USA > Maine > York County > Ogunquit > History of Ogunquit Village, with many interesting facts of more recent interest > Part 4
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There is a touching story in every bit of marine life that is found on the beach and along the Marginal Way. Much sym- pathy goes out to these creatures of Nature in their ceaseless
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struggle for existence. Sympathy because the struggle is hard, and only a few - such a pitiful few - actually survive!
While visiting the Ogunquit Beach and the Marginal Way the visitor is urged to remember that the level that is now under pleasant observation was probably at one time many thousands of feet under the sea!
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OGUNQUIT BECOMES A CORPORATE VILLAGE
T. HE following portion appears on the records of the Secretary of State, Records of Chapter 203:
"An Act to Incorporate the Ogunquit Village Corporation. Be it
enacted by the People of the State of Maine, as follows:
limits.
Territorial Sec. 1. That part of the territory of the town of Wells in the county of York, embraced within the limits described as follows: Commencing at the southeasterly point of the boundary line between the towns of York and Wells, at the Atlantic ocean and extending northwesterly along said boundary line to the south branch of the Ogunquit river; thence by the Ogunquit river to the intersection of Stevens brook with said Ogunquit river, thence south fifty-five degrees east course to the Atlantic ocean, thence by the Atlantic ocean to the boundary line between the towns of York and Wells and point begun at, together with the inhabitants within the said territory is hereby created as a body politic and corporate by name of the Ogunquit Village Corporation."
Corporate Name.
The document contained in all thirteen of its sections is a re- minder of the thirteen original states and was approved March 31, 1913.
The following portion appears on the records of the sec- retary of State, Records of Chapter 105, Private and Special Laws of 1923:
"An Act to Incorporate the Ogunquit Beach District. Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine, as follows:
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Name and Sec. 1. Territorial limits; name; purpose. The inhabitants Purpose. of the territory comprised within the limits of Ogunquit Village Corporation, in the town of Wells, shall be and hereby are made a body corporate, for the purpose of this act, under the name of the Ogunquit Beach District, hereinafter referred to as the 'district'.
Sec. 2. Authorized to take and hold real estate for public park; right of eminent domain conferred; time for claiming damages limited. Said district, in its corporate capacity, is hereby authorized and empowered to take, hold, exchange or convey, in the name of the Ogunquit Beach District, for public purposes and particularly for the creation and establishment of a public park, any real estate lying between the thread of the Ogunquit River on the west and the Atlantic ocean on the east and the boundary line of the Ogun- quit Village Corporation on the north and the land of Walter M. Perkins on the south, together with a forty-foot road from said tract of land southerly to the county road, and may also take, hold, exchange or convey any real estate between the thread of the Ogunquit River on the west and south and the Atlantic ocean on the east and said county road on the north. The said district may exercise the right of eminent domain in the taking of land, for the purposes herein specified, in the same manner as provided in chapter twenty-four of the revised statutes for the ascertainment of damages in the location and establishment of highways; provided, that application by either party in interest for the determination of damages shall be made within three years after the said land is so taken."
There were nine sections in the Charter which was finally approved on April 4, 1923.
The acquiring of this narrow strip of land, which lies on the very water's edge, was the result of a long struggle that went on over a period of time. A certain gentleman had pur- chased from the State a stretch of land that was marked as follows: from the thread of the Ogunquit River to the Atlantic Ocean at low water mark, and extending approximately three miles in length.1 The price paid was in the bracket of almost three hundred dollars.
1 From where the Ogunquit River meets the ocean to follow the river to Moody Point and the Usher field.
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When this man planned to sell the little strip of land to an outside group, the residents of the Village Corporation realized what such a move would actually mean to the village. Much discussion followed and several civic minded citizens endeav- ored to adjust this difficulty, but to no one's satisfaction.
The owner died, and again the same question was discussed with his heirs. No agreement was reached.
Again, the villagers tried to reach some settlement, and then came the appeal for the Charter which would allow the land to be set aside for a public park.
