Discover the legacy of Coastal Maine through my family’s story—homes, a lobster pound, and a life by Nubble Light—now filled with antiques and memory.
Every home has a story, and this one begins nearly a century ago on the rocky coast of Maine. From my grandparents’ move from Boston in the 1920s to the lobster pound they built by the sea, this is the story of a family, a legacy, and the home I’m honored to call mine.
In My Mother’s Maine Home
Step inside our inherited coastal Maine home where antiques, thrifted treasures, and family memories come together. Explore the full series for room-by-room decorating ideas, restoration updates, and the story behind this special place.
Let’s Move to Coastal Maine—Circa 1920
In the early 1920s, my grandparents, Frank and Anne (Clark) Coupe, left Massachusetts in search of a quieter, more meaningful life by the sea. While most New Englanders were heading to cities like Boston in pursuit of work and modern conveniences, my grandparents did the opposite.
They packed up everything they owned and moved north to the Nubble in York, Maine, back when buying coastal property was far from trendy and often seen as foolish. Friends and family thought they were a little crazy for trading city life for the wild, rocky coast.
But they had a dream, and they built a life and home by the lighthouse that would become our family’s legacy. Today, I embrace that same coastal Maine heritage and am honored to share their story with you.
Start Here: Your Guide to Vintage, Thrifted, and Antique Home Decorating
Looking for a welcoming place to begin? Start with my Start Here page, where I share favorite vintage decorating ideas, thrifted finds, and styling inspiration from our cozy New England homes in Vermont and Coastal Maine.
What Is the Nubble?
The Nubble is a small, rocky peninsula just off the coast of York, Maine. At low tide, it’s connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, but when the tide rolls in, it becomes its own tiny island surrounded by the Atlantic.
Perched at its tip is the iconic Nubble Lighthouse, officially known as the Cape Neddick Light Station. It’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country and a beloved symbol of Maine’s rugged coastal charm. Once a manned Coast Guard station, the lighthouse was fully automated in 1987 but still beams proudly across the waves.
The Sea Turn on Nubble Road
It was on Nubble Road that my grandfather, Frank Coupe, built his first home, along with four charming seaside cottages overlooking the rocky Maine coastline.
He named them The Sea Turn, and each summer, the same families would return year after year to stay in those coastal cottages, creating traditions of their own along the Atlantic’s edge.
The Sea Turn Cottages became a beloved part of life on Nubble Road, a slice of classic Maine hospitality with salty breezes and crashing waves just steps away.
Here I am in 1969 with my grandfather at his Sea Turn home, one of my most cherished memories. All the photos you see here are family keepsakes lovingly saved by my mother through the years.
A Little-Known Piece of York History
Over a decade ago, The York Weekly published an article featuring aerial photos that documented the early development of the Nubble, much of it thanks to my grandfather, Frank Coupe.
In one of those photos, you can clearly see how few homes dotted the coastline back then. His, was one of the first, standing proudly on the bluff while the rest of the area remained wild and untouched.
It’s a powerful glimpse into the past and a reminder of how much the Nubble, and our family’s role in it, has shaped the history of York, Maine.
Coupe’s Gift Shop at Nubble Point
Around the same time they built their home and cottages, my grandparents, Frank and Anne (Clark) Coupe, opened a small fried clam stand near the lighthouse. Before long, that stand was transformed into Coupe’s Gift Shop, a cozy little store perched out at Nubble Point, as the land was fondly called by locals and visitors alike.
Inside, shelves were filled with seaside treasures—novelty souvenirs, postcards, small toys, greeting cards, pewter collectibles, and more. For many families visiting the Nubble, a stop at Coupe’s became a summer tradition.
Step Inside Coupe’s Gift Shop
This video offers a rare look inside Coupe’s Gift Shop, just as it once was. From the shelves of trinkets to the nostalgic charm of its layout, it brings back memories of simpler times spent by the sea.
