text:
Cape Neddick, Maine

Cape Neddick is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of York in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,568 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Cape Neddick is located at 43.16889°N, -70.61722°W (43.169023, -70.617341). The CDP as defined includes all of the physical peninsula known as Cape Neddick, plus all of the unincorporated community of York Beach, which consists of two beaches, one on either side of Cape Neddick. The northern limit of the CDP is Cape Neddick Harbor, the western limit is Route 1, and the southern boundary is the border with York Harbor. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.0 sqmi, of which 3.7 sqmi is land and 0.2 sqmi of it, or 6.03%, is water.

Cape Neddick Light, also known as Nubble Lighthouse, is the most distinctive feature of the community. Construction began in 1876 and cost $15,000. It was first illuminated on July 1, 1879. The lighthouse was originally red but has been painted white since 1902. The distinctive red house was also built in 1902. The tower stands 41 ft tall. The lighthouse became automated in 1987.

Climate
Cape Neddick has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb), its main features are long cold winters and sometimes hot summers. Affected by the Gulf of Maine, winters are not so severe compared to other parts of Maine. Since the weather station was established and began to observe in 2000, it has never measured a low temperature below -20 F. Cape Neddick's annual average temperature is 47.0 F, the coldest month is 23.2 F in January, and the hottest month is 69.7 F in July.

Extreme temperatures range from −14 °F on February 15–16, 2003 up to 97 °F on July 23, 2011; the record cold daily maximum is 0 °F, set on January 15, 2004, while, conversely, the record warm daily minimum is 77 °F on June 29, 2021. The coldest day of the year averaged 11 F in the 2001 to 2020 normals, while the warmest night average was at 70 F. The coldest has been February 2015 with a mean temperature of 12.2 F, while the warmest month was July 2010 at 72.3 F; the annual mean temperature has ranged from 45.8 F in 2014 to 49.0 F in 2010. Cape Neddick has about 2 days a year with afternoon temperatures above 90 F, and 7 days a year with nighttime temperatures below 0 F.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,997 people, 1,340 households, and 897 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 801.5 PD/sqmi. There were 3,424 housing units at an average density of 915.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.26% White, 0.27% African American, 0.47% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.90% of the population.

There were 1,340 households, out of which 22.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.7% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.70.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 18.2% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 33.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $45,500, and the median income for a family was $52,796. Males had a median income of $42,386 versus $30,800 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $33,788. About 2.2% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.

Points of interest
There are two listings on the National Register of Historic Places for Cape Neddick. One is St. Peter's By-The-Sea Protestant Episcopal Church, and the other is Cape Neddick Light just off the coast.

Activities
Cape Neddick Country Club offers golfing on an 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross

History
Before 1655 Cape Neddick was inhabited by John Gooch, Peter Weare, Edward Wanton, Sylvester Stover and Thomas Wheelwright and their families.

Notable residents

 * Phyllis Brooks, actress
 * Peter Clines, writer
 * Dawn Hill, state legislator
 * Paul D. McGowan, state legislator

title: Cape Neddick, Maine


text:
Cornish, Maine

Cornish is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,508 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The main village in town is the Cornish census-designated place. The village has a number of antique shops and restaurants near historic Thompson Park. Cornish is home to the first concrete bridge in North America.

History
In 1665, a trading post was established by Francis Small in the vicinity of Cornish village, not far from the confluence of the Ossipee River with the Saco River. Here converged three major Abenaki Indian paths—the Sokokis Trail (Route 5), the Ossipee Trail (Route 25) and the Pequawket Trail (Route 113), making it a central location for conducting with Native Americans the lucrative fur trade. In 1668, Small purchased from Newichawannock Chief Captain Sunday (or Wesumbe) the Ossipee Tract, encompassing the present-day towns of Cornish, Parsonsfield, Newfield, Limerick, Limington and Shapleigh (which then included Acton). The price was two large Indian blankets, two gallons of rum, two pounds of gunpowder, four pounds of musket balls and twenty strings of Indian beads. Small then sold a half interest in the tract to Major Nicholas Shapleigh of Eliot.

