It's Bill, 4/5/26: Gretchen's Birthday

A Celebration at the Library

We celebrated Gretchen Mead’s 85th birthday last Thursday on March 26 th in The Lubec Memorial Library from 1 to 3 in afternoon. The Library closes on Thursdays, perfect timing for about 75 of her friends to celebrate. Her party included a birthday cake, hors d’oeurvres, wine and champagne! In the Library! No problem with liquor in the library, we were told, as the Library was “Closed”.

Her party started with Gretchen being presented with Greenland’s flag, sent by a member of the Greenland consulate. A citation lauded her for being an outstanding good will ambassador for Greenland and appreciating that she will promote Greenland as a sovereign nation. Friends exchanged greetings, told stories and wished her well. Then the party began. Some of us enjoyed our refreshments at tables while others stood, talked, mixed, time passing smoothly. Gretchen laughed, chatted and smiled the whole time.

A Lasting Connection to the Library

Gretchen has been a special patron to the library, contributing and donating her art, posters, lessons and time. Her art has always been there to promote the library and she has served on the library board. In every way, Lady Mead is part of the library.

Gretchen attracts good friends like bees to honey, a Sweetheart! A friend to anyone with a smile, she is an expert gardener, wearing many hats well. A wonderful artist, business woman, gracious hostess, she has traveled the world with her husband, Alan. Gretchen has lived mostly in Lubec as well as Thomaston and Whiting, Maine.

Cottage Garden and Carrying Place Cove

When I came to Lubec 25 years ago, Gretchen and Alan had a place on North Lubec Road. It was called “Cottage Garden”. An old Cape Cod and barn on one side, a shed across the road where a Nature walk started. We wound our way through the forests with signs showing us what Nature offered. It was a wonderful way to relax, get a little exercise, crossing back to the Cape to her shop. Cottage Garden later closed, the Meads moving on. Always traveling and moving, they came back to Whiting.

Gretchen bought a lovely home site on Carrying Place Cove Road, a little more than a mile from West Quoddy Station. She was building a 1 story home for herself, the artist and designer. Sited on a rise with stunning ocean views on both sides of Carrying Place Cove. Grand Manan to the right, Lubec Narrows and Campobello to the left.

Gretchen, the consummate gardener, created gardens on all sides of her new home. The largest garden was in front with winding paths, creating a natural welcome for all visitors. The plantings were all perennials, magically balanced for shape, color, time of blooming, all coming together like a fine symphony. My favorite were the red orange poppies which Gretchen offered to Patricia and me, before she moved to town.

Birthday cake and small potted flowers on the table, a simple nod to Gretchen’s Cottage Garden days and her lifelong love of growing things.

Friendship and Life in Lubec

During construction, Gretchen became my guest, staying in The Camp. We became friends. Sometimes, as I walked by The Camp, she would invite me “Come by, join me for a Jameson”. I have enjoyed Gretchen’s hospitality at Carrying Place Cove over many years with our friends.

Gretchen has sold Carrying Place Cove, living comfortably in Lubec Village. Friends all around. Life is good.

Gretchen sharing a moment with good friend, Bill—just like the many afternoons and visits that have filled her years in Lubec.