Including the many expenses that such a venture would in- cur, the cost of numerous former hearings, etc, plus the amount paid to the heirs, the beachland cost the total sum of $43,500.1
1 The author was the Treasurer of the Ogunquit Beach District.
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The Lookout Tree. (Within its thick foliage dusky red men once watched for unsuspecting white men)
LEGENDS
The Lookout Tree
BA ACK in the days of the Indian raids, many strange happen- ings occurred, but the incident of "The Lookout Tree" is per- haps by far the strangest of all.
The wily redmen, well-versed in the modes of savage war- fare, wreaked their vengeance upon many an unsuspecting white soul, and in many an unusual way, too. One particular tree - a wide-spreading elm not far from the Ogunquit River in the Moody area - was chosen as a vantage point by the savages.
This three because of its concealing, leafy branches, which towered high into the sky, became the hiding place of the Indian scouts. These scouts preceded the attacking parties, and often simply roamed around during the quiet times, doing as much damage as possible.
Thus it was, in apparently peaceful times, that some lone white man would be found with an arrow sticking from his body. Possibly he had been at work in his field, or perhaps he had chanced to pass in the vicinity of the huge elm tree, and had met his death from the hand of an unseen enemy.
And so this giant elm, the hiding place of the Indians, became known as "The Lookout Tree." It became, too, a spot to be avoided, for no one could tell when the elm would be conceal- ing one or more of the savage foe or when an arrow might whiz from the thick branches.
For a few years there was a lull in the Indian raids around Wells and Ogunquit. Then a messenger came with the start-
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ling news: The red men were on the warpath.
Again, the dreaded elm was carefully avoided by the white people. Days passed - days of tense watching and waiting and praying. No Indians appeared until one late afternoon, as the sun was slowly moving down over the western horizon, a young lad was standing on the bank of the Ogunquit River. He was standing near one of the lovely little waterfalls of the river.1 As he turned to watch the sun sink behind the trees, the great elm, The Lookout Tree, was directly in his range of vision. As he looked, his keen eyes saw the dark silhouette of an Indian perched high in its branches.
A moment - and then the lad raised to his shoulder his gun - a new and very special weapon, too. A careful aim, and a single shot rang out, reverberating through the stillness of the forestland.
Breathless, the lad waited, but only for a split second, then he saw the body of an Indian go hurtling through the air to land at the foot of the gnarled elm tree. He had killed the Indian with one shot - at a great distance
The companions of the slain Indian were in the elm tree, and they were awe-stricken at their comrade's sudden death. Strange happening! One moment he was with them, and the next, he was falling from his position in the crotch of the old elm tree - falling dead at their feet!
What magic was this? They had seen no white man, and they had been watching for some time. Magic! Evil spirits were working! Quickly the Indians scrambled down from their hid- ing place and ran shrieking toward the forest, disappearing into the dark shelter.
From that moment on, no Indian ever approached the old elm tree. Never again was it the hiding place of the redmen! From that time on the white men had no fear of The Look-
1 The spot is diagonally across from the present-day Telephone Ex- change in Moody.
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out Tree.
The tree remained standing until about 1935 or 1936, when its weatherbeaten trunk, now stripped of any living thing, was blown down. The bleached log was finally cleaned up and to- day there is no trace of the once famous Lookout Tree.
The Sunken Island (Plum Island)1
About a mile off shore, a small island once nestled among the ocean waves. Not too large, but of fairly good soil, this little spot of land was popular for its thick growth of luscious beach plums and juicy blueberries, and the folks of the village made a yearly pilgrimage to its small shores to gather the succulent fruits.
Imagine the surprise and astonishment of the Ogunquit Villagers one day when they discovered that Plum Island had disappeared. How could it be? Yet it was actually missing! One day it had been there, and the next - it was gone! No trace of it could be seen above the surface of the water. Some of the fishermen set out from the Cove to see if there was any possible way of determining where Plum Island used to be.
