Over 160 people gathered for beautiful views and excellent food at the shore of Westport Island’s Heal Cove on Sunday, July 28 to celebrate the Cove’s iconic beauty and distinctive history and to raise money for Westport Island history. The sun shone on the annual fundraiser with more than $8,000 raised to advance Friends of Westport Island History’s mission to preserve and promote island history.

Property owner Connie Smith-Ostis hosted the annual Friends of Westport Island History fundraiser overlooking tranquil Heal Cove. The Friends’ annual fundraisers showcase an historic property and bring its history alive through well-researched historical presentations, a walking history of the property, and a preview of an accompanying historical exhibit at the Island’s History Center.  Dennis Dunbar delivered an engaging history of two centuries of settlement and growth with a spotlight on the property’s once prosperous Heal Brothers tidal mill. Hostess Connie Smith-Ostis, whose family has owned the property since 1947, enlivened the property’s history with anecdotes from her family and the previous owner, Mabel Eisnor. Mabel “wanted to sell her property but had nowhere to go” but agreed to sell it to Connie’s dad, Jack Smith, “who wanted to buy the property but had no money.” Their agreement: $25 a month for seven years and Mabel could live in the house until it was paid. When payment was complete, the children were sad to see her go, because they liked her and thought she “came with the house.”

The full historical exhibit, “Heal Cove: An icon of Island History and Beauty,” will be on view at the History Center on Ferry Road Sundays from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and by appointment. The exhibit traces the ownership and evolution of the property from tidal mill to farm to summer retreat centering on the Shattuck, Heal and Smith families.

The Friends extend appreciation to the many volunteers and sponsors who made the event and the upcoming exhibit possible. Platinum Sponsors: Louana and Ted Frois, Chesterfield Associates and Westport Island Pottery, Stacey and Cristina Giulianti, Ames Supply and Woodhull Construction. Gold Sponsors: The First National Bank, J. Edward Knight Insurance, and Kennebec Estuary Land Trust. Silver Sponsors: Engel & Volkers, ABL Roofing & Construction, and an anonymous supporter. Hospitality Sponsors: Simply Susie’s Catering, Sasanoa Brewing, Treats, Poland Springs, Westport Community Association, D-Zerts by Daphne, Teg’s Buns, and Carol’s Creations.

For further information, email wihistorycommittee@gmail.com