The Little Red Shack of Grass Island

The Little Red Shack of Grass Island. . , Grass Island's "Little Red Shack", as it is often referred to, was constructed by local druggist J. Harrison Monroe in 1914 as a summer cottage for his family. Here the Monroe family enjoyed summer activities such as fishing, picnicking and social gatherings. In these earlier times, similar shacks dotted the shoreline although few remain today. Originally on the west shore of Grass Island, the Monroe shack was destroyed by an accidental fire around 1936 The family rebuilt the structure later in 1940; however problems including hurricanes and tide threats persisted. Eventually in 1950 the family was forced to relocate the cottage to its modem day location where, in 1965 the Town of Guilford purchased the cherished landmark and the surrounding seven acres. After many decades of weathering various storms and enduring years of vandalism, the shack underwent a full renovation in 2016 headed by Eagle Scout John Markowski as a part of the Save The Shack Project. This endeavor drew an outpouring of support from the community and sparked a new understanding of its historical importance. Over the years, Grass Island and The Little Red Shack have come to represent simpler times. Now an iconic symbol of Guilford in paintings and photographs, Grass Island has become a town treasure for all to admire and appreciate., painting by Brendan Loughlin , photography by Susan Custer