Monica Rothe Photo Hudgens Photo Henckler Photo See Jordan Pond House section beginning Page 21. The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 PAGE TWENTY-ONE Island Mourns Loss Of Jordan Pond House Firefighters Battle A Tinder-Box Blaze The tragic fire that destroy- and the one in the gift shop his first fire truck reached the ed the Jordan Pond House was was unreachable. Jordan Pond House, the discovered shortly after 6:42 Before running back to the flames were already through a.m. June 24th when a smoke men's quarters in a nearby the windows of the gift shop, alarm sounded in the dormi- cottage for change, Raynor reaching up the outside walls. tory building where 12 staff alerted staff members, mak- He says "it was one of the members were sleeping. ing certain they all had left the fastest responses I've ever Running downstairs to the dorm. Fortunately Megan had seen. The truck was moving breezeway between the two the correct change but there even before the whistle was in buildings, Steward Georgitis must have been some diffi- high gear. The call came in was the first to reach the fire. culty in locating the correct at 6:50 and the two Seal Looking through the gift shop phone number which is listed Harbor fire trucks were on the door into the smoke filled under Mt. Desert Fire Depart- scene by 6:55. A Northeast room, he saw what he thought ment. Apparently thinking she Harbor fire truck arrived five was the flame center near the was calling Seal Harbor, she minutes later. eastern wall. Smoke was reached the dispatcher in Hose was laid from the escaping from under the door. Northeast Harbor at 6:50 and Pond House to the Seal Attempting to turn the door informed him there was a Harbor pumper stationed at knob, he burned his hand. As "large fire" in the gift shop. Jordan Pond 1,000 feet away he turned back towards the Immediately the dispatcher, and the trucks were positioned porch and kitchen entrance, Peter Bucklin, blew the alarm in front of the building. he heard glass cracking. to summons Northeast Harbor Realizing more assistance was By this time two other staff volunteer firemen, simulta- needed, Tracy called for a members, Mike Raynor and neously notifying the Seal second Northeast Harbor truck Megan McCarthy were report- Harbor volunteer department. and the Otter Creek tanker. ing the fire from pay phones. Seal Harbor Fire Chief Jack (One of the Somesville trucks The one in the office was dead Tracy reports that by the time was dispatched to Northeast Harbor to cover that area). Routine Inspection Turns In the meantime, Georgitis had grabbed a CO2 fire Investigation extinguisher from the kitchen, and pushed the funnel through Joseph Wadland, Safety Pond House in Seal Harbor the upper door panels which Specialist for the Northern and the Civilian Conservation had broken by then. Before it Atlantic Region of the Nation- Corps buildings on McFar- was half empty, some of the al Park Service, arrived in Bar land's Hill in Bar Harbor. windows had cracked, flames Harbor on Wednesday, June The three inspectors were to leaking from the top of them. 20. He and two other Park follow up on a routine OSHA For the next few minutes, Service personnel were to inspection made a month Henckler Photo until the extinguisher was start Thursday on a follow-up earlier at the Acadia Corpora- depleted, he used it on the safety inspection at the Jordan [Continued on Page 34] outside wall to contain the fire The Passing Of An Era as it was coming through the Cause Unknown In First Report window tops. By Russell D. Butcher Other staff members, clad My first shocked reaction beloved Jordan Pond House. Early Morning Jogger, Gardener See No Fire in bathrobes, joined him in the was, "Oh, my God, it's It was the day following the The first official investiga- probable cause is "unkown. breezeway, formed a bucket gone!'' My wife and I and the fire--and the three great fire- tion report issued Tuesday The preliminary report was brigade with plastic ice cream Rev. and Mrs. Douglas place chimneys and burned from Acadia National Park issued by Acadia National containers and threw water on Morrill, were just returning trees rose grotesquely above headquarters offers a specific Park Fire Control Officer the fire. from a week in Canada. With the ashes. point of origin for the fire Roger Rudolph and National Shortly afterwards, Georgi- no prior warning, we rounded As with so many people on which consumed the Jordan Park Service Safety Inspector tis recalls, the fire department the bend in the mountain road Mt. Desert and throughout the Pond House, but can list only Joseph Wadland. They began arrived and began shooting of Acadia National Park, and United States, we feel stun- possible but unlikely causes. talking to witnesses and suddenly saw the flattened ned, numb and empty. Our The final classification of burned ruins of what for minds simply refuse to accept [Continued on Page 34] [Continued on Page 21] generations had been the what we see with our eyes. We literally grieve for the passing of an old friend. The loss closes forever a historical era that embraced many genera- tions of tea-and-popover de- votees. It will be a long time before my wife and I won't automatically think: "Let's go for a hike and end up at the Jordan Pond House for some fresh peach ice cream and popovers. The Jordan Pond House began in 1847 as a modest little farmhouse built by George N. and John Stanley Jordan of the nearby village of Seal Harbor. They planted a small apple orchard, and conducted a logging operation with a small sawmill and dam at the outlet of Jordan Pond. The farmhouse narrowly sur- vived the "Great Fire' of 1864 that burned an extensive area of surrounding forest. In 1884, Melvan Tibbetts and his family of Exeter, Maine, bought the Jordan farm, and that summer a small advertisement was placed in the Mount Desert Herald proclaiming that full line of first class boats and canoes" could be found at the pond, plus "good stabling and feed for horses Parties crossing Monica Rothe Photo [Continued on Page 25] PAGE TWENTY-TWO - The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 TINDER BOX BLAZE Attention was then turned [Continued from Page 21] to another check of the water through the door. As the dormitory for employees. heat began to move towards Monica Rothe, daughter of the west and windows in the Park Naturalist Robert Rothe, was on the scene at 7:00, breezeway wall popped out, he ran around to the western before the dining room on the porch, hooked up a garden northern end of the building hose and turned water on the caught fire. At about 7:15, she southwestern corner. As fire noticed that the three picture flicked from windows for the windows on the pond side had cracked. Minutes later as she next 4 to 5 minutes, he prevented the flames from was walking across the street towards her house, she looked going to the roof and then across the breezeway frame to back and saw the whole dining room in flames. the kitchen and dormitory building. According to one volunteer Georgitis relates that no one fireman's theory, glass cracks came over to that side of the at a temperture that is higher building except for one em- than the kindling point of soft- ployee to whom he yelled to wood. The loss of the dining room was inevitable therefore Hudgens Photo tell the fire department to come around and attack from when the glass cracked. The that side. dining room had been a When the western windows vacuum: as soon as the glass broke, oxygen entered, feed- Lives Saved; 38 Lose Jobs popped, so much smoke and heat came out that he couldn't ing the fire. Community Responds, But What Now For Jordan Pond Employees About 7:20, the Seal Harbor stand close enough to the building to contain the fire. At pumper developed mechanical "No doubt the smoke and merchants have donated ings. that point, he says, "I problems as its engine over- detector saved lives" said one gift certificates, discounts and Some, coming from long dropped the hose and as I did, heated. It had been feeding Jordan Pond House employee credit. The Mt. Desert Chap- distances, had traveled light; I saw fire roll under the porch [Continued on Page 31] to Park investigators who ter of the American Red Cross others, like Mrs. Below and to the dormitory wall." asked for lists of losses while supplied toilet articles the recently-married Geor- the fire still smouldered. toothbrushes, shampoo, etc. gitises, lost most of their pos- The twelve staff members, and linens. sessions. Mrs. Below's room ten girls and one married Islanders with true com- held 60 years of personal and couple, who were living in munity spirit immediately household items, her grand- the Jordan Pond House called offering their homes mother's portrait and many dormitory, rushed from the and the Harborside Inn, in antiques. building as soon as they heard Northeast Harbor, had room Keys were still inside the alarm, thinking it was for some, gratis. many cars had to be pushed merely a fire drill part of an Former Jordan Pond em- away from the building during inspection scheduled for that ployees and parents fed the the fire. day. Staff supervisor Mary staff through