Peaks Island facts for kids
Photo of ferry landing and Welch Street on Peaks Island, Maine
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Casco Bay, Maine |
| Coordinates | 43°39′25″N 70°11′46″W / 43.65694°N 70.19611°W |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Gulf of Maine |
| Area | 720 acres (290 ha) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | (-) |
Peaks Island is the most populous island in Casco Bay, Maine. It is part of the city of Portland and is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) from downtown. The island is served by Casco Bay Lines and is home to its own elementary school, library, and police station. It is the only island in Casco Bay that allows cars throughout the island due to its size.
While small, the island hosts a variety of businesses including an ice cream parlor, restaurant, grocery store, kayak rentals, golf cart rentals, art galleries, the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum and the Umbrella Cover Museum, among others.
Notable visitors and places
George M. Cohan tried his productions out at the island's Gem Theater before taking them to Broadway. Jean Stapleton's first professional appearance in the summer of 1941 was in a production at Greenwood Garden Playhouse. Martin Landau also made his professional stage debut in a 1951 production of "Detective Story" at Greenwood Garden where for several seasons he was a resident cast member.
The Gem Theater was destroyed by fire on September 7, 1934. In the fire of 1936, the Union House Hotel also burned down—as well as a row of stores on the north side of Island Ave. including Augustus Carlson's Restaurant, Brackett's Grocery, Small's Bakery, John Cox's gift shop, and eight cottages.
During World War II, the island was home to a large military defense installation, including the largest structure, Battery Steele, which housed two 16-inch (406-mm) guns. When Battery Steele's guns were first tested, windows on the opposite side of the island shattered.
Population
According to the 2000 census, Peaks Island is home to 843 year-round residents, with a summer population that swells to an estimated 2,000–5,000, with many day-trippers. The island is served by Casco Bay Lines and is home to its own elementary school, library, and police station.