Thrifting New England Shopping Guide: Vintage Stores, Markets & Must-Visit Stops
Join me as I explore the best vintage and thrift stores from Maine to Vermont, and even Paris and Canada. It’s your go-to guide for planning your next treasure-hunting adventure.
Coupe’s Lobster Pound (House)
Just across the street from their gift shop, my grandparents opened Coupe’s Lobster Pound (House), a true hub of coastal life at the time.
Each day, local lobstermen would pull their boats right up to the dock, hauling in their fresh catch to sell at the pound. It was a hardworking, salt-of-the-earth kind of place where stories were shared, and the scent of the sea lingered in the air.
Though Coupe’s Lobster Pound no longer operates under our family name, the building still stands today, now home to the beloved Fox’s Lobster House, serving visitors just steps from the Nubble Lighthouse.
Coupe’s Pound Menu
This vintage menu from Coupe’s Lobster Pound holds a special place in my heart. It was sent to me by Missy Ackerman, a friend from York High School, after her mother, Edith Ackerman, passed away a few years ago.
Mrs. Ackerman had gone to school with my mom back in the 1930s, and at one point, she even lived and worked upstairs at the lobster pound. When Missy came across the old menu among her mother’s keepsakes, she kindly passed it along to me, such a thoughtful gesture.
As soon as my mom saw it, she smiled and said, “I typed up every single one of those menus.” And just wait until you see the prices, what a time capsule!
Vintage Coastal New England Decorating Ideas
Looking for vintage coastal decor ideas? Explore timeless New England decorating inspiration, thrifted finds, and creative ways to style your coastal home.
My Mother, Shirley Anne Coupe—Born in 1924
My mother, Shirley Anne Coupe, was born in 1924 and spent her childhood growing up right on the Nubble. She attended York High School and later continued her education at Brewster Academy and Oak Grove School.
In this photo, taken around 1926, you’ll see my mother as a toddler, standing on the Nubble with her beloved collie. At that time, the land around her was still wild and undeveloped, a far cry from the coastal neighborhood we know today.
Mom always had a dog by her side and loved spending her summers working for my grandparents at the lobster pound and gift shop. Those years shaped her love for coastal life, family, and community.
A Blind Date at York Beach
My mother met my father, Kenneth Couser of Dover, New Hampshire, at the ball field in York Beach. As the story goes, he watched her throw a softball and was so impressed, he asked one of her friends to introduce them. That introduction led to a blind date, and the rest was history.
In this photo, taken around 1948 at Short Sands Beach in York, you’ll see them in their early days together. It’s my absolute favorite photo of my parents. A dear friend mailed it to my mother when she was about 90 years old, and she had never seen it before.
Later that year, they were married at the Star of the Sea Church in York Beach, with a reception held at Coupe’s Lobster Pound. Fifty years later, in 1998, I was married at the very same church, carrying on the family tradition on Maine’s beloved coast.
Let’s Call the Nubble Home
After living in Dover, New Hampshire, for a short time, my parents were drawn back to the coast, where it all began. My grandfather, ever the builder, offered to construct a home for them right next door to his own on the Nubble.
It was a modest two-bedroom Cape, clad in weathered cedar shakes with soft blue shutters and a two-car garage. From the front windows, they had a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, waves crashing just beyond the rocky cliffs.
Vintage Home Decorating Guides and Styling Inspiration
Are you curious about vintage decor but don’t know where to start? These cornerstone guides are packed with seasonal styling tips, how-tos, and inspiration to help you confidently decorate with charm and character.
A House Fire on the Nubble
One morning in the 1950s, shortly after my father had left for work, disaster struck. Sunlight reflecting off the ocean had heated the living room curtains just enough to ignite a fire.
My mother, who was still asleep at the time, thankfully managed to escape unharmed, but the house was a total loss. Everything inside was destroyed.
True to form, my grandfather took it all in stride and rebuilt the same home, right down to the layout. The only difference? He left out the large picture windows in the living room, the very ones that had magnified the morning sun.
