Downtown Highlight: Maeve, Ellsworth’s Paper Carrier

Maeve on her paper route with her dog, Oak

If you’re a business owner in Downtown Ellsworth, you probably already know the person we are featuring today: Maeve B., Ellsworth’s paper girl. Maeve has been delivering the Ellsworth American for the past four years with her dog, Oak, by her side. At just 14 years old, Maeve is mature beyond her years and proficient at juggling her responsibilities as a paper girl with her passion for horseback riding and history. Maeve is also a Junior Board Member of the Ellsworth Historical Society.

Maeve began her paper route for the Ellsworth American when she was 10. The paper route is a long-standing tradition –over 60 years – passed paper carrier to paper carrier. In Maeve’s case, the opportunity arose when a neighbor, Heather, passed the torch. Maeve shadowed Heather to learn the ropes before taking over the route herself. The role has become an important part of Maeve’s life, providing her with not only a source of income but also a chance to connect with the local community.

Her favorite part of the job is meeting and talking with all the people she delivers to. “There are a couple people that always have a joke each week… one guy will always say, is it warm enough for you outside? When it's freezing out.” 

Maeve’s route starts at the Ellsworth American office, where she collects her stack of papers—typically 25 during the off-season and up to 30 in the summer. Her path winds through downtown, where she stops at local businesses on Main, State, and Water Street. While Maeve admits that approaching new businesses can be intimidating, she’s learned to overcome her shyness by reminding herself that most people are kind and approachable. 

The paper delivery job has unique blend of physical activity, personal interaction, and financial management. She handles payments from businesses, keeps track of her earnings, and coordinates with the Ellsworth American to settle accounts. Her experience has even made her toy with the idea of someday owning her own business.

“The other day I jokingly said to my mom that I want to start a business. I have no idea in what!” 

Between her work as a paper girl and watching her parents run their own businesses, starting her own venture doesn’t feel that daunting to her.

When she’s not delivering papers, Maeve divides her time between homeschooling, riding her half-leased horse Kenya, and indulging in her love for reading and history. She’s been riding horses for eight years and spends as much time as she can at the barn. 

As Maeve contemplates switching from being home-schooled to attending high school in the fall, she’s considering passing her paper route to the next aspiring paper carrier. Regardless of where life takes her, Maeve’s experience as a paper girl has instilled in her an appreciation for small businesses and the importance of building relationships within a community.