Belhaven History
    Our Tenth Anniversary in Business

We'd like to tell you a little bit about Belhaven & its place in Belfast history.

1920 Photo

In 1768 Joseph Caldwell was on of the original 35 Proprietors or purchasers of the Waldo Land Tract, that later became the town of Belfast. A coin was tossed and the town was named Belfast. John Stanwood Caldwell, a descendant came to Belfast & opened a book/periodical store about 1837. It stood on the corner of High & Main Street.  He soon met & married Mary Elizabeth Simpson. She was the daughter of sea captain Josiah Simpson & Susan Giles Simpson. John & Mary produced 4 daughters & 1 son: Susan Stanwood, Emily Heath, Annie Elizabeth, Abbie Marshall and Augustine. John built this house on land that was deeded to Mary Elizabeth from Capt. David Peirce & his wife Rachael. According to records found (please see deed hanging in parlor) The land was given to her "in consideration for the love & affection he bore for her" It was said that Capt. Peirce held séances & was very interested in the spiritual world. Mary E. held this same interest, perhaps wanting to contact her young brother lost at sea or daughter lost in childhood. The deed dated 1851 references a new house built on the corner of Waldo Ave & a new road to be built. It wasn't until 1875 that it was officially named John Street, presumably for John S. Caldwell.

After losing Mary Elizabeth at 36 to consumption, John remarried. With his new wife Sophia Rice he had another son & another daughter. Neither son survived childhood. From 1854-1857 he served as Belfast City Treasurer. His book & periodical store was a flourishing business. He was considered a well-to-do gentleman who had the respect & confidence of the whole community. He left his business to his wife Sophia & his darling daughter Annie. It was Abbie & and youngest daughter Mary who remained in the house & clerked in the store. Mary married Amos Clement in 1880. Amos & his family had run the highly acclaimed Seaside Inn in Seal Harbor. After Mary's death Amos & youngest daughter Louise stayed in the house until the late 20's or early thirties. Possession then went to the Havener Family, close friends & business associates of J.S. From then the house passed through many families & slipped into the economic depression of Belfast. It was during this time that much of the damage & disrepair occurred by turning it into apartments & rooming house.

Owners Anne & Paul Bartels purchased it in 1986 & have been working at it ever since to try & recapture the beauty & spirit of this grand old house.

We hope you found this history interesting & will read our updated version when you visit.