Amrita Island facts for kids
Amrita Island is a small island located in Massachusetts, a state in the United States. It's found in Squeteague Harbor, which is part of the village of Cataumet in the town of Bourne. This island is in Barnstable County. People live on Amrita Island, and there are several homes there. The only road, Baxendale Road, connects the island to the mainland from Megansett Road.
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The Story of Amrita Island
Amrita Island has an interesting past, especially because of its connection to helping animals.
Who Owned Amrita Island?
In 1893, a man named Thomas Baxendale and his wife, Esther Minerva, bought Amrita Island. They were from Brockton, Massachusetts. The couple started building many things on the island. They built a large house called "Island Haven." They also constructed a stone bridge to connect parts of the island. Besides their main house, they built four other homes with unique names like Stonehenge and Castle le Mere. They also added three bathing pavilions, a gazebo, and a small cottage.
The Baxendales' Special Mausoleum
The Baxendales even built a mausoleum on the island. A mausoleum is a building that holds the remains of people who have died. This one was special because it was planned to be the resting place for the Baxendales themselves. But it also held several of their beloved animals. This shows how much they cared for animals.
Amrita Island and Animal Welfare
Thomas Baxendale was a strong supporter of animal welfare. This means he believed in treating animals kindly and protecting them. While he lived on Amrita Island, he often held talks about how important it is to help animals. He also gave money to the local Animal Rescue League. This organization works to rescue and care for animals.
A Gift for Animal Rescue
After Esther Baxendale passed away in 1927, the island was given to Harvard University as part of the Baxendales' will. However, Harvard University then gave the island's 21 acres to the Animal Rescue League of Boston. This continued the Baxendales' wish to support animal welfare.
Summer Camp for Kids
The Animal Rescue League used some land next to the island for a special purpose. Until 2007, they ran a summer camp there for children aged seven to fourteen. These children were often from inner-city areas. At the camp, kids learned many things. They learned how to care for animals and how to train dogs. They also had pet shows, studied nature, and even learned woodworking. It was a place where children could connect with animals and nature.
