Sometimes the words from a perspective other than our own more easily conveys the same message, but in a slightly different way. Didn’t William Shakespeare once write “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet?” The same holds true for Kinsman Hall. The emotions we feel towards each other and towards our days at Kinsman Hall may vary in intensity, but the spectrum, the kaleidoscope, the roller coaster remains alive and forever etched in our memories. The “rose” for some bears deep scars and for others, it bears the glow of a life turned in the right direction and for others, it was or is a life of misery and pain. Regardless what remains with us from Kinsman Hall, we all share a very unique bond that transcends time and distance. Perhaps what is said in a few words as the heartfelt entries in the original Kinsman Hall guestbook on the Kinsman Hall website written by others who lived through and survived the experience, will summarize more aptly what took me a whole book to say.
10/09/02
Name: Ned W.
Comments:
Many thanks to Karen for putting this website together, I never thought that after 30 years someone would be listening out there. Karen was. I am looking forward to watching this grow. I know it will.
10/30/02
Name: Buddy M.
Comments:
No greater tribute can we expect, than to be remembered. Thru this website we can all remember ourselves as well as each other. Nothing can stop time, but memories allow us to slow it down a little and enjoy its passing. The memories I have of my years at Kinsman Hall now seem to be some of the most pleasant and emotional that I have ever known. My deepest appreciation and admiration are yours Karen. I will be looking forward to all future contacts.
Much Love,
Buddy (Bernie M.)
11/02/02
Name: Gail A.
Comments:
This site is fantastic and brings back so many memories to me. I will try to find some old pictures of Kinsman Hall. Also, Tommy G. who was in Kinsman Hall in Jackman Maine for almost two years passed away in 1983. He was my best friend, please add his name to the list of people to be remembered. I would love to keep in touch with all of you! Love you all!
11/13/02
Name: Robert P.
Comments:
Hi, I was at Kinsman Hall from Aug. 1969-June 1970..talk about ironies, I didn't even have a drug problem (yeah, I know that's what they all say, but in my case it actually was true!). I'd love to talk to any of you about how the staff at Kinsman Hall tricked my parents and me into agreeing to come there. It was a classic 'good cop/bad cop' situation. I'd also like to contact Glen H. who was also a resident in 1969-70...last I heard, in the mid 70's, he was living in Northport, Long Island...he'd be aprox. 49 years old now. Thanks!
11/20/02
Name: Karen G.
Comments:
What a labor of love this has been and what a joy it is as each person finds their way here and openly shares their memories and suggestions in order to make this website grow better during its metamorphosis. A heart-felt thanks to everyone!!!
11/23/02
Name: Carol C. (Robin S.)
Comments:
This is such a great idea! I'm so happy that Karen decided to do this. I think of Kinsman Hall and all the friends I made. Hillsdale and Jackman, I was at both. Robin S., I am now Carol (I use my middle name) C. I married Tom C.and Pegi C. is my sister-in-law. I'm just wondering how Ronda L., Laura K., Pat T. are doing. Also, Joe M. and Kathy M. We should have a BIG party.
11/25/02
Name: MARIO B.
Comments:
THIS IS A GREAT SERVICE KAREN. THANKS FOR BRINGING MY MEMORIES TO LIFE. LOOKING FORWARD TO TALKING TO OTHER MEMBERS OF OUR "FAMILY". STAY WELL ALL AND LET'S ALL GET IN TOUCH..... MANY THANKS ........ MARIO B.
11/26/02
Name: Bruce A.
Comments:
Not wanting to suffer the shame, ridicule and guilt of some outlandish and no doubt fiendish cyber object lesson I have returned to this page to sign the guestbook. Those of us who were there share a unique experience and have a special kind of bond. Kinsman Hall was many things; home, family, community, prison, asylum, cult and sanctuary. Thanks Karen for creating a space where we all can meet again. I look forward to hearing from those I knew when we were young and getting to know others who shared the experience.
11/28/02
Name: Scott S.
Comments:
Thank you for re-connecting me with a missing chunk of my life. Looking forward to the future of the site. Scott
12/01/02
Name: Guy W.
