The Creation of Randall’s Ordinary
After a career in heavy construction, in 1984, at the age of 40, Bill decided to create Randall’s Ordinary. Randall’s became a country inn that specialized in colonial open-hearth cooking with seven lodging rooms. Set on 25 acres in North Stonington, CT, Bill placed the Randall homestead, c.1685, on the Register of National Historic Places. A few years later, he moved a Dutch Old World barn to the grounds for lodging, offices, and living space for his family. More buildings were added.
A Colonial Dining Experience
Randall’s Ordinary started with one daily dinner seating at 7 PM, serving 40-65 guests nightly. Dinner was a trip back through time. The three dining rooms each had a working fireplace where guests sat on antique chairs, dined on antique tables, and ate from period-appropriate dinnerware. The three upstairs bedrooms each had working fireplaces.
The entire dinner was cooked on the open hearth in front of the guests. With a selection of meat, poultry, and fish entrées, dinner started with soup and ended with dessert, coffee, and tea. There was a Colonial-style full bar with a 100-bottle wine list. All recipes were from the 18th century, using only foods available in that period. No salads, pizza, or fries—just good, traditional fare, farm-to-table before the expression even existed. Soon, lunch was added, followed by breakfast.
Bringing the Colonial Era to Life
To further the Colonial atmosphere, the wait staff, bartender, CIA-trained chefs, and Bill dressed in period Colonial garb, right down to the buckles. It became a bit of unrehearsed theater, appealing to all the senses. Bill took on the role of innkeeper, and before long, he let his hair grow long, right down his costumed back—fully embracing the persona of Randall’s Colonial innkeeper.
Foxwoods and the End of an Era
In the early ’90s, the local Mashantucket Pequots built the Foxwoods Casino. By 1995, the Pequots decided they should own Randall’s Ordinary. They made an offer that couldn't be refused, which was easily accepted. Bill’s wife offered to leave as well—also accepted. Subsequently, Bill, in those immortal words, swore, “Never again.”
A New Beginning at West Quoddy Station
Time passes. Bill started West Quoddy Station in 2000—lodging only, no (never again) restaurant or bar. Starting with the restoration of three original USCG buildings, the property now has 14 lodgings. The 15th and final lodging, a lighthouse named Clark’s Folly, will be completed in spring 2025.
Embracing the Mark Twain Spirit
Approaching 80, friends asked, “What about now?” Bill let his hair grow long again. His wife asked if he thought he was Mark Twain. Bill replied, “No, Samuel Clemens.”
He began by reading short stories and poems to friends and guests. To complete the Sam Clemens image, Bill has added a goatee to his long hair and ponytail and wears a Stetson. This past Friday, he took it a step further—adding a garnet stud to his left ear to complete the costume. Having fun, still and again.

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