Squirrel Island, Maine facts for kids
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Squirrel Island is a small island located in the Gulf of Maine. It is also a special village within the town of Southport, Maine, in the United States. This island became a popular summer community in 1871. The name "Squirrel Island" might make you think of the furry animals, but it's actually not about them! According to an island historian, Charles McLane, squirrels didn't even live there a long time ago. Instead, the island's name comes from its unique shape. When you look at it from above, it looks like a squirrel holding an acorn!
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Exploring the History of Squirrel Island
Farmers and shepherds lived on Squirrel Island even before the American Revolution. The island started to become a summer getaway when the Squirrel Island Association was formed in 1871. Later, in 1903, a special type of local government called a "village corporation" was set up. This was one of the first of its kind in Maine!
How the Island is Governed
The "village corporation" helps manage the island's unique needs. Most people who live on Squirrel Island in the summer don't live in Southport all year. This means they can't vote in Southport's local elections. The village corporation gives them a way to have a say in how the island is run.
Island residents pay taxes to Southport. A part of these taxes is given back to the island to be spent there. They also pay an extra local tax that is used just for island projects.
Island Homes and Land
Most of the land on Squirrel Island is leased from the Squirrel Island Association. This means people rent the land for their homes, and they follow rules about how they can use it. It's a bit like a homeowners' association.
There are about 100 land plots, and each has one family cottage. Most of these cottages were first built between the 1870s and the 1920s. Over the years, many of them have been updated and made bigger.
Long ago, the island had a casino and a hotel. Sadly, both of these buildings burned down in the 1960s.
Life and Services on Squirrel Island
People who live on Squirrel Island during the summer leave for the winter months. This is because the water pipes above ground are drained. This stops them from freezing and breaking when it gets cold!
Fun Activities and Facilities
Residents on the island can enjoy many fun things. There are beautiful beaches, tennis courts, and opportunities for boating. The island also has a local restaurant, a library, and a chapel.
All the island's facilities are taken care of by the Squirrel Island taxpayers. This includes things like the boat moorings, docks, tennis courts, and beaches. These are for the use of residents and their guests.
Getting Around and Island Services
Squirrel Island does not have any medical facilities or stores. People get around the island by walking. Residents are not allowed to bring motor vehicles, so you won't see cars driving around!
The island gets its telephone, electricity, and water through special cables and pipes. These run under the sea from the mainland. A ferry boat called the Novelty makes regular trips. It travels from Boothbay Harbor, Maine to the island.
