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