Mary L. Hamlin
Mary LaCount Hamlin (September 8, 1856 – August 11, 1947) was an early pioneering businesswoman, who came to California in 1908 and made Carmel-by-the-Sea, California her home for 35 years. She took on the role of manager of the historic Pine Inn in downtown Carmel. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to become the owner of the Monte Verde Inn. In 1928, she sold The Monte Verde and joined forces with Allen Knight to build the Sundial Lodge. Today, the Pine Inn, Monte Verde Inn, and Sundial Lodge continue to thrive as successful establishments within the Carmel community.
Mary L. Hamlin | |
|---|---|
 Mary LaCount Hamlin, ca. 1876 | |
| Born | Mary E. LaCount September 8, 1856 Auburn, New York, US |
| Died | 11 August 1947 (aged 90) |
| Occupation | Pediatrician |
| Spouse | William H. Hamlin |
| Children | 2 |
Early life
Hamlin was born as Mary E. LaCount, on September 8, 1856, in Auburn, New York. Her father was Peter LaCount (1817-1884) and mother was Maria Boon (1830-1910). She married William H. Hamlin (1853–1935) in 1879. They had two children during their marriage.[1][2] Following 31 years of marriage, Hamlin made the decision to divorce her husband once her children had grown up. Departing from her family in New York, she embarked on a journey to California in 1908 to reunite with her sister Emma Jane LaCount (1849–1925), who resided in Fresno, California. Together, Hamlin and her sister acquired a summer residence in Carmel-by-the-Sea.[3]
Professional background
In 1909, Hamlin took on the position of manager at the historic Pine Inn situated on Ocean Avenue, marking a significant milestone in her career. She became the final manager appointed before the property's sale by James F. Devendorf in late 1911.[4]
In 1915, Hamlin also acquired ownership of the El Monte Verde Hotel, a wooden building situated on the Southwest corner of Monte Verde Avenue at Ocean Avenue. She revitalized the Monte Verde Hotel, turning it into a sought-after destination for visitors. In 1924, Hamlin enlisted the services of contractor Percy Parkes to embark on a significant renovation project for the hotel. Aiming to enhance its appeal and facilities, Hamlin sought to modernize the establishment under Parkes' expert guidance.[5][2]
In the 1930s, a new development prompted the relocation of the Monte Verde hotel around the corner. The construction of the Normandy Inn necessitated this move, allowing for both establishments to coexist. Since the 1950s, the hotel has been known as the Monte Verde Inn, maintaining its legacy as a destination in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The name change reflects the evolution and continued success of the establishment under Hamlin's leadership.[5][2]
Sundial Lodge
In 1928, after successfully establishing the Monte Verde Hotel as a prime destination, Hamlin made decided pursue a new venture. She sold the Monte Verde Hotel to Ethel P. Young, mother-in-law of architect Robert Stanton, bidding farewell to a place she had nurtured, and joined forces with Allen Knight to embark on the construction of the Sundial Lodge in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This new venture aimed to offer visitors a blend of comfort, sophistication, and picturesque surroundings.[5][6]
The Sundial Lodge, also known today as the L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux property, is a historic Medieval Revival hotel. It was designed by architect Albert L. Farr of San Francisco Bay Area and was built in 1929–1930, by Master builder Michael J. Murphy. It was designated as a historical commercial building in the city's Downtown Historic District Property Survey, and was recorded with the Department of Parks and Recreation on December 5, 2002.[7]
Hamlin then worked with Allen Knight to relocate the Sundial Lodge to a more southern location on Monte Verde Street. She continued to live at the Sundial when she retired in her late 80s.[1]
Death
At the age of 90, Hamlin passed away in Carmel-by-the-Sea on August 11, 1947. The funeral services took place at the Paul Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. A. B. Seccombe from All Saints' Church officiating the ceremony. Following the services, her remains were cremated. Finally, she was laid to rest at the Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse, New York, where her remains were interred.[1][8]
Legacy
Hamlin's impact on Carmel's business landscape and her pioneering spirit will forever be honored and commended for their substantial role in fostering economic growth and development in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Even today, the Pine Inn, Monte Verde Inn, and Sundial Lodge stand as thriving establishments, deeply rooted within the Carmel community.
References
- Neal Hotelling (16 Sep 2022). "A Thoroughly Modern Sundial" (PDF). Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. pp. 27–29. Retrieved 2022-09-20.
- Hale, Sharron Lee (1980). A Tribute to Yesterday: The History of Carmel, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, Point Lobos, Carmelite Monastery, and Los Burros. Santa Cruz, California: Valley Publishers. p. 96. ISBN 9780913548738. Retrieved 2022-09-20.
- "Three Couples Married 25 Years Want Divorce". The San Francisco Examiner. San Francisco, California. May 24, 1910. p. 11. Retrieved 2023-06-19.
- Neal Hotelling (9 Sep 2022). "Early 20-th-century tourism required two Hotel Carmelos" (PDF). Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. pp. 27, 31. Retrieved 2023-06-19.
- Dramov, Alissandra (2019). Historic Buildings of Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California: Arcadia Publishing. p. 52, 68. ISBN 9781467103039. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
- Seavey, Kent (2007). Carmel, A History in Architecture. p. 75. ISBN 9780738547053. Retrieved 2022-05-22.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - Kent L. Seavey (December 5, 2002). "Department Of Parks And Recreation" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
- "Mary Hamlin". Carmel Pine Cone. August 15, 1947. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
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