So much to look forward to in 2023!

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Seneca

From the Black House desk...

The barn is so close to done - are you with us?

2022 for me was the gift of watching a hole in the ground become an enclosed barn structure. Almost as soon as I arrived here, many residents of Ellsworth didn't hesitate to tell me about their sadness that the old barn was torn down. Not having been part of that decision, I simply indicated that forward was the direction I was aiming and I hoped they would come back when they were ready. And I remind everyone that this notion of tearing down and building up is life. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (highlights):

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:

a time to be born, a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to reap;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak up;

2023 is a 7 and seven asks that we look deep into issues: this is the year to ask questions, do research, listen, be analytical, and reflect. A seven is an intellectual approach to life, more than emotional (2022 was all about the heart remember?) And that makes sense as we begin to ask important questions about Woodlawn and the Black family. This place will soon be influenced by a barn that is not going to house horses (except Kate!) but will instead host events, classes, concerts, meetings, celebrations, and workshops. And what will people learn about why Woodlawn exists?

One family lived and used the property for 100 years and then the Trustees have managed it for nearly another 100. Who are the Blacks and why are they important to Ellsworth and to Downeast Maine? Is the museum telling the right story? Are the grounds part of the story? Which generation is evident when you visit? How do you use the grounds? What attracts you to Woodlawn? There are so many questions. We look to all of you for answers.

As Friends and supporters of Woodlawn, please share your stories, your ideas, your hopes! All going well, the barn will open to the public in late summer. We are going to be looking ahead to see how this barn will influence the next 100 years of Woodlawn in Ellsworth. We need your thoughts, support, involvement and a willingness to see a reimagined Woodlawn planted and growing where old buildings and trees have offered up their spaces for the next generation.

Thanks for caring about Woodlawn.

Kathy Young

director@woodlawnmuseum.org

Families! Space is limited for this fun footprint identification session - email educator@woodlawnmuseum.org to register and we can let you know if lack of snow means a reschedule.

Ground Control: Things to be aware of around the Woodlawn campus

After January 2, the first half of the driveway will again becomes In & Out. Watch for construction trucks as well as cars.
Parking will remain in the South 'croquet' lot which means driving in front of the Black House. Go very slow and watch out for sledding on the front lawn.
The alternate trailhead is off to the left, below the croquet field, over the bridge and up past the tomb.
Skating: we will post when the ice is thick enough to be safe for skating. And please do not throw sticks or rocks onto the ice - they freeze in place.
If the ground freezes and we have lots of snow, we may plow the overflow field on the weekends for sledding but watch for the signs! And not midweek!

Barn Update

Just in time for winter and right on schedule, the barn is weather tight and work begins inside! The interior walls are going up, electric wires will be run, stairs are being put in. It is amazing! And so inspiring to see them stay on track, on schedule, on budget! It is a rare job site that is so open to inquisitiveness, responsive to concerns, and accepting of change. Well done E.L. Shea. Here is a quick clip of the construction to date! Timelapse of Barn from ground to roof! Click here

Frances Black’s Macarons

The Black Family Papers at Woodlawn includes a small diary/scrapbook kept by John Black’s second wife, Frances Wood Black (1804-1874). The combination of newspaper clippings and handwritten memos includes this mid-19th century recipe for macaron cookies written out by Frances.

As was typical of the times, this recipe contains just the basics: a list of ingredients and minimal instructions for mixing and baking. Following a recipe successfully depended on prior cooking experience. Part of being a good cook meant knowing what kind of wood was best for making a hot, quick fire. “Bake quick” would have been all the instruction Frances needed to produce a yummy macaron cookie!

Try following her recipe and let us know how your macarons came out!

Your support of Woodlawn maintains a unique historic home, trails, and programs for the Ellsworth community.

Please support us: Click here

Thank you!

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Woodlawn Museum, Gardens & Park

Black House Drive, P.O. Box 1478

Ellsworth, Maine 04605

(207) 667-8671

For general questions, click here