The Story of Augusta’s Goosey is Charming

If you grew up in Augusta, have been around Augusta for a while, or you went to Farrington School in Augusta…you know about Goose, Georgie the Goose, or Goosey. If you remember Goose, you are going to love the book written by Barbara Walsh. She is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, along with artist Abby Grieg created the "The Goose Lady" book that is now available.

Goose is a concreate goose statue for years and years was on the lawn at 71 Eastern, also known as the Rockland Road, in Augusta. If you lived or commuted in that area, Goose was part of the experience. Goose was a gift to Marjorie Bean Scott from her daughters. When the lawn ornament arrived, it had a raincoat and hat. Marjorie, aka The Goose Lady, decided that was not good enough, and she started to sew Goose a wardrobe. The Goose ended up with over 100 outfits to fit the weather, holidays, and celebrations.  

The Goose was in the front yard for 23 years. As Marjorie grew older, her daughters stepped in helped to make sure Goose was still charming children, adults, commuters, tourists, and the community with Goose's daily fashion choices.   

After Marjorie passed away, Goose needed a new home.  

Goose and the wardrobe now live around just up the street at Farrington Elementary School. Goose is there to greet the kids, and each day a child has the honor to pick Goose's outfit for the day.  

It is a touching story brought to life in Barbara's book, which is now available on Amazon. You can reach out to Barbara directly through her website.

The Goose Lady is also available locally at the Viles Arboretum gift shop in Augusta, The Art Walk Shop & Studio in Winthrop; and the Kennebec Cabin Company, the Maine Cabin Masters' store in Manchester.

Even better, you can pick the book up at one of Barbara's local book readings:

-Saturday, June 12: 10 am to 2 pm, The Art Walk Shop & Studio, 121 Main St., Winthrop

-Tuesday, June 22: 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm., Augusta Rotary Club 

-Saturday, July 17: 11 am to noon, Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital St., Augusta, children's book reading program