Comments:
Whoa, this is a blast from the past! I bet I'm not the only one who tried to put the Hall out of mind, but your website is great and I am reminded now of the best thing about the place, all you folks. I was in Jackman about 15 years ago, all the buildings had burned to the ground and a beautiful wildflower meadow had taken its' place. Bruce A. is still funny as hell. Best to all, thanks for the mind jog.
12/11/02
Name: Dean "DJ" H.
Comments:
Left msg under WOW on the messageboard.. God Bless..
12/12/02
Name: Gary B.
Comments:
Really a very wonderful time in my life. I learned a wonderful foundation that has helped and I miss everyone involved. WOW! That was a whole lot of people. I just took my 14 yr old son to Jackman. What a good trip! He caught a big salmon.
12/20/02
Name: Paul M.
Comments:
I've never really known all that much about Kinsman Hall except that it was a huge part of my family's history. I'm both excited and touched to see that it was important to others as well. Thank you.
12/23/02
Name: Marc N.
Comments:
This is a really nice thing this site. A beautiful site with the starry background and the moving words. This way we'll be a part of history as we deserve, and we can talk to each other as well.
12/28/02
Name: Steve S.
Comments:
For me, Kinsman Hall was an island in an ocean of despair. My friends there helped me learn I had something to live for. I am grateful to restart old friendships & discover how the events of 30 years ago continued to influence me. Those of us that went through the program share something unexplainable to those who weren't there. It's good to have this space to reconnect.
12/29/02
Name: The Unknown Resident
Comments:
Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.
12/31/02
Name: Peter C.
Comments:
Kinsman Hall has never faded from my memory, though some of the images blur a bit these days. Great to there are so many survivors.
12/31/02
Name: Mike C.
Comments:
My Dad and Steve S. bird dogged me. I've been in the same area for the last 30 yrs.
01/04/03
Name: Russ H.
Comments:
Hello all! It's great to see this website. Kinsman Hall has many pleasant memories for me. I actually think of my time there as the starting point in my life. I live on Long Island, New York. I'm an insurance claims adjuster now. I met Eddy B. a few years ago by chance. Aside from that, I see my cousin Gary B. from time to time. Hope to hear from some more people! Russ
01/04/03
Name: Kathy M.
Comments:
Karen, you are the best...what a wonderful gift it is to bring so many together after all these years! I also feel that Kinsman Hall was the beginning of my life...as much as I bitched and moaned & was dragged in to yet another marathon! It is wonderful to hear from so many and I believe we will be hearing from many more that shared in a very special time, for it is impossible for an outsider
to understand & know our laughter, love, anger, tears, heartaches. Hearts blessings to you all! Kathy
01/28/03
Name: Judy K.
Comments:
I have several photos that I'm more than willing to share if somebody will let me know how. I'm trying to find my ex-husband, Steve R. (For good reasons only. I'm concerned about him. It is unlike him to be out of contact with me for such a long time.) Does anybody know where he is? He was living at his folks place in Hope Mills, NC, but is no longer there. Any help in finding him will be
greatly appreciated.
02/02/03
Name: Patti S.
Comments:
I cannot thank Karen enough and all the people that gave the input to get this website together. My sister Charlene M. was in Jackman for awhile, over 2 years, don’t know how long exactly. She passed on in '74. I was 18, she was 23. I'm 47 now, so you see a lot of time has gone by. BUT hearing from Karen and coming onto this website sorta erased all those years and brought her back to me, she was alive again and words fail me how to express how awesome this all is. Thank-you, Thank-you, thank-you!!!!!
02/09/03
Name: Brad B.
Comments:
I graduated Kinsman Hall in 1971. I run a juvenile and an adult treatment program and have a national criminal justice consulting business. I wouldn't be doing any of the above if weren't for Kinsman Hall and the people that were there when I was; I would be dead.
02/24/03
Name: Carol S.
Comments:
In Hillsdale and Jackman, both, 1969-1971, with a gap.
03/11/03
Name: Pat C.
Comments:
Pegi made me check out the website.... seeeeeeeeeeya.......Pat
03/18/03
Name: Laura K.
