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Old Paint Shop at Northeast Still Has TraditionComplete Renovation and Remodeling Change StoreBut Back Room ShelvesRelics Tell Tall TalesThere’s ail interesting store and an interesting story behind the attractive new front at the S. R. Tracy Estate at Northeast Harbor, The old pair.3 shop onthe hill had hardly changed atall over the years, when Doug and Tiffy Burr, with their four children, came back to their native Northeast about four years ago, to take over the business. Layers upon layers of paint, of every kind and color imaginablehad accumulated on the floors of the old paint shop over the years since Tiffy Burr’s grandfather, Mr. Selden R. Tracy first set up as a painting contractor, back in 1895. Her father, Mr. S. Edwin Tracy, took over the ownership at the passing of the founder, and operated it until his death, in 1955. Still there was little, if any, change except for a greater variety of paints which characterized the old time shops.In those days, the painter went -to the home of the customer. The late Billy Manchester, who was employed by the Tracy Estate for over 50 years, and Ray Foster, who has been with the firm for nearly 50 years, and is still going strong, are among the last of the masters at mixing color combinations to match a piece of paneling or a swatch of cloth.Today, in the back shop at the S. R. Tracy Estate, there are still hundreds of various kinds and colors of paints, but the mixing is done in this new, modern storeby the DuPont Color Master, from color charts designed by the manufacturer. In spite of the selection of literally thousands of color combinations, it is still necessary to call on Ray Foster’s artistry for some special blending, to match a particular typeof material or surface.In this completely remodeled and modernized store, the customer may make selections from a full line of DuPont products, choose wallpaper from hundreds of samples, or discuss any problem having to do with exterior or interior painting or decorating.The firm specializes also in spray painting for wicker furniture, lattice work, and the like. They do'fine furniture refinishing, floor sanding, and special art work such as designing and painting emblems for cars, boats,Above photo shows remodeled front of Tracy’s Paint Shop with sample of their sign painting workmanship.Photo by Kathy Suminsbyetc. This particular art work anddone by theGraham, who to the discrim-of the S. R. a good manyof their busi-sign painting istalented Harvardhas been catering inating clientele Tracy Estate foryears.Another phaseness that is becoming more and more important is a most comprehensive selection of artsupplies, with special items available in stock, and almost any product in this category available through special order and prompt delivery. This new service is most appreciated by the many local and visiting artists who had formerly found it necessary to purchasesuch supplies at distant points, and at considerable inconvenience.Yes, there have been many changes in the past four years at the old paint shop, but there is one unusual, service in connection with the 3. R. Tracy Estate that still continues in businessias usual - that’s the service of M iss Ruth Jordan, who has been active for years in helping to carry on the affairs of the Tracy Estate, along with her many other duties and interests. Weil known for her special secretarial work for important business men and private families here in the Northeast Harbor area, Miss Jordan serves as a sort of general information center. She is active in the Library, the Northeast Harbor Golf Club, the Visiting Nurse’s Assn., the Red Cross, and several other civic organizations.She serves on the Board of the Mt. Desert Hospital and the Neighborhood House.Doug and Tiffy Burr -have a fine modern shop and a capable staff. The tradition of the past sixty-five years, is still apparent, though, in the quality of thefr workmanship, and in the old paint cans, so neatly shelved in the back room, that tell a story all their own.
Newspaper Details
Bar Harbor Times
Bar Harbor, Maine, US
Thu, Aug 18, 1960
Page 7
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
NA, 04 Oct 2019
Other Publications Near Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor Mount Desert Herald
Bar Harbor Record
Bar Harbor Times
