Enjoy the latest issue of our KnowlesLetter! Features include Jack Ledbetter, MDI Historical Society, Outdoor Adventures in Acadia, Northeast Harbor Food Trucks...and so much more.
letter | 1 |
knowles | 1 |
REAL ESTATE AND VACATION RENTALS SUMMER 2026 | 1 |
JACK LEDBETTER | 1 |
LOBSTER | 1 |
HISTORY | 1 |
GET OUTDOORS | 1 |
REVIEWS ON THE FAVORITES | 1 |
VISITOR TURNED LOCAL | 1 |
THE KNOWLES COMPANY RENTALS FEATURES & REAL ESTATE FEATURES | 1 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 2 |
TABLE OF | 3 |
CONTENTS | 3 |
Accesible Adventures with MDI Wheelers | 3 |
Knowles Selects: Biking Trails | 3 |
Mount Desert Island Bike Rentals | 3 |
Looking Back at Mount Desert Island: MDI Dairies | 3 |
Weekly Farmers Market Schedule on MDI | 3 |
The Knowles Company Featured Real Estate Listing: Birchcroft | 3 |
Jack Ledbetter: Visitor Turned Local | 3 |
Words From Local Lobstermen | 3 |
A Taste of Maine: Savory & Sweet | 3 |
Let’s Talk Lobster: Lobster Pounds by Town | 3 |
By The Marina: Northeast Harbor Food Trucks | 3 |
Grand Designs: Architecturally Significant Rental Properties | 3 |
The Knowles Company Featured Rental Listings | 3 |
Knowles Selects: MDI Peaks | 3 |
Knowles Selects: Rainy Day Activities | 3 |
The Knowles Company Featured Real Estate Listings | 3 |
The Knowles Village | 3 |
Accessible Adventures with MDI Wheelers BY SHANNON BRYAN | 4 |
Ed Wood finds bike riding on Acadia’s carriage roads to be magical. | 4 |
For years he regularly biked miles in the park with friends, marveling at the views while the carriage road gravel crackled under his bike tires and sunlight flickered through the tree canopy. | 4 |
“Riding on Acadia National Park’s carriage roads has always been a great blessing to me,” he said. “The park is a unique gem. It’s one of the great assets of the U.S.” | 4 |
Friends Art Worster and Dave Edson rode along as safeties. Since Wood and Smith both live in the town of Tremont on Mount Desert Island, the group was aptly dubbed “Tremonsters.” | 4 |
“It’s been a joy to discover adaptive biking and get back on,the carriage roads with my good friends,” said Woolley. | 4 |
Eventually, though, Wood’s Parkinson’s made riding even the recumbent unfeasible, and Wood thought his rides on Acadia’s carriage roads had reached their end. | 4 |
MDI Wheelers is a volunteer-led organization, propelled by dedication and generous donors. Dave Edson, Janet Wood, | 4 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 4 |
Photo: Sam Mallon/Friends of Acadia, Acadia National Park, Maine, June 1, 2023. | 4 |
Josie Briggs, Dean Read, Eleanor Andrews, Lisa Horsch Clark, Gerald Collins, Jared Erskine, Robert Graham, and Rick Smith all currently serve on the MDI Wheelers board of directors. | 5 |
They’ve benefited from support from Portland Wheelers, an organization with a similar mission in southern Maine. Started in 2015, the group has been generous with sharing their expertise. | 5 |
Volunteers Are a Key Component | 5 |
“We want not only riders but volunteers to benefit from this,” said Edson. “They will get as much out of this as the riders.” | 5 |
This season, MDI Wheelers is offering rides twice a week on Thursday and Friday mornings to people in the community and park visitors. | 5 |
This collaborative effort has already brought the magic of Acadia’s carriage roads back to the lives of Ed Wood and others who treasure it. | 5 |
“It’s been a great feeling,” Wood said. He describes riding on the carriage roads as a “return to childhood. I’m very grateful to my friends.” | 5 |
Pedal Power | 5 |
For more information or to schedule a ride, visit mdiwheelers.org. | 5 |
SHANNON BRYAN is Friends of Acadia’s Content and Website Manager. The full article can be found with Friends of Acadia. | 5 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 6 |
KNOWLES SELECTS: Biking Trails | 7 |
Kid-Friendly Biking | 7 |
Looking for another spot nearby? | 7 |
Down for another Adventure? | 7 |
Mount Desert Island Bike Rentals | 8 |
Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop Address: 141 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME | Phone: (207) 288-3886 Full-service shop with large fleet and long-standing local expertise. | 8 |
