a haven

Slates Restaurant of Hallowell was gutted by fire in February 2007. The restaurant had been a fixture in the community since the early 1980’s. The community came together to help owner-chef Wendy Larson bring back the beloved place.

The unofficial logo or motif of the restaurant is the mermaid. Wendy Larson has painted many merfolk over the years in both the restaurant and bakery. In the mural a mermaid representing Slates is shown rising anew from the ashes—like the proverbial phoenix.

When I first began asking long time Hallowell residents what should be included in the mural, many suggested Slate’s, and not just because of its favored place for dinner. Several people who had worked at the restaurant and known Wendy for years mentioned its importance as a haven for people, in particular the LGBTQ community. Wendy has always been welcoming to many in need since opening the restaurant in the ’80’s.

artist, Chris Cart

a short move

In 2016 Slates Restaurant moved from the historic 17th century building it had been in since the early 1980’s. Even after the 2007 fire Slates had rebuilt in the same location.

However, in 2016 Wendy Larson decided it was time for a change and moved just next door to its current location, a building on Water Street that she owns.

Dotti

(August 21, 1945-Sept. 11, 2022)

Born Dorothy Proctor Galley, we all knew her as Dotti.

She worked at Slates Restaurant and Bakery in Hallowell for over 40 years, where she made many lifelong friendships with co-workers and customers alike. She started at Slates in 1982 as a waitress, and worked her way up to restaurant manager, then bakery manager. She was still helping manage the bakery part time from her home up until this past summer.

Dotti was one of the last people I included in the mural. She died after the mural was technically completed but she was so central to the doings of Hallowell, particularly the artists and musicians I had to include her.

artist, Chris Cart