Our Story
History of Holbrook Community Foundation 2006-present
The Core of the Local Community: Fishing
In 2005, Harpswell was a coastal community with 5230 residents and 217 miles of coastline. As a result of its marine resources, Harpswell was second only to Portland in Cumberland County in its volume of fish caught. Fishing represented 50% of the local jobs. However, as a result of the real estate boom, properties on the ocean were being bought for private residential use, reducing access to the water for the local fishermen.
At the height of the real estate boom, Holbrook’s property in Cundys Harbor was put on the market for sale. The local community feared the impact on the community if the property and wharf was turned into a private residence. They knew that commercial fishing in Cundys Harbor and the historic community would be forever changed.
Community Response
In 2005, community activists decided to save the property. They created the Campaign to Keep Holbrook’s Working and established a relationship with the Trust for Public Land a non-profit dedicated to protecting public land. By the end of 2006, the Holbrook Community Foundation, a non-profit, was created and had developed a strategic plan.
To provide for the long-term protection of the coastal heritage of Harpswell by preserving and restoring the Holbrook’s working waterfront property for the benefit of the local community. Our goals were to 1) purchase and restore the Holbrook’s property; 2) support commercial fishing in Harpswell; 3) become self-sufficient; 4) strengthen the sense of community; and 5) support the local community through the schools.
The Campaign to Keep Holbrook’s Working began to raise funds for the extensive rebuilding project with support from the Trust for Public Land.
Our Mission
To provide for the long term protection of the coastal heritage of Harpswell by preserving Holbrook’s working waterfront, supporting commercial fishing and providing opportunities for education about our marine environment to the local community.
Purchase and Renovation 2006-2008
By December 2006, HCF raised $1.25 million to purchase the property, including $450,000 from individuals, $50,000 from the Town of Harpswell and a loan from the Genesis Community Loan Fund for $700,000. In 2007, the state established a Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) grant program to help fisheries. In February 2008, HCF received an LMF grant for $300,000 which was used to reduce the Genesis loan.
Safety Repairs, Renovations and Rebuilding 2007-2009
After HCF purchased the property, it made basic safety repairs to the wharf. Between 2007-2009, HCF rebuilt the wharf, built a new snack bar (now called Holbrook Lobster Restaurant and Grille), and renovated the three fishing bays and the house. The house has two private apartments and space for an art gallery. Holbrook’s was now ready to provide storage bays and mooring for local fishermen. Support services were also provided such as bait and a concrete dock strong enough for an 18-wheeler that could take fish and seaweed for processing and to market.
Reopening of the Holbrook Property in 2009
When the renovation was completed, HCF had a reopening in July 2009. Local representatives of the Governor, the Senators and the local county political offices attended.
Becoming Financially Self-Sufficient
HCF was able to become increasingly self-sufficient and pay off large sums of its Genesis loan as a result of a combination of income sources and strong local support from the community and town. These sources included; 1) donations from the local community and town, including the donations during the Labor Day breakfast; 2) leasing the restaurant d store each Summer; 3) leasing the two apartments and gallery space in the house; and 4) leasing the commercial fishing space, moorings, bait operating and parking.
Contributions to the Community
Once HCF was able to become financially self-sufficient, it created the HCF Education Initiative to support the local public schools and provide community events. Events included the Labor Day Breakfast, Lobster Crate Races, Blind Dinghy Races and Christmas celebrations on the wharf.