The Gift Shop Fire and Final Days
My parents continued to manage Coupe’s Gift Shop for several more seasons until tragedy struck again. In the early 1980s, the shop was destroyed by a fire, set by a local arsonist.
Shockingly, the very next night, the same individual attempted to burn down The Nubble Light Dining Room, a nearby restaurant where I worked as a salad girl during my early teens. That restaurant didn’t burn to the ground, and the arsonist was finally caught returning a third night to finish the job.
After the fire, the town of York, who owned the land the gift shop sat on, chose not to renew the lease. Coupe’s Gift Shop would not be rebuilt.
And yet, the memories remain: summer clambakes with employees and family, sleepovers among the souvenirs, afternoons spent collecting shells and climbing the rocks, and yearly visits to the Boston Gift Shows with my dad. It was more than just a shop, it was the heartbeat of our family’s summers on the Nubble.
A Vintage Gift Wrap Cutter Lives On
A couple of years ago, while sorting through the attic of my parents’ home, I came across a surprising treasure: the original gift wrap cutter from Coupe’s Gift Shop.
I repurposed it into a charming decorative display on the bookcase at our home in Vermont, pairing it with vintage paper rolls for a touch of nostalgia.
Today, it lives on our kitchen counter in Maine, complete with a roll of brown wrapping paper, both useful and meaningful, reminding me daily of the hands that once used it.
You can see more of this special piece in my post: Vintage Paper Cutter Styling Tip: Gift Wrap Tools as Unexpected Decor
Thrifting with the Gals
Love the thrill of the hunt? Thrifting with the Gals is a blog series packed with secondhand scores, vintage styling ideas, and real-time thrift adventures you won’t want to miss.
Fond Summer in Maine Memories
Grateful to Be an Only Child
My mother, Shirley Coupe, was an only child, and so am I.
She had been told early in life that having children might not be possible. But life, as it often does, had other plans.
In 1964, while visiting the World’s Fair in New York City, my mother started to feel unusually tired. Something didn’t feel right. When they returned home to Maine, she went to see her doctor, who gave her the most unexpected news: she was already six months pregnant.
She would go on to deliver me at the age of 41, and my father was 45. That was considered quite rare at the time.
But what a gift it was, for all of us. The Coupe family’s coastal Maine heritage would continue, and I feel so grateful to have been part of their story from the very beginning.
Recommended REading
You may find more inspiration in this Coastal Wall Decor Ideas: 1920s Women’s Bathing Suit post.
Family Loss and Letting Go
As the years passed, my grandmother died, and my grandfather eventually remarried. When he passed away at the age of 75, he left his home and the seaside cottages to his second wife.
Due to complicated and painful legal circumstances, my mother wasn’t able to collect a single thing from her childhood, not even one of her mother’s hand-braided rugs.
Looking back, I’m still in awe of how strong and graceful my mother remained through it all.
By then, the Nubble had become increasingly popular. What was once a quiet stretch of rugged coastline had transformed into a bustling neighborhood, lined with oversized, high-end homes built tightly beside one another.
The quaint seaside cottages my grandfather built were eventually sold off and replaced, and the little Cape my parents had lived in for decades became engulfed by towering houses and out-of-town neighbors.
Convincing my mother to leave was no easy task. That home held a lifetime of memories. But in time, my father managed to persuade her to sell, the same home her father had lovingly built for them, not just once, but twice.
Letting Go of Vintage: How to Downsize and Rehome Your Beloved Decor
Learn how to downsize and rehome vintage decor with care. This heartfelt guide shares tips for letting go of beloved pieces while honoring their stories. Whether you’re retiring, downsizing, or simply ready to declutter with intention, this guide is here to help you pass on your beloved vintage decor with purpose.
A New Chapter: The Raeside-Dame Home
In 1992, my parents bought a plot of land in Cape Neddick, Maine, and made the bold decision to build a Raeside-Dame home, a charming early American reproduction inspired by the historic homes of New England.