the weekend: in Classical music concerts Frances Below (whose room Bar Harbor, Town Farm had been added to the Jordan was above the kitchen) was Restaurant gave them free Pond House this summer; all already outside working in the meals Thursday and Bubba's musical instruments were garden. At approximately doriated a $25 gift certificate gone in the fire: Liz Downey's 6:30, she had been weeding in for beer; in Northeast Harbor, two flutes, one silver and front of the gift shop but had dinners were served to the valued at $3,000; and Bangor seen no signs of smoke. whole staff Friday night at Joy Symphony member Brad Old- All employees escaped with Knowlton's, Saturday at the enberg's cello valued at Luncheon_Tea their lives but were left Dinner William Parkers and Sunday $5,000. Jane and Stewart without housing, possessions at Tony Shaeffer's Geogitis lost two banjos, two or jobs. Irreplaceable possessions guitars, two flutes, two Jordan Pond House Mana- were lost. When employees recorders and a dulcimer. ger Jim Brown says "people realized the dormitory build- Over sixty people had been have been incredibly helpful ing was doomed it was too late employed. The thirty-plus that with offers for housing and to re-enter. They had pre- were still to arrive (some clothing." The Sea Coast viously been too involved with Mission has supplied clothing the fire to consider belong- [Continued on Page 24] Henckler Photo PERENNIALS Many varieties of hardy field grown border plants including: Philipendula, Delphinium, Centaurea, Heuchera, Jypsophila, Coreopsis, Lychnis, Cimicifuga, Dicentra, Hosta, Pulmonaria, Aruncus, Astilbe, Draba, Helianthe- mum, Campanula, Belamcanda, Dianthus, Aquilegia, Anthemis, Achillea, Iris [Syberian, German and Japanese], Monarda, Oenothera, Baptisia, Anemone, Tradescantia, [five varieties] Rudbeckia and many varieties of clemetis plus many others too numerous to With gratitude & appreciation list. Also 35 varieties of herbs and many other unusual to all those who have helped U1. items including Fellicia, Bougainvillia, and several colors of Marguerite Daisies. from the staff of the Surry Gardens Jordan Pond House. Rte. 172, Surry, Me. Jim Dickinson 667-2277 51-3t The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 - PAGE TWENTY-THREE Hudgens Photo Kimball Photo Kimball Photo SEAWALL Acadia National Park Fire Control Chief Roger Rudolph and National Park Service Regional Safety Inspector Joe Wadland dig for clues in the charcoal rubble. Hudgens Photo Situated in the Seawall Section of Southwest Harbor, this spacious FOR SALE Contemporary offers a beautiful peaceful setting. A twisting gravel LOCATED AT BEECH HILL driveway leads you to this beautiful house, surrounded by trees on TOWN OF MOUNT DESERT both sides and in the back. The front opens to an exceptional view 4 bedrooms 21/2 baths laundry area - kitchen - family room of the Western Way and outlying islands and bold pink granite with fireplace dining room living room 2 car garage full dry basement over 3 acres of land with view of the mountains. covers the entire 250' of ocean frontage. This house was built in 1976 from superior materials and well Listed exclusively with insulated. It is in excellent condition with many fine features. Owners are re-locating therefore anxious to sell. PRICE- REDUCED TO $94,000. The Davis Agency DESERT DEVIN Carter's Real Estate SOUTHWEST HARBOR BAR HARBOR Northeast Harbor, Maine DESERT Danielle Davis George Corkum Jane MacLeod 244-3891 244-7135 667-5109 SERVICE 276-5468 288-4748 LISTING REALTOR MEMBER: M.D.I.M.L.S. LISTING PAGE TWENTY-FOUR The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 Jordan Pond House Favorite The famous recipe for Jordan Pond House popovers'has changed little over the years. We are printing two versions of it the first and more recent is from the Jordan Pond Cookbook; the second was given to Marion Kimball of Northeast Harbor by her close friend, Edith McIntire Kimball, daughter of T.A. McIntire, Proprietor of the Jordan Pond House for the first 50 years. Jordan Pond House Popovers Jordan Pond Cookbook The Dining Room of the Jordan Pond House was photographed for a 1915 booklet by Ingredients: the owner, T.A. McIntire. Two large eggs Courtesy of Mrs. Charles K. Savage One cup whole milk One cup sifted all purpose flour 2 cups of milk. CONSERVE ENERGY One quarter tsp. salt Cook about 40 or 45 minutes in oven 400 degrees. At end DON'T USE YOUR CAR Speck of baking soda of ten minutes popovers should just have begun to rise. 1 DAY A WEEK Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Makes about twelve. Beat the two eggs at high speed in an electric mixer Bake 30 min. before opening oven. Tilt in pan when bowl until lemon colored (two or three minutes). On done and reduce 300 degrees (to reheat return to pan slowest speed add very slowly one half cup of the milk: and tilt). beat until well mixed. Sift and measure flour, salt and Sift flour once, measure add salt and sift 6 or 7 times. WANTED soda; add slowly (with mixer going on low speed) the dry Beat eggs until light. Add all the flour and 1/2 cup milk. SCRAP LEAD ingredients. When mixed stop the beater, scrape the sides Beat until batter is smooth. Then add rest of milk beating Paying Best Prices of the bowl with spatula, turn to medium speed and add at low speed until mixed. Last thing turn beater high for a Winston Ellis Co. 244-5626 minute to put bubbles in it. W. Tremont slowly the rest of the milk; beat two minutes. Turn to high 244-5243 speed and beat five to seven minutes. Batter should be smooth and about the thickness of heavy cream. Pour batter through strainer, and then into well greased muffin 38 LOSE JOBS tins, or custard cups. It is not necessary to heat these [Continued from Page 22] before using. If a muffin tin is used, fill the end cups only and to the top if you wish high, large popovers. Bake on middle shelf of preheated oven, 425 degrees for the first weren't due until August) were contacted; the other half fifteen minutes. Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350 and bake fifteen to twenty minutes were faced with unemploy- longer. They are best when served at once, but may be ment. kept in oven for an additional four to five minutes. As of Tuesday morning, On the recipe card, pinch of soda" is crossed out. nine had found new jobs: in Her sister Marion McIntire used to add this ingredient but Bar Harbor, a breakfast cook Edythe and her mother, Nellie told Marion Kimball "not at the Golden Anchor, cook at to bother with it. You didn't need it.' the Town Farm, a waitress at the Bar Harbor Club and in The more recent recipe calls for 1/4 tsp. salt, but note also that Edythe's is doubled. Northeast Harbor, a clerk at KNOWLES Brown's Hardware. Three Northeast Harbor Edythe McIntire is now living in Florida and still making split one dishwasher's job at Maine 04662 207-276-3322 popovers at the insistent demands of her guests. Mary Jane Restaurant in Bar Southwest Harbor Her directions, requiring less salt and the addition of a Harbor and two will be Maine 04679 smaller amount of milk at first, seem simpler and state working for a Northeast 207-244-3322 that popovers can be reheated. Harbor summer resident. Southwest Harbor Popovers A poster placed in the "85 Break four eggs and beat very light. Main St." gift shop window in New England saltbox with three spacious Add: 2 cups of sifted flour Bar Harbor lists names and bedrooms in desirable residential area. pinch of salt phone numbers of the others still needing jobs. Those with Excellent closet space. Living room with information or job offers are fireplace. Attached 2-car garage. FOR SALE asked to call the Acadia #467 $75,000 Corporation, 288-5592. Some- one will be there to answer the BAR HARBOR - IN TOWN LOCATIONS Parcel of 54 acres with 1300' of frontage on phone seven days a week. 6 sleeping rooms, fireplace, large basement with The Acadia Corporation's Route 102. Two drilled wells and two septic workshop. $40,000 $75,000 insurance policy cov- systems in place. Very well maintained, multi baths, fireplaces. ers contents the equipment, #468 $75,000 $55,000 inventory and recent improve- Impressive, well located. Beautiful den, fireplaces. ments to the building. Loss Bar Harbor $78,000 estimates were still being calculated Tuesday. Attractive raised ranch on very large lot. BAR HARBOR COMMERCIAL Included in the policy was a Access to parcel off two roads. Panoramic 5 commercial buildings in good location. Experienced $250 compensation for each Broker will assist in financing. employee's possessions; the view of Frenchman's Bay and the islands. musical instruments would be #456 $92,000 RENTALS under that $250. Several seasonal cottages, also excellent 2 bedroom An insurance adjuster in- 42 acre parcel with 1400' on Route 3. apartment with fireplace, on year-round basis good spected the building Friday housekeeping a must. and will return with his report Bordered by brook, mountain and valley this week. views. LAND We have sold more than any other Broker on the island and still have acreage to sell. The building itself was #428 $30,000 owned by the government and BAR HARBOR REALTY