7507-R3_LSLA_2021_SummerNewsletter_Web

This is the story of a cabin called Birches. It was part of Aimhi Lodge which opened in 1919. There were about 25 rustic cabins, with a common lodge in

porch just steps from the lake. New curtains went up and a sweet skirt created by Linda went under the bathroom sink. The beds were made with colorful sheets and Neal made a table for the porch and items remaining in the cabin helped set the table with memories from the past. Miraculously, I found the original Birches sign under the porch and it was given a place of honor. I also found old signage

which families gathered for home-style meals and camaraderie for many years until its closure in 2007. After damage from a hurricane, the owners decided it would be best to sell the 25 acre complex as one piece. It became apparent in time that it would not be feasible, due to the asking price, so a plan was developed to split the site into 8 lots. Some buildings would remain and all but 5 cabins would be raised. It was during that time, upon visiting the site, that I came up with the idea to salvage one cabin as a potential fundraiser for the LSLA. The only condition put forth by the developer was that it

that was posted in the cabin about being conscious of nature and protecting beautiful Little Sebago. When finished, we all stood back and admired the metamorphosis.

The opening bid was $500 with a timeline to finish. The accepted bid was $500 and just beyond the time designated, another bid came in for three times that amount. One sad bidder just missed it becoming theirs and staying on the lake. The cabin was purchased by a gentleman from New Hampshire, whose parents summered at the

had to be removed by a certain date. The cabin I chose was Birches. Our poor Birches was in tough shape on the inside and covered with pine needles and

Lodge. He dismantled it and moved it to the mountains. I often wonder how it looks in its new home making new history, hopefully for another

debris on the outside. I could not stand for this proud little cabin to stay as it was so I developed a plan to pretty it up. With the help of my husband Neal, and friend, Linda Tetrault, we went to work putting a shine on this little gem. Window boxes were installed and filled with flowers. Neal built a bench to set under the trees and I painted it green to match some of the cabin colors. Linda and I swept, dusted and scrubbed the interior, which was filled with acorns and more. The cabin had 3 rooms. There was a living room area with a Portland Stove foundry stove, two built in pine beds, a ¾ bath and a fantastic screened in

50 years. If you would like to view the virtual tour I created, showing start to finish please visit this link https://view.paradym.com/idx/The-Birches-Aimhi- Lodge-Windham-ME-04062/3075937 or email me at lovelittlesebago@yahoo.com. It has had more than 3800 views and brought many smiles since it was created. Birches lives on, long after its departure.

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