Do you have any family still in the area? Maybe they could offer some lodging.
Things are so much better now. At least environmentally speaking. As mentioned earlier, I'm not a native Mainer, therefore didn't experience what you describe, but I believe you. Everything I've read regarding Maine history seems to back up what you are saying. And eew, paper mill towns still stink. It's like a rotten egg/sulpher smell... or something.
But things really do seem to be better overall, imho.
I'm of course not trying to imply that everything is perfect. Far from it. We've got a lot of problems here still. Not the least of which are high poverty and unemployment numbers. Especially in areas north of Bangor and Augusta. The infrastructure is a mess, and need I even mention the idiot Governor we've got at the moment? Ugh!
But the Brunswick/Topsham areas are now quite nice. I was down there a couple of years ago, and was impressed w/what the folks there have done to make it into a nice, thriving, progressive community. I can't remember the name of the place where I ate, but it was some former industrial mill that has since been tastefully redone into a brewery/restaurant. Good food, great atmosphere!
Thanks btw, for sharing your experiences. I love hearing about Maine's past from folks who have lived it.
PS- I look forward to checking out your link! 
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