1920-2003

PORTLAND – Marvin Harmon, age 83, founder of Harmon’s Hamburgers in Falmouth, died in Portland after a brief illness.

Born Feb. 21, 1920, in Windham, Marvin was the fourth of four children born to Orland and Esther (Hall) Harmon.

Marvin was fond of telling the story that he won first prize in a local baby contest.

Marvin attended local schools and demonstrated academic ability which resulted in his being advanced twice and graduating from Pennell Institute (High School) in Gray, in 1936 at the age of 16.

Marvin worked at various local farms in the area while attending school. He worked at Ballard Oil in Portland as well as various other jobs, including Simpson’s Grove.

Marvin served in the Army Air Corps from 1945-1946 and was trained as a cryptographer. He was stationed at Trinidad. After World War II, Marvin worked as a freight handler for the Railroad.

In 1960, Marvin opened his owned business, Harmon’s Hamburgers on Route 100 in Falmouth. Known for making one of the best burgers in Southern Maine, Harmon’s was selected by the late Bob Elliot, as a “Bob’s Landmark” spot. Harmon’s is always one of the front-runners for ” best burger” in the annual Press Herald polling.

Marvin continued his education by obtaining a bachelor of law degree through a correspondence course in the 1960s.

In the 1970s, Marvin built his own cottage on a local pond.

Marvin retired from the hamburger stand in 1985, and has spent his retirement as a gentleman farmer raising raspberries. Marvin was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Marvin, a life long bachelor, is survived by one sister, Jeannette Abbott of Moultonboro, N.H.; nephews, Damon Harmon of Cumberland, Paul Harmon of Gray, George Abbott of Moultonboro, N.H., Arthur Abbott of Moultonboro, N.H.; and a great-niece, Lori Chason of Windham.

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