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Greetings from the Harraseeket Inn! We hope this newsletter finds you in good health. We're all doing well during these challenging times, and we're looking forward to better days ahead. Thus far this winter's been fairly tame, no blizzards, ice storms or long power outages. Best of all, the days are getting longer! While Covid is still making its presence known, we've adapted to the human landscape of face coverings and social distancing, which is not to say we enjoy it, but if it keeps us all safe and healthy, so be it. Speaking of masks, we held a contest among our employees this past holiday season for the most creative seasonal masks and sweaters, and in the sidebar are some photos of the contestants, some taken at home. Perhaps you'll recognize a few of them smiling behind those masks. They're all winners in our book, and that includes Charlie the Reindeer Dog!
Speaking of dogs, we really miss seeing our regular four footed guests here at the inn. So many of you bring your canine family members when you visit that we've come to know quite a few by name. We are dog lovers and are happy to be a dog friendly inn. 25% of our pet fees are donated to the Brunswick Coastal Humane Society, so your pups are helping to rescue dogs who need a home of their own. Together we've raised thousands of dollars for this animal shelter, and we hope to raise many thousands more.
During the pandemic, dog adoptions at animal shelters have soared nationwide, and many home bound people are discovering the joys and challenges of sharing their lives with rescue dogs. We thought you might like to hear three tail wagging tales about a different kind of rescue dog that lived in the Pine Tree State many years ago.
Here in Maine we have a long and storied history of iconic lighthouses and their stalwart keepers warning ships away from dangerous shoals in bad weather, but little is known about the lighthouse dogs that held this job. This article in the Bangor Daily News by Troy Bennett is a great read. Below is a summary.
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Sailor was the first lighthouse dog to come to the public's eye. A mixed breed farm pup, he was adopted in 1890 by Thomas Orcutt, keeper of the Wood Island Light, which was constructed in 1806 off of Biddeford Pool, and was one of Maine's oldest. It was customary for vessels to salute the light when they passed, and for the lighthouse keeper to return their salute by ringing the big fog bell on the porch. (Photo of Sailor above from Maine Memory network. The photo below, courtesy of Roderick Jeffers, shows just how BIG the bell was!)
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Sailor was quick to learn the routine. When a steamer passed one day and saluted while Orcutt was not near the bell, Sailor ran and tugged on the rope, thereby beginning a lifelong career. Orcutt never had to ring the bell again. Sailor became something of a celebrity in newspapers across the country and even had his photo published in a London magazine. Tourists riding steamers past the lighthouse were delighted by his performance.
Orcutt once remarked, "Sailor and I are old comrades. Wood Island would indeed be a lonely place if I hadn't the dog to keep me company. He is a bright, intelligent companion and is perfectly content to live the life of a lighthouse keeper away from all dog friends." Orcutt passed away on Wood Island after a brief illness in 1905, just a few months after his beloved companion Sailor died in his arms.
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If Sailor set the bar for working lighthouse dogs, another dog named Spot, who lived with the Hamor family at Owls Head Lighthouse during the 1930's, raised it a notch. Trained by Hamor's children, this energetic springer spaniel spent his days watching for boats and would ring the bell in answer to their salute and bark until they passed Owls Head. His favorite vessel was the mail boat, because along with the mail, the captain always brought him dog treats. One day a terrible winter storm rolled in and the mail boat was two hours late on its rounds. The snow was so thick it clogged the bell so it wouldn't ring and coated the lighthouse lens, blacking it out. Spot stayed out in the storm listening and waiting for hours, and when he finally heard the mail boat's engine he barked and barked and barked until he heard the answering mail boat horn. Two hours later, the wife of the mail boat captain called the lighthouse to thank Spot for saving her husband's life. Without hearing Spot's urgent barking, he would have run up on the rocks. No doubt he brought some very special treats the next time he delivered the mail. Spot's gravestone on Owls Head reads, "Spot the Lighthouse Dog", and a children's book has been written about him.
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Last but certainly not least, a shepherd mix named Shep lived with Lighthouse Keeper Knight and his family at Hendricks Head Lighthouse on Southport Island. One dark stormy night in 1932 Shep woke abruptly from his nap beside the wood stove and rushed to the door. When let out, he ran to the shore, barking all the way. The family followed and saw nothing in the dark, but Shep kept barking with such urgency they rang the fog bell to see if any boats were nearby. Two boats in the vicinity heard the bell and figured there must be trouble, because there was no fog at the time. Two hundred yards from the lighthouse, they came upon a small skiff with a young couple huddled inside. They'd lost their oars and were being taken out to sea in the dark by the high winds and waves. No doubt when they drifted past the lighthouse, they screamed for help. Without Shep's keen hearing and his warning barks, their fate would have been a grim one. Shep's story only came to light years later during a conversation with the Portland clerk while Keeper Knight was renewing Shep's dog license. The lighthouse dog Shep was awarded a bronze medal for his heroic efforts. There's a reason why we Mainers love our dogs!
The above photo of Hendricks Head Lighthouse was taken by Benjamin Williamson.ink
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Valentines Day falls on a Sunday this year. Don't forget your sweetie! We can make special memories happen and customize your stay. Book a suite with a fireplace, order flowers and a special bottle of wine. Take a walk hand in hand along the shore of beautiful Casco Bay at Wolfe's Neck State Park or at nearby Popham Beach, then order off our special prix fixe Valentines Day menu served by candle light. Let romance bloom anew!
