History of the Boothbay Shores Association (BSA)
People who make that sharp, unassuming turn off of Route 96 and onto King Phillips Trail would never guess the delightfully colorful past of the Boothbay Shores area. Originally conceived as an elaborate summer resort in the mid-1920’s, New Jersey land developer, William Jackson, along with a local resident from Boothbay, purchased the entire peninsula from the heirs of Benjamin Reed. The approximate 250 acres comprising the area between Glen Cove, Little River, and the Damariscotta River was marketed as, “Boothbay Shores, the Madeira of Maine.”
With a moniker as grand as that, further enterprising concepts were realized. Among these, the area was subdivided into 400, ⅛ acre house lots, connected by an array of roadways with names recalling Native Indian folklore such as Samoset, Pocahontas, King Phillip, and Wigwam. In addition, Glen Cove, created by damming the upper end of Little River, was projected to be the country’s “largest saltwater swimming pool,” complete with a water slide. An observation tower as well as a clubhouse were to be built on Wigwam Trail, which occupied the highest point of land, offering spectacular views of Monhegan Island and the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean beyond. With the anticipation of ocean-going yachts anchoring in Little River to enjoy the wondrous spectacle of the “Madeira of Maine,” a boat landing was also constructed.
The year 1929 arrived, and with it, the Great Depression. No one was immune from the devastating financial effects and sadly, the intended utopian playground of these optimistic and idealistic developers was shattered. Development was curtailed. What remains today are the numerous roads, four century-old log cabins, the dam at Glen Cove, and the eerie, abandoned base of the observation tower. The boat landing on Little River was generously donated by the Hallowell Family and is currently owned and maintained by the Boothbay Shores Association. It includes a dock and float and was proudly renamed Pete’s Landing in 2021 after the late Pete Yesmentes who contributed much work and dedication to our neighborhood.
From the idealism of the Roaring 20’s and the subsequent depths of the Depression, the present-day area emerged, defining a low-key, non-commercial, down-to-earth, slower-paced lifestyle than initially intended. The original house lots were sold and a private community grew, exemplified by mostly one-of-a-kind homes, emanating a unique character all their own. The same could be said for their welcoming and charming inhabitants; a rare blend of creative and interesting individuals, lending a breath of fresh air to what truly is an enchanting area.
A group of Boothbay Shores property owners formed the Boothbay Shores Association (BSA) in 1968. This community organization was chartered under the laws of the State of Maine to promote the social, recreational, and legal interests of the property owners. The BSA was instrumental in the founding of the Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT). A wonderful result of the 1980 creation of this remarkable conservation organization was their inaugural purchase of the dam at Glen Cove: a proud asset of the BRLT and assurance that this significant landmark in our neighborhood will endure into the future.
Each residence in Boothbay Shores is eligible for membership in the BSA upon payment of an initiation fee and modest annual dues set by the vote of the membership. A yearly fee is also assessed for those who use the dock facilities. Three community social events are sponsored each season: Coffee and Clean-Up in late spring, the Hello Party in mid-June, and the Summer Evening Gathering in July. The BSA Board is composed of four officers and six directors, with officers holding 2-year terms and directors filling staggered 3-year terms. The Chairperson of the Dock Committee is also a Board member. On the third Saturday of August each year, an annual meeting is held where major actions of the Boothbay Shores Association are discussed and authorized, and where Board members are elected.
Membership is voluntary, however, an enthusiastic 90% of Boothbay Shores residents choose to join and support the organization.
Janet Campisano, 2022
With great thanks to Linda Wolcott and Sheida White for many of the above-mentioned facts.