Comments:
THE BIG CHILL!!! What a kick! Karen, You da woman! Tears and laughter – I couldn’t sleep the nite I discovered this website - so many memories and true friendships - Really looking forward to seeing everyone, from the GM queen of
Kinsman Hall...(Janis Joplin lives!)
03/27/03
Name: Cecilia R.
Comments:
This certainly brings back some memories! I have always looked back at KH and felt I was part of something special. We were all there for help or maybe just to grow up. But there was also a strength, a camaraderie, a feeling of belonging...I'll never forget.
03/27/03
Name: Jill S.
Comments:
Karen, thank you for this beautiful & positive website and for the opportunity to re-connect with old friends and make new friends.
04/21/03
Name: Chris M.
Comments:
Hi guys. I don't know if anybody remembers me. But it's nice to see all of your faces again. I was astonished to find this website. KH was the hardest 2 and a half years of my live and still is. Thanks for being here. Chris.
04/28/03
Name: Steve F.
Comments:
Wow! Talk about good endings and this is only the beginning! Sure is a surprise! And KAREN, YOU did this?? Far-out and as bad as it was at times, I can’t complain about the foundation and opportunity that began there. I have wondered about you all often thru the years. Yes, it was something we all alone share and this is a real
happy ending to begin a new one on! Hey, what is this about a reunion? Talk to me!
05/02/03
Name: Anne L.
Comments:
I can't believe this! Beverly B. just told me about this website. I am speechless, thrilled and taken back. So glad it’s out there, so many memories from so long ago- what an important blast from the past! Where's the reunion?
05/03/03
Name: Beverly B.
Comments:
Okay. I've been busted. I've been prowling around this site since I learned about it two days ago, but only decided to sign in after Anne took the lead. Oh my. Does this epitomize the word "bittersweet" or what? Having run through the gamut of emotions I am now looking forward to reconnecting. Thanks, Karen, for this labor of love. Beverly
06/09/03
Name: Ruth H.
Comments:
This website is great. Thanks Karen. I'll keep coming back and checking it out.
11/28/03
Name: mooseheade
Comments:
I don't know what to say, this place just never seems to go away. The dreams, the screams, the years gone by, still so many tears left to cry. I was only going to pass on this website, like an evil omen of days gone by, but I did forget that you were like me, people and friends with hearts and lives, crushed and broken as the case may be, left only to be as empty as the twinkling of stars on the names of those gone by, as I see, you have named me. But it is true that I indeed did die in that place as I have never been able to find my life in this world again. I have discovered what the meaning of hell is true by being there, close personal proximity without any intimacy. I hope these words cause no one any pain. I would like only to see you, one and all again. All I care to say now is that I walked and lived with you then, never knowing when the anguish would end. Except for the memory of how cruel life can be, that place is dead to me. I am glad you live on, there is so much to see, that this little puny life is just the tip of the tree. I hope you all awake to the divine. The light of greater love really does shine. We all know in that place that darkness reigned supreme, as is true in any place where love is unknown. I wish light and love into your lives. That what we didn't know there, I hope you know now. Gail, I remember working along side you, hour after hour, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. You had it bad! It was so unfair. I remember one day I came downstairs while you were on your super 20hr contract and I told you how badly I felt for you, Nicki L. I think, overheard me and gave me the "opportunity" to spend the rest of the morning in the kitchen with you washing dishes and the likes for having any sympathy towards you. It was a very sad, sad place. Now, it's gone, just smoke and ash, and everyday that goes by I fill the void with hope of life yet to be lived. Perhaps not in this world, as I seem already to be dead! I know I shall always live on. My spirit never touched by the darkness and ignorance and pain of that place, but I will tell you this, it was nice to see your face. Take care all and any who might read this, I hope your souls and hearts find peace and rest. Wishing you always my best.
01/15/04
Name: Kerry B.
Comments:
Unreal! I'm a KH "dropout" was at Hillsdale and Jackman for about a year- I think 70-71?? Very strange time in my life...
