The wood for this flower press came from an elm tree that was approximately 125 years old when it fell.  Around 1980, Ken, the current owner of the property, realized that the wood was well worth saving.  He had the 17+” wide logs milled into 2” thick planks that were then placed to dry in the loft of this 100-year-old fish house.

In the mid- to late-1800s, the land where this tree grew became known as Pole Island Farm, a 150-acre salt water farm located in Harpswell, Maine, where there are many inlets. Over the years, the farm had a working tidal mill that was later replaced by a damn.  There was also a 20-acre fresh water pond where ice was harvested.  During the summer months, the farm produced many crops, including wild rice, and the nearby Pole Island served as a summer grazing spot for the sheep that were ferried over from the mainland.

In 1910, the family of Hermann and Helen Bauer took over the farm.  Hermann constructed a 600-s.f. building which is now known as the Fish House.  It sat on a stone foundation overlooking Card Cove.   When Ken acquired the farm in the 1980s, the Fish House was turned into a rustic living space, and one of his workers lived there for two years.  There was a ladder leading up to the loft, and the elm planks ended up supported a sleeping area.  Below the loft was a wood cook stove for heat and cooking.  A 3-hole outhouse was also close by.  With a convenient fresh water spring that emptied out into the cove by the building, what else was needed?  Rustic living, yes, and the view—spectacular!

In 1999, Tony and Marguerite moved to Maine after living in Cairo, Egypt for 6 years.  They purchased 29 acres from Ken, along with a house and many barn-like outbuildings, including the Fish House.  By this time, the Fish House was falling off its original stone foundation.  Marguerite wanted to save the building, but replacing the foundation was a daunting project, so they started by replacing the roof in 2014.  Sadly, Marguerite passed away in 2020.  Tony then sold some of the buildings and land to a relative, but retained access to the Fish House.  In 2022, permits were obtained, and the renovations began.  After consulting environmentalists, the original stone foundation was removed.  The area beyond was built up, and a new foundation incorporating a channel allowing for tidal surges was poured.

In the spring of 2023, I was contacted by Tony, who wanted the boards in the loft removed and put to good use.  At this time, the species of wood was unknown.  While some of the boards were flat, many were quite twisted.  So I planed one down and discovered that these were elm boards and perfect for the small flower press parts.  All nine planks, some almost 19” wide, were moved to my shop.  The best boards will be saved to use in a design that will show off their size and beauty.  I am so grateful to Tony for his generosity and commitment to Marguerite and her vision of saving the Fish House, as well as for the elm that has now become the “Fish House” Elm Heirloom Flower Press.

Press dimensions are 11.5”W X 11.5”D X 13.5”H. 

Cardboard inserts are 11.5” X 9”.