CO. therefore uninsured. Park Supt. Lowell White explained 67 Main Street Tel. 288-3578 the government does not carry insurance but is considered 1-1th REALTOR CHARLES W. SAWYER, JR., BROKER self-insured. The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 - PAGE TWENTY-FIVE At about this time, Charles T. How, a realtor from Boston and one of the first real estate developers in Bar Harbor, bought the farm, with the hope of entertaining prospec- tive land buyers. Fortunately for the future history of the place, his ambitions failed. In 1895, Thomas A. Mc- Intire leased and soon bought the farm. As a boy, he had run away from his home on Prince Edward Island and had become a skilled carpentar and architect in Bath, Maine. In 1896, Mr. and Mrs. McIntire opened a tea house, which for many subsequent years was but one of many such eating places on the island. After that first season, the proprietors were pleased to have had forty-four guests for dinners during the sum- mer. Breakfasts and lunches were also provided. Mr. McIntire has been This 1973 photo of the Pond House staff pictures from on Mount Desert Island. This group is noted, too, for its described by those who knew the left, Katharine L. Savage, Charles K. Savage and John high percentage of returnees, some of them working there him well, as a very genial C. Sweet. Many of the young people pictured still reside for four consecutive years. host, a handsome gentleman PASSING OF AN ERA --tall, mustached, gray-hair- food for visitors: Chisolm's various cold and refreshing By 1890, a small dining ed, with a fine physique; a [Continued from Page 21] Mount Desert Guide de- beverages or confectionery room had been added to the man of few words. Harold from Eagle Lake to Jordan's scribed the "lonely and for the children.' Lunch often farmhouse. The newspaper Hickey, who worked for the Pond can have boats come for weatherbeaten little farm- consisted of homemade fish advertised that lunches were McIntires for many years and them by raising a signal which house" as a place where "one chowder. The newspaper also served "at all hours" and that subsequently became Man- will be found on reaching the or a score can get a good rural reported that year that Jordan fishing parties could be ager of the house, says that pond from the lake.' In 1888, lunch for a small rural price, Pond House "is situated on a accommodated overnight. An Mr. McIntire "was the hard- the Tibbetts began offering or a pitcher of rich milk, or picturesque spot at the south- 1894 'Guide to Seal Harbor' est working man I ever ern end of Jordan's Pond, and mentioned "the tumble-down knew--tireless and nervously from it can be had magnificent dwelling which served as an energetic. He had little views of the mountains. eating place.' patience with human frailties and would become nearly irrational when irritated by an inept employee. He was equally impatient with guests and could be brusque with them." Mr. Hickey recalls OPEN HOUSE that Mr. McIntire was moving a table (single-hand- AT THE ed) to accommodate a great crush of people, when he was Bronze Lantern Restaurant approached by a dowager who wanted to know how soon she ROUTE 3, TRENTON, MAINE would be seated. He stormed, 1-3 PM SUNDAY, JULY 1, 1979 'As soon as you get out of my Commercial Frontage FOR INSPECTION OF THE PROPERTY way so I can get this table placed for your party!' Mrs. OFFERED FOR SALE New building on Rte. 3 in Trenton. Either two McIntire was the ideal count- BY er-balance: always contained, apartments or one store and one apartment. HIGH STREET REAL ESTATE regal in appearance, she was $68,000. Gary McGlothlin gracious and soothing with the Lee McCormick guests and brought calm to Fred C. Lynam Co. Are Your Hosts any trying situation which found Mr. McIntire in a R for your insurance needs rage." Others have described 194 MAIN STREET BAR HARBOR ME 04609 Mrs. McIntire as a jolly, 288-3334 outgoing lady who never called Mr. McIntire by name-- just "husband." M. Mr. McIntire was an ardent Maxine hiker, and-he greatly loved the natural beauty of Mt. Desert. He was the island's first FEATURE HOUSE volunteer fire ranger and This is one of the finest contemporary homes on Mt. Desert helped promote the develop- CRS Island. Located high atop a hill in Bar Harbor, this home ment of a system of over 250 possesses views of both mountains and sea. With 3 bedrooms miles of trails. Youngsters and 2 baths, this very liveable house has a fireplaced living from the island villages would room, wrap-around deck, and even a solarium. Located on 3 volunteer for trail construction very private acres, it is priced at $112,000. and maintenance jobs--and the reward for that work was a trip to Jordan Pond House for popovers and homemade ice MAIN OFFICE HANCOCK BRANCH SOMESVILLE BRANCH cream. Southwest Harbor Route 1 Long Pond Road By the turn of the century, and 244-5442 422-3337 244-3967 the house's reputation for good food, friendly hospitali- ty, and matchless setting amid A GALLERY OF CONTEMPORARY HOMES! the panorama of mountains and pond had made the rustic This nearly new three bedroom place "the place to go. The This seven acre Long Pond McIntires raised some of their contempoary home is located estate features two winterized own food on the premises. on a 2+ A. lot in Hall Quarry. homes a spectacular double Their corn and fresh peas With a bath and a half, plus a A-Frame and a neat 2 bedroom made mouths water! And separate laundry room this cape. Separate garage and when the staff gathered for house has unusual liveability. solar greenhouse complete the the shelling of peas, it was a Extra insulation for economy package. $150,000. joyous occasion, with the too! $75,000. waitresses singing songs as 52-1th they worked. [Continued on Page 26] PAGE TWENTY-SIX - The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 PASSING OF AN ERA [Continued from Page 25] A covered veranda was added to the farmhouse. Some of the luncheons served there, when the weather was favor- able, were dress-up occasions known as "piazza parties," in which Bar Harbor's best summer guests gathered for light lunch and the discussion of current events.' The Bar Harbor Record reported in 1897 that "The Jordan's pond house has been doing a thriving business under the management of Mr. T.A. McIntire. He works for success and he appears to have attained it if one may judge by the fishing and dinner parties that visit them daily.' In 1899, the newspaper described the outcome of the "favorite waitress" contest: "Bertha Walls, who had been leading the contest for much of the summer, came in third most favorite out of 70 waitresses, with over 1,000 votes. A 1906 Souvenir Edition of the Bar Harbor Record waxed eloquently: "one of the places that all summer visitors go to once, at least every season, and many of them every week and some oftener, is the This photograph was rescued from the burning rubble. Jordan Pond House, Seal It's an early staff picture with Mr. and Mrs. T.A. Harbor. About eleven years McIntire. ago Mr. T.A. McIntire visited Seal Harbor and the pond, and than a party enjoying one of 1915, the music room (the all the tables, and waited for syrup, they found he'd cover- although there was only an old McIntire's chicken and pop- large birch bark dining room) them to dry. After a few days ed the tables with it!' farm house for a building, Mr. over dinners in one of the cozy was erected. Mrs. Marion he couldn't understand why A fleet of rowboats was McIntire saw the great oppor- rooms, listening to the crack- Kimball, of Northeast Harbor, they weren't drying. Finally, provided for popular "rowing tunity to establish a catering ling of the burning logs--in the who was a close friend of the when they were looking for the [Continued on Page 27] business; and almost from the old-fashioned fireplaces This three McIntire daughters, start the fame of his 'chicken season a new dining room was tells a story that was anything and popover' dinners attract- built, which is finished in but amusing at the time: ed parties from the summer cedar with birch bark panels. "They used to serve maple colonies on different parts of The stone fireplace in this syrup with breakfast, and it the island. Every year Mr. room is quite unique, and came in tin cans that were the McIntire has built additions to attracts much attention. same size and shape as the house, and now has one of Another dining room was varnish cans. One year, as the most attractive places on added in 1912. And finally, in usual, Mr. McIntire varnished the island. "The Jordan Pond House is not a hotel, but a cafe," said OPEN HOUSE SALE the Record, "and the lunches and dinners served for the most part on the piazza, which This Sunday 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. SOUTHWEST HARBOR extends about the house for over two hundred feet, are of This 3 bedroom farm house has been completely quality sufficient to attract a By owner - LovEly home on Albert renovated for efficiency and comfort. Hot water heat large patronage; but in addi- with an auxiliary wood stove and exposed beams in the tion to the social and Meadow. Completely and taste- living room keep the charm of yesteryears. epicurean attractions, are fully restored, 4 fireplaces plus Price $66,500. those of situation and SOUTHWEST HARBOR: scenery "There are several private hookup for woodstove in kitchen, 4 4 bedroom farm house with large back yard area. It has dining rooms in the house," been renovated inside and has a new roof and studio the account continued, "and a Gedrooms, 2 baths, 2 large area. It is ideal for a large family or because of its number of private parties can location it could be an excellent business site. be entertained at the same sunporches. New electrical system, Price $38,500. time. One hundred and fifty guests can be entertained. baseboard heat, insulated. 