The Belgrade Historical Society

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Florence Reed

Florence Reed (1883–1967): Acclaimed Actress and Beloved Summer Resident of Belgrade, Maine

Florence Reed was a towering figure in American theater and early cinema, celebrated for her commanding stage presence, versatility, and passion for the dramatic arts. Born in Philadelphia on January 10, 1883, Reed was destined for a life in performance. The daughter and granddaughter of actors, she stepped onto the stage in 1904 and soon became a leading lady on Broadway, captivating audiences in productions such as The Yellow Ticket, The Shanghai Gesture, and The Skin of Our Teeth. She also appeared in silent films and later in television dramas, with one of her most memorable screen roles being Miss Havisham in the 1934 adaptation of Great Expectations.

But beyond the spotlight and glamour of Broadway, Florence Reed found a second, quieter stage — one nestled in the heart of Maine.

Beginning in 1924, Reed spent every summer at her beloved Wawa Yanda Lodge on the shores of Great Pond in Belgrade. Described as an “attractive” and peaceful retreat, the lodge became her sanctuary and source of deep personal joy. She would frequently travel to nearby Waterville twice a week, where she shopped at local stores and never failed to pick up a fresh supply of her favorite treat — coconut almond bars from “Spear Folks.” These confections became almost as legendary in her circle as her performances.

Reed’s love for the Belgrade Lakes region was profound and abiding. She once remarked that only the theater held a dearer place in her heart than the beauty of this part of Maine. “The ride from the Belgrade Lakes region to Waterville,” she often said, “is the most beautiful scenic ride I have ever taken.” Her connection to the landscape was not fleeting — Maine was not simply a seasonal escape; it was home. Each year, as her train crossed into the state, her thoughts would turn immediately to the lakes and woods she so adored.

Though the demands of the stage would call her back to New York each fall and winter, Florence Reed’s spirit remained anchored in Belgrade. Her love for Maine was so deep that she once said, “Only the theater can take me back to the city where I enjoy my life’s work during the winter months.”

Her Wawa Yanda Lodge, the scenic roads, the friendly townsfolk, and — yes — those cherished coconut almond bars were central to her identity. As much as she belonged to the American theater, she also belonged to Belgrade. And each summer, when she returned to Great Pond, she brought with her a touch of Broadway and a heart full of gratitude for the place she called her true home.