Reunion planned for former Mount Kineo workers

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

 ROCKWOOD — It’s been 45 years since the last guests stayed at the Mount Kineo House, which was once one of the largest resorts in Maine.

 So Kay Johnson, who was a desk clerk at Mount Kineo from 1962-64, is holding a reunion for former employees who can still be contacted on Saturday, Aug. 1.

 Johnson recalled when Mount Kineo was busy from spring until fall. “It was really sad when they tore it down,” Johnson said. “But the dorm building is still there, and what we used to call Cottage Row is still standing. I believe the old Westinghouse Cottage is now in private hands and the Oak Lodge is still there.”

 Johnson has been in touch with John Hermann, who worked overnight at the resort for several years; and Susie McHendry and Judy Enright. The two ladies were the daughters of Harry Sanders, who owned the landmark Sanders Store in downtown Greenville where Northwoods Outfitters is now located.

 Greenville author Durward Ferland Jr. wrote a detailed description of Mount Kineo House several years ago, tracing its roots from 1840 when the state sold the island to John Bradbury for $300 to the final demolition of the main structure.

 “The Mount Kineo House was built in 1848 with a bowling alley added sometime around 1855,” Ferland wrote. “In 1868, a fire destroyed the house but it was rebuilt and opened in 1871.”

 Another fire destroyed a wing of the building and winter cottage in 1882, but it was reopened in 1884 with a “bowling alley, library, golf course, tennis courts, baseball diamond, lawns for croquet and horseback riding available to the guests,” according to Ferland.

 At one time, there were 200 rooms that could accommodate more than 500 guests; and by 1914, the hotel and annex had 431 employees.

 But as rail and boat travel declined and new roads were being built throughout the state, resorts like Mount Kineo House waned in popularity.

 “Kineo was sold in 1938 when demolition began on the hotel,” Ferland wrote, “but during the demolition, fire destroyed the remains of the building.”

 There were a few attempts to rebuild and restore the once-prestigious vacation spot, but Kineo closed its doors for the last time in 1970.

 Today, the island is best known for its scenic 9-hole golf course and as destination for hikers, bird-watchers and anglers. A ferry runs from the Rockwood public docks to the island from June until late September or October.

 Johnson said that the reunion will start with breakfast on the steamship Katahdin and they’ll go up and spend the day on Mount Kineo reliving old memories.

 “We’ll have lunch at the golf course and a day of golfing for those who want to play,” Johnson said. “We’re still in the process of planning the evening activities, but it’s likely to include dinner, music and dancing. Anyone who plays an instrument is invited to bring it along and join in the fun.”

 Johnson can be contacted at kayyorkjohnson@gmail.com and 749-3598.