Acadia Bike Rentals Address: 48 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME | Phone: (207) 288-9605 Popular downtown option with standard bikes, e-bikes, and tours. | 8 |
Acadia Ebike Adventure Address: 1 Dewey St, Bar Harbor, ME | Phone: (207) 266-6543 Premium e-bike service with park drop-off access. | 8 |
Acadia Royal Rides Address: Bar Harbor, ME | Phone: (207) 460-5049 Boutique delivery-based e-bike and concierge service. | 8 |
Island Bike Rental Address: 102 Main St, Northeast Harbor, ME | Phone: (207) 266-9211 Closest access to carriage roads; family-friendly setup. | 8 |
MDI e-Bikes Address: 25 Visitor Center Rd. Bar Harbor, ME | Phone: (207) 412-3778 Carriage Road Bike Rentals — Explore carriage roads with MDI e-Bikes | 8 |
Southwest Cycle Adress: 370 Main St., Southwest Harbor, ME | Phone: (207) 244-5856 Full service bike shop, rents, sells and services all types of bikes. | 8 |
Island Time Acadia Address: 16 Village Green Way, Southwest Harbor, ME | Phone: (207) 779-4665 E-bike tours and rentals on the carriage roads and throughout Acadia National Park. | 8 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 8 |
Looking Back at Mount Desert Island | 9 |
Reading the Landscape: MDI Dairies Raney Bench, Executive Director, MDI Historical Society | 9 |
Milk Safety | 9 |
Building milk into the massive industry requires testing to overcome numerous deadly diseases, cleaning up within the industry, and marketing the | 9 |
Impacts from a Growing Summer Colony | 9 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 10 |
established in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Seal Harbor, Somesville, and other villages in the late 1800s. | 10 |
Diseases, Testing, and Monitoring | 10 |
Summer Influence on Dairies | 11 |
This seasonal “boom and bust” cycle was hard on island dairy farms, but it led to innovations and cooperative agreements that eventually stabilized the industry. | 12 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 12 |
Boom and Bust | 12 |
Download the free MDI history tour MDI History Adventure | 13 |
WHAT HAPPENED HERE? | 13 |
A History Adventure | 13 |
Essential History For Your Island Adventure | 13 |
Somesville Museums & Gardens 3 Oak Hill Rd, Somesville | Tues - Sat 10 AM - 4 PM | 13 |
Sound Schoolhouse, Offices, & Archives 373 Sound Drive, Mount Desert | Mon - Fri 10 AM to 4 PM | 13 |
Admission at both campuses is a suggested $5 donation. Members and children free | 13 |
Weekly | 14 |
Farmers Market Schedule | 14 |
On MDI | 14 |
Eden Farmers Market | 14 |
YMCA parking lot, Bar Harbor May - October Sundays, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | 14 |
Northeast Harbor Farmers Market | 14 |
The Marina, 10 Huntington Street, Northeast Harbor June 20th - August 20th Thursdays, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | 14 |
Southwest Harbor Farmers Market | 14 |
Pemetic School lawn, 315 Main Street, Southwest Harbor June - October Fridays 9:00 am - 12:30 pm | 14 |
MDI Community Market | 14 |
Salsbury’s Organic Garden Supply, Town Hill July 11 & 18, August 1 & 15, September 5 & 19 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | 14 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 14 |
Featured Listing | 15 |
Birchcroft | 15 |
Birchcroft | 15 |
3 ASTICOU HILL TRAIL, NORTHEAST HARBOR | 15 |
$3,750,000 MLS# 1663565 By Appointment Only | 15 |
Jack Ledbetter: Visitor Turned Local | 16 |
Jack returned to Maine in 1983, driving the entire Maine coast from the New Hampshire border up to Eastport on Route 1. "Captivated" is the word he uses, and it shows in his work. | 16 |
In 1986, Jack began selling his work through Wingspread | 16 |
shows the depth of craftsmanship in his work. | 16 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 16 |
All photos granted by Jack Ledbetter | | 17 |
Words From Local Lobstermen | 20 |
Photo: Whit Chaplin on his boat, 2026. | 20 |
- Whit Chaplin | 20 |
- Mark Fernald | 20 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 20 |
A Taste of Maine: Savory & Sweet | 21 |
The good news is you really can't go wrong. | 21 |
Seaglass Blueberry Coffeecake By Elizabeth Secor, former rental homeowner and real estate client | 21 |