4 bedroom house on Main Street with partial view of The dining rooms are fitted harbor and detached garage. Price $55,000. with fireplaces, and in the cool 244-5432. evenings a more cheerful 3 bedroom ranch with hot at, full basement in a scene cannot be imagined quiet neighbo Price $37,500. FOR SALE - Property With A View We have a large selection of houses from $24,000. to $200,000. We also have a large selection of land and Building lots, each about 1/2 acre, or more shore properties on Mt. Desert Island, Hancock, Surry and Swans Island. We still have a few rentals available Sewer, Water, Telephone and Electric Power Already Installed for July and August. Lots and Road built according to Town Specifications. Location features: PRIME LOTS Opposite Kebo Valley Golf Club; $8750 $9500 Overlooks Bay: SECONDARY LOTS $5750 $6750 The Danis Agency 1 mile from center of town; A TOTAL OF 7 LOTS AVAILABLE Property about 300 yards from Acadia National Park entrance. Southwest Harbor Bar Harbor Restrictions on type of homes will be incorporated in deeds to property; Danielle Davis Jane MacLeod Banks or owner will finance at prevailing interest rates. 244-3891 667-5109 preferably up to George Corkum 288-4748 See your own broker, or telephone William E. Arata - 288-3447 2 p.m. or after 7 p.m. 244-7135 The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 - PAGE TWENTY-SEVEN PASSING OF AN ERA [Continued from Page 26] parties" on Jordan Pond, shower baths were installed for hikers who wanted to freshen up after scrambling up and down the mountains, and a hostler cared for the horses that were at a stable across the road from the house. In those years before the automobile, many guests ar- rived at Jordan Pond House by horse-drawn carriages, sur- ries, buck-2 alls, runabouts, cut-unders, or buckboards-- the largest of the latter being High fashion on the Pond. the great tallyho which carried up to fourteen passengers. In Courtesy of Mrs. Charles K. Savage the earlier years, buckboard parties were particularly popular, and there are still a few islanders and summering people who nostalgically remember all-day excursions to such places as Ocean Drive and Jordan Pond, with the driver's lively blowing of a long brass tallyho horn each time the buckboard approach- ed a turn in the narrow, The original restaurant managers, Mr. and Mrs. T.A. winding dirt roads. A drought IcIntire. in the summer of 1908 made the roads a "very dusty matter;" so, many visitors from Bar Harbor preferred catching the steamer or mail- boat to Seal Harbor, where a livery took them the two miles up to Jordan Pond House. On Dressed for the party. some evenings, as the boat Courtesy of Mrs. Charles K. Savage returned the guests to Bar Harbor, the moonlight and the starlight on the sea "made a lovely close to a perfect trip.' In 1910, broiled live lobster was added to the menu. And that summer President William Howard Taft (my 43 Cottage Street distant maternal relative) The driveway around 1915. Bar Harbor 288-5818 came for dinner at Jordan Pond House. He was but one TOWN HILL of a long list of distinguished people who enjoyed the house over the years. Others includ- ed university presidents, in- dustrialists, royalty, authors, artists, ministers, doctors, musicians, politicians, and people from many foreign lands--such names as Andrew Carnegie, Joseph Pulitzer, Jr., Edsel Ford, John Jacob Astor, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Henry Van Dyke, Atwater Kent, Jr., Henry Morgenthau, Walter Lipp- mann, Sumner Wells, Henry Lovely 2 bedroom home in Seal Harbor, Full basement, CONTEMPORARY SALT BOX Cabot Lodge, Jr., Mary paved circular drive, 1 car garage, large lot. Roberts Rinehart, Charles A very good buy at $30,000. Setting on 4 acres of land and built with integrity, by a Lindberg, Commander Byrd, ships carpenter, this brand new Salt Box can be yours for Edith Lippincott, Samuel Eliot Building lot, Forest Street, Bar Harbor $8,400. 2 unit apartment bldg. $37,500. $63,500.00. Morison, the Rev. George E. Street, Charlton Cooksey, 4 unit apartment bldg. $78,000. 2x6 walls integrated with posts and beams, combine the George Stebbins, Dr. Augus- Attractive 1 bedroom home on small lot $11,300. efficiency standards of today with the comfort of tus Thorndyke, Thomas Fin- 2 bedroom home, needs lots of love $13,000. yesterday. The outside is sheathed with a combination of letter, Harvard's president 2bedroom home with attached furnished apartment. 3 vertical V joint pine and cedar shingles. Also the house is Charles Eliot, John D. Rocke- fireplaces. $45,000. oriented for sunlight in winter and shade in summer. feller, Jr., and his sons-- 3.88 wooded acres with new barn $25,000. The interior consists of two bedrooms, full bath, large notably David and the late 3 bedroom home, fireplace, new bath $33,500. Vice-President Nelson Rocke- living room, kitchen, utility room and an additional room 3 bedroom home on 1.9 + acres, greenhouse, gardens feller. The Jordan Pond House that could be used as an extra bedroom. Ceramic tile and $75,000. guest register reads like a V joint pine have been used tastefully throughout the 'who's who" directory. 3 bedroom home, sun porch, fireplace, large kitchen house. Local villagers enjoyed $45,000. The house not being finished completely inside, permits those early years as well. In 3 bedrooms, 2 fireplaces, brook, acre in the woods 1912, "a merry party" of over $40,000. a future buyer to make decisions on decor to suit their fifty Bar Harbor residents 3 bedroom home, view of mountains, near golf course taste, but for an additional $3,000.00 the house can be arrived aboard five buck- $44,500. completed as planned. boards to spend the evening 4 bedroom home, 2 fireplaces, fruit trees, garden, big 2 car dining and dancing to horn- garage $65,000. pipes and reels. Higgins, 4 bedroom cape, 2 baths, large in town lot $47,900. The Davis Agency Smallidge, Jordan, Bunker, 2 bedroom mobile home in DeGregoire Park, deeded right Savage and Whitmore were of way to ocean. $20,000. among the many residents Large brick bldg. 13 bedroom, income potential $67,500. Southwest Harbor Bar Harbor listed in the register. 2 bedroom camp Bayview Drive, Bar Harbor $20,000 Evening and tea dances Danielle Davis Furnished 2 bedroom camp Waltham, Little Web Pond Jane MacLeod became extremely popular, 244-3891 667-5109 with big-name dance orches- $22,000. George Corkum 288-4748 tras hired from the big cities 244-7135 for elaborate wedding recep- See our window display for many additional listings. [Continued on Page 28] PAGE TWENTY-EIGHT The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 1915 1912 1900 JORDAN POND - ELEVATIONS AS SEEN FROM THE TEA LAWN. Jordan Pond House in 1898. Courtesy NEH Library Around 1900. Courtesy NEH Library PASSING OF AN ERA dresses with white scalloped went with your beaus. You'd romantic. People would dress yellow- jacket with her straw- [Continued from Page 27] aprons. Mrs. William Rodman go in the buckboard in the up to the tees--with hats and berry jam," while enjoying tea tions and other special occa- Fay, who celebrated her 90th early evening and come back veils. It was a tradition--you and popovers on the lawn. sions. Morning and afternoon birthday last November, re- by moonlight, sometimes in a could never go too often. In 1928, John D. Rocke: concerts and recitals were calls that "people weren't as cut-under. And if your beau The late, and very out- feller, Jr., (who did so much popular events in the birch busy then. We had plenty of took you to the Jordan Pond spoken Trefina (Mrs. Barry over the years to expand bark dining rooms. My father, time for concerts, and teas House, that was special C.) Smith of Somesville vividly Acadia National Park and to Devereux Butcher, whose afterwards. There were many because it meant a long drive. recalled trying to remain construct the unique system of memories of the house span private dances and parties, At other times, there was 'dignified while swallowing a gravel carriage roads) pur- the past fifty-five years, and it was a lovely place to endless walking over to vividly remembers some of the dance. It was a great meeting Jordan Pond--over the trails "swanky dances and parties, place, too. That's where you and back. It was glamorous, Upholstery dancing to the Meyer Davis Orchestra in the large dining Slipcovers - Furniture Repair room.' 