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.