Paul Stubing indicated that this photo was taken on the Bernard shore looking towards McKinley. He said this is a George Neal photo.
The caption on the back reads, "The Bernard Shore - Bass Harbor, Maine - about 1900 (photo by George Neal)".
This is a winter scene with snow and ice evident. There is a building to the left of the picture with the name D.G. Benson written on the sign. There are two sailing vessels tied up to the dock with punts to their sterns. There is another punt on the beach. In the background are several sailing vessels tied to moorings. One of the vessels has its mainsail raised.
Kenneth Beal recently visited the exhibit and informed us that he owns this wharf. It was originally approved sometime in the 1860's and Daniel Benson was my great grandfather's (James) brother. They owned it together. There may have even been another brother involved.
At one time they had a bowling alley incorporated in this wharf but that burned. Ken said he rebuilt this wharf about 1980 and actually use it as a "cottage" for he and his wife, Helen and family.
Ken Beal is willing to return to talk about these photos and may be reached at 549 Washington St., Gloucester, MA 01930 and his email address is: barney@kenbeal.com
Neal, George, “Bernard Shore,” Mount Desert Island Historical Society, accessed January 16, 2025, https://mdihs.digitalarchive.us/items/show/4251.Item 4617
