Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
PARTING GIFT — Walter Goodrich of Houlton was presented with an original piece of artwork, depicting his storefront, from Esther Orr Faulkner for his years of dedication to the Health Services Foundation. Making the presentation are, from left, Faulkner, Goodrich and Elizabeth Dulin, executive director for the Foundation.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — An iconic business storefront has been immortalized by Houlton artist Esther Orr Faulkner, as part of a going away present for one of the Shiretown’s longest tenured businessmen.
Walter Goodrich, who will be closing the doors to his jewelry store later this month, has been a key member in helping raise funds for the Health Services Foundation for a number of years. Serving as the president for this past year, Goodrich has devoted countless hours to helping the group.
“When it came time for me to think about what the Foundation could do to honor Walter for all his time served as part of our organization that was a mighty tall order,” said Elizabeth Dulin, executive director for the Foundation. “I thought about a number of things that might fit the bill for this occasion, however, for one reason or another some of those thoughts just did not come together the way I thought they might.”
So after many hours spent thinking of suitable gifts, an idea hit her like the proverbial light bulb coming on. Dulin thought, why not have Faulkner create a one-of-a-kind painting, depicting the storefront to Goodrich Jewelry as the gift?
Faulkner has painted several historic buildings in her long career as an artist and her work has been featured in several calendars over the years. She typically creates her paintings from photographs, which posed a problem for Dulin.
“I was tasked to take the photo for Esther that she would use, and that became a funny adventure to say the least,” Dulin explained. “Try to take a picture with no cars in front of the store, a day that is not raining (kind of hard in early April), then finding a spot across the street in York’s car lot to find an opening between the cars that would give me a good shot.”
After several tries, a day and time came when “all the stars lined up” for her to get the perfect picture for Faulkner to work with. Faulkner worked on the project in late-April, finishing it in about three weeks.
“We cannot begin to put in words what Walter has done for the Foundation, for so many years he has been a steadfast supporter of everything we do and stand for,” Dulin said. “The Diamond Raffle alone brought $164,453 into the Foundation going a long way to assist our health care providers with their needs.”
She added her apprecation for Faulkner as well.
“Over the years she has been incredibly generous with her artwork as donations to our Charity Auction and other fundraisers, and has never said ‘no.’” Dulin said. “This painting will undoubtedly hold very special memories for Walter and family.”
Goodrich said the fact that no prints will ever be made of the painting was a bit overwhelming for him.
“It really means a lot,” Goodrich said. “After all these years here in town, it is really nice to have some memento of Houlton to bring with us.”
Goodrich is not only closing his store, but is also moving from the area to be closer to family in the Cape Cod area.
“When he looks at the painting I hope he will remember us fondly, as we shall greatly remember him for the many years he has been there for us,” Dulin added. “The community will have a big empty spot as one of our best is leaving the area, however, everyone at the Foundation wish Walter, and Lois well on their new adventure.”
Editor’s note: A feature article on Goodrich Jewelry will appear in next week’s edition.