In 1770, heirs discovered the unrecorded deed, and hired attorney James Sullivan of Biddeford to pursue their claim. They won, and paid Sullivan for his services with the township he named Limerick. Small's descendants took possession of Newfield, Limington and Cornish, the latter first named Francisborough, then Francistown, after its original proprietor. Settled by Joseph Thompson in 1782, it was incorporated on February 27, 1794, as Cornish, presumably by settlers from the county of Cornwall, England. The soil was very productive for farming, producing large crops of corn and other types of grain. In 1859, the population was 1,144. The Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad ran up the Saco River valley in the early 1870s, servicing Baldwin Station across the bridge from Cornish.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 22.38 sqmi, of which 22.18 sqmi is land and 0.20 sqmi is water. Cornish is drained by the Ossipee River and the Saco River. The town's highest point is Clark Mountain, 1,320+ feet (402+ m) above sea level. It is also York County's highest point. The second highest point in the town and county is Hosac Mountain, 1,320 feet (402 m), often mistaken as the highest point in York County.

The town is crossed by state routes 5, 25 and 160. Cornish borders the towns of Hiram to the north, Baldwin to the northeast, Limington to the east, Limerick to the south, and Parsonsfield to the west.

2010 census
A the 2010 census, there were 1,403 people, 609 households and 405 families living in the town. The population density was 63.3 PD/sqmi. There were 692 housing units at an average density of 31.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.4% White, 0.4% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population.

There were 609 households, of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.5% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.75.

The median age in the town was 44.5 years. 20.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.7% were from 25 to 44; 32.9% were from 45 to 64; and 16.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.7% male and 49.3% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 1,269 people, 521 households and 340 families living in the town. The population density was 57.4 PD/sqmi. There were 588 housing units at an average density of 26.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.35% White, 0.24% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.55% of the population.

There were 521 households, of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.2% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.7% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.00.

24.8% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males.

The median household income was $38,125 and the median family income was $46,477. Males had a median income of $31,853 compared with $25,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,494. About 9.3% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.8% of those under age 18 and 18.4% of those age 65 or over.

Local schools

 * Cornish Elementary (Closed)
 * Sacopee Valley Middle School
 * Sacopee Valley High School

Sites of interest

 * Cornish Historical Society & Museum
 * Saco River Festival Association
 * Caleb R. Ayer House
 * George F. Clifford House
 * Odd Fellows-Rebekah Hall
 * LeRoy F. Pike Memorial Building

Notable people

 * Caleb R. Ayer, 19th century state senate president and Secretary of State
 * David Dunn, 18th governor of Maine
 * Eddie Files, baseball pitcher
 * David Hammons, US congressman
 * Joseph Hammons, US congressman from New Hampshire
 * Steve Letarte, former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and current commentator for NASCAR on NBC

 In Popular Culture

 * Cornish is briefly mentioned by Father Callahan in Stephen King's 1975 Novel  'Salem's Lot.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Cornish, Maine


text:
Dayton, Maine

Dayton is a town in York County, Maine, United States; the town is located near the Saco-Biddeford city area. Dayton borders Biddeford by land, and borders Saco on the Saco River. It is also part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The population was 2,129 at the 2020 census. Dayton is one of the smallest towns in York County.

History
The area was once inhabited by the Sokokis (or Saco) Indians, who hunted and fished along the Saco River. The old Sokokis Trail is now Route 5, which passes through Dayton. In 1664, Major William Phillips purchased from the sagamore the land which would become Little Falls Plantation—today the towns of Hollis, Dayton and part of Limington. In 1728, a stockaded fort which contained a trading post was built a half mile below Union Falls. Called the Saco Truck House or Saco Block House, the garrison was maintained throughout the French and Indian War until the fall of Quebec in 1759.

Settlers arrived in 1753, and lumbering became a principal industry. Logs were rolled down the banks of the Saco River and floated to sawmills at Saco. Nathaniel Goodwin established the first local mill in 1782 at Goodwins Mills, where falls in Swan Brook drop 33 ft. A sawmill and gristmill were erected at Union Falls (then called Hopkinson's Mill) in 1806. Tanneries were built, and land was cleared for farms. In 1798, Little Falls Plantation was incorporated as Phillipsburg, in honor of Major William Phillips—but only until 1810. Considered difficult to pronounce and write, the Phillipsburg was changed to Hollis. Then, in 1854, the southern part of Hollis petitioned the state legislature to become a separate town. Permission was granted, and the community was named Dayton after Thomas Day, who submitted the petition.