What is a Raeside-Dame Home?
These homes were built by two craftsmen, Raeside and Dame, who specialized in recreating the look and feel of early American architecture along the New England seacoast. They’re known for their timeless character, period details, and craftsmanship that honors the past.
At the time, my parents were in their early 70s, ready for a fresh start. Their longtime home on the Nubble sold almost immediately, and they moved into temporary housing while their new home was under construction.
I remember feeling so proud of them for making such a life-changing decision at that age. And they never looked back, it was absolutely the right choice.
When they moved in, they thought they might stay for ten years. But this house would become their home for nearly thirty.
A true love story, rooted in resilience, coastal heritage, and the enduring spirit of home.
Top Vintage Decor Ideas & Thrifted Finds You’ll Love
Explore my most popular vintage decorating posts filled with personal stories, styling tips, and lessons learned from years of thrifting across New England and beyond.
7 Thrifted Finds I Regret Not Buying (And What I Learned)
9 Thrift Store Finds I Always Buy for Vintage Styling
9 Vintage Decor Pieces I’ll Never Part With
What to Look for at Antique Stores and Thrift Shops This September
Embracing My Roots in Coastal Maine
My parents went on to live extraordinarily healthy, full lives for nearly three more decades in their Raeside-Dame home by the sea.
Dad
My father played tennis until the age of 86, and if you asked him why he stopped, he’d say, only half joking—“I just didn’t have any competition left.” He mowed the lawn, drove his car, and lived independently until about 98 years old. He passed away peacefully at home, just shy of his 100th birthday.
Mom
My mother filled her days with meaning, working for York Community Services, decorating, antiquing, and spending time with her lifelong friends. She passed peacefully at the age of 93 at The Edgewood Centre in Portsmouth, surrounded by love.
It was a long and beautiful life for them both. And this coastal Maine home, built with vision, rooted in family, and filled with memory, couldn’t have been more dear to them.
Start Here: Your Guide to Vintage, Thrifted, and Antique Home Decorating
Looking for a welcoming place to begin? Start with my Start Here page, where I share favorite vintage decorating ideas, thrifted finds, and styling inspiration from our cozy New England homes in Vermont and Coastal Maine.
The Maine House Today
My husband and I inherited the home in 2019, and it’s just as dear to us now as it was to my parents.
Since then, I’ve been sharing our journey, renovating, decorating, and embracing this coastal Maine home in my blog series, In My Mother’s Maine Home.
The story begins in this Inside Our Coastal Signature Raeside Dame Home (Before) post, where I reflect on those early days of settling into a space filled with so much history, love, and memory.
I hope you’ll follow along as we continue to honor this coastal Maine heritage, one story, one project, and one vintage treasure at a time.
And of course, I’ll be updating this post as I uncover more pieces of our family’s past, tucked away in attics, boxes, and memory.
Our Home, Featured in Country Sampler Magazine
In 2024, our coastal Maine home was featured in Country Sampler Magazine—a true dream come true! It was an unforgettable experience, and I’ve shared all the behind-the-scenes moments, vintage styling, and emotional details in this special post.
As we settled into the home, we slowly began updating it with care, one room and one memory at a time. Here are a few of our early projects that helped us make this special place our own:
Ella, Our Bernese Mountain Dog Sidekick
And I can’t forget our four-legged sidekick, Ella, our sassy Bernese Mountain Dog. She’s never too far behind, often barreling into the scene with muddy paws, big attitude, and a heart full of love.
Whether we’re in Maine or Vermont, Ella keeps us laughing and makes every vintage moment just a little more memorable.
A Classic VW Fastback Named Shirley
Recently, we stumbled upon a vintage VW Fastback here in Maine, an absolute steal and a dream find for any vintage lover. As someone who adored antique cars herself, my mother would have been over the moon.
So naturally, we named her Shirley, and she now lives at our family home in Maine, always ready for a scenic drive or a vintage-style picnic by the sea.
