About & History

Hiram Blake and his wife Iantha founded Hiram Blake Camp in 1916, formerly called Pleasant Cove House, and then Peace Haven after World War I ended. The Blake family had been living on this land for generations.

The property was originally purchased by Timothy Blake from Andrew Gray, who had been granted the land by King George III. It began as a humble homestead where daily life revolved around fishing and farming. After spending time away, Hiram, the 5th generation to live on the property, his wife Iantha, and their daughter Lucy, just six years old, returned home with the idea of inviting folks “from away” to experience the peace and simplicity of their corner of the coast of Maine.

Hiram and Iantha first built “the Birches” a large lodge overlooking Stand Cove. The camp grew as more folks discovered Penobscot Bay, and by 1929, it boasted 15 cottages on it’s shoreline. Lucy, the next generation proprietor, met and married Maurice Venno, a local boy who worked at the camp in the summers.Together they carried on cherished camp traditions with warmth and generosity. Our beloved library was significantly expanded by Maurice, and many longtime guests still remember Lucy’s stories.

Lucy and Maurice had two children, Ann and Paul. Paul fell in love with Sandy, who was working as a waitress in the dining hall. They took on stewardship of the business as 3rd generation proprietors. Paul, affectionately known as Captain Crab, was a skilled fisherman who regularly supplied guests with lobsters and fresh seafood. Sandy, with her remarkable green thumb, created thriving gardens that helped feed everyone. While running the camp and fishing, they raised three children, Deb, Sharri, and Nate. Deb chose to take on camp operations with her husband Dave, who first came here as a guest himself.

Deb and Dave, 4th generation proprietors, have run the camp for more than 35 years. They brought camp into the modern era and helped secure its future. Dave has renovated, rewired, and updated every cabin and most of the buildings on the property. Deb has built lasting relationships with guests, staff, and the surrounding community. Along the way, they raised three children, John, Will, and Anna.

Today, Deb and Dave are beginning to pass the reins to John and Anna, who are stepping forward as the 5th generation proprietors of Hiram Blake Camp. John and his wife Georgia, who has been coming to the camp since she was three years old, welcomed their son Charles in 2025. The summer of 2026 marks the first season that John, Anna, and Georgia serve as the main point of contact for guests and staff.

It is a privilege to carry on the dreams of our great-great grandparents and to continue building something that will last for Charlie’s generation and beyond.

Hiram Blake Camp has always been a family effort in every sense of the word. What began as a cooperative venture among Hiram and Iantha’s descendants has grown into a place where guests become part of the family, whether they visit for one week or return year after year. We have now shared our traditions with generations of guests, and we look forward to sharing them with you and yours.