Sarah at the helm of the ferry on her way to the landing in Richmond.
Just five minutes later we are approaching the island landing.
A gravel road winds its way through fields and forests, following the route of the original 'Perkins Highway'.
Just over the rise the first house appears...
Known as the Tubbs-Reed House, built circa 1800 by Major Samuel Tubbs, a Revolutionary war veteran.
Magnificent white oaks still standing on the east side.
Peering through the windows you can see the things they left behind.
The house was sold to Captain David Reed in the 1830's.
Sarah came rumbling up the road in the pickup and let me inside!
back on the highway, heading South...
Built as a summer home between 1758 and 1763...the Salt Box aka the Gardiner-Dumaresq House. This saltbox is the oldest summer house in the country.
Thuja occidentalis - Northern White Cedar
Three of the residents and one guest drowned over the years in this house.
Within a stone's throw to the south lies the Robinson-Powell House circa 1886-1889.
I hope the resources can be found to restore this house.
Half the day went by and it was quickly getting dark, humid and sultry. My hands were on fire from mosquito bites and it was time to get back on the 'highway' and walk a couple of miles back to the landing. Luckily for me , halfway there I saw the pickup coming and hitched a ride back to the Tubbs-Reed House, then continued on foot to make my ferry.
There is a lot more info on the Island than can be found here. Just don't make the mistake I did and assume you will find twenty of these wonderful houses still standing. Only five are left.
Another great source of information - this article by Greg Rossel - you can find it here.
You leave from the town of Richmond - there are some fantastic historic buildings there:
almost to Richmond....
There is no water, no food on the island so make sure you stop in at Annabelle's Cafe before hopping on the 9am ferry...it's a very friendly place. Get something to go.
