From collection Charles Coombs Collection
Islesboro Inn
Seaside Hotel at Ryder's Cove, Islesboro, Maine Ryder's Cove, originally known as Sabbathday Harbor, is reached from Ryder's Cove Lane. It attracted its first summer population in 1868 when the steam boats made regular trips between Bangor and Ryder Landing. The summer tourists stayed in a boarding house/inn, named at various times Seaside House, Seaside Hotel, The Islesborough and Johnson-by-the-Sea. Soon individuals bought their own property, built family cottages and "camps," and the Ryder's cove summer community began, with people travelling from as far away as Florida to spend their summers on Islesboro. Since Ryder's Cove was a year-round community as well, the existing stores, post office, and hotel at first provided the necessary staples and entertainment for the summer people. By the mid-twentieth century, the Ryder's Cove business establishments no longer functioned, and summer residents began to shop at the Durkee, Williams Brothers, and Pendleton & Coffin stores. Worship services were offered at the Second Baptist Church and the Free Will Baptist Church. Public recreation took place at the Drift Inn, a grill restaurant that hosted square dances on Wednesday nights, regular dances on Saturday nights.
