Maynard and Ben with their children, children’s partners, grandchildren and pets
Maynard Bray, 4^th from left behind Anne Bray bench
Benjamin Mendlowitz, at left behind Deborah Brewster bench

Dedication of Commemorative Benches at Friend Memorial Library

Family and friends of Brooklin residents Benjamin Mendlowitz and Maynard Bray gathered on the Friend Memorial Library grounds on December 26 to celebrate the dedication of  a set of granite benches in commemoration of their wives’ Deborah Brewster and Anne Bray.

Over her 50 years on the Blue Hill Peninsula, Deborah Brewster (d. 2021), served her community on many boards and organizations,  including a stint as librarian of the Brooklin School and as president of the board of the Friend Memorial Library, where she was instrumental in the award-winning redesign of the library building in 2000.

Anne Bray (d. 2018) served as WoodenBoat Magazine’s Research Director for 30 years, during which time she organized and cataloged the contents of the magazine’s vast library and facilitated visitor access to the collection.  After retiring, Anne became curator of the Brooklin Keeping Society, served as a board member of the Friend Memorial Library and was an active volunteer in the library’s art exhibit program.

Deborah and Anne were close friends during their collective time in Brooklin,  and Ben and Maynard have  collaborated on  wooden boat-related projects for over 40 years. The donation of the benches to the Friend Memorial Library is how the Bray and Mendlowitz families would like to honor Anne and Deborah’s passion for books, libraries, and continued learning.