Casco Bay is home to some of the most beautiful and easily accessed islands in Maine. One of the most lovely is actually not an island at all. Mackworth Island is actually connected to Falmouth and is reached via a one-way road from the mainland. It’s a beautiful place, but it’s also home to one of the most unfortunate stories in Maine history.
Take a short drive from Falmouth on a one-lane road and you’ll end up at Mackworth Island.
David Fulmer / Flickr The island and the causeway leading to it, were deeded to the state in 1943 by Maine’s governor Percival P. Baxter. This included his summer home located on the island.
It’s a beautiful way to spend a sunny day and it’s so popular that it’s often packed with cars, forcing late arrivals to turn back and return another day.
BEV Norton / Flickr
A trail winds its way around the island, providing views of the bay and the forested interior.
nhoulihan / Flickr
Outcroppings allow for some nice peace and quiet.
nhoulihan / Flickr
But, along with the beauty of the island comes a sad history that long went untold.
Emily / Flickr
In 1957, the Governor Baxter School for The Deaf (previously called the Maine School for The Deaf) was created on the island.
David Fulmer / Flickr But from virtually the very beginning of the school’s existence, stories of abuse existed.
It wasn’t until 1981 that a state-led investigation forced the resignation of Principal Robert Kelly, the school’s Superintendent Joseph Youngs, and the Dean of Students, Jan Repass.
marknenadov / Flickr Despite the fact that the investigation revealed that repeated allegations of abuse were true, no-one was charged for the crimes. In fact, Principal Robert Kelly continued to draw a pension for along time.
In 2001, Governor King apologized on behalf of Maine for both the abuse and the fact that it went completely un-investigated for so long.
David Fulmer / Flickr Soon after, the Baxter Compensation Authority was created to work towards compensation for the suffering of former students. However, because the statute of limitations had ended, even if students were willing to testify, no one could have faced any criminal charges.
Mackworth Island is certainly a beautiful place, but it’s important to remember the awful history to ensure it’s never repeated.
Sam T / Flickr
We’re lucky to have access to such beauty, but let’s remember those who came before us and honor them with every visit.
Mike Timberlake / Flickr
For more Maine history, check out these incredibly old photos.
David Fulmer / Flickr
The island and the causeway leading to it, were deeded to the state in 1943 by Maine’s governor Percival P. Baxter. This included his summer home located on the island.
BEV Norton / Flickr
nhoulihan / Flickr
Emily / Flickr
But from virtually the very beginning of the school’s existence, stories of abuse existed.
marknenadov / Flickr
Despite the fact that the investigation revealed that repeated allegations of abuse were true, no-one was charged for the crimes. In fact, Principal Robert Kelly continued to draw a pension for along time.
Soon after, the Baxter Compensation Authority was created to work towards compensation for the suffering of former students. However, because the statute of limitations had ended, even if students were willing to testify, no one could have faced any criminal charges.
Sam T / Flickr
Mike Timberlake / Flickr
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