Dennett's Wharf was built as a sail and rigging loft in the early 1800's. The ships that were fitted out here were used for hauling cargo down the coast to the fishing the banks, and more important, the silk arid China trades. With the advent of steam power, came the greater accessibility of Castine. With it's natural beauty, Castine became a haven for summer rusticators, who would arrive on steamers from Boston, Washington and New York. Dennett’s Wharf became host to some of the finest steam vessels of the time.

Continuing the nautical heritage, the Dennett family built many varieties of small rowing craft which were rented by the hour to the summer folk. Dennett's Wharf became a very fashionable place to be on a summer afternoon. People would show up in all their finery to watch the steamers arrive, or to row about the harbor, ladies with parasol in hand.

It was also exciting to play the game of "9 pin", on the bowling lane located here. (one of the earliest in the U.S.) The lumber for this was shipped via schooner from the coast of Georgia, and built into a beautiful bowling lane by the Dennett’s. We discovered this under the floor boards during renovation and resurrected it to become the bar you sit at today. The original lignum vite bowling ball is on display along with a few pins, behind the bar.

Today Dennett's Wharf is as exciting as it was at the turn of the century.
Thank you for joining us this season as we celebrate our 20th year of good food, fun and friends.