When these fishermen reached the approximate spot, they could discern a dark shadow in the water below - a shadow that indicated a rocky reef, all that was left of the popular Plum Island.
Today, the fishermen use this spot to set their lobster traps and to drift around for fishing grounds.
1 Spelled by Bourne "Plumb." The island was in existence as far back as 1725, date of disappearance not known.
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LIBRARY AND ART ASSOCIATION
T HE Ogunquit Memorial Library was given to this village by Mrs. George Conarroe of Philadelphia in memory of her husband. The structure of beautiful field stones was designed by Mr. Burns, also of Philadelphia, and was built in .1897. It was opened to the public the following year.
The interior was planned to represent fine old English archi- tecture with stained, dark oak beams and beautiful high wind- ows. About four thousand volumes were placed in the reading room by Mrs. Conarroe.
In 1914, an extension was found necessary, and Mr. Luther Weare, the only living first trustee, built this himself. He so cleverly matched the field stones that only a very keen eye can discern where the old part left off and the new part began.
The Memorial Library is located on the Shore Road about a half mile from the center of the village were the summer colony as well as the village folk may enjoy its friendly atmosphere.
The Original Art Association
Several years ago, on September 16, 1928, a group of people met at the studio of Charles H. Woodbury for the purpose of discussing the possibilities of forming an art association in the Village of Ogunquit.
Such an association had been foremost in the mind of Mr. Woodbury, for he had come so much to love and to paint every part of the beautiful village that he wished to share its natural beauty with other artists and lovers of nature.
Charles Curtis Allen of Boston was among this group which
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جاء ٨٤
PHOTO BY HIPPLE
Memorial Library, a beautiful example of building with field stones.
OGUNQUIT ART ASSOCIATION
ART
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PHOTO BY HIPPLE
The Barn Gallery, the present home of the Ogunquit Art Association.
met at the Woodbury Studio that golden afternoon in late summer. The idea of grouping the artists had also been in his mind.
Mr. Allen was chosen to preside at the meeting. So enthu- siastic were the responses and so eager were all to begin such a movement that then and there the Ogunquit Art Association was formed with Charles H. Woodbury for its first president, Dr. Burleigh Parkhurst, secretary, and Mr. Allen, treasurer. A group of directors was appointed to assist Mr. Woodbury. In this group were the following artists: Dacre Bush, Edward Kingsbury, Charles Curtis Allen, Leon D. Bonnet, Miss Amy Cabot, and Miss Elizabeth Sawtelle.
At first the area was confined to merely the limits of the vil- lage, and the coast from Portsmouth, N. H. to Portland, Maine. All artists within this selected area were invited to become a part of the Ogunquit Art Association.
As the years went by this area became extended, and by a quite recent plan all lovers of art may become members under the title "Associate Members."
The first exhibit was held in 1929 at the Ogunquit Beach Pavilion in a special room built by the owner, Walter M. Per- kins. The showings continued yearly until 1936.
The following year after its inception the Art Association found a new home, that of the "Barn Gallery," where it has been located ever since. This Barn Gallery is on the Shore Road, a short walk from the center of the village, and was actually a barn.
When the Capt. Charles Littlefield property was purchased by Edward C. Perkins (Sea Chambers) there were great pos- sibilities in the old-time barn that was connected with the large house. Architect Tubby of Portland, Maine drew the plans for the Art Gallery, and so cleverly were has arrangements drawn, the huge, original beams are still exposed.
The Barn Gallery of today has a main room where private
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showings are held twice in the season. Once in July, again in August when a tea is held. In the intervening days the public is invited to see the lovely exhibits. All weekly programs are held in this main room, and here, too, is the curator's desk.
In a large adjoining room, more pictures are shown, and in a still smaller room, the place of the old horse stalls, all the black and white pictures are exhibited. The room is now known as "The Black and White Room."
Many varieties of art are shown at the Barn Gallery - pastels, aquatints, pencil drawings, water colors, oils, etchings and wood- prints and all are attractively arranged.
