1 min read

In 2021, Adele F. in Rockland submitted this photo of her Toro riding mower. “It has been in operation for over 50 years thanks to three generations at Bert’s Machine Shop in Rockland. On the left are two children of Bert Vanorse, Sr, riding the mower in the early 1970s. I’m on the right, still operating it 50 years later.”

Mainers can be frugal and nostalgic. Those tendencies can cause a few effects, but a powerful one is the dedication to preserving antique appliances, tools and other household items in good, working order.

So we’re asking you, dear reader, if you will use the form below to upload a picture of the oldest working thing you own that you regularly put to use and tell us its story. All submissions will be entered to win a Homes gift bag.

In the past we saw a a nearly 100-year old electric waffle iron, a circa 1940s fridge that made a comeback when its modern replacement died, a 55-year old riding mower and more.

Judging from what is still working out there, it seems the adage is true: they just don’t make things like they used to.

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