A Walk Through Round Pond, Maine

Mariners Lodge and Bristol Fire & Rescue

The great New England towns are of a walking scale.  Seeing them via car or even bicycle misses the experience.  Round Pond is just such a town. 

Start the walk at King Ro. 

King Ro has recently been a go-to spot for the chickens next door. 

Beverly Foster

I pick up some groceries, and also talk to Beverly Foster.  She not only makes some of the best pizza around, but also has for the last three years quietly and relentlessly sent care packages to our soldiers overseas - over three hundred boxes of lip balms and hand cream, which are often unavailable.  Her work even got the attention of the Commandant of the Marine Corps who sent her a personal letter of thanks. 

King Ro owner B.J. Russell fully supports her efforts...

...and always has the donations can on the counter.

If you can't do it in person (which I recommend), donations can be sent to Beverly Foster c/o either King Ro Market or Round Pond Post Office, Round Pond, Maine 04564. Here is another aspect I just love - the trust. People write out checks to her and know that 100% of their money is going to the soldiers.   

In the store, you may be greeted by Calhoun...

...or Smokey...

...(who might alternatively be found on one of the gas pumps).

The brief walk down to the harbor takes you past the churches...

A Perfect Sign

...as well as the Washington School...

Hands on work and fundrasing has brought it this far.  Next on the list is the belfry.

...recently renovated thanks to the strong community effort.

Take the path past Pedebco Custom Boats and see what is new.

See the harbor.

Chances are you will see dogs everywhere.

Here is the spot to order lobster and steamers. If the building is empty, turn around and look at the water.

Buddy and Pete may be returning from checking inventory.

I have often mentioned my other favorite store, Granite Hall, alone worth the drive over to Round Pond.  (I have been going to both stores for over 35 years now.)

The Ladies of Granite Hall

Go upstairs for a marvelous collection of items from Maine and Great Britain.

I can never resist the penny candy collection.

They are still using the 100 year old cash drawer.

29 years ago, when the current owners of the Granite Hall bought the store, the advice from the former owners was "Get rid of the penny candy.  It is nothing but trouble."  I am glad they ignored that!

And, of course, here is this great sign.