Dear Editor:

Boothbay’s old town garage and nearby firehouse are ideal symbols underscoring the reasons behind the campaign to save the Kenniston Hill Inn.

Like the inn, the Civil War monument, the Nicholas Knight House, the town hall and Bet’s fried fish emporium, they are essential to the character that makes Boothbay Center a “common ground” for the whole region. Norman Rockwell would surely approve.

The businesses occupying the old garage and firehouse obviously serve their own interests by advertising their historic connections to the area. They also serve to advertise the region’s brand — its distinctive character. Common sense dictates that we preserve those qualities that make the Boothbay region so attractive for residents, retirees and seasonal visitors.

I have two recommendations.

1. I encourage the developer of the golf course to see that blending modernization with preservation is a business opportunity. Instead of bulldozing historic icons, use them — both the inn and the log-style clubhouse. Just as the Boothbay Harbor Library cleverly found a way to combine the past with the future, use this moment to retrofit a controversial plan into a universally praiseworthy project. Just the publicity of such a positive story could be boon for everybody, especially for the developer responsible.

2. If demolition is indeed a likely outcome for the inn, then it must be saved. The grassroots movement to save Kenniston Hill Inn by moving it to the Railway Village is a phenomenal story all by itself. Susan Brackett has been the primary mover and shaker for this cause, but she has attracted widespread support. More contributors are urgently needed to make this option a reality. Donations are tax deductible. Checks can be made to the “Move Kenniston House Fund” and dropped off to Boothbay Harbor Framers at the Small Mall. These funds will ensure that the inn has a future, one that can equal the usefulness of the old Town Hall, which now resides at the museum.

The purpose of these recommendations is to advocate for win-win solutions and for preserving the character and identity of our community. I appreciate living in a place where these views are generally considered common sense.

Rupe Neily

Boothbay