INGREDIENTS: 2 eggs 1/2 c melted butter 1 c sugar 1 c plain yogurt (not Greek) 1 c blueberries, fresh or frozen (if frozen, dust with 1 Tbsp of flour) | 21 |
Heat oven to 375°. Grease and flour a tube or bundt pan. | 21 |
Beat together eggs, butter, and sugar. Stir in yogurt. Sift together dry ingredients and add to eggs mixture. Gently fold in berries and zest. | 21 |
Dust with powdered sugar. | 21 |
Freezes very well and makes great muffins. | 21 |
2 c all purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp lemon rind | 21 |
Classic Maine Lobster Roll | 21 |
By Kate Chaplin, Rental Agent and Owner at The Knowles Company | 21 |
INGREDIENTS (makes two rolls): 1 steamed lobster Lemon | 21 |
Add to the lobster meat: a squeeze of lemon, mayo, and diced celery if you are feeling particularly adventurous | 21 |
Serve in a lightly buttered and toasted hotdog roll (preferably Nissan brand, as it has soft white sides that toast nicely!) and serve warm or cold with chips and slaw on the side. | 21 |
1-2 Tbsp mayo celery (optional) | 21 |
| Photo: Coachwood, Fishing boats moored in Bass Harbor Maine at dusk, 2026, AdobeStock. | 22 |
By The Marina | 23 |
NORTHEAST HARBOR FOOD TRUCKS | 23 |
Have you noticed some of the latest business developments in Northeast Harbor? Down at The Marina, you can now enjoy lobster and fruits, with a view. | 23 |
The Berry Spot | 23 |
Northeast Harbor has long been missing something — a fresh juice spot. The Berry Spot was born out of exactly that observation. | 23 |
With a prime marina location, a fresh and focused menu, and that unmistakable homegrown drive, The Berry Spot is shaping up to be a great addition to The Marina scene. | 23 |
The Bucking Lobster | 23 |
Grand Designs | 24 |
Architecturally Significant Rental Properties | 24 |
Redwood | 24 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 24 |
Bide-A-While | 25 |
Juniper Ledge | 25 |
Random Ridge | 25 |
Dodge Point | 26 |
Dodge Point | 26 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 26 |
Sea Change | 26 |
Tide Race | 27 |
Tide Race | 27 |
Bide-A-While | 27 |
Contact the rentals team at The Knowles Company to rent one of these architecturally significant homes! | 27 |
KNOWLES SELECTS: MDI Peaks for All Ages | 30 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 30 |
KNOWLES SELECTS: Rainy Day Activities | 31 |
Seal Cove Auto Museum | 31 |
The Oceanarium and Education Center | 31 |
Abbe Museum | 31 |
Dorr Museum of Natural History | 31 |
Wendell Gilley Museum | 31 |
Volta Indoor Climbing Gym | 31 |
ArtWaves | 31 |
Explore your options with us. | 32 |
On island, outer islands and off island... | 32 |
Let our experienced full-time brokers find the right property for you. Whether you are buying or selling, we offer local knowledge and professional service. | 32 |
Distinctive Properties. Legendary Service. | 32 |
VILLAGE RETREAT BAR HARBOR | 32 |
WESTERN WAY FARMHOUSE SOUTHWEST HARBOR | 32 |
KnowlesCo.com | 32 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 32 |
Luxury Properties and Commercial Opportunities | 33 |
Contact the office to explore these beautiful properties. | 33 |
Distinctive Properties. Legendary Service. | 33 |
19 COTTAGE STREET BAR HARBOR | 33 |
L’ACADIE TREMONT | 33 |
8 GILPATRICK ROAD ELLSWORTH | 33 |
KnowlesCo.com | 33 |
Commercial | 33 |
Commercial | 33 |
knowles | 34 |
village | 34 |
BROKERS, RENTAL AGENTS, AND STAFF | 34 |
TRICIA BLYTHE | 34 |
NICK BURNETT | 34 |
SARA DENNIS | 34 |
ANNA DOBRANSKY | 34 |
SUSAN FERRANTE-COLLIER | 34 |
TORIE HALLOCK | 34 |
BETH INGEBRITSON | 34 |
MATTHEW LEVESQUE | 34 |
JANE MCCOMBS-BEAMAN | 34 |
ROB MCKEE | 34 |
MEGAN ADLER MOORE | 34 |
LILI PEW | 34 |
BONNIE RAY | 34 |
MARIA SPALLINO | 34 |
ROB VAN ALEN | 34 |
CLAIRE MOORE | 34 |
| KNOWLESLETTER SUMMER 2026 | 34 |
KITTY BARBEE | 35 |
Brokers, Rental Agents, Staff and Owners. | 35 |
1 SUMMIT ROAD PO BOX 367 NORTHEAST HARBOR MAINE 04662 207.276.3322 | 35 |
THE KNOWLES COMPANY | 35 |
JACK LEDBETTER PHOTO, SUMMER STORM, SEAL HARBOR. | 36 |
Distinctive Properties. Legendary Service. | 36 |
Next Edition Fall 2026 info@knowlesco.com | 36 |
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