Charles H. Woodbury
Because the late Charles H. Woodbury was directly responsible for making Ogunquit Village an "Artist's Paradise," there should be special mention made of his untiring efforts to bring people to his beloved spot where they could enjoy the many opportunities which the village offers.
Mr. Woodbury's son, David O. Woodbury, says: "Mr. Wood- bury first came to Ogunquit in June, 1890, with his bride. They stayed at the Ogunquit House. For the next five years the pair were painting and studying in Europe, but in 1897, he bought a small piece of land at Perkins Cove and built a modest studio. In the summer of 1898, Mr. Woodbury opened a sketch class at this studio; he had taught for some years in Boston and already had a wide reputation in New England. The class, begun in 1898, was held continuously until the sum- mer of 1939, when Mr. Woodbury was 75; hundreds of students came in those years, many of them have become well-known artists: Gertrude Fiske, Hope Smith, Russell Cheeny, etc.
"The sketch class was the first outside activity brought to Ogunquit, and shortly the town became known as the famous art colony.
"About 1928 Mr. Woodbury joined with a number of his
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PHOTO BY HIPPLE
Charles H. Woodbury, who first brought art to this village. From the portrait by John Singer Sargent.
pupils such as Amy Cabot, Gertrude Fiske, Charlotte Butler and Elizabeth Sawtelle in organizing the Ogunquit Art Association. They did this in order to provide a show place for their paint- ings, and a gallery from which sales could be made. Previous to this there had been no art gallery in Ogunquit; Mr. Woodbury had exhibited his own work at his studio, open to the public on Sunday afternoons, but his students had no place to ex- hibit theirs.
"Toward the end of his life Mr. Woodbury joined with Prof. George Ross of New York University in his summer classes, and after his death in January 1940, Mr. Ross conducted the class for one year. It has not been revived since."
It is quite a coincidence that Charles H. Woodbury should first come to the place1 that later became the Barn Gallery - a fitting place to honor the memory of the famous painter who made Ogunquit Village a veritable "Artist's Paradise."
1 The Capt. Charles Littlefield place, later purchased by Edward C. Perkins and still called Ogunquit House.
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THE FOOT DRAWBRIDGE AT PERKINS COVE
A CROSS the small river which rises in Mt. Agamenticus and which is known as Josiah's River is the Riverside Hotel. The walk from Perkins Cove around to this hotel was long and tiresome, and to make the trip more convenient for his guests, Moses Lyman Staples, owner of the hotel, planned construc- tion of a footbridge over the river.
This footbridge was built between two points: one on the Cove side, and the other on the opposite bank and just in back of the Riverside Hotel. People used this little footbridge for many years before storm damage made it unsafe for travel.
About 1935-36, the United States Government with the Ogun- quit Village Corporation worked on a project whereby the har- bor entrance was deepened. This project gave a better entrance to the harbor and allowed heavier craft the privilege of moor- ing within the Basin.
In 1944, the Ogunquit Village Corporation voted to restore the footbridge across the river where the original bridge once stood. As such a bridge would hamper those who wished to enter the harbor, the Corporation built a drawbridge within the footbridge1 after receiving a permit from Lester Staples, the present owner, to place the opposite end on his land in back of the same Riverside Hotel. A Harbor Master was appointed to attend to the drawbridge. William Tower, Jr. was the first Harbor Master, receiving his appointment in 1944.
Today the visitors to Perkins Cove marvel at the sight of the 1 Believed to be the only foot drawbridge in the State of Maine.
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only one of its kind in Maine. Footbridge at Perkins Cove opens to allow boats to enter Basin. Believed to be
PHOTO BY HIPPLE
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narrow bridge being lifted to permit all boats to enter or to leave the channel, and many a high-masted vessel has come safely through. It is a pleasing sight as the many-sized craft come majestically up the passageway, through the open draw, and come to anchor along the sides of the widened and deep- ened Basin.
