Dockside Books and Gifts Damage and Displacement

Hi my name is Darren Whitney and I'm the nephew of Elmer Webber owner and sole priopetier of Dockside Books and Gifts in the enchanted village of Stonington Maine since 1984. Dockside Gifts and Books is truly a spirited and charmed corner of the world socializing in Maine books , books by Maine authors, Maine maps and charts, plus other Maine merchandise and consignments. Thousands of customers have visited my uncles shop for what would be 4 decades this year 2024 and im sure those of you that are one of these customers would agree how beautiful it is !

The mascot of the shop for many years now is Dundee the cat, who has his own fanbase and following , even his own calendar lol ! Dundee spends his days in the shop on my uncle's desk, around the shop, around town getting treats, everywhere and anywhere; he's the heartbeat of Dockside ! So friends I'm writing this page humbly asking for help , let me explain..

On January 10 Maine suffered an astronomically record breaking tide from a big storm. As many of you know there was extensive damage to the coastline and properties. Sadly, my uncle's shop was hit by a massive epic rogue wave from the southeast, which actually took my uncle's shop off the foundation and sent it back causing extensive damage to the building. As we all know too well, there was a clause in the insurance in which my uncle will receive 0 compensation to help in his efforts to get back in business. In addition to the building being displaced and damaged 20k in merchandise was lost. At this point we don't know if the building can be saved or not, but what is sure is that unfortunately it will not be saved without help. My uncle is a sole proprietor and does it all himself and anyone that runs their own business knows exactly how this is , and how it goes needless to say more. So friends we are reaching out to those of you that can and want to contribute to getting my uncle back in business at Dockside Books and Gifts, Dundee back on the desk and about town frolicking causing trouble, and this little slice of heaven back open to create and deliver charmed memories in Maine for years to come. Thank you all so much !!