'Can anyone who had such fun in those lively times," he asks, "be blamed BRIAN D. WALLS Rug Sales, if he or she speaks glowingly Service & Installation of 'the good old days?' (The 288-4339 summer of 1979 was to have - FREE ESTIMATES - seen a modest revival of that CARPET INSTALLATIONS OF ALL TYPES early tradition of music, with FREE ESTIMATES C. S. STILLWELL several musicians hired for the BERNARD, ME. 244-7170 enjoyment of evening diners.) To celebrate the 1915 grand SORRY, NO CARPET SALES 52-tf opening of the new music room' (the large birch bark dining room), the Adamowski string trio provid- COASTAL ed a special concert. Guests in Need a New Home subsequent years heard a PAINTERS multitude of internationally or an addition? famous musicians-- among them the leading baritone, Francis Rogers, pianist Olga Want to do some OUR Samaroff Stokowski (wife of the famous conductor Leo- yourself? 3RD YEAR pold Stokowski), violinist Josef Fuchs, harpist Carlos Salzedo, and violinist and WE ARE HAPPY TO ADVISE; OFFERING composer Fritz Kreisler. PLANS, FRAME-UP, ANY PORTION LOWEST PRICES Louise Libby, of Islesford, still OF THE JOB OR THE COMPLETE HOUSE. recalls being told, as a staff member, to stay out of the CALL For Professional work. All work done by Experienced dining room when Mr. Kreis- workmen with Quality materials. ler was composing. The 1920's were certainly VICTOR W. MERCER, INC. Drywall Taping, Paper Hanging, Spray Painting. the liveliest period in the WHERE PRIDE IN CRAFTSMANSHIP STILL EXISTS FREE ESTIMATES house's history. Women were all decked out in fancy flowing Building Contractor 288-4006 288-5473 dresses, gloves, and parasols. Southwest Harbor 244-7044 Waitresses wore long black The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 PAGE TWENTY-NINE 1847 1847 SIDE ELEVATION Tea Lawn About 1956. Ballard Photo chased Jordan Pond House for position he ultimately held for big breakfast at the Jordan addition to the park. Mr. thirty years. Pond House. Eating on the Porch Russ Butcher Photo McIntire continued as man- During the 1930s, many World War II greatly ager, and George Cousins people enjoyed early morning curtailed the operation. Only special dinner party. Only one stayed on as popover cook--a horseback rides, followed by a one of the McIntires' grand- afternoon tea was served, of the many waitresses was daughters. except for an occasional kept on: Mrs. Warren Hyten, On August 21, 1945, the McIntires finally retired--after fifty years of managing the BYW Jordan Pond House. Eight VISIT hundred invited guests and friends came to a huge tea to RUGGLES HOUSE mark the historic occasion--the largest party ever held at the BASS HARBOR MARINE house. The Acadia Corporation, BASS HARBOR MAINE which had been formed in Situated in Columbia Falls, Maine 04653 207 244-5066 1932 to operate all concessions Just off U.S. Route 1 Jordan in assumed the Pond park--excepting the management House, the of now Built in 1818, an Outstanding Example of Colonial Architecture the house as well. Harold Open: June 1st to October 15th Hickey was chosen as the new Island manager. He had previously Weekdays 8:30 4:30 Sundays 10:00 4:00 worked on the staff from Admission .50 Children .25 1930-36--first as a dishboy and 51-tf then chef. This tall, gracious gentleman and his wife managed the house from late summer 1945 until 1960. Mr. Hickey admirably succeeded in maintaining the gracious traditions and high CRANBERRY ISLAND, ME. standards of service, quality, 244-7316 and friendliness that the Jaffray Chase, Ltd. McIntires had achieved. He Marine Railway Boat Storage Blue Hill, Maine recalls that, "the only change we made in the operation was Repairs in Wood Finishing of Needlepoint, Gifts, Sportswear to add steak to the menu," and Fiberglass Fiberglass Hulls (about 1950). He remembers and Handknits that "It was a close-knit Antique Boat summer colony that more or Floats and Ramps WE'VE MOVED TO MAIN STREET less dictated the style and Restorations Built (Red brickouse next to Union Trust Co.) format of the Jordan Pond Open House House,' and he acknowledges Call us for an estimate on your that the McIntires had "a Repair and Storage needs. Monday, July 2nd knack for interpreting the Reasonable Rates 50-tf 9:30 5:00 1-1th needs of the summer colony. [Continued on Page 30] PAGE THIRTY - The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 says she had had no intention of taking a job there herself. "Holy Moses what an old barn! I would never work in a place like that," she recalls saying. "It was all dark and gloomy inside--being still closed up. But then I realized it had to be "rustic." Mr. Hickey prevailed upon her to stay a season and help with the cooking--a task she had done only for her family until then. After making such things as cupcakes, "paper- thin' cookies, and soups that first summer, she was pro- moted to chief cook--seeing that things were done correct- Courtesy of Mrs. Charles K. Savage Courtesy of Mrs. Charles K. Savage ly, ordering the food supplies, Driveway to the road before 1915. The Pond from Jordan Mountain Bluff. etc. "I loved working with the PASSING OF AN ERA Christia (Mrs. Robert) Skillin students." After leaving the 1971-74, and Gerrie (Mrs. when she was a toddler, Mrs. of Seal Harbor. At the start of house, Christia opened her Sweet) refers to the Jordan Continued from Page 29 Sweet says that the Jordan her first summer, she drove own restaurant in Seal Harbor Pond House as "very special, Pond House "became a really He knew it was the simplicity which she operates to this enchanting, a place that would living entity" when she and they liked. There was never over from Dexter, Maine, with day. cast a spell over every- her husband ceased being any fanfare or big show." a friend who was being one--guests and employees merely guests and took on the A staff member who worked interviewed for a summer job Mr. and Mrs. John C. Sweet alike.' Recalling her overall management. And she for Mr. Hickey from 1948-54 is at Jordan Pond House Christia managed the house from memories, which date back to emphasized how important they felt it was "to live up to the traditions.' A vital key to maintaining No bank can beat our those traditions was the late Charles K. Savage--long-time President of the Acadia Corporation (he was one of the new great rate. founding directors). Until his death in January of this year, this gentle, peaceful man had brought to the Jordan Pond House a unique sense of uncluttered simplicity in de- sign and color. As an artist and landscape designer, his subtle hand was seen in the 1/2% perfect arrangements of pitch pine boughs on the mantels of the three massive stone fireplaces, in the choice of authentic Indian and other native Maine crafts for the gift shop, in his carved signs, and in his gracious greeting of all the dinner guests. As Mrs. Sweet says, "he knew the wealthy and the not-so- wealthy--his function was to welcome you, and his evening INTEREST ON ALL appearance at the house was as regular as clockwork.' For new staff such as the SAVINGS ACCOUNTS! Sweets and the students, Mr. Savage was "the link to the past, he conveyed a sense of the place--its continuity of tradition; he made it all come alive." Mr. Savage's wife, Katharine, was an invaluable Heritage Savings Bank has another great reason for being partner in overseeing the the only bank you'll ever need. It's our new higher interest rate aesthetic details. She made the beautiful flower arrange- on passbook, statement and club savings 51/2%! Not only is ments for the dining tables-- that the highest interest rate on savings Heritage has ever bringing many of the flowers, offered, it's a big 1/4% more than commercial banks offer. No such as the magnificent rhododendrons of early sum- bank in Maine can beat it. The new rate is in effect July 1st, and mer, from their own garden. your first dividend will be credited on July 31st. If you already She also helped in the kitchen are a Heritage saver, we'll make this change automatically. If at start of the season, taking a taste of soups, ice creams, you're not saving at Heritage, it's a great time to cookies, etc., and offering start. Remember, 51/2% interest is advice on how some subtle only one of the reasons improvement could be made. In the words of Gerrie Sweet, we are the only bank "the word gourmet was you'll ever need. invented for Katharine Savage.' George N. Demas, of Bar Harbor, is another who should be mentioned, for as head of Member FDIC the restaurant operation and assistant to the manager, from Rockland Bar 1968-76, he provided excep- tional skill in training and leading the student staff. He glows with admiration for the young people and their extra- ordinary devotion to the Jordan Pond House. "A really good staff meant that each and every person was out to help each and every other person-- they would complement each [Continued on Page 31] The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 PAGE THIRTY-ONE PASSING OF AN ERA people for tea, the numbers they would hold a "Yankee both cultural and aesthetic, TINDER BOX BLAZE [Continued from Page 30] swelled to 400, and then 500 Swap" in which each person the sudden end of an era that which posed parking problems chose a gift, from under the [Continued from Page 22] other and anticipate needs. spanned 132 years of Mt. as well as stretching the tree, by number. 