KENNEBUNKPORT (WGME) – President George H.W. Bush embraced Kennebunkport as home and the people who live there embraced him as one of their own.
Evening strolls in Dock Square and dinner by the Kennebunk River, it’s easy to see why one might fall in love with the scenic seaside town, which is exactly what happened to our 41st president.
Kirsten Camp has catalogued H.W.’s long life and legacy in Maine at the Kennebunkport Historical Society.
Presidential pins, tickets to the inaugural ball, a rare replica of walker’s point, they all tell the tale of a president living and working in vacationland, but that’s just part of the story.
“He has been an active member of the community he didn’t need to do that. He could have easily fallen into the shadows and lived a very private life, but he hasn’t. He’s moved amongst us. He’s impacted our lives,” Camp said.
It’s an impact that continues even now and is heard all around town.
Bonnie Clement remembers one of President Bush’s first visits to her general store, H.B. Provisions, a visit that turned into a ride on fidelity.
“He was getting a coffee and a donut. He loves our donuts and he said, ‘What are you doing this afternoon?’ And I said, ‘I don’t know.’ Helen and I said, ‘Kind of working.’ And he said, ‘You want to go out on the boat?’ And we said, ‘Sure we’ll go out on the boat,’” Clement said.
What followed was 15 long years of friendship, filled with golfing, trips to the White House and Houston, and her wedding near Walker’s Point. Clement says she’ll remember H.W’s humor.
“He’ll always say something that is hysterical and that’s why most every picture and he does he makes you feel relaxed and he just says things that are so endearing that are just funny,” Clement said.
The presidential presence could also be found at Mable’s Lobster Claw. David Molvar is a server and remembers warmth from the man who loved his swordfish.
“I know one night when I was here he got up and went to every table after eating and then they gave him a standing ovation and he’s just as personal as you could imagine. He’s a great guy,” Molvar said.
Sonny Hutchins says Bush would get swordfish at Port Lobster too. He developed a relationship with 41 through golf and remembers him as any old Mainer.
“If they’d walk up the street you’d holler and wave and that was it and you didn’t call them for an autograph or anything. I had a standing rule he didn’t ask for my autograph and I didn’t ask for his that was the standing rule and it worked out well,” Hutchins said.
Camp says these Bush stories are abundant, an oral history of a presidential mark on Kennebunkport.
Her own Bush story revolves around her son, at the time a second grade student writing to a president on President’s Day.
“And sure enough my little guy got a letter back from President Bush, answering every question very specifically. He sent him books on the White House and on the secret service and had it delivered to his second grade classroom. Now this little man is so excited to be president one day. He has learned that this great man took the time to write to a second grader and it really did change his life,” Camp said.
Kennebunkport is forever changed after falling for a president who loved back with his whole heart; something surely will be missing in its summers.
Former Senator Olympia J. Snowe and former Maine Governor John R. McKernan, Jr. issued a statement upon the death of former President George H.W. Bush.
“Today, we lost an icon of public service and a leader of unwavering strength, humanity and integrity with the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. Our prayers go out to the entire Bush family, as they endure this painful loss. “History will record how President Bush guided America through, and helped shape, numerous transformational events – from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the triumph of Operation Desert Storm. He commanded the helm of the greatest nation on earth and steered it through the rough waters of change, uncertainty and challenge and, in so doing, personified what a president and a commander-in-chief should be. “President George H.W. Bush was the ultimate definition of a patriot, who was braced to his duty by an everlasting faith and a belief in freedom as the greatest gift he could bequeath his country, and the world. He was respected across the globe while, at home, he honored the office to which he was entrusted every day of his presidency. Whenever people think about what it means to give back to one’s country and make contributions that will be remembered and appreciated for generations, they will recall the name of President George H.W. Bush.
“With his lifelong love for Maine, President Bush has left an indelible imprint on our state as an unwavering friend and source of tremendous pride. Personally, we will forever cherish the friendship we were privileged to have with President Bush over nearly four decades, and the limitless generosity and support both he and Barbara offered to us.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with former President George W. Bush, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and the entire Bush family at this time of enormous grief. The nation and, indeed, the entire world shares in their sense of loss.”
