Glynn Family House Fire
Donation protected
On Tuesday, January 12th, at 3:00 in the morning, my dad and I were woken up by the dogs barking. A fire had started in the gazebo atop our family home and within an hour it had burned to the ground.
All humans and dogs were saved. Other countless and priceless things were not: family heirlooms, photo albums, childhood keepsakes, prized possessions. And above all else: the house Dad built.
My dad and mom left Arlington, MA in 1990 for a plot of land in Wellington, ME - at the time just acres and acres of trees and a stream out back.
My dad started building in the fall of 1990 and worked through the winter, living in a tent with his newfie Louie and my mom and three young brothers. As he worked on the house, he cut firewood, collected water for baths, and lived off the land.
It took him just 5 months to build a 3,700 sq foot octagonal home in the middle of the woods and a road to get to it.
The house was shaped like an octagon with a gazebo on top, a rock spiral staircase, and was open concept with windows vast and plenty. My dad's wish was to be able to see the trees from every angle in the house and to only need to take a single step off the front porch to see the most magnificent night sky in Maine.
As we stood in the woods and watched the flames flicker high above the trees and light up his wrinkles, beard, and hat, my dad only had one thing to say: "A lot of work there".
The only thing left standing is a piece of the rock staircase; rocks that he picked, carried, and laid.
This house was a culmination of my dad in every board, nail, and beam.
He raised a family and many Newfoundland puppies here. Growing up, our house and land was a sanctuary for many lost souls, friends, and animals. As he's gotten older and others have moved away, the octagon house has remained his life's meaning.
At 78, he still cuts firewood every day, putters with the different demands of an aging house, and just last summer shingled the roof by himself.
He is mountain tough and he will get through this - but it will take time, grit, and help.
My dad is too proud to ask for much, and he has always gotten by on very little. He doesn't see hardship the way others do and never complains when times get tough.
I am asking for donations to help my dad and brother get back on their feet. It will take time to rebuild and we need help in the meantime. Please consider donating - my family and I greatly appreciate it.
All humans and dogs were saved. Other countless and priceless things were not: family heirlooms, photo albums, childhood keepsakes, prized possessions. And above all else: the house Dad built.
My dad and mom left Arlington, MA in 1990 for a plot of land in Wellington, ME - at the time just acres and acres of trees and a stream out back.
My dad started building in the fall of 1990 and worked through the winter, living in a tent with his newfie Louie and my mom and three young brothers. As he worked on the house, he cut firewood, collected water for baths, and lived off the land.
It took him just 5 months to build a 3,700 sq foot octagonal home in the middle of the woods and a road to get to it.
The house was shaped like an octagon with a gazebo on top, a rock spiral staircase, and was open concept with windows vast and plenty. My dad's wish was to be able to see the trees from every angle in the house and to only need to take a single step off the front porch to see the most magnificent night sky in Maine.
As we stood in the woods and watched the flames flicker high above the trees and light up his wrinkles, beard, and hat, my dad only had one thing to say: "A lot of work there".
The only thing left standing is a piece of the rock staircase; rocks that he picked, carried, and laid.
This house was a culmination of my dad in every board, nail, and beam.
He raised a family and many Newfoundland puppies here. Growing up, our house and land was a sanctuary for many lost souls, friends, and animals. As he's gotten older and others have moved away, the octagon house has remained his life's meaning.
At 78, he still cuts firewood every day, putters with the different demands of an aging house, and just last summer shingled the roof by himself.
He is mountain tough and he will get through this - but it will take time, grit, and help.
My dad is too proud to ask for much, and he has always gotten by on very little. He doesn't see hardship the way others do and never complains when times get tough.
I am asking for donations to help my dad and brother get back on their feet. It will take time to rebuild and we need help in the meantime. Please consider donating - my family and I greatly appreciate it.
Organizer
Connie Glynn
Organizer
Harmony, ME