Today, too, the people may cross the river on this small but sturdy foot drawbridge high above the water as they did in the days of its infancy. The view from the bridge is magnificent, and from its height one may see far across the expanse of spark- ling, turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean and listen to the sounds of the sea, mingled with the hoarse cries of the gulls. Here one may enjoy the invigorating salt air as it blows in from the ocean.
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JUST ODD ITEMS
T HE early records of the town of Wells were burned when a fire destroyed the home of the clerk, Joseph Bowles, in 1657.1 Wells at one time was known as Preston.
The first trial for murder in the district was that of a woman who was tried and hanged at York (then known as Gorgeana) .
Frazier's Pasture was named for a man by the name of Charles Frazier who landed in one of the smaller coves by way of a small boat. The village folk suspected that he was from some pirate craft and stories ran far and wide of this so-named pirate. The truth of it was that the man came to this part of the State for personal reasons. He was a resident of Canada.
Mr. Frazier lived the rest of his life in this village, and work- ed for one of the families here. Because cows were put out to feed in a large field, or pasture, and the man went daily to milk the animals, soon the place was referred to as "Frazier's Pasture."
The first real dry-goods store in Ogunquit was established by Wilbur F. Cousens. Before this, the building was doubly used, the first floor being filled with groceries, with dry-goods on the second floor. This double-duty store was run by Charles and Aaron Littlefield.
Mr. Cousens came from Kennebunkport in April of 1879 with a surplus load of dry-goods from his father's store, and trade was commenced in the little store. In a brief paper in which he reminisced on various affairs, Mr. Cousens said: "I think almost my first customer was Nellie Brooks who bought a pair of kid boots. I confess, if I had been the least bit super-
1 One historian uses the date: 1667. Bourne says 1657.
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stitious, I might have hesitated upon opening a business in a store where all previous attempts to succeed had been a failure. But my friend, Henry Perkins, whom I knew when he worked in the shipyards at the 'Port' encouraged me, and I rented his place at the 'fabulous' sum of five dollars a month." Mr. Cou- sens recalled that his store was broken into at three different times, and in one of the breaks the thief or thieves took four complete suits of clothes, with the additional overcoats and shoes, and then - "not being satisfied with that they took every vest in the store."
The store mentioned is on Shore Road, and today is a well-known summer business place.
On March 4, 1713, one Dr. Hall Jackson of Portsmouth, N. H. billed to one Pelatiah Littlefield of Wells the following: " - on account of the painful condition of one of his (Little- field's) limbs, and for medical attendance and visits, £21 6s 4d - equal to four bushels and three pecks of Indian corn."
One of the weirdest days in history was the "dark day" - May 19, 1780. Records tell that the sky was cloudy, and there was an intense silence over the entire place. "Birds were silent and the fowl put their heads under their wings and slept." A peculiar yellowish tint was shed over the countryside, and the people used light to see their way around.
A second "odd day" was called the "yellow day" and this happened about the year 1888 or '89. The conditions were ap- parently the same, and caused due alarm among the townsolk.
An earthquake was felt to some extent in November of 1755. This also caused people to wonder at the strange sounds and at the shaking of the earth.
Electric cars were taken out of Ogunquit Village about the year 1921 or '22.
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CONCLUSION
T. HIS early history of Ogunquit has been brief in comparison with other histories of the various sections of the Pine Tree State; but brief as it is, we find here the same qualities of courage and determination, skill and endurance, as we find elsewhere.
Our ancestors were trained in the school of actual warfare; they were trained in a school where perseverance and stead- fastness were the watch words. Today, we should bow our heads in reverence to those who laid the first cornerstones of demo- cracy. For although the life here was fraught with hardships and disappointments, these venerable people, spurred on by a hope and a faith that some day their labors would be crowned with the deep satisfaction of success, were the concrete examples of the materials that go to keep this present-day world of ours a world "of the people, by the people, for the people."
The End
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