Want to see more of Shirley in action? Check out these posts:
From Coastal Maine to Vermont
During the winter months, we head inland to our mountain home in Vermont, where vintage finds meet cozy cabin charm. I’d love for you to join us there, too, it’s a whole new chapter filled with snowy views, antique treasures, and everyday decorating inspiration.
Join the Vintage Circle — It’s Cozy Here~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and one-of-a-kind style? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, pass this post along to a vintage-loving friend, or subscribe to join our Seasonal Vintage Decor Styling Challenge for seasonal decorating prompts to inspire your thrifted style. You’ll get weekly cozy ideas, vintage inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks delivered straight to your inbox.
Pin forLater!
Hello! I’ve recently subscribed to your newsletter and was so happy to find your post about your parents and their time in York! Our family has been visiting from CT since the early ‘70s and built a house on Airport Drive in 1984. I worked at York Harbor Inn, Goldenrod, and now my daughter and I work at the summer camp at Hilton-Winn Farm. And if I’m not mistaken, my husband’s aunt used to rent one of those Sea Turn cottages. I remember her being heartbroken to visit many years later and see that they were gone! York is absolutely home, even though we still live in CT. I love your blog for so many reasons….the Maine connection, Vermont since our daughter started at UVM, the vintage booth…thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Sandy, so nice to hear from you. Wow do we have a lot in common. Who was your husband’s aunt? I knew many of the summer occupants. although it’s been some time now. We used to live in Chester, Ct. So nice to have you here with us!
I grew up in Cumberland but have lived in MA now since the late 80’s. I miss Maine so much and grateful to still have dear friends and some family that live in the area for when I return. Thank you for sharing your story. Maine is a special place.
Thank you so much for stopping by Susan😘
The invitation for your parents marriage spells your mother’s name: Shyrlee (which is lovely and unique) yet, Shirley is used throughout your wonder roots story telling. Just wondered about this.
Oh my Lana you are so perspective! My mother’s birth certificate spelled her name Shirley and she always disliked her name, so when she was in high school she changed the spelling to Shyrlee thinking it was more chic… It caused her issues most of her life and she changed it back to Shirley a couple years before she passed at about 91 years old so there wouldn’t be any lingering issues. I can’t believe you noticed this as it’s so funny to us. And now I never know which spelling to use!
What a wonderful story!!!Thank you so much.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it😃
Hello,
What a wonderful story! And partially so sad that I had to cry almost. So sorry to hear that your mom was not able to get any items from her own mother when your grandfather died! It sounds so ruthless to hear that not the smallest item was given to your mom! There are a lot of things we might not regard as fair today, but in the end, your mother had your wonderful father, and they both had a very special gift: you. Such a beautiful present surely will weigh out anything in life! Great to hear how you and your family now is looking after this valuable family gem together. Enjoy many happy years with your family as your parents did 🙂 .
I wish you right now a wonderful Christmas!
F. Kut
Thank you kindly for your words. We are very grateful. Happy holidays my friend🙏
Ann, I loved reading the history of your family and their contributions to the area. Maine is very special in my heart; both my parents were born and raised in Maine. Mum in Cherryfield and Dad in Danforth; both have been gone a long time now. I sat up straight when I read your mother went to Brewster Academy and Oak Grove! My mother also went to Oak Grove but she would have been ahead of your mom by quite a few years; she was born in 1916. And I grew up in Wolfeboro, NH where as you know, Brewster Academy is located. I just had to share this with you!
At my age, I am not supposed to be ‘adding’ things to my home but cleaning out a bit. But I cannot help myself; I love to visit antique and consignment shops and estate sales, etc. As hard as I try, items do get purchased and brought home! The next time we are in Kennebunk I hope to visit some of the shops you mentioned in Wells and Ogunquit. And in the fall we might take a road trip to So. Vt with stops at various shops and end up in Saratoga Springs.
Thank you again; I love reading about both your lovely homes. Betsy
Ann, writing to you from S,E, Washington state. Kudos to you and your husband for cherishing your family’s heritage and wanting to preserve it..