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If you're traveling to Maine from out of state, please call ahead to ask about any certification of COVID quarantine/testing measures in effect. We'll do our best to answer your questions and help with your travel plans. All of our guests are expected to wear masks in public areas, including when seated at their tables in one of our restaurants, except when they are eating and drinking. Our governor has also mandated a nightly curfew of 9 p.m., and has tasked businesses with policing these mandates. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. 1-800-342-6423
While 2020 has changed many things in the tourism industry, one thing that hasn't changed, and never will, is our focus on true Maine hospitality. We've missed seeing many of you this past year, and look forward to welcoming you back. Maine remains one of the safest and most beautiful places in the nation. Please don't hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns, or for assistance in planning your vacation. We're here for you!
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Now Offering Private Tavern Dining!
Here’s how it works:
*Seating for up to 8 guests for 2 hours max and ordering off the Broad Arrow Tavern Menu
*Reservations required (online though Resy labeled “private” or by calling us (207) 865-9377)
*Dedicated bathroom for private guest space use only
*Dedicated HVAC and air filtration system with thermostat for guests to control the room temperature
*2 windows that open to outside
*Closet in the space for coat storage inside dining space
*Closing door to the hallway, making it truly private
*Based on your preference, a team member can serve you as they would any other normal table in the Tavern OR there is a phone in the space to place your contactless dining order
*All reservations will see the host at the Broad Arrow Tavern to be seated in the private dining space.
*Room rental fee of $75 (rental fee can be discounted if certain minimum food and beverage thresholds are reached, gratuity is not included)
If you have a small special event you'd like to host in a public yet very private place, here's your perfect venue! Call us at 1-800-342-6423 to reserve this private dining room located just down the hall from the tavern.
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We have reimagined our approach to packages for 2021 and you are going to love it! Very soon, you will be able to book current packages through our newly updated website, as well as book a package for any available room type you would like, including deluxe rooms within the main inn, townhouses and even the L.L.Bean Guest House! Our package pricing will still build in incredible value. Simply add on the package cost to our best rates for any room type!
As requested through the off season, we've updated two packages that we wanted to spotlight:
Steal Away
Socially distance yourself this winter and break out of the mundane with a winter or spring escape. Shop. Get outdoors. Do a little cross-country skiing. Visit a museum. Take a day trip to Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park or just enjoy the unique beauty of Maine.
The Steal Away Vacation Package is a unique gift for yourself or someone you love. You may find yourself starting a new family tradition!
Steal Away includes:
- Three nights lodging
- $150 meal credit to the Broad Arrow Tavern to be used toward lunch or dinner (or both!)
- Grab and Go Breakfast each morning
- Best Available Room Type (subject to availability at the time of booking)
January - April 29, 2021
$649 per couple, plus 9% tax and gratuities
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L.L.Bean Shopping Escape
Visiting L.L.Bean's Flagship store just steps away from our full service inn? Get the most out of your trip by booking our exclusive L.L.Bean Shopping Escape Package!
Package includes:
- Two Nights Lodging
- $100 meal credit to the Broad Arrow Tavern to be used for Lunch or Dinner (or both!)
- $50 L.L.Bean gift certificate
- L.L.Bean tote bag featuring an embroidered Harraseeket Inn logo
- Grab and Go Breakfast each morning
January - December 31, 2021:
Total cost will be the best available rate for any room type for two nights, plus $140.00 to receive all the package inclusions above.
This means you will be able to book any room you like, including upgraded room types in the Main Inn, Townhouses as well as the L.L.Bean Guest House with this enhanced package pricing approach! The package pricing will simply take the nightly rack room rate of any room type (2 nights required for this package) and add $140.00 to your total stay. Restrictions and blackout dates no longer apply, new package pricing means you can stay when you want to, whether it be a weekday, weekend and even on holidays! Packages are subject to 9% State of Maine Lodging Tax.
Meal charges at the Tavern must be posted to your room account during your stay to receive the meal credit.
Enhance any package with our Nibble, Sip & Be Romantic "Enhance your Stay" add-ons which allow you to create the perfect a la carte package, personalized just for you!
**All packages subject to availability**
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***Visit Freeport Everything "Freeport" in one handy website. Your virtual shopping connection!
***Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment A wonderful farm to visit in any season. It's just a few miles from the inn, right next to Wolfe's Neck State Park. Check out their monthly calendar and watch the afternoon milking, gather the eggs from the poultry house or take a goat for a private walk through this beautiful salt water farm. Lots of fun activities to choose from and plenty of space for social distancing right on the shores of Casco Bay.
Enjoy a great selection of family oriented and educational outdoor events planned at the park, just a short drive from the inn. Beautiful wooded walking, snowshoeing and skiing trails along the rugged shoreline of Casco Bay. A perfect place to escape the chaos of our modern world. Stop by Wolfe's Neck Farm while you're out there, and say hello to all the pastured animals!
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This Month's Trivia Question is a very easy one to start off the year: What's the title of the children's book that tells the true story of Spot the Lighthouse dog, and what was the author's name? All correct responses win a voucher worth $5. toward food or lodging on your next visit. One response per household, please. You may use up to 12 vouchers at one time, a $60. value, per room or meal.
Stay safe and healthy, and try to stick to those New Years resolutions. We look forward to seeing you again!
Penny Gray
The Gray family
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