Greaton, Everett Collection

SummaryThe Everett Greaton Collection consists of 88 reels of film shot by Everett Greaton between 1929 and 1965. The bulk of the films were shot between 1938 and 1959. The vast majority of the footage was shot in Maine and was meant to highlight the scenic beauty of the state and the many recreation opportunities available to visitors and residents alike. Most of them are Greaton’s own home movies, but several of the films were created by Greaton in his official position as first the Executive Director of the Maine Development Commission and then as the Head of Recreation Development for the Department of Economic Development. The films produced by the Maine Development Commission highlight specific attributes of Maine, including the coasts, the mountains, fishing options in Maine’s lakes, rivers and bays, sporting camps throughout the state, bird hunting covers, scenic cities and towns, the apple industry, lobster and clambakes on the seashore, historic locations in Maine and well-known authors. Among these are some of the first color films used to promote the state of Maine. Also included in the collection is footage from vacations Greaton and his family took to the 1939 New York World’s Fair, Ohio, Michigan, Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, Colorado and Mississippi. The collection contains a few safety films on bicycle safety, proper use of a rifle, and safe driving as well.

Biographical/Historical NotesEverett Greaton was a resident of Auburn, Maine, who served for forty years in the Maine State Government promoting the state both locally and nationally. Born in 1895, Greaton attended Kents Hill Academy. He remained a faithful alumnus throughout his life sitting on the school’s board of trustees, of which he was president for eight years. After graduating from Kents Hill Academy in 1916, Greaton worked for the Ault Williamson Shoe Company in Auburn, Maine. He married his wife in 1926. In 1928, Greaton began his forty years of service for the state government. He became the Executive Director of the Maine Development Commission in 1930. During his term with the Maine Development Commission, Maine became the first state to appropriate state funds for the purpose of promoting its natural resources. The Development Commission was the precursor to the Department of Economic Development (DED), which was established in 1955. At this time, Greaton became the Head of Recreational Development for the DED and later served as a consultant. He played a vital role in the organization of Maine’s industrial program and tourist industry, serving under ten governors. While promoting the tourist industry in Maine, Greaton made arrangements for celebrities and prominent politicians vacationing in the state, including Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon. He was also affiliated with the National Association of Travel Organizations and served as their third president for two terms. Everett Greaton died in 1968 and is survived by his son, Winston S. Greaton.

RepositoryNortheast Historic Film

AvailabilityThe Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and UseAuthorization to reuse and/or reproduce must be obtained from Northeast Historic Film. See http://www.oldfilm.org/research for more information.