I am 80 yrs old and have visited the East coast only once with my beloved husband, now deceased. We loved the drastic difference comparing to our Pacific Northwest and always felt like I belonged there instead. Thank you so much for sharing and I envy you on this love story and continuing to build on what has been given to you from the past.
Hi Marie, thank you so much for stopping by today. It’s so nice to hear from you, my friend!!
Oh Ann, thank you for sharing this wonderful story of your family’s journey. The pictures are priceless! I have followed you on Instagram for a while but never read this. Thanks again😊❤
Aww thank you so much, Patricia, I’m so glad you stopped by!
I really enjoyed reading this story and learning more about the history of The Nubble. And also reading your parents love story! Since we live in NH, we have been up there quite a bit, have eaten at Fox’s Lobster House many times, followed by an ice cream at Browns.! I was sorry they closed, but at least there is Dunn’s now. It is such a beautiful area, you have the best of both worlds, the mountains in Vermont and the seashore in Maine. And I enjoy your posts and stories sharing your life and thrifting in both places! Thanks for writing a beautiful story and sharing the historical photos!
Debbie, thank you so much for all your kind words. Brown’s was the best!!
I enjoyed this post so much, Ann! What a treasured history you have there on the coast. I was surprised about the curtains catching fire from the sun! Unbelievable! I am also an only child. Looking forward to hearing more of your stories!
Thank you so much, Kim, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
What wonderful memories, I enjoyed reading this and seeing your pictures, thank you, have a great week.
Thank you so much, Marlene. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Ann — I loved reading your family story about life in Maine throughout the last century! I feel so lucky to call Maine my adopted state now and love learning more about its history. And what a history your family has here! Thanks for sharing it with all of us!
Thank you so much, Molly, I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it all. Aren’t we both so lucky to call Maine home!
I just adore this story of your family and your home! As a Vermont girl, my husband and I travel to Maine each year (with the exception of 2020). We always to the York, Ogunquit, Wells area and absolutely love it. The next time we visit the Nubble lighthouse I will think of you and your family.
Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful story!!!
Aww thank you so much, Maria, it’s such a joy to have you here with me!
What a beautiful story of your family, I enjoyed reading it very much.
Thank you so much, Debbie!
Ann I didn’t really have a mom and it was so much fun to read about yours! Maine is one of my favorite places, and deep in the winters in montana I play you tubes of Maine by the sea! If you are ever in Bozeman we have a sweet air Bnb named Lily Pond Cottage inBig Sky Country, I’ll bet you would love it. Thank you for transporting me to Maine and meeting up with your dear family today! My daughter is now living in Italy and so it made a bit of a sad Mother’s Day great!
Thank you so kindly, Christel. Your Air B&B sounds amazing. Montana is such a beautiful place! Thank you so much for stopping by today.
Lovely story! I’m another only child born to a 41 year old mother. I grew up in New Castle and now live in another Raeside Dame in Eliot. The interesting thing about these homes is that Ken and Bob never built the same house twice. Each has its own character and quirkiness. Thanks for sharing
Linda that is so amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to share with me. Don’t you love the Raeside-Dame homes!
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful family story. I’m on the other side of the world “Sydney, Australia” yet have a very similar story. My grandparents, originally from England settled in the 1920s in a beautiful area 2 hours north of Sydney called “The Entrance”.
It is right by the ocean and back in those days was only visited by tourists in the summer months. My grandfather started a riding school and little by little bought the land surrounding the horse yards reaching down to the ocean. He built holiday houses and ran many successful local businesses My childhood holidays where spent in this wonderful place for which I have so many fond memories of. Unfortunately, the land and houses where all sold off to make way for large tourist developments and today it’s all high rise apartments. Though the beauty of the seaside still remains and I’m forever grateful for the memories
That is so interesting Natalie. Thank you so much for sharing it all with me. It is hard to see all the large development in such beautiful places. Thanks so much for stopping by today.
