It's Bill, 5/17/26: Ordinary Bill

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 open hearth 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 guest’s dinner was cooked on the open hearth in front of them. The three upstairs bedrooms each had working fireplaces.

With a menu selection of meat, poultry, fish, vegetarian entrées, dinner started with soup and skillet corn bread, ending with dessert, coffee, tea. Sauteed Nantucket scallops were Randall’s signature entrée. 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, with candlelight, 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.

Bill in Colonial dress during the Randall’s Ordinary years, helping bring the 18th-century dining experience to life.

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 created 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 15 lodgings. The 15th and final lodging, a lighthouse named Clark’s Folly, was completed in August 2025.

Embracing the Mark Twain Spirit

Now 81, friends asked, “What about now?” Once again, Bill let his hair grow long, adding long, ribboned braid. His wife had asked previously if he thought he was Mark Twain. Bill replied, “No, Samuel Clemens.” He reads short stories and poems to friends and guests. To complete the Sam Clemens image, Bill now has a goatee to go with his long hair, and ponytail, sometimes a Stetson. A diamond stud is on his left ear. Having fun, Still and again.