"Later [Abraham Somes] built a substantial frame house on the site of the Somes House and a part of that house is embodied in the present hotel. Some of the rooms at the back remain almost as they were at first. The house was built as a one-story building and later the walls were raised. Since then there have been many alterations and additions. George A. Somes finally inherited the property, developed the hotel business and built the two cottages toward the shore. His widow now owns it and conducts the hotel." - “Traditions and Records of Southwest Harbor and Somesville, Mount Desert Island, Maine” by Mrs. Seth S. Thornton, 1938, p. 270-271. “When George A. Somes inherited the [Somes House], he expanded the family inn by constructing two large additions, one attached at the left and the other freestanding to the right, giving the hotel a capacity of 150 guests. Noted visitors included Louis Comfort Tiffany, Alfred Vanderbilt, Joseph Pulitzer, J.P. Morgan, Pres. William Howard Taft, and Mary Cassatt. Known for its chicken and lobster dinners, the Somes House operated into the 1950s with rates of $5 to $10 a day." - “Mount Desert Island - Somesville, Southwest Harbor, and Northeast Harbor” by Earle G. Shettleworth Jr. and Lydia B. Vandenbergh - Images of America Series, 2001, p. 27.
Description: "Later [Abraham Somes] built a substantial frame house on the site of the Somes House and a part of that house is embodied in the present hotel. Some of the rooms at the back remain almost as they were at first. The house was built as a one-story building and later the walls were raised. Since then there have been many alterations and additions. George A. Somes finally inherited the property, developed the hotel business and built the two cottages toward the shore. His widow now owns it and conducts the hotel." - “Traditions and Records of Southwest Harbor and Somesville, Mount Desert Island, Maine” by Mrs. Seth S. Thornton, 1938, p. 270-271. “When George A. Somes inherited the [Somes House], he expanded the family inn by constructing two large additions, one attached at the left and the other freestanding to the right, giving the hotel a capacity of 150 guests. Noted visitors included Louis Comfort Tiffany, Alfred Vanderbilt, Joseph Pulitzer, J.P. Morgan, Pres. William Howard Taft, and Mary Cassatt. Known for its chicken and lobster dinners, the Somes House operated into the 1950s with rates of $5 to $10 a day." - “Mount Desert Island - Somesville, Southwest Harbor, and Northeast Harbor” by Earle G. Shettleworth Jr. and Lydia B. Vandenbergh - Images of America Series, 2001, p. 27. [show more]
The Motel, named the "Southwest Motor Inn," was built in 1970 and ran until 1980. New Motel Planned For Area "Southwest Harbor - Three businessmen here have combined resources to build a new 32-unit motel on Route 102 overlooking Norwood Cove. Foundation work is now being done and the motel will be ready for occupancy by June 1, said David Benson, one of the three partners. Druggist George McVety and lawyer Frederick Burrill are Benson's Associates in the business venture. The quarter-million-dollar motel will have two levels, with an outside corridor, plus an office and quarters for the manager. Hanson is acting as contractor for the project. The major subcontractor is John Goodwin, who is handling concrete work. The motel will be built entirely of concrete blocks. The three businessmen have not yet decided on a name for the new motel." - Bangor Daily News, 1971 The property was later Norwood Cove Housing, owned by the Ellsworth and MDI Housing Authorities who provide housing assistance and related services to individuals and families who face income or other life challenges.
Description: The Motel, named the "Southwest Motor Inn," was built in 1970 and ran until 1980. New Motel Planned For Area "Southwest Harbor - Three businessmen here have combined resources to build a new 32-unit motel on Route 102 overlooking Norwood Cove. Foundation work is now being done and the motel will be ready for occupancy by June 1, said David Benson, one of the three partners. Druggist George McVety and lawyer Frederick Burrill are Benson's Associates in the business venture. The quarter-million-dollar motel will have two levels, with an outside corridor, plus an office and quarters for the manager. Hanson is acting as contractor for the project. The major subcontractor is John Goodwin, who is handling concrete work. The motel will be built entirely of concrete blocks. The three businessmen have not yet decided on a name for the new motel." - Bangor Daily News, 1971 The property was later Norwood Cove Housing, owned by the Ellsworth and MDI Housing Authorities who provide housing assistance and related services to individuals and families who face income or other life challenges. [show more]
"Harbor View Motel, Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679, On ocean front - twelve modern, soundproof motel units - continental breakfasts in season - four housekeeping cottages - television - individual thermostatic control heat - five minutes walk to village and restaurants - adjacent to Acadia National Park, boating, lake swimming. Telephone 207-244-6631 - AAA - ALA - MOBIL" The telephone number for the hotel was once listed as Chestnut 43133. “Soon Announcing… The Opening of New Harbor View Motel, Southwest Harbor” - Advertisement, Bar Harbor Times, April 22, 1954
Description: "Harbor View Motel, Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679, On ocean front - twelve modern, soundproof motel units - continental breakfasts in season - four housekeeping cottages - television - individual thermostatic control heat - five minutes walk to village and restaurants - adjacent to Acadia National Park, boating, lake swimming. Telephone 207-244-6631 - AAA - ALA - MOBIL" The telephone number for the hotel was once listed as Chestnut 43133. “Soon Announcing… The Opening of New Harbor View Motel, Southwest Harbor” - Advertisement, Bar Harbor Times, April 22, 1954 [show more]
Description: The MDI Register shows Minnie A. (Young) Harper - Mrs. John William Harper as the proprietor of this hotel. She is listed as having a telephone.