As Boothbay residents prepare for the town’s 250th anniversary, with days of celebrations slated for the Boothbay Common, the nearby 18th century Kenniston Hill Inn is scheduled for demolition in mid-October to make way for the Boothbay Harbor Country Club’s new entrance.

Responding to concerns voiced to her over the past few month from visitors to her shop, Boothbay resident Susan Brackett, owner of Boothbay Harbor Framers, decided to investigate the possibility of saving the structure. Over the past month she has contacted the owner of the property, the project builder, the state’s historic commission, Jewett Builders, and many individuals in the region, including local historian Barbara Rumsey and Joan Rittall of the Boothbay Civic Association.

Brackett has laid the foundation for a grassroots fundraising effort.

“Once I learned from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission that the Kenniston House was indeed historic and eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, I knew someone had to try to save it,” Brackett said. “Our community has lost so many historic structures through arson and demolition since I arrived in town 37 years ago, I feel it is important to work to maintain some of the historic integrity of this place.” 

According to research by Rumsey: “In September 1796 David Kenniston of Balltown (now Jefferson and Whitefield) bought the ‘back lot’ owned by the McFarlands at the Center, including ‘Mount North’ now Kenniston Hill. More than 115 acres, the lot extended over halfway to the Damariscotta River. Since David was licensed to have an inn in 1798, I presume the house was built in 1797 and that he started inn keeping in 1798. David’s inn continued for at least 17 years, perhaps very much longer.

“David died in 1843, age 84. His son William, a ‘49er in the Gold Rush, inherited the property and lived there until he died in 1888, running a store for many years, doing heavy construction, and renting a little shoe shop to cobblers. After various non-Kenniston owners, in 1921 Walter Clapp bought the land to start a golf course, with the house serving as its clubhouse. Four years later Howard Teel bought the course and built the log clubhouse. The Kenniston house became the Teel private home until they sold in the 1950s. Since then, the house has been private at times, but mostly a B&B run by various owners."

With the historic significance of the property confirmed, in late July Brackett contacted country club and current property owner Paul Coulombe and builder Steve Malcom of Knickerbocker Group to see if there was a chance the 217-year-old building could be preserved. Learning that the plans are set to demolish the building on October 15 because the country club could not find a way to incorporate it into their plans, Brackett asked owner Coulombe about moving the original structure.

Concurrently Brackett had spoken with Bob Ryan, director of the Boothbay Railway Village, and learned of their interest in receiving the old inn for display if there was no private interest in relocating the building. Coulombe quickly responded, “You are welcome to take the building, or a part of it, for the Railroad Museum.”

In the past week the Boothbay Civic Association, as an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has offered to set up a special fund to receive gifts to help with the move. Brackett immediately contacted home movers, Jewett Builders. Jewett estimates the proposed move up Route 27 will cost $78,000.

Once the building is in place at the Railway Village there will be additional funds needed for restoration and maintenance, so fundraising will continue. Jewett has told Brackett that the first available date they have to make the move is October 20, five days after the planned demolition.

“I have a sentimental feeling about the town losing The Kenniston Hill Inn because my wedding reception was held there,” Joan Rittall of the Boothbay Civic Association said. “It is such a well known historic landmark. I wish it could stay right where it is now, but if that is not possible, then I support saving what can be moved to the Railway Village.”

Artist Carlton Plummer has donated a painting to Brackett for a raffle to raise funds for the proposed moving project.

“We need to raise the funds quickly, so Jewett Builders is able to fit the move into their schedule as soon as possible,” Bracket said. “I have confidence that this community understands the importance of preserving its history, especially during this 250th year of the town.”

Those interested in saving the building and helping with the move are urged to send a tax-deductible check made out to the: BCA, Move Kenniston Hill Inn Account, c/o Deb Todte, P.O. Box 375, Boothbay, ME 04537. Contributions may also be dropped off at Boothbay Harbor Framers Gallery in The Meadow Mall. 

Please contact Susan Brackett at 207-633-3966 with questions or a pledge amount. Checks will not be cashed unless sufficient funds are raised to cover the move.