The Selectmen's Building & Bridge
This small building is often described as the most photographed site on Mount Desert Island. It was constructed during the 1780s by John Somes, son of Abraham Somes, who settled in the village in 1761.Used at various times in its history as a cobbler's shop, post office and museum, the building also served as the Town Office for Mount Desert during the 19th century and until 1911. Selectmen are elected by the voters in a town to conduct official business between annual Town Meetings.
Today, the exhibit inside the building reflects its early use as a cobbler's workroom. There are cobbler's benches, shoe lasts and rasps, spools for a cobbler's thread, and hammers and knives. Other products made by a cobbler - reins and a collar for a horse, for example - are also on display.
Crossing the mill stream between the Selectmen's Building and the Museum is the Thaddeus Shepley Somes Memorial Bridge, built in 1981 to honor a descendant of Abraham Somes.
Days & Hours: The Selectmen's Building & Bridge
June 1-October 15, Tuesday-Saturday, 1:00 p.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: No charge, but donations for care of the building and bridge are appreciated.
Directions to The Selectmen's Building & Bridge: From Ellsworth, follow Route 3 to Mount Desert Island. After the bridge and Thompson Island, bear right at the traffic light, then follow Routes 102/198 for 4 miles. Continue through the traffic light in Somesville and proceed one-half mile to Oak Hill Road. Turn right on Oak Hill Road; the parking lot is on your immediate left.
From Bar Harbor, take Route 233 to the intersection with Route 198. Turn right and proceed to the traffic light in Somesville. Turn left on Route 102. Proceed one-half mile to Oak Hill Road. Turn right on Oak Hill Road; the parking lot is on your immediate left.