July 4th, a timefor national celebration

Holidays have always intrigued me ever since I was child. We all seem to know a lot about "Independence Day" and what it stands for. I like to find those little facts and other tidbits of information that may not be readily know.

John Hancock Was First to sign...

John Hancock, the president of the Second Continental Congress, was the first to sign the Declaration. With its ornate capitals, Hancock's sprawling signature is prominent on the document. Since then, when people are asked for their "John Hancock," they are being asked to sign their names.

All 56 men who ultimately signed the Declaration showed great courage. Announcing independence from Great Britain was an act of treason, punishable by death.

It's a Marvelous Document

The Declaration of Independence itself has become one of the most admired and copied political documents of all time. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and revised by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Jefferson.

The Declaration of Independence is a justification of the American Revolution, citing grievances against King George III. It is also a landmark philosophical statement, drawing on the writings of philosophers John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau. It affirms that since all people are creatures of God, or nature, they have certain natural rights, or liberties, that cannot be violated.

As you can see, a few little known facts can be attributed to the simply signing. I to have been know to coin the phase, 'please put your John Hancock on the receipt', I now know where it came from and so do you. Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July.

Sue and I are no longer the innkeepers at the 1802 House Inn. It was a very difficult decision we made based on health issues that we offered the inn for sale. The new inn keepers are Linda and Jay. There's no doubt that they add a new dimension to the property. Jay is witty and I'm sure he'll amuse you at breakfast time. Both are extremely people oriented and very outgoing. I ask that you join me in welcoming them to the 1802 House Inn.

Sue and I want to tank all those that have graced our doorstep with their stay at the inn.

Warm Regards, Sue and Marc

Want to visit an Island lighthouse?

Did you ever want to visit an island lighthouse? I know I have but never had the chance to do so. Now we all do thanks to the good folks at Wood Island Light just off the coast of Biddeford. Starting June 30th guided tours will be available on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5 and 6 pm and again on Saturdays at 1 and 2 pm. Plan on taking about an 1 1/2 hours to tour and take the boat ride out and back. And here's the best part, there's no fixed charge for the ride and tour. All they ask is for a donation, I think $10 p/p would be acceptable. After all, you have a scenic boat ride and tour of a lighthouse! It's the Maine thing to do along with eating lobster and blueberry pie.

Wood Island light was built after Thomas Jefferson authorized its construction in 1808. Originally constructed of wood, it soon deteriorated and new granite structures were finished in the late 1830's. There' a lot more I can tell you about the life of this lighthouse but I think it's best left to the people who give the guided tour. I can tell you that the last light keeper left the island in 1986 and the light was automated. For more information please visit www.woodislandlighthouse.org

Sue and I would be happy to make reservations for you. Biddeford Pool is about a 15 to 20 minute drive from Kennebunkport and very accessible. Parking is free.

Arts in the Inns 2007

This years Arts in the Inns a now a memory that all of us at the 1802 House Inn will remember thanks to the graciousness of our 'resident' artist Virgina Souza. Her paintings graced our living and dining rooms for two wonderful days as many came by to see her works as well as visiting other inns to view artists of various mediums. Visitor were also given tours of two of our gardens as well as a room or two in the inn. The rain and lack of steady sunshine may have dampened some of the spirits but the beauty of the art works brought delight and smiles along with good conversations to those who took advantage of this wonderful event. Sue and I want to personally thank Virgina for the wonderful painting she gave us of the inn along with note cards of the same painting. All out guests received a boxed set to take home as a souvenir of their weekend at the 1802 House Inn and having the opportunity to meet such a talented artist! You can contact Virgina by email at ipainttoo@hotmail.com.

Kennebunkport Weddings

Kennebunkport and the 1802 House Inn has been and continues to be an ideal location for seasonal intimate weddings. Whether it's the 1802 House Inn, the rock bound coast with it's crashing surf or on a long stretch of beach with it's gentle waves lapping at the sand, one can find their idyllic location.

The 1802 House Inn offers a wonderful garden with the Cape Arundel Golf Course as a backdrop for an intimate wedding. Maybe you would like to exchange vows in front of a fireplace in either the Windsor or Arundel rooms during the winter months. We also host intimate rehearsal dinners, brunches and showers. Our luxurious three room honeymoon suite can be reserved for the bride and groom. We offer all services you need to make your day a special and memorable one!

To Marc and Sue!

Was just browsing through the wedding photos and thought I would send you a note! We had such a lovely time and have very fond memories of our ceremony and stay at the 1802... We did finally tell the families at Christmas and both sides were thrilled! We are extremely grateful to you both for helping us arrange our special day so efficiently and making us feel so welcome! We are planning a return visit some time in the fall so we will be in touch again in the near future!

Hope all is well with you and that you are enjoying our summer season!

Best regards,

Holly and Darren Arlin"

Holiday gatherings, vacation and the beach

We generally gather together to celebrate the seasonal holidays with our family or friends. The summer brings several important holidays to mind. Starting with Memorial Day, generally the kick off to the summer season, then July 4th and ending with Labor Day. People visiting Kennebunkport seem to use Columbus Day as a dropping off point for weekday travel while the weekends allow many to visit the area for weeks after.
We think of good foods including Maine lobster, the beach or ocean, sailing and our long awaited vacations. Whether it's few days away or an entire week, Maine has all the ingredients for a perfect vacation. Kennebunkport is centrally located within Southern Maine and offers a springboard for a multitude of activities and day trips. Whether it's the beach, sailing, kayaking, theater, dining or a trip to LL Bean. We offer Fall Foliage packages that include a picnic lunch and a route you can follow to pick apples and sample the local arts and craft shops and ending with a visit to several lighthouses in the Portland are including the Portland Headlight before returning to the inn.
We invite you to think about your travel plans early for the best choices for your trip. Make Kennebunkport and the 1802 House Inn part of your vacation plans. We closer than you think!

Memorial Day, friends and family get together.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

General John A. Logan Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, [LC-B8172- 6403 DLC (b&w film neg.)]

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

I hope all of us take the time to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for our freedom we so lovingly enjoy!

Sue and Marc

Golf and Past President George Bush/Weekend specials

The Cape Arundel Golf Course is a favorite of Past President George Bush for many reasons. One being that his uncle was a founding member of the course . George and Barbara visited the course yesterday after Sunday services and stopped to talk with Sue and I. It was certainly a pleasure to see them back in town and have a chance to speak with them. They both looked well. It's apparent they are happy to be back in Maine for the summer. Hopefully we'll see George on the links many times this year as in years past! The rates are still at the pre-season of $30 for 18 holes...a great savings and I'm sure they'll go up shortly before Memorial Day so grab you clubs, play a round and spend a night or two at our house!

The weather has been grand over the past few days. Let's hope that it continues. Sue and I are offering specials on unfilled rooms on a last minute bases this spring so please call if you anticipate a trip up, you may be able to save a little by doing so. Everything is open and the beaches are in excellent condition for those long romantic walks.

Spring Golf

Spring is the perfect time for golf in Maine. The Cape Arundel and Webhannet Golf Courses are open and were not affected by our recent storms. The Cape Arundel is still offering preseason rates of $30 and $15 for a cart, a very good value at this time of year. The courses are dry and well manicured, ready for a great golf outing. Why not take the time to enjoy yourself along the coast of Maine and play a relaxing round of golf while the preseason pricing is still in effect! We'll take care of everything for you...and remember, we're a mere golf club's length away for the golf course. Golf packages are available with special savings on lodging.