Location is former Anne Crosby Johnson manor
A Summertime Silver Tea is being held Thursday, July 17, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the former Anne Crosby Johnson manor at 18 Bayside Drive, Belfast. Attendees will be able to see how this beautiful historic home has been restored by the present owners George and Marcia Smith.
The Smiths have owned their summer home, “Lucky Stars,” for nine years. The spacious first floor, which will be open to view, includes the entry, family room, dining room, the “lobster room”, the back porch with a view to the ocean, pantry, kitchen, a side garden and more.
The dining room
Ice tea, lemonade and light refreshments will be served and donations will be accepted in a silver bowl near the entrance with all proceeds to benefit the Waldo County General Hospital Aid.
Local residents will recognize the home as the Anne Crosby Johnson manor, which was built in 1910 by Miss Anne Crosby who later married Ralph Johnson. She used the home only in the summer, wintering in Boston or New York City.
Mrs. Johnson was the granddaughter of Governor William G. Crosby of Maine. She became a great benefactor to Belfast and the surrounding area. She donated the Captain’s House for the start of the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport; contributed $40,000 toward the construction of the Crosby High School; built the first swimming pool at City Park; and made numerous other gifts.
For part of Mrs. Johnson’s life, her mother lived with her at the estate. Anne Crosby Johnson was born in 1874 and lived to be 84 years old.
The current house owners have a scrapbook of information on the Crosby and Johnson families, which will be on display at the tea. They have restored features in many of the rooms, such as brass window fittings and original dark woodwork and uncovered the original sink in the pantry. The owners have balanced rooms with elegant chandeliers and fireplaces, while others exhibit a casual motif of seashells, lobsters or boating accessories.
The entrance to the home
Winners will be drawn at the tea for the collection of gift cards that comprise the Aid’s current raffle titled “Have You Visited These Places?”
The Summertime Silver Tea is taking the place of the Aid’s usual summer Garden Walk.