A log of record

During the pandemic, Facebook and other social media was a flurry of over-shared memes, unoriginal and often self-righteous statements, and cute animal pictures. And then there was Wiggin’s Log.

Photos of Wiggin’s Log (also known as Wiggin Log and Wiggins Log) stood out among the crowd of posts and was a breath of fresh air to many of us suffering from internet fatigue.

What is Wiggin’s Log? It was a washed-up log on the beach in Old Orchard Beach. It lay majestically on the sand, with a few roots projecting up from the bottom in a shy wave quietly beckoning beach goers to visit.

“Three years ago I noticed a large log was being drawn off the beach at high tide and deposited back again a little further north each day. I posted a few photos on social media and got a response from Don Wiggin, a multi-generational Ocean Parker, showing his photos of a history of locations for the log going back more years. Hence it became known as the Wiggin Log,” said Scott Tucker.

Wiggin’s log wasn’t much for conversation, and didn’t have a lot to say for itself, but instead inspired others. It served as an organic meeting place for people to chat and ponder life. It was also a place of reflection, where one could sit in the log’s quiet company and enjoy the peacefulness of the beach.

“For as long as I can remember, this vagabond traveler has been meandering along the beach from place to place bringing the wonder of tides and winds to the inhabitants of this small magical place, creating memories for children fighting mythic battles and offering a place of respite for weary old men and lovers in search of a place to sit ... a reminder that the brutal forces of nature can also create wonder and sooth the soul,” said Cris Edward Johnson.

Pictures of Wiggins Log over the past few years started popping up in local Facebook groups – so people could admire its beauty and also to let people know when it moved or when it was submerged in sand. It was a nice reminder of what a truly special place we have here.

“Dozens of Ocean Parkers and Old Orchard beach walkers have come to know it, comment about it, and publish photographs about it year-round. It has become a landmark, like Googins Rocks, and many choose it as a place to meet, or a destination target for strolling on the beach,” said Tucker.

Wiggin’s Log didn’t discriminate by age or political party. It was there for you regardless of your vaccination status. It welcomed both year-round and seasonal residents.

When the log recently disappeared from the beach, social media was flooded with posts asking questions, aghast at the news.

The Old Orchard Beach Public Works department removed the log as part of debris removal to keep the beach clean and to make sure people don’t get hurt, said Jen Hayes, executive assistant to the town manager. She said the town was still in possession of the log and was determining a place where it could be relocated.

There are rumors of a local property owner who has agreed to put the log on their property, but that has not been confirmed.

Beach cleaning is a routine part of the public works department’s job. Wiggin’s Log may have a special place in many people’s hearts, but it’s the town’s priority is to keep people safe.

According to the National Weather Service, logs on the beach with water can be hundreds of pounds. A large wave could knock someone off who is standing on a log and the person could get pinned down under the log, according to the National Weather Service.

I respect the town’s mission to keep people safe, and I am happy the log may continue on in a different location. The pandemic has been a difficult time, and Wiggin’s Log has been a bright spot for me, and many others.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.