Located on the Harraseeket River estuary, the farmhouse sits on 140-acres of lush fields with apple orchards and a salt marsh. It was purchased by Millie’s grandfather in the late 19th century and remained the family’s homestead until Millie moved away in 1965 at the age of 82. Today the site is stewarded by the Freeport Historical Society.
Though Millie is remembered as a solitary figure who lived a reclusive life in her off-grid, rustic farmhouse, when we visited her home, she seemed far from alone. She was a collector of pets, plants, rocks, wallpapers, and more. On the second floor of the house, images of boats and sea creatures, previously covered by wallpaper, are scratched (sgraffitto) into the walls, left there before the Pettengils moved in by an unknown artist.
These pages aim to illuminate the vibrant life that reverberates from the walls of this empty farmhouse.
Rebecca and I designed, printed, and bound this book in Maine. They pages are intaglio and relief printed with chine collè and some hand coloring. Scott Vile at Ascensius Press designed and letterpress printed the text. Scott Mullenberg at Mullenberg Designs fabricated the drop spine boxes. Each book in this five edition set is signed and numbered.
