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Being the third largest island off the coast of Maine, it is reached
by state operated ferry trips leaving daily from Rockland. The island is
7 miles long, 3.5 miles wide, and about 15 miles from the mainland. During
the summer months the population more than triples from 1200, due to summer
homes, rentals and visitors who look forward to the cool coastal summer
climate. While the middle and northern parts are mostly old farms, now
summer residences, the one village
on the southern coast is unique, looking much as it did in the 19th century.
The gable and Mansard roofs are emphasized by the many front porches, gingerbread,
and stark white paint. This French Mansard Victorian is just one example
of the many architectural styles.
100 years ago
the island flourished economically with a booming granite industry. Grey,
bluish grey, black, and pink granite, were shipped in the form of columns,
obelisks, carved
sculpture, paving stones, and even footings for the Brooklyn bridge.
Many of the abandoned water filled quarries are now parks for swimming
and hiking. Surviving to the present day, the industries of lobstering,
scalloping, shrimping, and fishing are still the mainstay of the island's
economy. Island utility services include a town water system fed by 3 reservoirs,
unlimited electric power from the mainland, and telephone beamed by microwave
to and from Rockland. With daily UPS delivery, daily air mail, cable TV,
and a K through 12 school, life is similar to any other small town. Making
the island unique is the fact it has always been a year round working,
family oriented community, not a summer resort.Click
here to see a map of The Island.
19th Century village homes, land, and waterfront lots are available
for sale through Broker George Harrison, D.B.A. Harrison Realty. George
is good natured, so you can call him late, late at night, or early in the
mornings. Click
here Click here to see the 130 year old storefront he renovated himself
on Main Street in the village.
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