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HERBERT LEWIS FINK (ME/MA/RI, 1921-2006) "For Kitty Jenkins, The Samoset", etching, pencil signed, marked as artist's proof, titled and dated 1975, in an aluminum box frame, matted and glazed, OS: 23 1/4" x 26 1/4"", impression: 15 1/2" x 19". Light foxing. The Samoset Hotel was first opened as the Bay Point Resort on July 4, 1889. Built and operated by Francis Cobb II, a well-known entrepreneur of the day, the Bay Point was sold in 1902 to the Ricker family, owners and operators of the Poland Spring House and Poland Spring Water. Hiram Ricker renamed the resort "The Samoset," after the Pemaquid Chief who was among the first people to greet the Mayflower Pilgrims. He also embellished the distinctive L-shaped building with turrets, porches, and wooden latticework that quickly established the Samoset as the grand resort of coastal Maine. The Great Depression and automobile competition brought hard times to the Maine Central Railroad, and all of Maine's luxury resorts. In 1941, the Samoset was sold for only $25,000, and then sold again in 1946. After struggling for years to stay open, the resort's doors were closed in 1969. It marked the end of an era. Weeds began to overtake the once grand resort, and on October 13, 1972, the Samoset was destroyed by a fire. The new Samoset opened its doors on September 9, 1974, constructed almost entirely from the beautiful old timbers of a deserted granary, which was once a Portland, Maine landmark.