"Bathing" Aug. 1911 Madawaska Lake, Maine
John J. Sodergren and his father cut a path probably in the 1880′s from their log house near the Little Madawaska River in Stockholm, Maine to Madawaska Lake in the Maine Swedish Colony established in 1870. John J. Sodergren catered to the local population that spent their summer holidays at the lake. A steamboat was in use and rowboats were for rent as were lakeside cabins. A barn was built near the shore for the horses. In the winter, ice was cut from Madawaska Lake for use in the summertime.
Mabel Sodergren bought the store from her father in 1914 and ran the business with her her second husband Andrew Lawson for many years. The business was purchased by Chester Buzzell upon their retirement. Buzzell sold to Stan Thomas who was the last owner of the building which was torn down in 2006.
Madawaska Lake is still a popular spot for swimming and boating, a little treasure in far northern Maine cherished by many residents and visitors.
June 13, 2009 at 5:24 pm
This is a spectacular photograph – I’m still combing through my albums to find something suitable for this carnival!
Thanks for sharing!
Evelyn in Montreal
June 20, 2009 at 12:58 am
I wonder if they actually swam in those outfits or just waded in the water to keep cool. How wonderful it is that you have this photograph.
June 21, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Great picture. I bet they mostly waded if that lake water was as cold as
some of the lakes I know up in Oxford County!