WHO FIRST USED THE NAME BAR HARBOR

WHO FIRST USED THE NAME BAR HARBOR
Bar Harbor Times
April 18,  1928

Albert L. Higgins Believes That His Father, Albert F. Higgins, Gave Town It's Name.
Here is a letter that brings up an interesting point in the history of Bar Harbor;
Editor Bar Harbor Times,
Dear Sir;
What year was this Post Office address changed from "East Eden" to "Bar Harbor" and who originated the name "Bar Harbor"?
I have a record dated ":East Eden, Feb. 22, 1872,"  and as I remember it the office was changed to "Bar Harbor"  soon after this date.  Older residents will remember that there was a "Bar Island" and an "East Eden"  in the early days of this village, but no "Bar Harbor".  With people at Salisbury Cove, Town Hill, Otter Creek, Cromwell Harbor and other outlying districts, it was, invariably, "Down to Bar Island, up to Bar Island, or over to Bar Island".
In the year 1866 my father, Albert F. Higgins, opened a small hotel on what is now the Village Green, and painted his own sign, "Bar Harbor House".  A year or two later he took the "Bar" away, and this hostelry was known for several years afterwards as the "Harbor House".  I think my father was the first to make use of this name which is becoming so well and favorably known, and if I am not right, would like to hear from others.
Yours very truly;
A.L. Higgins
Bar Harbor, Maine
April 17, 1928