Dark Harbor, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dark Harbor, Maine
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Village
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Dark Harbor, Islesboro, Maine
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Waldo |
| Town | Islesboro |
| Elevation | 30 ft (9 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04848
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| Area code(s) | 207 |
Dark Harbor is a small village located on the southern end of Islesboro Island in Waldo County, Maine. It covers about one-quarter of the land on Islesboro. Many well-known families from cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston chose Dark Harbor as their summer home.
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History of Dark Harbor
Dark Harbor got its name because it was a bit hidden or "obscure." Around the late 1800s, it became famous for its beautiful summer cottages. The idea for Dark Harbor as a summer getaway began in 1888. This happened after the Islesboro Land and Improvement Company was started. It was the third summer resort built on Islesboro Island.
Improving the Village
In 1902, the Dark Harbor Association was created. Most of its members were people who spent their summers there. Their main goal was to make the village even better and more beautiful. This group helped add things like flower boxes and benches. They also made sure the lawns were well-kept.
A Self-Sufficient Community
In its early days, getting around was hard. So, the summer resort built a complete community right within the village. People vacationing in Dark Harbor had access to many everyday conveniences. This included a grocery store, stables, and blacksmith shops. There were also other stores, a Christ Church, a library, and even its own post office.
Fun Activities for Summer Visitors
Summer residents in Dark Harbor enjoyed many fun activities. Tennis, golf, and yacht racing were very popular. The Tarratine Yacht Club was founded in 1896. It gave residents a central place to enjoy all three of these sports.
Famous Visitors to Dark Harbor
Over the years, several famous people have visited Dark Harbor. One notable visitor was Theodore Roosevelt, who was the 26th United States President. He visited his daughter, who was vacationing on the island, in 1917.
Another person who visited Dark Harbor in the early 1900s was Mary Mallon. She was known for being the first person identified in the United States who carried Typhoid without showing symptoms. In 1902, she stayed on the island as a cook for the J. Coleman Drayton family. During her stay, seven members of the family became sick. Typhoid fever was usually rare in Dark Harbor.
Today, Dark Harbor continues to be a popular summer spot. It is still home to some families from Maine's upper class.
Notable People from Dark Harbor
- Theodore Roosevelt: He was the 26th President of the United States.
- Mary Mallon: She was a historical figure known for carrying typhoid without symptoms.
