Dozens responsible for Kenniston Hill Inn move
For the past six months, most of my days have been consumed with thoughts or conversations regarding the fate of the Kenniston Hill Inn. The move of the historic house Dec. 15 was the perfect end result to that investment of my time and energy.
But I want to express my gratitude to everyone who had a hand in the outcome of this community endeavor!
Beginning with Paul Coulombe for his generous gift of the Kenniston House and his patience with the long process to move it.
To George McEvoy, who, without his support, enthusiasm and motivation, I would not have been able to make the commitment to follow through on a dream that most days seemed improbable if not impossible.
To Bob Ryan, Charlie Bamburg, Nat Wilson and the entire administration and board of The Boothbay Railway Village for their enthusiasm, determination to try to make the initial plan work and their generosity to the overall cause.
To Deb Todte for her incredible organizational skills, tireless support, patience and friendship.
To Barbara Rumsey for her historical wisdom, unending support, quick wit and sense of humor.
To Kathy Tibbetts for her fundraising help, common sense and patient listening ear.
To Cathy Sherrill for sharing her professional development experience, expert writing advice and general overall support.
To the entire membership of the Boothbay Civic Association for their commitment to help the endeavor by accepting the funds for the project, including, but not limited to Estelle Appel, Joan Rittall and Mary Kane.
To Steve Malcom for his patience, friendship, generosity and commitment to community.
To Joe Bumps, project manager for Knickerbocker Group, for his kindness, patient understanding and guidance.
To all the Kenniston descendants, especially Katharine Roth and her husband Chris, who came out in support of the move of their family homestead with extraordinary financial and emotional support.
To every friend, community member and random concerned citizen who took the time to express their concern for the Kenniston house in conversation and especially those who contributed their time and money to help save the building. Every donation has helped the cause.
To all the artists who have donated their work or promised their work for a future fundraiser.
To Joanne Platt for her support, guidance, generosity and for offering her home with assistance for that future fundraiser.
To Clayton Copp from Copp Building movers who drove to Boothbay to give me a quote on the job and patiently waited in the wings for months to hear from me, but in the end was tied to other jobs and unable to move the Kenniston house.
To the extraordinary father and son team of Jewett Builders, their family and crew who were able to re-work their schedule to accommodate the last minute scheduling of the move and worked their special magic to secure every aspect of the historic structure through the move. They have gone over and above expectations with their expertise and generosity!
To Central Maine Power Company for sending their men to assist in the move today with no charge attached!
To Fairpoint Communications for their cooperation and doing their work today for well below their cost!
To Time Warner Communications.
To Dr. Allan Teel and the board of the ElderCare Network of Lincoln County for stepping in to accept the house onto their property and their willingness to work towards the benefit of those in need in our community.
To Erin Cooperrider from Community Housing of Maine, for coming in at the final hour with a solution that not only saved the historic house from the wrecking ball, but will provide a great benefit to our community.
Now, a special thank you to someone who has worked tirelessly from dawn to past dusk for weeks, in the cold, ice, rain and snow preparing the house for the move for no gain other than his own personal satisfaction: Steve Teel has done the physical work of five men along with acting as field supervisor, tying up lose ends with utility companies, excavators and movers. He is a true hero!
To my partner Bob Eisele for his patience and his ability to remain good natured while carrying the entire work load at our business every day.
And last, but certainly not least, to David Kenniston for sending me guidance when I needed it, for being an active community volunteer in his day, and for building a home that has lasted 217 years, and will continue to provide a safe place for others for many years to come.
Funds are still needed for restoration to the Kenniston House. Anyone wishing to contribute to help, please send your tax deductible donations to: The ElderCare Network of Lincoln County, Kenniston House Account, P.O. Box 652, Damariscotta, ME 04543; or c/o Boothbay Green, 8 Country Club Road, Boothbay, ME 04537.
Donations may also be dropped off at Boothbay Harbor Framers in the Meadow Mall.
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