A Day in Kingfield

Many might say that Kingfield, Maine is on the way to their favorite ski slopes. And that would be an accurate statement. But here’s the thing about this and all these other towns along a route to somewhere else in Vacationland: Kingfield is home to some Mainers, around a thousand of them at the present time. On a beautiful autumn day, I set out to learn a little about the place they live in.

Centennial Bridge

As I approached Main Street, I crossed over the Centennial Bridge. Now, if I were going to rename this town landmark, I might go with the “Try and Try and Try and Try Again Bridge” (Kingfield locals may be feeling relieved I wasn’t on the planning committee). The current structure is not the original one. There used to be a covered bridge crossing the water. It was blown down in the mid-1800s. Its replacement was a chain bridge which broke in 1859 and 1909. The town marked their centennial celebration in 1916 and built this concrete bridge the same year. It appears to be holding strong.

Centennial Bridge in Kingfield

The Kingfield Woodsman

If you really want to get the flavor of a small town, one of the easiest ways is to find a little family-owned restaurant with home-style food. As soon as I walked into the Kingfield Woodsman, I knew it was the right fit. Built in 1977, it has had only three owners in all these years. Betsy Clemens is the current one. She was busy in the kitchen when I stopped by, but was kind to let me chat with her by phone later in the day. We had fun talking about my observations from that morning.

My breakfast meal was delicious. It looked so good that I dug in and finished it before remembering to take a picture. You’ll just have to go see a loaded plate for yourself. I wasn’t disappointed and can’t imagine you would be either. Check their Facebook page to see when they’re open.

What I loved even more than the food was the locals. Clearly this is one of those places where you can figure out what day it is based on which customers walk through the door. Owner Betsy confirmed this was the case. I mentioned one group of ladies that was having a grand time. Betsy said they come once a week and have been doing so for somewhere around sixteen years. They are just a few of the many locals who make a trip to the Kingfield Woodsman a regular ritual.

Food is ordered at the counter when you arrive. You wait at your table while it is being prepared. The kitchen will call your name when it’s ready. If you happen to be deep in conversation, as the two gentlemen next to me were, everyone in the room may join in the fun and help get word to you by calling out your name, too. It’s the Maine version of “Where Everybody [quickly] Knows Your Name.”

You’ll feel like you’re eating at home while at the Kingfield Woodsman. You won’t need to do the dishes, but don’t forget to clear your table and take everything to the window. Full disclosure: standing up may be more of a struggle than sitting down was since the portions are hearty.

Thanks for such a great experience, Betsy and crew!

The Old School House

At the top of this feature, you’ll see a beautiful building surrounded by peak foliage. As I drove through town, I knew it needed to be included in this post. It is one of the historic sites in Kingfield — the Old School House. After a bit of research, I learned that it is now privately owned by John and Cynthia Orcutt who allowed me to come by and take this amateur photo. They are REAL photographers with some stunning images of Maine. You can see their work on their website: Orcutt Photography. What a unique experience to live in a former schoolhouse! Class hasn’t been in session here since the late 1960s, but the history is well-preserved.

The Stanley Museum

Another former schoolhouse was on my list to visit before I left Kingfield. The old high school is now home to the Stanley Museum. I needed to see a steam car and learn about the famous Stanleys.

I did find steam engine vehicles inside — fascinating ones — but SO much more.

If you didn’t know, the Stanley brothers were twins. Francis Edgar and Freelan Oscar were their names. That was a bit of a mouthful so they went by F.E. and F.O. Does anyone else find that more confusing?

What is much more mind-boggling is their list of achievements. It’s not just the number of things they accomplished, but the eclectic nature of that list.

Who knew that inventing steam engine cars and airbrushes and photographic plate presses went together? And why not start making violins when you’re sixteen years old, and later on try your hand at designing a hotel. Not just any kind of roadside motel, but a 140-room jaw-dropper. If you haven’t seen the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, their website will give you quite the glimpse.

If you’re a filmmaker looking for a great story for a documentary-style movie, let me suggest the Stanleys. But not just the twins. The family had a total of six sons and one daughter. Some of you may recognize her name: Chansoretta Stanley Emmons. She was an amazing photographer and even mastered the skill of developing and printing her images. Why not? She was a Stanley!

This is a simple introduction to one outstanding family from Kingfield, Maine. A visit to the museum will give you plenty more to explore. Learn when they are open and read the amazing work this organization has done to showcase this Kingfield family by visiting the Stanley Museum website.

Thank you, Kingfield

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this visit so wonderful. Don’t miss out on all Kingfield has to offer the next time you’re passing through.

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