HISTORY OF THE SEASIDE
Continuously Running Since 1667

1. Oldest Inn in the Country (to our knowledge*)
1. Oldest Inn in Maine & New England (if above is true)
1. Oldest Family Run Inn in the Country**
5. Fifth Oldest Family Run Business in the United States**
46. Forty-Sixth Oldest Family Run Business in the World**
*Please let us know if you are aware of one older.
**Source: Family Business Magazine

History of the Kennebunks

Patricia and Ken Mason are likely America’s only 9th Generation Innkeeper. But that is exactly what she is! Nine generations of the Gooch-Severance and now Mason family have been innkeepers at The Seaside since 1667.

Truth be told, our history dates back to the 1640’s when John Gooch arrived at the request of Fernando Gorges, agent for King Charles II. Gooch was asked to reside on this oceanfront peninsula at the mouth of the Kennebunk River to ferry travelers across the River.

Travelers often stayed a night or two in the area, so Gooch provided rooms and operated a Tavern. The family's first dated record however is Gooch's own will, dated 1667 so that is what they recognize as their beginning.

As was the custom at the time, the property passed down for generations to the first-born son. Four generations ago the Gooches had only daughters and the name “Severance” was introduced to the property. Now the Severances had 2 daughters and the name “Mason” has now been introduced.

Patricia “Trish” and Ken Mason are the current Innkeepers of the Inn and Cottages. Trish first realized how deep her family roots were in High School. She was reading “Arundel,” by Kenneth Roberts, and recognized several of the characters and the property. “It was eerie,” recalls Trish.

Mason and her husband Ken were living in Franklin, while Ken was stationed in the Coast Guard in Jonesport. Mike & Sandy (Mom & Dad) called one day and discussed how someday they were going to retire and asked if this was something they wanted to do? It wasn’t something the Masons had previously considered and it was a difficult decision for Trish and Ken. In the end it was simply something they could not turn their back on.

Ken and Trish now have two (future Innkeepers) children of their own and are proud to be Maine Green Environmental Leaders.

History of the Kennebunks

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