DAMARISCOTTA, Maine — Labor Day weekend in Damariscotta is usually a time for locals and visitors to soak in the historic charm of the downtown area.
But this year, the community was met with heartbreak as one of its most cherished landmarks, the Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina, was reduced to charred remains.
The fire, which broke out over the holiday weekend, has left many in the tight-knit community in shock and mourning the loss of a place that was more than just a popular restaurant.
"To see it in person today, it's still kind of shocking. This community is strong, and it will be built back. It means so much to the community," Paul Leeman, a local resident, said.
For Leeman and countless others, Schooner Landing was more than just a spot to enjoy a meal by the water. It was a cornerstone of the community, a place where memories were made, and locals shared their deep emotional connections with the establishment.
"It's a staple to the community. I have a lot of memories here. A lot of people have engagement parties here. It’s not just a restaurant. It’s a home away from home for many of us," Leeman said.
Douglas Chisholm, another local, echoed this sentiment.
"It's going to be hard to not have it here for the rest of the summer," he said.
It's a sense of loss that many are feeling as the summer season draws to a close.
When the fire broke out, the immediate concern Damariscotta Fire Chief John Roberts and his crew had was to ensure the safety of anyone who might have been inside the restaurant.
"Shortly after we arrived, it was reported that there were people stuck on the dock," Roberts said. "Two of them were able to get off by themselves. And for the other two, we brought up a boat and helped them off the dock."
After it became clear the building could not be saved, the focus shifted to preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
As of Monday afternoon, the cause of the fire remained unknown, but Roberts acknowledged the profound impact the loss of Schooner Landing on the community.
"It changes the whole view of the harbor," he said. "We hope they build back quickly."
Despite the devastation, there was a sense of resilience among the community members.
"At the end of the day, it's just a building. The memories are still there, and it will be good again," Leeman said.
Local builders who are close friends with the owners have expressed their intent to rebuild once the investigation is complete.
The promise of Schooner Landing rising from the ashes offers a glimmer of hope for a community determined to restore a beloved landmark that has been an integral part of their lives for so long.