Innes, Richard C.

Little Chebeague Island, full of rich, deep soil, abundant groundwater, and extensive adjacent clam-flats attracted generations of Native Americans, who left there the largest clamshell midden in Casco Bay, Me. The same features were also prized by early English settlers who completed the clearing of most of the island for farming. By the mid-1800s, due to its summer climate and open view sheds, the successful creation of a resort hotel became a local landmark, and early steamboat service and wharf facilities led to thousand plus person excursions and clambakes, along with the first airplane flights seen over the bay. The prosperous island life was cut short by fire and then further destroyed by WWII, but a new life as a state owned public recreation site now lies ahead. Richard Innes, the compiler of this collection, is author of several books about Little Chebeague Island.