It began with a dream.
After selling their Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Montana in 1968, then working for two years in the Peace Corps in Ghana, Robert and Rebecca Jorgensen were searching for a new life venture.
Family connections in Wells enticed them to this southern Maine coastal community. After 30 years of interest in antiques, and wishing to embark on a new career, they purchased the historic 1685 Mill House property and began living out their dream of dealing in fine period antiques.
And so, in 1971, R. Jorgensen Antiques was established in Wells, Maine.
A family business
Three years into their endeavor, son Ric Jorgensen was invited to move east from Montana and join in the active renovation and expansion of the buildings to more effectively showcase a growing antiques collection. Another three years brought their daughter, Pamela Jorgensen, from Vermont. In the early 1990's, Ric's son David Jorgensen learned the craft of restoration and brought his patience and artistic skills to the business. Ric's youngest son, Henry is already showing interest!
Each family partner, having their own unique perspective and knowledge base, developed a passion for different periods or style of antiques - creating a very broad and diverse antiques inventory.
While immersing themselves in the study and acquisition of antiques, the Jorgensen's could also be found shingling the roofs, creating paneling, restoring old paneling, painting, and setting brick sidewalks.
Historic location
The Old Mill House, located adjacent to Stevens Brook, was built between 1681 and 1685 by Jonathan Hammond on part of a land grant from the King of England to Fernando Gorges.
Jonathan Hammond, born in 1644, was the son of one of the first families to settle in Wells. In 1686, he was Marshal of the District of Maine, a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was twice married, with three children. His daughter Mary was wed to Samuel Treadwell and together they lived in the cape called the Old Mill House well into the 18th century. Before 1700, a sawmill was built on the property. Samuel and future occupants carried on its operation until 1940 when the mill was taken down.
The Old Mill House was home to Bob and Becky for many years prior to its current use as an office for R. Jorgensen Antiques.
Original features, such as brick fireplaces with secret paneled cubbies, 9 over 6 paned windows with original glass fitted with Indian shutters, high mounted "Good Morning" front staircase, and low ceilings still grace this lovely early clap-boarded Cape.
Impressive grounds
An integral part of this historic property are the spacious lawns, mature trees and perennial gardens with a horseshoe drive separating us from the bustle of Route 1.
Bob planted a wonderful, often photographed espaliered wall of pear trees, as well as Black Walnut, Dogwood, Sunburst Locust, Dawn Sequoias, and Chestnut trees. These punctuate the stands of old lilacs, and giant white pines.
For many years, R. Jorgensen Antiques has been fortunate to have a very talented gardener create and maintain rock perennial gardens and an espaliered wisteria garden.