01/20/04
Name: White Sugar [person never identified]
Comments:
Thanks very much for all of this. Though this site has sent me reeling a bit, and it is therefore somewhat difficult to deal with, I am very grateful for the hard work.
02/02/04
Name: Pamela M.
Comments:
Hello Aunt Carol, You were right about this site, I'm glad I have something to look back at, and remember what grandpa true meaning in life was. I miss Grandpa and Grandma alot. This is something I am going to be able to show my kids, "how awesome their grandparents were." Grandpa always knew how to make things better for us or give his all. Thanks for the many memories you gave grandpa and that goes for my Dad, Dean Jr and Aunt Faith too. You guys help me through a lot like Grandpa did and took up till 3 years ago to realize the things I've missed.
Love to all, Pami
02/12/04
Name: Mike C.
Comments:
Just looking at the site again. I hope everyone had fun at the reunion. I still think about how strange all those years where going from a lowly resident to Construction Crew to Residential Director. What a TRIP!
03/15/04
Name: Brenda C.
Comments:
What a wonderful and delightful afternoon you have provided for me. Kinsman Hall has been heavy on my mind lately. You provided me with answer to many questions. Thank you so much for your work. I would love to attend a reunion and assist in locating folks. Bless you for this wonderful site.
05/23/04
Name: Dan M.
Comments:
Not too many people called me Dan, everyone called me DM. I found this site in the beginning of the week. Still getting used to it. Thanks Karen for the life line, thanks to the rest of you for sticking around.
04/19/07
Name: Eddie S.
Comments:
I was at KH '74 to '75. When I got there, it seemed everybody had an accent (NY). I have a lot of good memories and I met so many decent people. I was even allowed to walk around with a dog...who's name had to be changed from 'kilo' to 'keto' for obvious reasons. So, I'd like to thank Beverly and Dennis for allowing me that opportunity. It’s because of KH that I got into the consruction business. lol! Unfortunately, and I mean unfortunately, I had chosen the wrong way to leave KH. Well, I'm back...
04/28/07
Name: Kevin W.
Comments:
Been around the site for a few weeks, but never signed our guest book. Read all the original guest book entries today and it's really great to hear some of what everyone has been doing for the past 35 years. Who is Mooseheade? I don't know what to say about that comment, so I won't. Was real sad to hear about Greg M. He was one of my closest friends. I must have been the only screw-up that came out of Maine. I was an alcoholic and a dope addict for the first 18 years after Maine and spent a big chunk of the 80's in the penetentiary. That's all I'll share about that. I got sober in October of 1990 when my son was 14 months old. That's when life really began for me. It's been almost 17 years since I last picked up. That probably doesn't mean much to someone who hasn't been there, but I'm a walking miracle and that's a good thing. I'm married to my son's mother and we've been together since 1985. That's another miracle. Our son is graduating high school this year and going to college. He's been a real blessing to me. I tell everyone he's the good son. He's a straight edge and has never been in any trouble. When I was his age, well, every one knows where I was at his age. We own a little house in the country on 3 acres with a stocked pond. About me! I work as little as possible now and tell every one I'm semi-retired though that's not really true. The things I like the most are fishing, going to the gym and talking about God. OK, I'm done rambling! I'm really happy there's KH
survivors. God is good!
05/07/07
Name: Arlene A.
Comments:
I was married to Jim W., who was a resident at Kinsman Hall. My 3 children, Kim, Eric, and Jimmy, and I moved up there from LI, NY and lived in the big house for a while. Later, when the Thompsons moved out of the second trailer from the house and we moved into it. We had a light blue Jeep Wagoneer.
05/31/07
Name: Cheryl A.
Comments:
I've never forgotten Kinsman hall. I may have forgotten the name once or twice. But anyone that ever mentioned Maine .. Bingo I was there. Such a strange time in our lives! I'm glad I found this website. I'm not sure how far this will go, But I, like many of you took a really long time to find my way!! Life is good!
06/02/07
Name: JOE Y.
Comments:
What can I say that I haven't said all ready......I PLEAD THE FIFTH......
06/04/07
Name: Dennis K.
