One of the curious things about Facebook is how it remembers things and, from time to time, shares collected images recalled from over the years. One such memory I’ve shared in today’s adventure. Facebook’s memory, such as it is, often brings up stuff easily forgotten as time goes by. Some memories, as I have learned, are not always welcomed, but they, nonetheless, cause one to pause and reflect upon events and moments that may be significant.
The image I’ve shared today was made Dec. 3 four years ago. My memory is challenged day to day and is far from faultless. I looked under the bed this morning, and there I was! But I do recall finding this scene as I cruised back along an often traveled path at Spruce Point about halfway between the stone entrance to Grandview Avenue and the Spruce Point Inn, opposite the Druce property house. On the shore, literally perched at the water’s edge stood the “Retreat” cottage; a tiny, compact structure with an almost boat-like feeling. During high tides, the ocean often lapped the front steps and, in big storms, especially from the Southwest, a good dunking could be counted on.
We managed the rental of “Retreat” for John Druce, back in the day. I say we, but mostly the chief of staff was my wife. I would get called in from time to time to help clean and prep for fast turn-around guests or to vacuum or run to the dump. “We” looked after “Retreat” for about 10 years and met some wonderful and interesting people from all over, many who returned year after year, making their reservation before they left. It was a very popular place.
One of the interesting factoids about the cottage was that Sterling Hayden, a quite famous movie actor, stayed at “Retreat” as he was working on writing his memoir. There used to be a copy of his book on one of the shelves we occasionally dusted. Stories we heard mentioned a fair number of sightseers hoping for a glimpse passed on the water and the nearby road. That was before our time but it was a good tale and didn’t seem to hurt business. Mr. Hayden apparently was very fond of his time on the water, a good sailor and quite adventuresome. It would have been a perfect location.
I made the attached photo just south of “Retreat” on the shore. Guests from the fall had constructed a small monument in honor of their stay, which had been yearly for several years. The couple from Alabama cherished their visit to Maine escaping their stifling August heat. It was their most favorite place to be and we loved seeing them enjoy this unique setting. The fact that their little stone sculpture lasted into late fall was a real testament to superior design. It was a good reminder of pleasant memories and special times.