The Lydessy
Lydia Keene's 1899 Voyage Around the World, in Her Own Words
With commentary by her granddaughter, Joan H. Gregoire
In 1899, Lydia Keene set sail from New England aboard a merchant schooner — one of only three women on a ship full of robust sailors — and spent the following months navigating the oceans of the world. Her journal records stormy seas and high winds, being becalmed in extreme heat, shipwreck, and the quieter rhythms of daily life aboard a 19th-century sailing vessel.
A century later, her granddaughter Joan H. Gregoire — a local author and former Alna resident — has drawn on Lydia's own words, framing them with her own commentary to restore her grandmother's voice to a new generation of readers. The result is both a personal memoir recovered from the end of the 19th century and a vivid window into maritime life at the close of an era.
Praise
“Lydia Keene packed for a four-month trip, spent eight months aboard a merchant schooner in 1899, and had adventures far beyond her expectations all along the way. A budding writer, teacher, and skilled observer, her lively descriptions and clear-eyed reflections reveal as much about the period as they do about this remarkable young woman and her enthusiasm for the journey of a lifetime.”
“I have been reading through Lydia’s papers as I prepare the exhibition on the J. R. Kelley, and I had to write to tell you how much admiration I feel for your grandmother. Her diary transcripts have had me transfixed all morning when I expected to be finished.”
Paperback · 120 pages · Published 2023 by Lincoln County Publishing · ISBN 979-8-218-21782-2
$XX.XX
A portion of each purchase supports Historic Alna's mission to maintain, preserve, restore, and encourage the use of Alna's historic sites.
About the Author
Joan Gregoire spent thirty years in education, as a teacher and media specialist, before retiring to her home state of Maine. She lives in Nobleboro with her cat Frankie. Since retiring she enjoys gardening, hiking, and travel, and has enjoyed delving into her family history and genealogy.
“Since my grandmother passed away before I was born I did not grow up knowing her, but through her writings and diaries I came to know her. I feel that our ancestors are our role models and give us a sense of place in our lives. I recommend keeping a journal for future family members.”
Joan H. Gregoire spoke about The Lydessy at Historic Alna's Puddle Dock Village School on May 10, 2025, among many other public speaking engagements focused on her book. View event →