Portland Press Herald Glass Negative Collection

The farewells at Wiscasset were ceremonial, with the real departure taking place days later.

MacMillan wrote, “No ship can be properly groomed and fitted for sea with decks black with sightseers and well-wishers.”

Officials and friends often accompanied expedition members on the initial legs of the trip.

After leaving Wiscasset, the ships went to Christmas Cove where the compasses were adjusted and the boats were outfitted for the journey north.

Subsequent stops included Rockland, Bar Harbor, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.