Simply Portland...Utterly Devine

vi, during my good old days in porty, i used to stay at bonnie view . . . i always had lunch at the navy island hotel . . . it was beautiful and regal . . . there use to be some cottages to rent but were out of my financial reach . . . didn't take long for the nature to do its damage . . .

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Originally Posted by Sam I Am

I think you all are talking about the book "The Pirates Daughter" by Margaret Cezair-Thompson.

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Yes, Sam, I'm sure that's the book. Have you read it?? If so, does it mention the Eiler family?? If it does I've got to get that book today!

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Originally Posted by JitterBug

vi, during my good old days in porty, i used to stay at bonnie view . . . i always had lunch at the navy island hotel . . . it was beautiful and regal . . . there use to be some cottages to rent but were out of my financial reach . . . didn't take long for the nature to do its damage . . .

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Jitterbug!! Wow…boy would I love to sit with you to hear about your earlier visits to Portland. As you can tell that place is my obsession. And yes, from the photos I’m finding, I can tell the hotel and restaurant were beautiful.

I read somewhere that the circular thatched-roof cottages were $119 a night back in the fifties. That price came with everything…transportation, a wait and cleaning staff, food and drinks. I guess you can say one of the first all-inclusive accommodations.

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Originally Posted by Sam I Am

I think you all are talking about the book "The Pirates Daughter" by Margaret Cezair-Thompson.

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Yes, Sam that's it...thank you.

Vi, loving the journey!

thanks Sammy...and it's far from over...:)

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...uly2013311.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...uly2013314.jpg

As SammyB said, the little island has an interesting history. Once the playground for the rich and famous of 1960’s it’s now the resting place of a decaying hotel that is surely the keeper of many secrets.

As I stepped across the second floor room, I could imagine the elite standing around clutching their glasses of champagne as they toasted to another night of eating, drinking and imported debauchery.

One of these visits I hope to meet someone who was there. A boat captain…a maid..a chef who wouldn’t mind spending a few minutes or hours remembering what Navy Island was like when it was alive with guests and events.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...uly2013316.jpg

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Originally Posted by *vi*

Yes, Sam, I'm sure that's the book. Have you read it?? If so, does it mention the Eiler family?? If it does I've got to get that book today!

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I loved that book. I thought it was a great piece of historic fiction. Having never been to PA it really brought it to life in my mind. When I finally make it there some day, I plan to bring and reread that book. I am not sure about the Eiler family... it does not ring a bell.

I don't remember reading anything about the Eiler family either but it's been a while since I read the book....time to reread it!

Loving these Navy Island photos Vi.....

I've read that book too, and loved it! Nice to see some photos of the island, Vi~

okay everyone, you convinced me to get that book.

…a tidbit I found on Wikipedia…RE: the Eilers

"Joseph and Gertrude Casey were investors. After Joseph’s death, Gertrude leased the entire island to the Eilers who lived there while completing the construction to the Admiralty Club, a private resort. After five years of operation, a disgruntled employee who was fired because he was stealing funds riled up the entire staff and took over the island. The staff commandeered the two boats used to ferry guests to the island and held the Eilers at bay until they received all their termination pay. After this terrifying experience, the Eilers left the island within a week."

I thought the book expanded on that couple and their ordeal.