Readfield, Maine Resorts & Hotels in the "Old Days"

Readfield, Maine Resorts & Hotels in the "Old Days"
Readfield was once known for it's lovely resorts on nearby Lake Maranacook. There were also hotels in town to
accommodate travelers and factory workers who boarded during the week. Chase's Boy Camp on Torsey Lake
is said to have been the first boy's camp established in the state of Maine. Morgan's Boy Camp on Lake
Maranacook was also located in Readfield. Other Readfield summer tourist homes and resorts included Tallwood, Townsend Farm, and the Avalon. These establishments flourished during the days of the railroad when summer tourists
arrived by train - many remained for the entire summer. Once the automobile became the principal mode of travel, business slowly subsided. Now we wistfully look at pictures and listen to stories told by the few old timers who remember Readfield's days as a tourist town.

Below is a sampler of the pictures we have of old Readfield resorts & hotels.
If you are interested in copies of these or others we have in our collection you
may contact us by writing to:
Readfield Historical Society
PO Box 294
Kents Hill, Maine 04349
or email matt@pivot.net

Lounge at the Belvedere Inn on Lake Maranacook. (dmc photo)

Elmwood Hotel at Readfield Corner currently known as the Cushing house.
The main house was torn down many years ago, and all that remains is the rear ell.

Martha Washington Inn on Lake Maranacook, Winthrop Road (Route 41). The inn pictured here is gone now.

Tallwood Resort was located on Tallwood Point, Lake Maranacook. This resort was badly damaged during a wind storm in 1948. During the 1930's and 40's it was a beehive of activity with several cottages for rent and a main lodge which, among other luxeries, boasted a bowling alley.
The main lodge pictured above still stands today, and is now a private home.
Photo courtesy of Leon Kisner, of Florida, whose musical talent graced Tallwood during the 1930's.

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