'Very They had respect for one Desert history--reaching back two trucks with water from capabilities of the staff and clever, ingenious gifts were long before the appearance of Jordan Pond. another--themselves and the facilities to the limit. created, to suggest the whole the automobile age. Firemen replaced the Seal adults as well.' Mr. Demas Mr. Demas fondly remem- spirit at Jordan Pond House,' recalls the feeling of "electri- Jordan Pond House had just Harbor pumper with North- bers the feeling of a close-knit Mr. Demas says. city and excitement, of not begun its 84th consecutive east's, shutting down the family--like a sorority or Then a staff talent show was knowing what each day would year, having opened earlier water supply for a few minutes fraternity--a relationship that held in August, again after all than every before, on June 9. for the changeover. Tracy bring" because of changes in has lasted far beyond any the evening guests had the weather or other unfore- My wife and I enjoyed one of explains the fire trucks still particular summer. Friend- departed. Little acts, skits, the famous broiled chicken had full tanks. Fewer hoses seen circumstances. ships flourished, love affairs poetry reading about the luncheons on the 10th. That were operating during this A few changes occurred would inevitably blossom, and summer and histories of the during Mr. Demas' years: the evening, John and Marie brief period but they were at least one marriage resulted summer were among the Jordan, relatives of those never completely out of water. old charcoal broilers were from each year. creative contributions. early Jordan brothers who At that time firemen were replaced with gas-fired ones, Many of the staff were Mr. Demas recalls that the the overhead-belt ice cream built the original farmhouse, trying to set up a "water "incredible readers, philoso- staff inevitably felt a sense of celebrated their 47th anniver- curtain" in the breezeway to machine went out, and the phers, and musicians. Two personal 'possessiveness' brine ice-maker was finally sary over dinner at Jordan prevent the fire from traveling staff traditions brought out about Jordan Pond House--a Pond. There were many from one building to the other. retired. But the most drastic those creative talents. On July feeling that was most intense others who enjoyed those final But sparks were jumping change, he says, was the 25, the whole staff celebrated in the stillness of the evenings park's converting of Ocean few days--and many more who from one roof to the other and Christmas--since they couldn't after the guests were gone and Drive to a one-way road. This had looked forward to going. the cedar trees were explod- be together in December. the lights were turned out. It ing. caused much heavier traffic to Gracious, old-fashioned After all the guests had left for was then the staff would During the switchover a descent on Jordan Pond the evening, they would put wander quietly about the dining amid historic settings second line was added from House at tea time. From 300 still exists on Mt. Desert up and decorate a tree, then grounds and enjoy the moon Jordan Pond so that ten Island--at Asticou Inn in and stars, or lean against a minutes later twice as much Northeast Harbor and Clare- tree and talk or meditate. mont Hotel in Southwest water was being supplied. The Sometimes the soft notes of a Asked if the few minutes Harbor. But whatever guitar or flute would drift shutdown made any differ- Colonel's through the night air. happens on the meadow by ence, Tracy said, 'only God Of the Jordan Pond House Jordan Pond, the charm of the would have known that. LICATESSEN birch bark rooms with their itself, Mr. Demas echoes the feelings of many when he says massive stone fireplaces, the Someone higher up than I MAIN STREET NORTHEAST HARBOR "it was not simply a building-- special feeling of history, and would have to say. We might have had more of the building it had a soul of its own. I all those personal touches of standing. 'We had as much the T.A. McIntires, the was in awe of the place and water as we needed" he LARGE SELECTION its traditions which we felt Savages, and others have of could not be improved upon. It passed from the Island. Our [Continued on Page 32] Cheeses, Choice Steaks was critical to keep the plastic old friend is gone, and the era world from encroaching. Jor- that Jordan Pond House resident, whose fond represented so faithfully will memories of Jordan Pond & Other Meats dan Pond House made an absolute snob out of me--the be greatly, sadly missed by us House extend back thirty all--local and summer folk years, is author of Field Guide FINE WINES & BEERS genuineness of it was such a alike. to Acadia National Park and rare quality. The aura of the Russ Butcher, a Seal Harbor Maine Paradise. Deli Food Selection place,' he says, don't think could ever be replaced. Quality Homemade Breads, However, I rather think the graciousness and genuineness KITCHEN-AID 207-276-3922 Pastries, & Other Goodies of the whole operation is HOME APPLIANCES something that is recoverable; there are the people who could The Colonel's provide the continuity and who would make that commit- WOODBURY A. STANLEY, INC. SANDWICH BOARD ment once again to integrity and quality. Electrical Contractors Hot and cold sandwiches on homemade breads. Table concluded a briefer history service or take-out. of Jordan Pond House (Down NORTHEAST HARBOR East Magazine, July 1970) by OPEN EVERY DAY MAY TO OCTOBER MAINE 04662 FOR SPECIAL ORDERS CALL: 276-5147 saying: 'Carriages and buckboards FREE no longer bring guests to the door. The stables have been taken down. All the other oldtime island tearooms--The Crabmeat Roll Tea Cup Inn, The Tea Garden, and the Blue Shutter Tearoom --are long gone. But the fresh peach ice cream at Jordan BUY TWO Pond is still 'heaven-born;' the popovers are as big and delicious as ever; and a Get One Free! chicken, lobster or steak dinner served in the rustic dining rooms in front of a WITH THIS COUPON crackling fire continues to be EXPIRES JULY 5, 1979 an elegant treat in an atmosphere of the past. Well, the Jordan Pond Seafarer House is now gone, and with it the popovers and ice creams and famous entrees, and fun, NORTHEAST HARBOR care-free afternoons entertain- SANDWICH SHOPPE ing there. But the greatest SMALL'S MARKET loss, beyond the rustic old Tel. 276-5088 NORTHEAST HARBOR rambling building and deli- 1-1th FREE cious food, are those intangi- bles: the loss of a heritage-- HOME GROWN VEGETABLES AND FRUITS FINE MEATS GROCERIES BEER AND WINE Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Specializing in Seafood and Lobsters The new owners are planning to be open all year THE LOBSTERS OR BOILED and are pleased to say that Ted James will remain "We Can Satisfy Any Appetite" as store manager. DOCKSIDER Dining Room and Take-Out Beer and Wine Served Come in and shop or phone in and have your Sea Street "From Sandwiches and Pizza order promptly delivered. Northeast Harbor 276-3965 to Complete Dinners." CALL 276-3388 50-4t Hours: 7 a.m. 10 p.m. 52-tf PAGE THIRTY-TWO The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 TINDER BOX BLAZE [Continued from Page 31] thought. "It was just a tinder box with the birch walls and such. One Seal Harbor volunteer fireman, on the scene by 7:02 and handling the hoses near the breezeway, said the fire was already burning towards the kitchen when the dining room caught. "It was so hot we had to keep our arms up over our faces and keep wetting our faces down" he recalls. 'There was a loss of water pressure for a few minutes.' Courtesy of Mrs. Charles K. Savage 1912-1915 He says the fire jumped trucks were included in the leaking from a tank next to the from one wall, going over the plan. Just a few years ago, laundry room. As it spread rafters to the other. "It was they had requested and under the building and down one hell of a mess the loss of obtained construction of the the hill into the woods towards pressure just increased it all. When a fire is so damn hot fire access road to Jordan Pond. two propane gas tanks, the major presented by the oil was that you couldn't stand it on Even after it was evident major danger presented by the your skin, who's to say if it that the dormitory and kitchen oil was averted with an made a difference. building were a loss, firemen aqueous film forming foam. The Seal Harbor Fire Dept. persisted spraying water on The foam forms a coat over the had rehearsed the Jordan them to keep the fire from oil and tends to mix with it, Pond fire many times and had spreading into the woods. dissolving it. worked out a game plan. They The oil was siphoned from knew where everything was, On the south side of the the tank to a waiting contain- even the location of the stoves. kitchen building the smell of er, a safe distance away. The Northeast Harbor fire oil was in the air as it was Acadia National Park Fire Control Officer Roger Rudolph Charming lodging on on the scene by 7:20, noted Mid-1920's that by the time the Park fire Frenchman's Bay since 1890. truck was set up about 8:30, Tennis, Croquet, Sailing, Cocktails in the building was almost totally departments for assistance. jumped in and helped, noting parlor and gracious intimate dining. gone. The Park's only hope They were at the fire on a Bucklin's coolness in alerting was to keep the fire from "mutual aid call," as an assist both departments and Gordon spreading westward to the to the Park Service. FEATURED ENTREE King's quick thinking when The Crocker House forest and to the propane Rudolph added that the he, without being asked, OF THE WEEK tanks. Park has no central alarm pulled off the electric power at Country Inn Leg of Lamb Both Northeast Harbor Fire system with trained cadre of 'Confusion Corner'' (where Bernaise Chief Dana Haynes and Tracy fire people; there is a Seal Harbor and Park roads explained the Park does not separation factor with emplo- meet). HANCOCK POINT. MAINE 04640 Dinner 6-10 have the equipment or the yees living in different towns The Bar Harbor Department force to deal with major on the island. was notified by Raynor at 6:58 Wednesdsay-Sunday structural fires; it must Tracy had nothing but but did not send trucks. As a FOR YOUR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL 422-6806 depend on local volunteer fire praise for all those who [Continued on Page 33] Your Dream Boat just came in! Getan MFG onsale! 