Faces from the Past – Goddard, Mottram, Pendexter, & Simpson

SHS Photo Collection – Part 007
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has an extensive collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I examine four pictures from the Linwood D. Dyer Photo collection. Loring Studios operated in Portland, Maine, from 1947 to 1973. Vantines’ Studio operated in Portland, Maine, from 1956 to 1973.

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Harold Pendexter, Deering HS, 1962.

Photographer: Loring Studio.
Inscription: … Yours Sincerely, Harold.
Description: An apparent high school graduation photo. Tag on inside cover says, “Class 1952.”
Research:

• The 1952 Deering High School yearbook shows this same photo as Harold E. Pendexter, Jr, “Penny.” Harold was involved in the DHS Band, dramatics, and playing the piano.
• Harold was born in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, on 23 October 1934. He passed away on January 27, 2011, in Naperville, Illinois. He is buried in Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland, Maine.
• Harold’s parents were Harold Earle and Annie Sarah (MacLean) Pendexter.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

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Richard Mottram, Portland HS, 1957.

Photographer: Loring Studio.
Inscription: Sincerely, Dick Mottram.
Description: An apparent high school graduation photo – No date.
Research:

• The 1957 Portland High School yearbook shows this same photo as Richard A Mottram.” Richard was involved in track and was known as “P.H.S.’s Mr. Tap Toe.”
• The 1950 US Census enumerated Richard A Mottram living with his parents, Herbert and Alice Mottram at 57 Weymouth, Portland.
• Ancestry Family Trees suggest that Richard Allen Mottram was born 27 Feb 1939 in Portland, Maine, and died on 18 Feb 1981 in Barre, Vermont. His mother was Alice E (Bridge) Mottram.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

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Jean Goddard, Portland HS, 1968.

Photographer: Loring Studio.
Inscription: Love, Jeannie.
Description: An apparent high school graduation photo – Class of 1968.

Research:

• The 1968 Portland High School yearbook shows this same photo as Jean Goddard.” Jean was involved in swimming, Keyette Club, and the ski club.

I include her photo here.

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Sally Jean Simpson, Westbrook HS, 1971.

Photographer: Vantine’s Portland, Maine.
Inscription: … Love Sally.
Description: Description: An apparent high school graduation photo – Class 1971.
Research:

• The 1971 Westbrook High School yearbook shows this same photo of Sally Jean Simpson. Sally was involved in the Dramatics Club and the planning board.

I include her photo here.

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Conclusion

I would love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before. Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the pictures with family members who may have never seen the image.