There’s really something in the air here in Blue Hill. Coincidences, happy accidents, call them what you may, you just can’t make this stuff up.
Longtime Blue Hill friend, Bob Slaven, keeps his eye out for Emilie Loring books. Together, we are trying to complete the Blue Hill Public Library’s collection–or at least, the stories that are set here in Blue Hill.
When I joined him and a gathering of locals to toast Emilie Loring’s birthday, Bob showed me his latest find: As Long As I Live. I looked inside the cover and noted the former owner: Mrs. Walter L. Woods, Blue Hill, Maine.
Curious, I looked up Walter L. Woods in the 1940 census and noted that his wife’s name was Hilda. They lived on “The Neck Road,” highway 175. Hey! That’s where I’ve been staying! Their neighbors were the “Friend” families–Bert, Alvin, Ralph–and Friend Road is just a stone’s throw away from my cottage rental. What a coincidence, I thought.
But I wanted to know a little more about the woman who owned As Long As I Live. She would have been over one hundred, if she’d been alive today, so I checked and found her obituary.
“Hilda graduated from Bangor High School. She and her husband, Doc, owned and operated a popular summertime restaurant in Blue Hill, The Barnacle. Hilda enjoyed working at Thompson’s Gift and Book Store, Ellsworth… She enjoyed golf, sewing and painting… She is survived by her daughter, Janice Prior-Crofoot–
Hey wait! I know Jan! Twice, I rented her picturesque cottage on the Salt Pond! She was the one who secured an invitation for me to attend a formal tea at Arcady!
Not only that, I’m meeting Jan for cocktails this evening!!!
Seriously, you just cannot make this stuff up!
More soon from Blue Hill, where it is just gorgeous–again–today!
The Emilie Loring Collection 
What a great story! I am glad you had such beautiful weather and that you’re getting out before the hurricane season kicks in.
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Yes! Going home tomorrow—a little time left in Boston.
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totally amazing, Patti.
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Jan was surprised when I told her. She said her Mom read lots of Emilie Loring. I wonder if she knew her, too?
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Thank you, Julie. I enjoyed our visit this evening with your family and Jan. This whole week has been super; there’s nothing I’d change, except to make it longer. You’re right; Blue Hill is a very special place! Next time, I’ll try that swim in Blue Hill Bay–and I’ll bring a calendar. 😉 Best to you, Patti
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Hi Patti, thank you so much for stopping by this evening hand for sharing so many amazing stories about Blue Hill. We have always known that this is special place but your experiences and research make it much more so. Please stay in touch and let us know if there is anything we can do for you. It has been an honor and a pleasure getting to know you. We wish good luck with your book and safe travels! Julie
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