Sandy M.’s Land, New York

A Little History

The original "A FRAME" camp was built by Randy Mearkley grandson of the depression era farm owners Leon & Lena. Randy and a few friends built the camp on a couple of fall weekends in the late 60’s for $2,000 and a keg of beer. After a few years of enjoyment in the tranquil setting by the river Randy sold the property. Eventual new owners were a retired couple from Long Island...Ed and Alva Jones. Ed and Alva visited every summer for more than two decades and made significant improvements to the property while still keeping it very rustic with gas lamps and no plumbing. Ed and Alva became great friends of ours over the many years. 

In 2018 Sandy Maine purchased the property and 12 acres from Alva after Ed passed away and fully updated the cabin.  The property is surrounded by Sandy and husband Lou’s 68 acre parcel of woods, river frontage, fields, farm house and barn. The original farm house dwelling on the front of the property was built in the 1860’s by Otis Cudworth who left for the civil war after the house was completed. Sadly he died as a POW in Virginia and never returned to enjoy his country life on the edge of the wilderness. 

Your hosts:

Sandy Maine began her career as an Adirondack Wilderness guide in the 1990’s and worked for private individuals as well as SUNY Potsdam Wilderness Workshop. She also developed and ran the wilderness Outdoor Recreation with Education (ORWE) program for youth in Massena in the 80’s. As a compliment to her guide services she developed a body care manufacturing business and has since become a prominent influence not only in soapmaking as a craft, but also in inspiring those who shared her passion to turn their craft into thriving entrepreneurial ventures. Sandy is currently the founder and owner of Adirondack Fragrance & Flavor Farm - where innovative  “farm-to-body care” products are happening in her boutique factory just down the road!!