1979 15' CAPRICE RUNABOUT 1979 17' MFG GYPSY STAR 1979 MORRISON 20 1979 55 HP Johnson Outboard With walk through windshield See the upholstered luxury and with 1979 1000 lb. capacity Cox Trailer to bow seating, white with blue trim. power of the Morrison 20 with 185 HP VALUE $5717 1979 115 HP Johnson Outboard and OMC inboard/outboard. 1979 1750 lb. capacity Cox Trailer VALUE $11,092 VALUE $8410 PACKAGE PRICE: PACKAGE PRICE: PACKAGE PRICE: $5099 $7699 $9999 WITHOUT TRAILER $4699 WITHOUT TRAILER $6999 SAVE ON 1978 OUTBOARDS VALUE SALE PRICE 15 HP Electric Start/Long Shaft $1117 $1017 25 HP Electric Start/ Short Shaft $1280 $1159 JOHNSON 150 HP Power Trim 'N Tilt/ $3574 $3249 Long Shaft THE 1979 OUTBOARDS OUTBOARDS 55 HP Long Shaft $2186 $1999 70 HP Long Shaft $2459 $2249 115 HP Long Shaft $3017 $2749 TRISPAR MARINE CO. 115 HP Power Trim 'N Tilt $3366 $3099 HOW TO FIND US: From Ellsworth take Route (Bar Harbor Road) Shore Road, Manset, Maine Trenton right Route straight Harbor 244-5528 take 3rd Road The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 - PAGE THIRTY-THREE TINDER BOX BLAZE muffin tins and ovens piled in lawn and Northern lights [Continued from Page 32] a jumble. The walls of the An Employee Reminisces playing at midnight; the wild matter of procedure, fire laundry and staff dining room flowers and carriage roads and departments do not send still stood at one end housing a by Jane Allen would dream of walking up paths and parties and hard assistance to another territory freezer full of frozen food, a Editor's Note: Jane Allen those rickety steps for a work and good times. unless requested. walk-in refrigerator with live first came to Mount Desert popover. There, also, people Lunch was served from Acadia Corporation Vice lobsters in it and a safe with Island in 1971 to work at the didn't complain about the 12:00 to 2:00 to what seemed President Kenneth Goodyear contents in tact. Jordan Pond House. She now crowding or the one small to be hordes of people. It was bathroom. speculated "the critical time Like sentries, the fieldstone lives in Bar Harbor and works over as quickly as it had begun was in the very beginning. No fireplaces guarded the ashes. in the advertising department Instead, it was practical and we never wrote down an one knows for sure whether or The relief map that once hung at the Times. jokes, early morning breakfast order how many lunches, not it would have mattered if in the breezeway escaped the Those Jordan Pond House on the porch, or late night teas and dinners were commit- they' done anything differ- fire, having been removed years have fed my dreams and hikes up Penobscot Mountain ted to memory? Tea inspired ent. earlier for repairs. told my tales they changed for a moonlit swim in Sargent many a nightmare with so Shortly after 10:00 local fire A snow fence was stretched my values, made my finest Pond. We'd sleep on top of the many people to serve at once. friends, taught me what it is to mountain in a blueberry patch departments went home and around the ruins to protect the We had to form lines at the scene, preventing disturbance live in a world of loveliness and wake up just in time to the Park began the "mop-up" popover ovens to get hot process, hosing the debris and of evidence for investigators. and quiet. pick berries and get back to popovers (popovers are only patrolling the immediate area The Jordan Pond House We arrived alone or in pairs the staff kitchen for blueberry good when they are steaming signs and telescope were from colleges and universities pancakes and coffee. for sparks, "firebrands" and hot). smouldering pieces that might removed to a more secure around the country to spend a Morning duties were chores The tension and heat did have blown into the woods. location. summer working in a place to get out of the way early strange things to one's priori- The fire was considered Park guards posted 24 hours many of us had never seen sweeping the porches, filling ties. Getting big, hot, perfect a day left Monday at 5 p.m. before. We were there early to jam pots with strawberry jam, contained by Rudolph by 3:00 popovers took on life and Acadia Corporation employees learn the Pond House ways setting tables, stacking pop- that afternoon. There were death proportions. The trays still hot spots the next day, he now handle that job. the 'proper' way to carry on over baskets with cloths, were heavy and had to be the tradition of a hundred washing lantern gloves so said, but no immediate threats stacked exactly right with years. We memorized orders there was light on the porch for ignition. The Park pumper sometimes twenty to thirty rather than wrote them down, when evening came. There remained in the area all night Carpentry Work dishes so that they wouldn't walked with hands placed was always plenty of work and and was replaced with a tip when they were hoisted up OF ALL TYPES portable pumper Friday. behind our backs, served from never quite enough time to get to the shoulders. There were CONTACT the left, took away from the it all done and swim too. At 5:00 Thursday all that yellow jackets in the straw- Alonzo Walls right or was it the other way We had lunch early in the remained of the once gracious berry jam and people kept BAR HARBOR 288-4922 tea house were scorched around? But these were only staff dining room and read coming! outward signs of a much mail from far away places. It pieces of china, charred By the time August was deeper grace and serenity was so difficult to describe the upon us, the pace had which grew to us as we took on wonderland world that was the quickened to a frenzy and tea its characteristics. It was a Jordan Pond House to people became the scene of flying style, a breath from long ago, who had never experienced it WE'RE CELEBRATING THE 4TH AT, which seemed the only possi- the deer grazing on the [Continued on Page 34] ble way to go about Pond House business and was The Live Vankee carried on the wind which swept up from the water. The mystique was all-pervasive Thinking Golf Equipment and wove a bond of friendship 20% Off All Regular Fabrics and understanding among and Supplies? those of us lucky enough to live and work there. See for yourself at There were twenty or so of Causeway Golf Shop Special Bonanza us who lived above the HOLIDAY SALE kitchens in little, odd-shaped, dormered rooms, painted or July 4th through Sunday, 8th. Everything 50% Off papered years ago soft colors which had faded to various Causeway Club shades of cream. We shared in remnant room Southwest Harbor one bathroom which required So Come On Down June 30th-July 7th constant maintenance and was Vern Smiley, Golf Professional 9:30 to 5:00 always both in use and out of Lessons by Appointment 244-3780 MAIN STREET, SOUTHWEST HARBOR order. I only remember laughter there when I think of the last panicked minute of late hikers or swimmers desperately changing from boots or bathing suits to MOORINGS waitress uniforms. Living space was always cramped with college girls turned RESTAURANT waitresses and cooks with all their paraphernalia, but I Southwest Harbor 244-7070 don't remember the short tempers or spats which would OCEANSIDE normally accompany tight quarters and lack of privacy. CLAMBAKES The girls lived in what might be called quaintly rustic One Sitting at 6:00 p.m. quarters the boys camped in [Weather Permitting] a much more primitive place Chowder known as 'the cottage. It Steamers served as the after-hours Boiled Lobster gathering place, as no tourist Corn on Cob or organically 1/2 Chicken Steak Rolls and Butter Fresh homogenized milk is packed in gallon Coffee jugs in Southwest Harbor Herbal Beer or House Wine CLARKS for you. Delivered daily to assure freshness to stores Dessert on MDI and the surround- Greenhouse RESERVATIONS NECESSARY ing area. 244-7070 Look for our distinctive red Prospect Ave., Bar Harbor Appearing in the Lounge Friday and Saturday, label. Prospect Folksongs with Marrianne Bouchard. Ave. Serving MDI Since Seal Cove Rd. 1939. Southwest Harbor Eden/St. Dining Room Serving 11:30 a.m. 10:00 p.m. Luncheon 244-3257 s- 9-5, Tues-Sun. Elloworth and Dinner. 