In 1860, Dayton voted to build at Union Falls a covered bridge, 112 ft long and 18 ft wide, connecting to Buxton. The span was blown up in 1921 by the Clark Power Company, an event filmed as part of a melodrama by the Pine Tree Moving Picture Corporation of Portland. The Great Fires of 1947 destroyed two-thirds of Dayton, including 27 homes, four barns and the town hall. In 1951, the Central Maine Power Company built a hydroelectric dam, Skelton Dam, between Salmon Falls and Union Falls, submerging the scenic gorge. With the submergence of the gorge, the road that ran perpendicular to the covered bridge was cut off. A new road called Company Road was built to replace it. Once a community of dairy farms, Dayton is now primarily residential.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 18.40 sqmi, of which 17.89 sqmi is land and 0.51 sqmi is water. Dayton is drained by the Saco River.

Maine-State routes 5 and 35 intersect in Dayton, while U.S. Route 202 and Interstate 95 pass outside the town limits. The town borders Lyman, Hollis, and Buxton, as well as the cities of Saco and Biddeford.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,965 people, 712 households, and 547 families living in the town. The population density was 109.8 PD/sqmi. There were 753 housing units at an average density of 42.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.6% White, 0.8% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 712 households, of which 40.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.9% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.2% were non-families. 15.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.11.

The median age in the town was 40.5 years. 25.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.7% were from 25 to 44; 31.8% were from 45 to 64; and 9.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.6% male and 48.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,805 people, 638 households, and 509 families living in the town. The population density was 100.9 PD/sqmi. There were 663 housing units at an average density of 37.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.50% White, 0.17% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.39% of the population.

There were 638 households, out of which 44.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.6% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.1% were non-families. 14.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.5% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 37.1% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 7.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $53,056, and the median income for a family was $57,692. Males had a median income of $38,150 versus $25,956 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,629. About 2.9% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Dayton children in grades K–5 attend the Dayton Consolidated School, which, as of July 1, 2014, became its own school district, sharing superintendent and other administrative tasks with the Biddeford School System. It was previously part of Regional School Union #23. Prior to July 2014, students from grades 6–8 attended Saco Middle School, but as of July 2014 attend Thornton Academy Middle School. Prior to July 2014, students in grades 9–12 attended Thornton Academy, but as of July 2014 have a choice between Thornton and Biddeford High School.

title: Dayton, Maine


text:
Eliot, Maine

Eliot is a town in York County, Maine, United States. Originally settled in 1623, it was formerly a part of Kittery, to its east. After Kittery, it is the next most southern town in the state of Maine, lying on the Piscataqua River across from Portsmouth and Newington, New Hampshire. The population was 6,717 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

Eliot is home to Ambush Rock, Green Acre, and the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum.

Founding
Today's town of Eliot was formerly the Middle Parish of the town Kittery, Maine, originally part of the royal grant to Sir Ferdinando Gorges known as the Piscataqua Plantation. Kittery was incorporated in 1647, today distinguishing itself as "the oldest incorporated town in Maine."

While this may be so, settlements upriver on the north side of the Piscataqua River in today's Eliot were established considerably earlier, owing to more favorable conditions for harborage, timber, and shipbuilding. This is the basis for Eliot maintaining it was "settled" almost a quarter century earlier in 1623.

In 1659 the local court decreed that there should be two meeting houses in Kittery. The town's inhabitants disagreed, and held a town meeting on July 17, 1660, where it was:

...Agreed and fully consented unto that this town of Kittery is by free consent divided into three parts for settling of three ministers, one in the east part as followeth, one at Nichewancick [today's Berwick] which bound ae to come doown unto Thompson point brook formerly called the black Brook and from that Brook the second division is to go downward to the great cove below Thos. Spinney's Point and the third division to go down from the great cove unto Brave Boat Harbor with Capt. Champernown Island, all of which three divisions according as they are divided each division to bear their own charges for the maintenance of their own minister.

The Upper Parish, then known as the Parish of Unity, later became the town of Berwick (incorporated in 1713), with the uppermost part of Kittery along the Piscataqua becoming the Upper Parish. Left without a meeting house or minister, the residents of a newly created Middle Parish between the Upper and Lower along the river between it and Spinney's Cove [Great Cove] were permitted by order of the court to attend church across the Piscataqua in either the towns of Dover, New Hampshire or Portsmouth for one-half their going rates.

