“You have not seen all the beauty spots of Portland until you visit the Cape Shore Inn. From this point is an indescribably beautiful view of the open sea and passing marine traffic – in and out of Portland Harbor to all parts of the world. The ocean view is always interesting because it is panoramic and ever changing.

“On this site, a famous Road House was operated for many years prior to burning in 1894. The new Inn is only three miles from Portland, over good roads, or twenty minutes’ ride on the electrics. (Take Cape Cottage, Meeting House Hill Cars.) Catering for parties, banquets and dancing assemblies a specialty. Dancing with the best of music Tuesday nights during the summer…”

On June 21, 1898, the Casino at Cape Cottage celebrated its grand opening, providing a huge clambake for 250 invited guests, who arrived by a special five-car electric trolley from Portland.

The main feature of the inn, designed by John Calvin Stevens, was a circular balcony on both floors facing the ocean. An extended porch along all four sides provided a relaxing view for guests. The interior balcony for musicians and another for the gentlemen’s smoking area added to the guests comfort.

The Casino at Cape Cottage was a major attraction during the summer, known not only for its fine dining, but also because it provided day-long entertainment that included the Cape Theatre constructed at the intersection of Surf and Shore roads. Records indicate the patronage at the theater alone often exceeded 1,000 per performance, frequently with a standing-room-only audience.

Extensive landscaping and walking paths situated among the shrubs, trees and flower beds also included an aviary of exotic tropical birds. Other walking paths led to nearby Casino Beach, where 10 bathhouses were installed for the use of the patrons. In 1912, a short wharf was built to accommodate seafaring visitors.

Shore dinners were a standard feature, providing such fare as lobster stew, steamed clams, fried clams, clam bouillon, crackers, hot rolls, beverage and dessert, all for $1.50. If the diner preferred something other than seafood, the menu also featured a chicken dinner with a half-chicken, broiled or fried, served with mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and all the extras for $1.75.

Along with the usual coffee or tea, hot or iced, the a la carte menu included milk, ginger ale or beer. The latter two items were offered at a cost of 35 cents per glass.

By 1922, after dwindling attendance, the Cape Cottage Casino closed its doors for good. Following renovations and reduction in size, the Casino became a private home, but still retains the original appearance.

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