The Hartstone Inn: Camden’s Sea Captain Legacy Turned Gourmet Haven
Camden in the 19th Century – A Shipbuilding Village
Camden, Maine, was a prosperous coastal village in the 19th century, driven by shipbuilding and maritime trade. The harbor bustled with shipyards, and local shipbuilders launched vessels that carried timber and fish to markets in Boston and even Europe.
One prominent shipbuilder was Captain Joseph C. Stetson, who established a shipyard at Camden Harbor around 1820 and built some 70 vessels over the next 20 years.
A little-known bit of lore: Stetson is even credited with inventing the “coffee break” as a tactic to keep his workers from drinking rum on the job.
This seafaring prosperity allowed successful captains and shipwrights to build fine homes in town. Camden’s downtown grew quickly – by the 1830s, churches and shops sprang up near the harbor, and elegant residences lined the streets. (The First Congregational Church, for example, was built in 1834 just up the street on Elm Street.)
Camden’s fortunes ebbed in the late 1800s as wooden shipbuilding declined, and a devastating fire in 1892 swept through the business district, destroying over 40 downtown buildings. Fortunately, many homes on the periphery – including what is now the Hartstone Inn – survived that Great Fire and remained as living pieces of Camden’s history.
Timeline of the Hartstone Inn Property
1835 – Construction
The house at 41 Elm Street (now the Hartstone Inn’s main building) was built in 1835. It was originally the private home of Captain Joseph C. Stetson, a Camden shipbuilder and sea captain. This was the early Victorian era in New England, and Camden’s maritime wealth made such a substantial home possible.
Mid-1800s – Stetson Family Era
As a shipbuilder, Capt. Stetson launched famous clipper ships known for their speed. He and his family resided here until the late 19th century (Joseph Stetson passed away in 1866). During this era, the home’s architectural style evolved into the Second Empire Victorian style with a mansard roof and ornate trim.
Early 1900s – Hart Family Ownership
By the early 20th century, the property was acquired by Dr. Willis Hart and his wife Mary. Dr. Hart used the home as both a residence and a medical office. The Harts added a carriage turnaround for patients. In 1922, a blacksmith ran from his shop to the Hart home for emergency aid—Dr. Hart applied a tourniquet and helped save his life.
Mid-20th Century
The Hart family owned the property into the mid-1900s. The house likely served as a private residence or possibly a boarding house during this period.
1980s – Conversion to an Inn
In the 1980s, the home was converted into a bed-and-breakfast under the name “Hartstone Inn” by Peter and Elaine Simmons. The home’s Victorian layout was ideal for guest accommodations, and Camden’s rise as a tourist town made it a popular destination.
1998 – Chef Michael Salmon Era
Chef Michael Salmon and Mary Jo Brink purchased the inn in 1998. Over the next two decades, they elevated it to a culinary destination, adding a garden dining porch, modern comforts, and expanding into the Manor House and Hideaway Cottage. The inn earned several awards and became a top New England gourmet retreat.
2021 – Present: Enthusiast Hotel Collection
In 2021, the inn was purchased by Oneil Khosa and became part of the Enthusiast Hotel Collection. The new owners launched a refreshed restaurant called “Electric Daisy” and continued to preserve the inn’s historic charm while updating it for modern travelers.
Ownership History
- 1835–late 1800s: Captain Joseph C. Stetson
- Late 1800s: Unknown/Various Owners
- Early 1900s–Mid-1900s: Dr. Willis & Mary Hart
- 1980s: Peter & Elaine Simmons
- 1998–2021: Chef Michael Salmon & Mary Jo Brink
- 2021–Present: Oneil Khosa / Enthusiast Hotel Collection
Anecdotes and Legacy
Stories abound: Captain Stetson allegedly threw celebratory dinners for each ship he built. Dr. Hart, during Prohibition, might have discreetly dispensed “medicinal” whiskey. Guests today enjoy a boutique inn where history lives on.
Final Thoughts
The Hartstone Inn remains a local landmark — a living museum of Camden’s maritime and hospitality past. From sea captain’s home to doctor’s clinic to modern inn, it’s a place that carries its legacy with grace.
📍 Address: 41 Elm Street, Camden, Maine
💡 Fun Fact: Stetson is credited with inventing the “coffee break” to keep workers from turning to rum on the job.