After crossing the bridge onto Barters Island, the first road on the right is Spofford Lane, home to Ronnie Spofford, one of the island’s best known natives. Appearing at the Boothbay Region Historical Society on August 14, Spofford will reminisce about his childhood on the island and a few of his adventures as a young adult away from the region.

Spofford attended the island’s school and church on the hill. At age 14, he went to work for his father at his garage located on Route 27, near the road to the American Legion Hall. In 1951, Spofford was drafted into the Army where he served for two years in Germany.

After Spofford was discharged from the Army, he attended the New York Institute of Photography. In 1955, he married Jane Brown and together they opened a photo shop in Damariscotta which they ran for two years photographing weddings and families.

Spofford was also the photographer for the Boothbay Playhouse for 11 years and in the book entitled “The Boothbay Playhouse” there are several photographs taken by Ronnie. The book will be available for review during Spofford’s presentation on August 14.

In 1964, Ronnie and Jane Spofford bought property a few miles north of the Boothbay Common on Route 27 and built the North Star Motel. In 1973, they added a restaurant. At the same time, Spofford booked Peter Pan Bus Tours and served as a tour guide for the Boothbay region. Spofford said that these were the first guided bus tours in the state of Maine.

The North Star Motel was closed during the winters but that did not mean Spofford was idle. During the cold weather he went south and worked as the chef at the Sea Crest Restaurant in Delray Beach, Fla. After two years, Spofford leased the restaurant and convinced his crew from the North Star to work with him there. In 1989, he took a job at the Hillsboro Club in Pompano Beach where he was in charge of the bellhops, picking up guests at three airports, running the laundry equipment, and just about everything else behind the scenes.

After selling the North Star, Spofford ran Downeast Bus Tours with Ron Douglas, and was also its guide. He now works for New Beginnings bus tours.

Ronnie and Jane Spofford still live on Barters Island right next to their son, Dick.

Spofford is still active in community affairs and is a trustee for the Barters Island Community Association and the Boothbay Region Historical Society. When he isn’t on the go, he relaxes in his living room and watches the activity on the waterfront. He claims he’s always the first to see the ospreys arrive in the spring.

Spofford’s presentation will be on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. at the Boothbay Region Historical Society located at 72 Oak Street in Boothbay Harbor. His talk is open to the public and free of charge. Light refreshments will be served after the program. Because seating is limited, you are encouraged to call the museum at 207-633-0820 to reserve seats. If leaving a message, please give your name, number of seats desired, and a phone number. Reserved seats will be held until 3:45 p.m. but thereafter will be given to those who are waiting for seats.

Come and listen to Spofford and experience his sense of humor as he reminisces about life and growing up on Barters Island.