Recent Poland Spring History
The Robbins have been operating Poland Spring Resort since 1972.
Mel Robbins
Upon arriving at Poland Spring in 1972, Mel’s original plan called for tearing down the hotels and selling the land for house lots. That first summer, with all the trials and frustrations of managing a large hotel, a life-altering event happened when he walking through the Poland Spring House, he heard “the rustle of petticoats” and decided Poland Spring would be his home. With his non-traditional ideas, he became the guardian of the State of Maine’s oldest continuous running resort and the oldest resort golf course in the United States.
Initially, he leased just the Maine Inn and orchestrated a contract, which included an option to purchase the entire property. That first year, he ran the Maine Inn much the same as most hotels usually function and lost most of his money; but he was determined to make it work, threw out tradition, and revolutionized the way to operate a hotel.
By 1975, business was thriving and he had fallen in love
with Cyndi Sievert from Lewiston. On May 4th, his birthday, they married. Together they dreamed and hoped to reopen the Poland Spring House. Mel was busy negotiating with banks to borrow enough money to renovate the “castle on the hill” when tragedy struck and it burned to the ground on July 3, 1975. Mel reconfigured his dream. In 1976, he took over operation of the golf course and added his own unique twist of how it should operate.
The genius of his ideas kept Poland Spring alive and in 1982, Mel and Cyndi bought the property. Together, Mel and Cyndi began the task of restoration. The cottages, golf course and hotels needed enormous amounts of attention and funds were very limited, but day-by-day and year-by-year, the property flourished. Because of his vision, visitors from all over the United States have enjoyed Poland Spring Resort. Mel liked to say, “Being an Innkeeper is such a wonderful job, because the world comes to you” and the world has come.
Mel said, “The rebirth of Poland Spring has been a thrilling experience for me. Although I am not a very talented person, my years here have given me the opportunity to develop whatever small talents I do have. Someone once said that most people live and die without realizing 90% of their potential. I have had the rare opportunity of being challenged everyday, and I am grateful for the good fortune that brought me here.”
November 14, 2007, Mel passed away.
Cyndi Robbins
Born in Chicago, Cyndi's family lived in Michigan, New York, Mississippi and moved to Maine in 1968. At 16, Cyndi's first job was working in the dining room for the previous owner. In 1972 when Mel took over the Maine Inn, she worked for Mel at a variety of jobs, eventually to be the chef for 15 years. Being by Mel's side she learned much and when Mel became ill Cyndi took over the operation of the hotel.
She continues to successfully manage the hotel, golf course and the new restaurant, Cyndi's Dockside.
Her passions include the history of Poland Spring, cooking, and taking care of her 5 dogs and a cat.
The Rickers
For over 150 years the Ricker family owned Poland Spring.
Their fascinating story may be read in Mel's Book or may we suggest that you go to the Poland Spring Preservation Society's Web Site to find out more