Grindstone Inn

This is my rendition of the Grindstone Inn.  I could not tell what the color of the building was from the photographs so for this work it is Raw Sienna.  Somehow I doubt it was that color or called anything like that at the time.

This grand old building was the highlight of Grindstone Point at one time.  I laughed when I read one ad that said it was such a special place that it was free of “mosquitos”.  Somehow I doubt that was true.  The building suffered a mysterious fire in the mid 1950’s and everything was lost.   Well not everything, many things like dishes, silver, decorations of sorts, ads, menus, pictures still exist today. I was lucky to access some photos from the Historical Society and from friends who have collected things over the years.   I hope this piece honors the memories of a time gone by and a way of life that helped shape our lives today.  Did you live on Grindstone and enjoy the luxuries of the Inn? Did you work on Grindstone and maybe even at the Inn, enjoying these surroundings, the people you met or maybe used these comparisons when deciding your own future?  People sometimes don’t realize the subtle influences a place like this has on the lives of everyone around.

If you would like to share memories or stories please contact me.

I thank the Winter Harbor Historical Society for their help and support.  They invite you to attend some historical presentations this summer.

July 8, 7pm-Hammond Hall-Sanford Phippen-Speaks about Frenchman’s Bay Lodge and his book about working there called “Kitchen Boy”.

August 12-7pm-Historical Society- Charles Joy will give a presentation about “John Moore”, from Steuben, he owned approx. 2000 acres on Schoodic Point and was the person to donate it to the National Park Service.  He also built a home on Grindstone called Far From Wolves-known by many as Frenchman’s Bay Lodge.

Thank you, Carol

You Are My Sunshine!

I named this piece “You Are My Sunshine” because one of my earliest memories is of a concert at Hammond Hall by a couple from Birch Harbor.  They sang what we described in those days as being Country Western Tunes.  I loved them and my favorite song by them was “You Are My Sunshine”. This picture of the 3 young men standing in the boat and obviously serenading someone caught my eye right away.  It is a wonderful photograph.  I have added “artist license” and adorned it with familiar sights from the Winter Harbor town dock area.  I have many fond memories of the dock and this seems like a fitting location for this photo.  I don’t know who these boys are but will do more research to find out.  If anyone out there knows this answer or has a comment on this or any post I would love to hear from you.

Thank you again to the Winter harbor Historical Society for making this material accessible.

There are currently two more programs scheduled for this summer to be presented by the Historical Society.  If you would like to attend they are listed below.

July 8, 7pm-Hammond Hall-Sanford Phippen-Speaks about Frenchman’s Bay Lodge and his book about working there called “Kitchen Boy”.

August 12-7pm-Historical Society- Charles Joy will give a presentation about “John Moore”, from Steuben, he owned approx. 2000 acres on Schoodic Point and was the person to donate it to the National Park Service.  He also built a home on Grindstone called Far From Wolves-known by many as Frenchman’s Bay Lodge.

Women’s Bicycle Club

What fun, a Women’s Bicycle Club!!!  It was truly a unique experience many years ago.  Can you just imagine riding a bicycle in those long skirts (or any skirts)?

I loved this photo and this idea.  I got this photo at the Winter Harbor Historical Society and added paint, paper, epherma and stencils.  There were names listed under the women but I could not read them well enough to list them here.

I hope you enjoy this artwork.  I thank the Winter Harbor Historical Society for making this possible and hope that you have a chance to stop by at one/or all of the programs this summer to share your memories or appreciation.

June 10th at 6:30pm-Peninsula School Students Public Speaking-this program is over by the time you receive this post but we thank all of the students for participating in this wonderful event.

July 8, 7pm-Hammond Hall-Sanford Phippen-Speaks about Frenchman’s Bay Lodge and his book about working there called “Kitchen Boy”.  This program is also over but enjoyed by all.

August 12-7pm-Historical Society- Charles Joy will give a presentation about “John Moore”, from Steuben, he owned approx. 2000 acres on Schoodic Point and was the person to donate it to the National Park Service.  He also built a home on Grindstone called Far From Wolves-known by many as Frenchman’s Bay Lodge.