Hamilton House in winter

In 1897, the purchase of a summer retreat in coastal Southern Maine would have appealed to many Bostonians. The railroad, while wreaking havoc on Maine farmers like the Goodwins, made feasible a summer home in coastal Southern Maine.

More, colonial houses and antique furniture were very much in vogue in the era.

Emily and stepdaughter Elise visited Hamilton House on a winter’s day in 1898 and loved the house and site so much, they purchased it together without seeing the interior.