288-4561 ar Harbor PAGE THIRTY-FOUR The Bar Harbor Times, Thursday, June 28, 1979 EMPLOYEE [Continued from Page 33] arms, dishes, butter, jam, and popovers despite the enor- I mous urge to hurry, running on the tea lawn was strictly R forbidden. Dinner was served before the last tea-table had been HI cleared, but the pace was so much slower and more relax- 111 ed. Candles flickered and cast shadows from the shrubbery around the porches, and the quiet was often broken by the sounds of guitar or flute being played in some hidden place. The Jordan Pond House was a romantic place. My brother and his wife met there, as did so many couples, some of whom still live and work on the island. There were those of us who couldn't leave, who were infected with the Jordan Pond House magic that magic expanded to include the Pieces of Chris' private collection. Rogers Photo beauty and tradition of Mount Desert Island, the friends Porcelain Pottery By Chris Moore made and kept during and after those years, and an By Mercy Johnson over the years, including appreciation of a world based "I am a lover of clay. woodcarving and lost wax on solid values, hard work, Christine Moore's attitude is casting. Those techniques and a firm sense of commun- apparent in her display of have enhanced her ability and ity. porcelain pottery at the Jesup her desire to work with clay. Memorial Library. "True hand building is the Chris first became seriously most honest approach to the involved with clay at the age of medium the wheel be- ROUTINE INSPECTION 14. Her craftsmanship has comes repititious and [Continued from Page 21] expanded into other areas similar.' Chris does not use Christine Moore examines a pinch pot that is part of the molds or the wheel. She display at the library. Rogers Photo tion's concessions at Cadillac "highly unlikely, though still Mountain, Thunder Hole and strives to create an original possible.' piece and will not reproduce to "I like to push clay to its Jordan Pond. The OSHA glazing and another firing in The Pond House was make a copy or matched set. limits.' she says of the diffi- the kiln. Gold is applied before report was sent to the Park completely rewired last spring Her desire to create 'the Service and Wadland was to culty involved. enter a new the final firing. and on May 23 an OSHA check on whether the minor one and only" piece has been dimension that takes me down Chris and her husband Rick inspector had, according to a factor in her work since the to a place where I can relax Moran came to Bar Harbor deficiencies listed by the the report, found the gift shop OSHA man had been correct- beginning. She won her first and enjoy the fantasy of child- from Capitola, Calif. a year "in total compliance with the art contest at age 14 with a hood. ago. Rick is a painter with ed. He was also to inspect the National Electric Code, except hand built piece that took the The delicate concern for Bruce Kelley and Chris has CCC Camp which opened for two minor violations which prize amoung 75 other contes- detail is evident in each piece. been working at the Bar June 24. were not found to be related to tants. En route to the Pond House After a bisque firing, Chris Harbor Times since Septem- the origin of fire. About two years ago Chris applies special underglazes ber. Thursday morning to begin Under "spontaneous igni- began working in miniature. and fires it again, then over- that segment of the inspec- tion, the report states that tion, Wadland stopped by the refraction of sunrays on Jordan's Variety in Bar some combustible material in Mt. Desert Minister To Be Ordained Obituary Harbor for breakfast. There, the shop was a possibility but William McP. Bigelow Jr. AXEL J. CARLSON at about 7:30, he learned that not likely. The materials the Pond House was ablaze. will be ordained to the Axel J Carlson, 78, of placed at the point of origin of Wadland's routine safety Christian Ministry this Satur- Swans Island, died June 24, the fire would normally ignite, follow-up became, ironically, day at 3 p.m. in the Union 1979, at a Mount Desert Island the report stated, at a low of the preliminary investigation Congregational Church of Seal Hospital. approximately 800° F. of a fire which destroyed a Harbor, United Church of He was born Aug. 6, 1900, Another theory was the historic and sentimental land- Christ. in Sweden, son of Karl and possibility that cigarette or mark. Known affectionately as Matilda (Axelsson) Carlson. pipe ashes were left unattend- "Mac," Bigelow has been He was a member of the ed. The fourth possible cause sharing with Rev. David Swans Island Advent Chris- listed suspicious incendiary, CAUSE UNKNOWN Stillman the pastoral duties of tian Church. or arson, was also called [Continued from Page 21] the Mt. Desert Larger Parish Surviving are his wife, "unlikely. since last July. His ministerial Bernice (Turner) Carlson, sifting through rubble the day For time of ignition, the responsibilities have been Swans Island; a son, Sheldon of the fire, June 21. "When a report estimates between 5:30 concentrated in the Northeast of Swans Island; a brother, fire is this damaging, Wad- and 6:30 a.m. Thursday Harbor, Seal Harbor and Otter John, and a sister, Anna land commented on the morning. The heat sensitive Creek Churches. Wieberg, both of Sweden; Jordan Pond House disaster, fire detector sounded at 6:42. He received his Master of three grandchildren and two a lot of evidence is useless, As supporting evidence for Divinity Degree from Andover Kimball Photo great grandchildren. completely burned.' their time frame, the investi- Newton Theological Seminary The point of origin is gators noted that the Pond rain, it will be in the Abby Funeral services were held in June 1978 and gained final believed to be the "southeast House staff supervisor, Mary Chapel. All members of the June 27 at the Swans Island approval from the Ecclesiasti- Mt. Desert Larger Parish and Advent Christian Church with corner of the gift shop (corner Frances (Mrs. Charles) Below cal Council of the Hancock/ facing breezeway and parking had been watering the gift friends are invited. the Rev. Winslow Hall offici- Waldo Assn. of the Maine lot) confined to an area shop flower boxes at approxi- ating. Burial was in Rose Hill Conference of the U.C.C. this mately 6:20 to 6:40 and cemetery, Atlantic. approximately 8 feet out from past May. the south wall and 6 feet out noticed nothing out of the If friends desire, they may Fond of their new minister, from the east wall.' Investiga- ordinary. Also, an unidenti- contribute in his memory to parishioners feel he has been tors listed as supporting fied jogger reported that he IN MEMORIAM the Swans Island Advent of great assistance to Rev. evidence the burn pattern was in the breezeway at 6:32 The owners, management Christian Church. Stillman to unify programs for established by the depth of a.m. and (checking his watch and employees of Southwest the five parish churches. "His char, and residents and for running pace) getting a Boat Corporation are sadden- REAL ESTATE personality, his depth and his firefighters' statements. drink of water from the ed by the recent death of Neil TRANSFERS caring have been a tremen- Four possible sources re- drinking fountain there, and Peterson. "Doc," as he was dous addition to our worship' John A. Harris IV to ported by Wadland and noticed no sign of fire. affectionately known by the says one. And from another: Shepard Harris et al, North- Rudolph were electrical mis- An electric clock found in employees and customers east Harbor. "He's his own special self. hap, spontaneous ignition, the rubble had stopped at 6:35 alike, was revered for his skill He's there when we need John A. Harris IV et al to smoking materials, and "in- a.m. as a master ship carpentar, he him.' Shepard Harris et al, Mt. cendiary suspicious. The FBI in Bangor were was an artisan of the highest Desert. Prior to the ordination Concerning possible electri- notified of the preliminary caliber. His patience and services on Saturday, the James Harper et al to Gary cal causes, the report pointed investigation on Friday and tolerance of life and his craft Rockefeller Gardens in Seal W. Harper et al, Tremont. out that the only applicance Special Agent Lee Lowry were respected and awed by Richard C. Goodwin to Harbor will be open from 1 to drawing current at the time of arrived Tuesday to review it all who knew him. Our most 3 p.m. Following the services, Cynthia M. Stanley, Tremont. the fire were two electric and to follow up on some leads appropriate memorial to him a reception will be held on the Cynthia M. Litchfield to clocks. The chances of a live for an in-depth investigation will be our adherence to his Village Green. In the event of John M. Conley et al, circuit mishap were termed beginning Tuesday afternoon. principles and standards. Tremont.