy has been in business for 25 years. She looks forward to many return shoppers. Calypso is located at what is known as the “Maine Trading Post” building on Commercial Street in Boothbay Harbor. When I first moved to town I remember Maybelle Little’s supervision at the Trading Post with entrepreneur Clem Brewer. Maybelle could do some selling. I recall pieces of furniture being extracted from the building via the old livery stable upper hay door.
Maybelle managed the product line with laser focus. Clem sold the building which was most recently purchased by the Kaler family who also occupies a significant downstairs restaurant space overlooking the Harbor. Mary Kaler, nurse extraordinaire retired, will never retire. Mary was a friend of my good friend Chuck Upton, a local carpenter and Houlton, Maine, ex pat.
I was curious to know more about the “Calypso” experience. Therein lies a story about adventures and interesting impulses.
During a trip to Greece, Lindy came upon a lovely clothing shop which she found most fascinating. She thought to herself that this could be sort of fun and something she might try on her own. It was not an adventure Lindy had planned. With a background in early childhood development, a clothing store was a bit of a stretch, but worth exploring.
Lindy has always been interested in supporting and helping young women artists who were just starting out.
“Just Jill” and “Angelrox” were two early product lines that have been very popular. Lindy also travelled to explore new possibilities. Paris. Italy. She connected with the Lady Susan Wood organization “Kazuri” for a unique line of ceramic beads. Lindy strives to engage with people who can insure safe and good working conditions for women no matter the source of goods. “Habitat Clothing” and Suzanne Connelly, based in Sharon, Massachusetts, struck a cord. It was a “good fit” for Calypso.
Lindy signed on early with “Habitat” and hasn’t looked back. Calypso invests in product lines that promote responsible stewardship – it’s that way or the highway!
“Every woman has her own sense of style.” The choice is yours!