Curtis now lives in Siesta Key, FL, but had traveled back to Maine where he is a He is currently a principal in the law firm of Curtis Thaxter Stevens Broder & Micoleau Limited Liability Company, P.A.. Crotty photographed Curtis in the Portland offices.
Between takes, Curtis found himself gazing over the Portland view from the conference room window and reminiscing about not only the many years he served in Maine, but his rather unique start in the business world. In 1956, his first summer after leaving law school, he and a friend had a money-making idea – to lease a donut shop in Wells on Route 1. Mrs. Curtis commented, “I will never forget that summer! I would work all day at Sears, and then go to the donut shop and work all night. But let me tell you, Ken can make a great donut.” That so-called money maker turned out not to be, and Curtis realized he should stick to law and politics.
Born in Leeds, Maine, Kenneth M. Curtis has served in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, as Secretary of State of Maine from 1965-1966, then as the Governor of Maine from 1967-1975. A Democrat, he also served as the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1977-1978 before going on to become the US Ambassador to Canada from 1979-1981. More recently, Curtis served as the President of the Maine Maritime Academy, his Alma Mater.
Curtis is now semi-retired and is living a much more causal lifestyle than during his more active years of political service. During the portrait session, Curtis cautioned Crotty, “Now I want you to know. This is only the 2nd time this year I’ve put on a coat and tie! Down in Siesta Key, people don’t wear them!”
Photographer Liam Crotty is in the process of shooting portraits of over 20 prominent “Maineiacs” for his upcoming exhibit. A skilled photographer and lover of his native Maine, Crotty’s exhibitions include “Finding Norman Rockwell’s Small Town America” and “Faces of the Kennebunks”. For more information about the upcoming exhibit “Maineiacs – portraits of prominent Maine leaders and why they love our State” email liamcrotty@aya.yale.edu
Ken Curtis is a great guy and has changed my life for the better. As founder of Camp Susan Curtis, Ken Curtis made it possible for myself and thousands of children to have an opportunity of a life time. C.S.C. is where I spent my summers for 17 years and changed my life more then words can describe. For these changes, I thank Ken and Pauline Curtis. Thank you.
Hi Crystal—What a nice comment! Wow, that was really touching. Thanks for taking the time to write that. All my best, Liam
While I as in Jr. High and High School, Angel Curtis was my best friend. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis often welcomed me warmly into their home. They are especially on my mind today, which would have been Angel’s 51st birthday. I think of them often. As a mother, I now realize how life’s circumstances utterly broke their heart twice. They were exceptional parents, and they have profoundly influenced my life. I never knew a father and daughter who enjoyed one another more than Angel and Ken Curtis. Their relationship inspired me to grow closer to my dad. I also watched how meticulously Mrs. Curtis kept the home, how much she herself read, what beautiful meals she prepared for breakfast, and how consistent she was about Angel’s school work. Her example has influenced the way I parent to this day.
Hi Marie,
What a nice comment and story!
Thank you for sharing,
Liam