Mary L. Hamlin
Mary LaCount Hamlin (September 8, 1856 – August 11, 1947) was an early pioneering businesswoman, who came to California in 1908 and made Carmel-by-the-Sea, California her home for 35 years. She took on the role of manager of the historic Pine Inn in downtown Carmel. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to become the owner of the Monte Verde Inn. In 1928, she sold The Monte Verde and joined forces with Allen Knight to build the Sundial Lodge. Today, the Pine Inn, Monte Verde Inn, and Sundial Lodge continue to thrive as successful establishments within the Carmel community. Early life Hamlin was born as Mary E. LaCount, on September 8, 1856, in Auburn, New York. Her father was Peter LaCount (1817-1884) and mother was Maria Boon (1830-1910). She married William H. Hamlin (1853–1935) in 1879. They had two children during their marriage. Following 31 years of marriage, Hamlin made the decision to divorce her husband once her children had grown up. Departing from her family in New York, she embarked on a journey to California in 1908 to reunite with her sister Emma Jane LaCount (1849–1925), who resided in Fresno, California. Together, Hamlin and her sister acquired a summer residence in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Professional background In 1909, Hamlin took on the position of manager at the historic Pine Inn situated on Ocean Avenue, marking a significant milestone in her career. She became the final manager appointed before the property's sale by James F. Devendorf in late 1911. In 1915, Hamlin also acquired ownership of the El Monte Verde Hotel, a wooden building situated on the Southwest corner of Monte Verde Avenue at Ocean Avenue. She revitalized the Monte Verde Hotel, turning it into a sought-after destination for visitors. In 1924, Hamlin enlisted the services of contractor Percy Parkes to embark on a significant renovation project for the hotel. Aiming to enhance its appeal and facilities, Hamlin sought to modernize the establishment under Parkes' expert guidance. In the 1930s, a new development prompted the relocation of the Monte Verde hotel around the corner. The construction of the Normandy Inn necessitated this move, allowing for both establishments to coexist. Since the 1950s, the hotel has been known as the Monte Verde Inn, maintaining its legacy as a destination in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The name change reflects the evolution and continued success of the establishment under Hamlin's leadership. Sundial Lodge In 1928, after successfully establishing the Monte Verde Hotel as a prime destination, Hamlin made decided pursue a new venture. She sold the Monte Verde Hotel to Ethel P. Young, mother-in-law of architect Robert Stanton, bidding farewell to a place she had nurtured, and joined forces with Allen Knight to embark on the construction of the Sundial Lodge in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This new venture aimed to offer visitors a blend of comfort, sophistication, and picturesque surroundings. The Sundial Lodge, also known today as the L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux property, is a historic Medieval Revival hotel. It was designed by architect Albert L. Farr of San Francisco