From collection Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Company Collection
Jordan Pond, Mt. Desert Island, Me. 373
"Driveway to Jordan Pond looking north toward the BubblesMt. Desert Island, Me.". Jordan Pond, Canoe, Boat, Mountains, Waterfront Jordan Pond was as appealing a destination for outings in the horse and buggy days as it is today. In 1864 Melvan Tibbetts bought the farmhouse near the outlet of the pond, which had been built in 1847 by George and John Jordan of Seal Harbor. As summer visitors began to come to Mount Desert Island, he saw opportunities to make jaunts to Jordan Pond even more appealing. He rented rowboats on the pond and in 1888 began serving food. Thomas and Nellie McIntire purchased the property in 1895, cut trees to open the view, added gardens and a manicured lawn, and began serving a lunch that included the now-famous popovers. They were running the Jordan Pond House when these photos were taken about 1910. At that time guests dressed up for lunch and enjoyed tea on the lawn. President Taft came for dinner in 1910. After John D. Rockefeller, Jr. purchased the Jordan Pond House in 1920s, the McIntires continued to manage it. Rockefeller gave the property to the National Park Service in 1940. The McIntires retired in 1945; the restaurant served 800 guests the night of their farewell dinner Fire destroyed the Jordan Pond House in 1979; it reopened in 1982. Today it serves about a half million popovers each season.