Comments:
I lived in Jackman until 1991, most stores in town will have fly dope of some kind. Even though your using it the little critters are still going to get you. Many people use a product from Avon called Skin So Soft. It works well for the ladies and kids. The bugs don't like smoke, citronella candles, cigar smoke, or small smudges at the campsite will help control them a little bit. A product called afterbite (about the size of a magic marker works excellent after you have been bit) Benadryl will work for any reactions to the bugs. There will be stores to buy bags of ice to keep food cold. Much of Jackman has changed sitewise. Make sure you stop at the Overlook to look at the view on the way. Watch out for the moose! They still cross the road whenever they want. Don't worry about the people! They'll be happy to see you. We're a part of their history too. It will be great to see everyone again. I’ll see you there.
DENNIS K.
05/12/08
Name: GAIL H.
Comments:
Happened on the KH site...WOW, I was married to Monte S. for over 14 years, and we lived in one of the trailers on the side. We closed up the place and moved into Jackman where we'd bought a home and Monte worked in the lumber mill and also guided for a local camp. We had 2 boys while living there and in 1982 moved to Florida where he started in Real Estate, and I making a career of being a mother and waitressing. We divorced in 1987, but have remained friends. If anyone wants to send emails your welcomed to use my address and I will forward over to Monte. I will look up and scan some pictures. I have some of Joe M., Alan & Ellen R., Monte and I's wedding up at the Hall etc etc. Will stay in touch. BYE....
05/30/08
Name: Monte S.
Comments:
hello everyone!!!! still looking through all the memories this site has awakened--
thank you all--the positives far outweigh any puny negatives!!!!!
07/12/08
Name: Richie G.
Comments:
Found KH website sort of by accident. It brought back wonderful memories. Pictures were great. Joe Yak, Eddie Sys and all the other names it was great seeing all. Kito lived for 15 great years in ny take care all.
01/31/09
Name: Cathy D.
Comments:
I am amazed, I found this by googling my name. It is beautiful. I actually have very good memories of beautiful people living in a pretty old place. I have driven past only 1 time. This is just so nice. Thank you I need to acknowledge that time of my life. As soon as I found the site the tears just started, it is a secret I tell no one. Carmine D. died in the early 80's. God Bless all of you.
03/14/09
Name: Bob G.
Comments:
WOW, over 30 years ago and I stumbled onto this web site. I had no idea people were keeping in touch. I loved the photo gallery from the 70's. Brings back many memories. Count me in on future reunions.
03/25/09
Name: Mike V.
Comments:
Hello, everyone! I’m sorry I’ve been away. I am now living in Key West, Florida I love it here I’m happy and healthy and always miss all of my brothers and sisters from The Hall.
03/27/09
Name: Ty S.
Comments:
Hi one and all. I started at Kinsman Hall at 15 and 17 when it closed. Now, 3 kids later at 50... Where did the time go? PS miss you all and say hi to Eddy S.
04/06/09
Name: Nicole B.
Comments:
I was directed to your website by Diane S. after she found me on Facebook. My father, Mike B., attended Kinsman Hall; my mother, Julie P., grew up in Jackman. It was really neat to learn all about Kinsman Hall through the site and through Karen's blog. Anyhow, I'm not sure what to say or ask - but any stories you want to relay, I'd love to hear.
05/28/09
Name: Stanley S. (Ty)
Comments:
looking forward to get together
07/05/09
Name: Justin (Judd) W.
Comments:
Wow! I've thought so much about you all and about our 'vivid' experience together over the past 36 years since we shared it. I just viewed the 108 pictures and with just two exceptions was able to name every one. Today on a whim I Google KH, and locate this trove of beauty. I've only just arrived so I'll be looking for the next few hours I'm sure. ... and then get back in touch. For now though I just want to honor the struggle that brought us all together to 'incubate' as it were. For the first time in decades I can utter the phrase "Baker's Dozen" and find others for whom it has meaning similar to what it has for me. Love, Justin
07/30/09
Name: Bob M.
Comments: [no comment left]
07/30/09
Name: Mike C.
Comments:
40 years since I came here at Hillsdale, helped build the site in Jackman very strange to see people still talking about it.