The Casino

The first 'Old Home Day" was held in 1901. While it was a great success, it was handicapped by having no place for a large, indoor gathering. the only place at that time, was the Union Church.  Three native sons, Clarence L. Barker, Harry H. Cannell and Liewellvn Barton, formed a corporation, The Longwood Real Estate Company, in the fall of 1901, and in Nov. of that year, began the erection of the Casino. The architect was Fred Thompson of Portland and John L. Meserve of Naples had charge of the construction.  Its construction was carried on during the winter and was first opened to the public in the summer of 1902.  The original cost was $8,000.

For many years it was the amusement center of the town as well as the surrounding vicinity. it was used for political rallies, dances. fairs, movies and other social gatherings.

The first entertainment was given by Julian Eltinge of Boston, in 1902.  He came up on the Sunday boat and engaged the hall for the purpose.  He had just began his career as a "female impersonator" with the Boston Cadets.  He later became one of the most famous persons in that role, visiting other countries, The Eltinge Theatre of New York City, was named for him.

Thomas W. Gregory, of Texas, Attorney General of the United States, under Woodrow Wilson, addressed a Democratic rally of 500 people, on August 28, 1916.

The first movies in town were introduced by H. F. Bradgon of Bethel.  He gave exhibitions at the Casino, twice a week, in connection with a circuit formed with nearby villages in the summer season. It was before electric lights were introduced in town.

He installed a motor in an old Cadillac, parked it out front of the building, ran a cable through a second story window into a temporary booth in the rear of the hall and projected his pictures.  The law requiring a fire proof booth put a stop to that method of operating.

The opera Hansel and Gretel was given for two seasons by the pupils of Professor Joseph Regneas of New York. He bought the Raymond House, at Raymond village and was accustomed to pass his summer vacations there with many of his pupils as guests.

A Mr. Loveitt of Portland, around 1920, for two summers operated at the village a Hydroplane.  It was a novelty, especially in the country, at that time.  It was accustomed to leave Casino wharf, with passengers, fly up the east shore of the lake to Long Point, come back by the west shore over the village, returning to the landing.  The distance was about five miles and the fare was $5.00. On one day he took in over $ 1 00.  The plane while owned by Loveitt was operated by an ex-army flyer. When not in use, it was tied to a buoy a few rods from the wharf.

One evening Loveitt who had always been anxious to demonstrate his ability as pilot, though never allowed to with passengers, invited a fellow named Oleson to get in while he 'taxied' the craft out to the mooring buoy.  Oleson refused until Loveitt promised not to attempt to fly.  But as soon as he started he squared away up the west shore of the lake.  He went skimming along like a loon trying to rise out of the water, until he reached Vandyke Landing, when the plan suddenly rose till it was on the point of turning a back summersault, then turned the other way and took a nose dive, dumping the modern Icarus and his companion 'into the Sea'. Motor and row boats rushed to the scene and rescued the men from drowning. The next day the plane was towed ashore.

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