Guestbook
Comments from site visitors
Sent on: 12-11-07, 19:55:19
From: Christine Turner
What a lovely tribute to a lovely family place and the people who make Deep Cove come alive. Thank you for sharing it with us and keeping the memories strong. We look forward to someday for a return visit to Deep Cove. As ever, Chris and Preston Turner
Sent on: 17-07-07, 13:47:53
From: Pete and Bobbi Kovner
To Jacqueline Langdon Sibley,
The only standing ovation I ever got was because of Jackie. It was at The Shear Madness 25th anniversary celebration a couple of years ago. When I squired Jackie into the theater, this mob of loud, unruly, self-involved thespians turned, quieted instantly, paused as if waiting for a cue and then, at Jackie's warm hello, burst into shouts and applause, a demonstration of their deep appreciation, respect and love. Jackie disappeared into a continuous flow of well-wishers until we exited stage left many hours later.
Jackie deserved every accolade that was offered to her that night and others. But we were the greater beneficiaries. One could not help but feel smarter, wittier, more vivacious and glamorous when Jackie was in the room. Even the brightest of us only reflected her glow. I still have her first short audition burned into my brain 25 years later. She played a slightly daffy, overwhelmed community theater director of The Pirates of Penzance trying to organize a tumble of 4 year olds into playing fairies borrowed from Iolanthe. That and her wild entrances, haughty indignation and craven affairs as the very Brahmin, Mrs. Shubert bring a smile to my face every time.
Her work as an artist brings me a more quiet pleasure. At first, she wouldn't part with a particular watercolor I admired, a Maine seascape of blowing snow, because she said it was Bob's absolute favorite. A year later, when Jackie still wouldn't relent, I told her that Bob had recently confided in me that he had always hated that particular painting and only said it was his favorite because he wanted to make Jackie happy. In fact, Bob whispered, looking at it every day made his life a waking hell.
Of course that was a lie, but Jackie and Bob so enjoyed the tall tale that they felt I had finally earned the right to purchase the painting. Then again, as I think of it now, there is the distinct possibility that Jackie only said it was Bob's favorite to whet my appetite all the more. Bob didn't seem particularly broken up when he handed it over to me. Jackie did have the devil in her at times.
But it was also her decency, frankness and common sense that held us firmly to her. If someone so talented and charismatic could also be so kind and thoughtful, perhaps we might learn something thereby- of how to live life and treat others along the way.
During her hundreds of performances, and during the years of after-show parties, conversations and fun, Jackie (and Bob) were as constant as the Northern Star and as effervescent as Dom Perignon. How I cherish my time knowing them and am so grateful for their friendship.
To borrow from the Bard, “Thus departs a noble spirit. Good night sweet Jackie, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.â€
With Love,
Pete & Bobbi Kovner
Sent on: 13-07-07, 13:14:45
From: John Martis (Jr)
Sorry I can't join you. Hope everyone is well. I can still remember my surprise at the two holer!!
-John
Sent on: 13-07-07, 12:24:04
From: Mary Jane Martis
Dear Sibleys:
Our family has so many great memories of Deep Cove and of times with all of you....we enjoyed the summers with the green room, getting the well water in the morning, putting on hats and chasing bats around the porch, swimming in the quarry, playing cards with the Benson brothers and the beautiful church in the woods. Thank you for all the wonderful years of sharing Deep Cove with us. We remember Jay often as each of us has one of her watercolors in our house. My piece is one of the the light house near Rockland, where your Mom and Dad volunteered.
Jay used to be the highlight of the parties at the Lexington house with her monologues. I remember to this day her weightloss monologue...all one needed to do was to think thin.
I hope we can make the 100th anniversary, but if not we will be there in spirit.
Love Mary Jane.
Sent on: 28-06-07, 21:32:47
From: Alasdair Hogg
In 1953 my parents, Betty and Willy, brought us to Toronto Canada, from Scotland.
The one thing they missed was the sea!
So, in 1957 we headed off for a vacation in Port Clyde.(Chosen for its name. I'm sure!)
While painting on the beach, my father had a chance encounter with Jay.
With her and Bob's welcoming ways, our families all met and friendships were struck.
We returned year after year and the highlight of our trips would be the entertaining and inspirational evenings on the porch at Deep Cove.
My most memorable was the time that Jay treated us to one of her monologues. It was fantastic!
My sister Ailie and husband Phil Doble vacation annually in Port Clyde. My wife Debbie and I come as often as we can.
As Deep Cove celebrates its 100th, our family is celebrating our 50th year of being able to enjoy it.
From that one chance meeting, a generation has passed and great friendships continue!
Thank you, Deep Cove, for playing such a big part in my life.
Congratulations!
Alasdair Hogg
Sent on: 14-06-07, 19:53:35
From: Margie Colony
I have so many fond memories of Jay, Bob & family and am sorry not to be at Deep Cove with you.
She was multi-talented and I treasure some of her paintings and poetry. Her monologues are memorable. I particularly remember one with her Maine accent and yellow slicker. I've seen Shear Madness at least three times - what fun! Many memories of a very special person. -- Margie Colony
Sent on: 04-06-07, 09:48:33
From: Danny Boy
DEEP COVE
The greens and blues of summers' warmth that must be shared
Orange dark reds of fall; our privacy returns
Harsh cold gray winters of destruction;God's domain
Optimistic sweet burning smells of spring's new life
Mothers and Fathers long lost as the torch is passed
The family thrives and its' memories linger
The Cycle repeats; and our Deep Cove survives
To the Hall/Sibley Clan from a new friend. You are so very blessed not with Deep Cove in of itself;rather in your great fortune in being aware of it's importance to "The Clan"
I so envy and admire your good fortune in this... Danny Boy
Sent on: 29-05-07, 20:25:52
From: donna thompson
I am looking forward to seeing the Sibley crew over the 4th of July and the memorial service for Jay Sibley!! I have alaways had wonderful memories of the times in the past that I have had in "THE BIG HOUSE" and I am looking forward to more!!!
Sent on: 28-05-07, 10:25:12
From: Jock Cowperthwaite
One afternoon Day and I were on Jay and Bob’s porch enjoying our adult beverages, I was told of an incident that normally would be quite embarrassing. Jay said she was down at the shore on a lovely, warm day allowing her body to have the full effect of the sun’s rays. When all of a sudden, from nowhere, up pops Peter Shellens. My birthday present that year was what Peter found.
Sent on: 28-05-07, 06:05:28
From: Jon Sibley
Great job Matt. What a wonderful way to start the 100th anniversary celebration and get the next generation up and running for the next 100 years.
Sent on: 23-05-07, 15:11:25
From: JIMMY PYKE
From Pam's friend in London, Portugal and India:
Congratulations to the Hall/Sibley families - what an achievement!!
Jimmy
Sent on: 13-05-07, 17:27:54
From: Geoff
Sunday, Mother's Day, 2007.
We are visiting Downeast with some friends from Texas who have never seen New England. We could not think of anything more "New England" than Deep Cove and Port Clyde nor a more appropriate day than Mother's Day. It was a beautifully sunny and clear day to visit and gather a few memories. As we walked across the street to see the memorial garden we saw someone walking up from down toward Jonathan's place. It was Pam! What a treat to an already wonderful day.
Our friends now have a much deeper understanding of why New England and places like Deep Cove and folks like the Sibleys have such a warm place deep in our hearts.
Jay, we love you and miss you this Mother's Day.
Love Geoff and Fran Blair