Let’s start by declaring that we are “from away,” as they say.  That doesn’t mean we are not welcomed by so many of the warm true “locals” on Deer Isle.  It just means that we were not born and raised here.  Even one true local who is a good friend, when he married a gal from across the bridge on the mainland called his wife his “reach creature!” 🙂. She has a sense of humor.   So being from away doesn’t discount our love for this place.

Our history on Deer Isle dates back to the late 1960s, when Mike was a young lad.  Roger & Harriet Steinharter got tired of summer vacations in areas that were crowded and touristy.  That ended their interest in Cape Cod and Roger used to say “Florida is for old people.”   Dad never actually acknowledged that he had become an ‘old people’ so…

It started when they read about a place called the Eggemoggin Inn.  Located then on the tip of Little Deer Isle, facing the Pumpkin lighthouse and situated right on Eggemoggin Reach, the Inn was a real treasure.  That first summer was a discovery and the family (Roger, Harriet, Mike and younger brother Andy) all fell in love with this part of downeast Maine.   Henceforth, each summer involved securing a rental somewhere on the island. We got to know many parts of the island that way, from Little Deer to Reach Road, to Pressey Village Road, and a number of other spots, then eventually to Stonington.   When it came time for Roger to retire, his sights were fully set on Stonington.  The charm of the village, the lobster boats, the pine trees and the water all called to him.  They bought some land near the end of Oceanville Road and built a house.  It was beautiful and they moved to Stonington full time, where they lived for about 13 wonderful years.  Dad was recognized for being on his bicycle every day, often with his canvas and paints on his back.  He would regularly end up at Billings boat yard, sketching and painting the lobster boats while they are in for repairs. He loved the scene and got pretty darn good at the art, though he never admitted that to himself.  Dad’s paintings can still be found around the island as he often gave a painting of a FV (fishing vessel) to its delighted owner.  Dad was one of the early Presidents of the Island Heritage Trust and he and Mom volunteered in the community.

Mike and Andy got used to spending more and more time on the island.  Andy got married at their parents’ house on Oceanville Road.  Mike and his family spent every summer there and their four kids developed their own deep love and respect for the island.  Dad eventually had to leave for health care reasons – he had developed Alzheimers, often called “the long goodbye.”   When he expired, the boys cast his ashes off the rocky coast that he loved so well and we think of him and Mom often.  Mike and Dale bought their own property on Webb’s Cove and began their own summer holiday visits.   Each year they would spend more and more time in Stonington and when Mike retired from corporate life it was clear that Stonington would be the centerpiece of their life.

All of our kids grow up loving the island.  Katie learned to draw and paint at her Grampy’s knee and would find places to curl up and read within sight of the water.  Sarah would go for long runs around Stonington. Jack loved working outside and Will became inexorably and completely drawn to the water….All of the Steinharters enjoy visiting bringing friend, and the island has become a bit of a litmus test for any potential partners.  If someone you are dating doesn’t also fall in love with Deer Isle and Stonington then the relationship will have little staying power.  

This journey has led us to an ever deeper commitment to Stonington and Deer Isle.  Mike and Dale are involved in the community, volunteering and serving on non-profit boards.  Will’s business has given all of us an increased set of roots on the island.  We hope to communicate it to our friends and to visitors, even as we protect the unique aspects of our home.