Prior to Eliot's incorporation as a town on March 1, 1810, the Upper Parish had been in conflict with Kittery's other parishes since at least 1791. In 1791, the parish's minister died. His successor, according to a large faction of the parish's inhabitants, was a man of "unfair character" imposed by "a small party" of people. He was rejected by "a large majority", and a new minister was installed in 1792. The internal strife between inhabitants didn't stop there.

The minority faction, angered by the removal of their minister, petitioned the Legislature in 1796 to be set off to the Upper Parish, which was accordingly done. The inhabitants of the second Parish, which was left without a meetinghouse and left to worship across the river at half rate in the town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, accused the members of the other two of conspiring against them.

The town was likely named for Reverend John Eliot of Boston, a friend of General Andrew P. Fernald, the town agent largely responsible for its separation.

Scotland Bridge
A section of northern Eliot bordering on York came to be known as Scotland Bridge after Scots prisoners of war from the English Civil War Battle of Dunbar were resettled there in 1650. These Scots had been force-marched to Durham Cathedral in Durham, England, then tried for treason for supporting Charles II rather than Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector. The name remains today.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 21.32 sqmi, of which 19.78 sqmi is land and 1.54 sqmi is water. Eliot is drained by Sturgeon Creek and the Piscataqua River.

Eliot is served by state routes 91, 101, 103 and 236. The town is northwest of Interstate 95 and near the New Hampshire border.

Demographics
As of 2022 the median income for a household in the town was $93,231, and the median income for a family was $106,210. Males had a median income of $55,714 versus $37,500 for females. The per capita income for the town was $41,551. About 3.08% of families and 6.47% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,204 people, 2,509 households, and 1,783 families residing in the town. The population density was 313.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,669 housing units at an average density of 134.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.8% White, 0.7% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 2,509 households, of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.9% were non-families. 23.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the town was 45.4 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.3% were from 25 to 44; 36.1% were from 45 to 64; and 14.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

Sites of interest

 * Green Acre
 * Raitt Homestead Farm Museum
 * Ambush Rock
 * Frost Garrison and House, Frost’s Hill
 * Paul Family Farm, 106 Depot Road
 * Fogg House
 * Punkintown
 * Sandy Hill Farm

Politics
Voter Registration: 29.72% Republican. 27.27% Democrat. 2.01% Green Independent. 41.00% Un-enrolled.

State Representative: Michele Meyer(2018 D) State Senator:  Mark Lawrence (2018 D) US Representative:  Chellie Pingree (2016) (D)

Eliot's form of government provided by its charter is Town Meeting, Select Board, and Town Manager.

Education SAD35 (Eliot, South Berwick, and Rollinsford)

 * Eliot Elementary School
 * Central School
 * Great Works School
 * Marshwood Middle School
 * Marshwood High School
 * Seacoast Waldorf School (private)

Notable people

 * Shem Drowne, coppersmith, America's first documented weathervane maker
 * Hannah Tobey Farmer, philanthropist, writer, social reformer; wife of Moses G. Farmer
 * Moses Gerrish Farmer, inventor
 * Sarah Jane Farmer, founder of the Greenacre Conferences and Monsalvat School at Eliot, Maine; daughter of Moses G. Farmer
 * Charles Frost, Colonial Military Leader
 * John Fremont Hill, state congressmen and US senator, 45th governor of Maine (1901–1905)

title: Eliot, Maine


text:
Hollis, Maine

Hollis is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 4,745 at the 2020 census. Hollis is a rural bedroom community of Portland and is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area.

History
The town of Hollis was originally called Little Falls Plantation, which also encompassed all of the town of Dayton and a small part of Limington, namely the area south of the Little Ossipee River. It was bought in 1664 by Major William Phillips from Hobinowell and Mogg Hegon, sagamores of the local Abenaki Indians. In 1728, the Massachusetts General Court ordered that a combination trading post and stockaded blockhouse be constructed on the Saco River to conduct trade with the Native Americans. It was made crudely of logs and equipped with a cannon. Ten men and a sergeant garrisoned it.

