Long Cove Point Association

Club History

(Based on information in Chapter 5 of John Neff's A Witness to History: The Story of Long Cove, 1996)

The Long Cove Point Association was incorporated in October of 1908.

In 1910 a lot was purchased from the Tukey family on which to build a clubhouse, and the building was completed at a cost of just over $1,000.

Furnishings for the new clubhouse included: a piano, 8 chairs, 3 tables, Japanese lanterns and four oil lamps. In addition, funds were provided for Wilson's Orchestra to play for 5 dances.

The Clubhouse, 1910

In 1911 a float was constructed in the cove, and in 1914 a bowling alley set up on the main floor of the club. In 1916 the kitchen was added, and in 1923 the porch was built. Electricity came to the club in 1925. Finally, in 1933 a clay tennis court was completed that was in service until a new all-weather court was built in 2003.

There was so much activity at the club from the 1920s to 1941 that stewards were hired to live at the club to maintain the facilities and supervise activities. However, during World War II, the club was closed, not to reopen until 1947.

A fire started in the outhouse in 1949 and damaged the rear wall and roof of the clubhouse but was extinguished by New Harbor fire trucks before the building was lost. Black charring is still visible on the rear of the rafters and ceiling. Shortly after the fire, indoor plumbing was installed.

Activities that have taken place at the club over the years include: whist parties, dances, food sales, ping pong, shuffle board, bowling, croquet, bridge parties and tournaments, fairs, carnivals, covered dish suppers, lobster and clam bakes, badminton, square dances, auctions, movies, slide shows, record hops, cookouts for youths, fireworks, arts and crafts exhibits, beano, teas, cabaret shows, sing-alongs, lectures and tennis.

Also horse races were run. According to Anne Elskus, her artist husband, Albin, created four waist-high horses made of painted cardboard and wood that included riders such as Don Quixote and Lady Godiva. Large, heavy wooden dice were thrown so that each horse could advance. Bets were taken and prizes awarded. She remembers one "little stinker" who bet on all four horses so as to be assured a prize.

Anne Bullis remembers seeing movies at the club that were brought up from Boston on a Friday, shown on Saturday night, and returned to Boston Monday morning by a commuter. She also recalls two demonstrations by samurai sword expert and collector, Az Freeman, who displayed his swords, and discussed their history.

In more recent and serious times, at the potluck supper a few days after the attacks of 9/11/2001, there were prayers for those lost and singing of patriotic songs.

Club member, Doug Alcox, wrote the following song for the club.

Refrain:
It happens every year
This spring it happened once again
When those of us who love this place
Return to Chamberlain.

Verse 1:
Rustic homes along the shore
Boats bobbing in the waves
And if you've seen our sunsets
These memories you'll save.

Refrain

Verse 2:
Gulls calling from the air
Wind whispering in the trees
It's the way that life should be here
With contentment from the sea.

Refrain

Verse 3:
A Rocky cove along Maine's coast
Blue water and blue skies
And if you stay with us awhile
Then you will know why.

Refrain

©2006 by Doug Alcox