I loved reading this story. I even read it out loud to my husband. Thank you for sharing a beautiful love story.
Rachel, that is amazing thank you so much. You made my day!
Ann,
I absolutely loved reading this. I think I have been to almost all the locations you mention including sleeping above the gift shop! I love what you and Steve have done with your mom and dad’s house. For me, they will always be “forever young!”
I’m so glad Susan, it wasn’t easy to write. It took me forever but I’m glad it’s finally done. My mother has an amazing collection of photos going back to high school. All marked and dated. Pretty amazing. Miss seeing you.
Ann this was such a lovely story of your beautiful family!! I throughly enjoyed reading it!!
Thank you so much, Laura. I really appreciate it!
What a lovely heritage you have. I enjoyed it so much. Thank you for taking the time to share. You must have been your parents pride and joy!
Thank you so much, Kathy, so sweet of you my friend!
Ann, What a delightful read! Your writing was rich with history, love stories, courage and determination by your family We go to the Nubble and enjoy blueberry scones and coffee while watching the waves. most every week and now I’ll be looking at it with a whole new perspective.
I love that Noel! Enjoy your scones and the Nubble waves. It’s a beautiful place!
Oh!! What a wonderful post!!! I felt like I was reading a good novel. I enjoyed every bit of it. I was in shock that the curtains from the sun off the water could start a fire….WOW!!!!
You have come from a rich family history. Wonderful story!!!!
Thank you so much, Addie. Yes isn’t that amazing that the curtains caught on fire? That is what the fire report found. My parents said that room would get so hot too. So those picture windows definitely had to go…
Love hearing about your Maine life! Thanks!
Thank you so much, Beth!
Ann,
This was such a fantastic post and read for Mother’s day coffee.
You have so much history and wonderful memories and treasures. To think sun would be strong enough to set fire to curtains is quite amazing to me.
I love the blind date and that your family was so involved with the heritage.
How awesome is it to have this. This was a true gift to share especially today
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Cindy. I appreciate you stopping by today so much!
Ann this was such a treat! I loved hearing the history of your family on the Maine Coast. The first time we visited Maine our second stop was at the Nubble! And we actually had lunch at Fox’s! I think it’s the one of the most picturesque spots along the coast. I know your parents would be so happy to know the love you are putting into their home, and into these blog posts. Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Lori!
Such a beautiful tribute to your Mom. ❤️ Really enjoyed reading and seeing the pictures of your Maine heritage and the home that you are so lovingly restoring. All the precious items that have been shared and saved from fires….oh my goodness!!! I can’t wait to see the updates!
Thank you so much, Casey, I appreciate it greatly!
What a beautiful story! I loved looking at all of the pictures-you are the spitting image of your Mom!-and seeing the beauty of Maine. Thank you for sharing this story and letting us follow along as you continue this wonderful legacy.
Thank you so much, Tammy. So sweet of you my friend!
I really enjoyed the photos and the story ! I’m very envious as I have wanted to live in Maine for most of my adult life. Indiana is sooo boring but my life and my children & grands are here. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Hi Wanda, I’m so glad you enjoyed the story and I hope you can at least visit Maine from time to time. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
I started reading this with the same skepticism I have reading most blog posts. Lots of jazzed up talk about nothing. But, this, this is so real, so refreshing, so genuine. I enjoyed every picture and word. It really touch my heart about your mom getting that picture of her as a young lover, at 90 yo. The joy, memories, feeling it surely brought back. Just, thank you for sharing.
Oh, Helen, your note made my morning on this beautiful Mother’s Day here in Maine. I am so grateful and I hope you have the best day:)
Wow Ann what a beautiful recollection of your heritage in such a stunning place. How wonderful that you were able to grow up in such a place as coastal Maine. It’s incredible to hear how your family was so involved in the early development of The Nubble.
