was a big game on Thanksgiving Day against Biddeford. We weren’ t prepared and we lost. That stuck with me, about being prepared. You have to work for what you want and have a good work ethic. I continued with the dairy for three years, but it wasn’ t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Gerald built upon his experience as a Staff Sergeant in the Army working with engines by pursuing vocational training in South Portland when he returned from serving in Europe. That training led him to work on helicopters for Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut.“ I worked in the transmission department where it would take five hours to test just one. After awhile, I decided to take a gamble. My wife sold our house on the morning radio show and we moved back to Maine. I started my own gas station business on Park Avenue and St. John’ s Street. The very first day in business, I was robbed at 8:00 in the morning. Years later, I ran a station on Woodford’ s corner with Chevron( see photo). This was the first time I owned the business myself, and quite a few Thornton people used to come to my station. I didn’ t want to rent anymore. I was in business to build up a business, you know? I treated the customers well. I think that if young people want to progress, it won’ t happen overnight.
Gerald Mailman, at home, holds one of his favorite photographs.
My wife, Frances, managed the business’ books from home when she wasn’ t busy with interior decorating, landscaping, and raising the family. Although she’ s gone now, she’ s a part of what we built up and a part of my support for Thornton. We enjoyed 59 years of marriage together.”
Krissy said,“ It has been so neat because Gerald’ s stories have been connecting me with my grandfather’ s era. I continue to learn more about my grandfather and my great grandfather, who I’ ve never met. Just listening to Gerald talk, I learn so much more about my family’ s history.”
For those who may be interested in honoring, memorial, and naming gift opportunities, please contact Director of Development Lindsay LaPrad Hudnor at development @ thorntonacademy. org.
Gerald Mailman’ s Chevron gas station on Woodfords Street in Portland that he built in 1970; the building still stands.
Gerald’ 48 and Frances Mailman. Gerald decided to make a donation to Thornton Academy for the refurbishing of a classroom, in memory of his wife and in his name.
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