The abandoned restaurant on Route 53 in Hanover serves as a time capsule, preserving the memories of its vibrant past. The worn-out red plaid carpet and the dirt-embedded path leading to the bar bear witness to the countless patrons that once filled the space with laughter and cheer. Even a tear-off calendar dating back to August 2020, the month when the restaurant, Squires, closed its doors for good, still hangs on the wall. These nostalgic elements perfectly align with the creative vision of Reverend Sarah Brockmann, a writer and producer, for her indie film “St. Jones’ Ditch,” which includes scenes set in a bar.

Brockmann was captivated by the charm of the 83-year-old building and its cozy yet dilapidated atmosphere. The new owners of the property graciously granted her permission to film there, allowing Brockmann to bring her screenplay to life. Assisted by her brother Jeff Long, who assumed the role of director, Brockmann assembled a dedicated team of volunteers comprising her cast and crew, totaling about two dozen individuals. Filming has taken place on weekends over the past few weeks, with plans to conclude by mid- to late October.

Unfortunately, the old Squires restaurant will likely exist only through the lens of film, as the new owners intend to replace it with a new restaurant called Sage & Salt, designed by chef and owner Andrea Schnell and co-owner Jon D’Allesandro. Pending the necessary town approvals, the duo hopes to reconstruct their culinary vision within the confines of the existing Squires’ footprint.

Brockmann, currently the rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Rockland, possesses a strong inclination towards filmmaking. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in film and television from Boston University before pursuing theological studies at Harvard Divinity School. Although she has written nine screenplays in the past, “St. Jones’ Ditch” marks the first occasion where her story has materialized into a tangible film production, with the potential for a cinematic release.

Filmmaking seems to run in the family, as Brockmann’s brother also shares her passion and expertise in the industry. Furthermore, her son Robbie exhibits a keen interest in movies and has even participated in various competitions showcasing his creative work. As for “St. Jones’ Ditch,” the plot of this redemptive dramedy revolves around Tim, portrayed by Johnny Egan, a college professor who finds himself entangled in an affair with one of his students. The discovery of his infidelity leads to his wife kicking him out, his daughter disowning him, and the loss of his job. In search of solace, Tim embarks on a journey that leads him to St. Jones’ Ditch, a fictional East Texas town situated within the dried-up riverbed of the St. Jones River.

Brockmann delves into magical realism throughout her screenplay, as the peculiar town of St. Jones’ Ditch serves as a refuge for individuals who have reached a point in their lives devoid of hope. A notable landmark within the storyline is the bar, where, as Brockmann describes, the “flotsam and jetsam of humanity” congregate. Sonya Joyner portrays the leading lady and plays the role of Teri, the bartender who becomes intricately involved in the lives of the town’s residents.

Finding a suitable location for the bar scenes proved to be a challenge for Brockmann; however, Squires met her criteria precisely. Firstly, it needed to be closed on weekends to accommodate the volunteer cast and crew’s schedule, as they predominantly filmed during that time. Secondly, the owner had to grant them permission to shoot on the premises. Finally, the bar had to possess a dive-like ambiance to align with the aesthetic envisioned for the film. Fortunately, all three criteria were met, and when Brockmann received the keys to Squires, she and her team had just a few days to clean and set up the space before commencing filming.

For actor Johnny Egan, who portrays the lead role of Tim, filming in an authentic location like Squires enhances the acting experience. Having previously worked as a crew member on film sets by renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese and Wes Anderson, Egan commends the additional depth that shooting in a real location provides. Stepping into Squires for the first time overwhelmed him, as he describes it as a dark cave and an abyss that triggers emotional inspiration for his character. Egan summarizes the impact by stating that it helped him find the emotional bottom necessary for his character’s transformation and desire for change.

The inception of “St. Jones’ Ditch” occurred about a decade ago when Brockmann served as a fill-in pastor for a church in Delaware. During her frequent drives across an overpass that traversed the St. Jones River, she developed an intrigue about the origin of its name. When she posed the question to a local resident, they flippantly replied that it might as well be called “St. Jones’ Ditch.” The instantaneous resonance of this reply sparked Brockmann’s imagination, leading her to envision the town and construct the narrative for her screenplay.

Upon completion of the film, Brockmann plans to submit it to various film festivals and organize local screenings to ensure that former Squires patrons and South Shore residents can delight in the cinematic depiction of their beloved establishment. Through the medium of film, Squires will continue to live on, offering a nostalgic and sentimental journey for audiences as they immerse themselves in the fictional world of “St. Jones’ Ditch.”

Hannah Morse, a journalist covering growth and development for The Patriot Ledger, contributes to this report. She can be contacted at [email protected].