Sharon @houseonheatherfield
Sharon, I appreciate you dropping by today so much. I enjoy seeing you on Instagram every morning. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
What a wonderful story and legacy !!! Thank you for sharing! I believe I’ve been to the church you write about … I attended my college roommates wedding in York in 1989 (I think) . We met at Rivier college in Nashua and she was from Portsmouth My family loves Maine as I may have mentioned before and have visited the area you write about. 💐
Really Louise? It’s a little green church down near the beach. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and Happy Mother’s Day to you!
I am just finding your blog, and this wonderful story. We grew up going to Maine for vacation every year. I have pictures of me as a baby in my Mother’s arms outside of this sweet church.
ca 1956 I am the youngest of 5, we were all there. Next to a sign that says Mass Schedule.. You evoked many wonderful memories for me. We still visit Nubble Light at least once a year. Thank you!
Cathie
Your family’s history is fascinating and a true love story. Thank you for sharing. Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you so much, Ann. I’m so happy you enjoyed the story. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Thank you so much for sharing your family’s story! We are down to just cousins remaining in my Mother’s family and I seem to be the one who still has the family pictures of a bygone time and remembers those who are gone. I also enjoy following you on your adventures to find antiques in Vermont and Maine 🙂.
Thank you so much, Patricia! I’m so grateful you are here to join me. Happy Mother’s Day!
Ann,
Oh my gosh. This story is so amazing! I have tears in my eyes. I have to tell you that my mother was one of 9 children and her mother died when she was 14. When my grandfather died he gave everything to his two sons. My mother and her sisters didn’t get anything that had belonged to their mother. My mom was so hurt because she was the baby and took care of my grandfather after her mom died. She would sometimes say thing like I remember my mother’s quilt! I wonder where it is now! It’s so sad to be left with no treasures.
I loved this Ann. Great post.
Thank you so kindly, Rachel. We really share a great deal in common, don’t we?
What wonderful memories! I love the history and how adventurous your grandparents were. I, too, was born when my mother was 42, I had 4 brothers, 2 are deceased now. She said she kept trying till she got her girl:)
Diane, I just love hearing this story. There’s so much history to enjoy isn’t there? Happy Mother’s Day my friend!
What a Lovely story ! I really enjoy reading and looking at photos ! Thank you for sharing !
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Debi. Thank you so much for joining me here on Mother’s Day.
Hi Ann,
What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing your family history and photos on your blog. I am very familiar with the places you mention. My husband and I rented a cottage in York every summer for many years. Heading to Maine for the week was always a highlight of the summer! Like you, I am also an only child, and my parents owned a summer camp on a lake in the Adirondacks. Over the years we spent more time at camp and helping my parents with projects. My parents are gone and now the camp is a very special place for us. I have many wonderful memories and photos to document our days at camp. You’ve inspired me to write the history of our camp ( originally a 1920’s chapel ) for family, friends and eventually future owners.
Have a great day!
Leslie
Hi Leslie, Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story with me here today. I hope you get the chance to write it all down for yourself. I’m so glad I finally did. Happy Mother’s Day.
Thank you so very much for sharing this truly wonderful story about your family- it made my day. I love how you are decorating your Maine house & enjoy the thrifting stories. Your mother would love how the house is progressing.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Liz. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
What a wonderful article! Coming from the Midwest, I have always wanted to visit the New England area, especially Maine. It looks so beautiful. What a wonderful childhood you had. Thank you for sharing!
Michelle thank you kindly. I hope you get to visit someday. There’s nothing like the rocky coast of Maine. Happy Mother’s Day!
Oh, Ann, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading this. I now know what the Nubble is. First, I can’t believe the curtains getting hot from the sun would cause a fire. How scary. I love the picture of your mom and dad that was given to your mom late in her life. How amazing that your dad mowed the lawn and played golf for so long. You were such a wonderful gift to your parents. I know they would be so happy to see what you’ve done and continue to do to honor them and keep their home alive and better than ever.
Kim, you are so kind! This took me quite a while to write and will forever be a work in progress. Thank you so much, my dear friend!