John and Andrew Gordon tried to settle the land in 1754, but were driven away by the Native Americans. On March 27, 1781, the first recorded plantation meeting took place and Joseph Chadbourne was elected moderator. By 1790 the population had grown to 607. The first vote for state office came in 1791, when Little Falls gave John Hancock 27 votes. In 1798, Little Falls was incorporated into Phillipsburg, named in honor of Major Phillips. The first town meeting took place on September 27, 1798, at the home of Stephen Hopkinson. The moderator was Joseph Chadbourne. In 1810 a committee was put together to rename the town, headed by Colonel Isaac Lane and Captain Eben Cleaves. It was finally decided upon the name Hollis. The reasoning behind the name is not known; it is thought to have been inspired by Hollis, New Hampshire, or possibly by the Duke of Newcastle, whose family name was Holles.

Farmers grew corn, potatoes and hay in the sandy loam. Water powered mills were built along the Saco River at Hollis village, Bar Mills, Moderation Falls (opposite West Buxton), North Hollis and Bonny Eagle Falls. These included lumber mills, a spool factory, a woodturning mill, a wooden box factory and the Saco River Woolen Company. The Portland and Rochester Railroad crossed the southern part of the town.

Hollis was the closest community to the epicenter of a 4.0 magnitude earthquake felt by many across New England on October 16, 2012.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.99 sqmi, of which 32.01 sqmi is land and 0.98 sqmi is water. Hollis is drained by Cook's Brook and the Saco River.

Hollis borders the towns of Limington and Standish to the north, Buxton to the east, Dayton to the south, Lyman to the southwest and Waterboro to its west.

Climate
Hollis has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb). Winters are cold and snowy, whereas summers are mild to warm with frequent rainfall.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,281 people, 1,668 households, and 1,216 families living in the town. The population density was 133.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,801 housing units at an average density of 56.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.9% White, 0.2% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.4% of the population.

There were 1,668 households, of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.2% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.1% were non-families. 18.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the town was 40.9 years. 22% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.9% were from 25 to 44; 33.5% were from 45 to 64; and 10.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,114 people, 1,507 households, and 1,139 families living in the town. The population density was 128.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,592 housing units at an average density of 49.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.81% White, 0.15% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.53% of the population.

There were 1,507 households, out of which 38.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.7% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.4% were non-families. 16.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the town, the age distribution of the population shows 26.8% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $48,846, and the median income for a family was $53,621. Males had a median income of $35,064 versus $25,510 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,065. About 4.6% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
With a population slightly above 4,000 and its proximity to Portland, Hollis is growing fast. Many residents commute to jobs in Portland, South Portland, Saco, Biddeford, and Sanford. The few large businesses in Hollis include Eagle Industries, a precision sheet metal shop that employs about 35 and used to also be the main sponsor of FIRST Robotics Competition Team BERT 133 from Bonny Eagle High School. There is also a bottling plant for Poland Spring Water. Many of the local businesses are family-run and well-established in the community.

Education
Elementary students in Hollis attend Hollis Elementary School, while middle and high school students attend Bonny Eagle Middle School and High School respectively. Hollis is located within Maine School Administrative District 6.

Paul Penna is the Superintendent of Schools. Trevor Hustus is the chairman of the board.

Earthquake
At 7:12 pm local time, on October 16, 2012, an earthquake originally estimated as a 4.6 magnitude, then downgraded to a 4.0 struck Hollis, with its epicenter approximately 3 mi west of the center of town. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake occurred at a depth of 6.6 km (4.1 miles). Some residents reported cracked floors and walls, but there were no reports of major damage. There were reports of tremors felt in all six New England states and New York.

Notable people

 * Alias, hip-hop artist/producer
 * Kate Douglas Wiggin, author

title: Hollis, Maine


text:
Kittery Point, Maine

Kittery Point is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Kittery, York County, Maine, United States. First settled in 1623, Kittery Point traces its history to the first seafarers who colonized the shore of what became Massachusetts Bay Colony and later the State of Maine. Located beside the Atlantic Ocean, it is home to Fort McClary State Historic Site, and Fort Foster Park on Gerrish Island. Cutts Island is home to Seapoint Beach and the Brave Boat Harbor Division of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

Kittery Point is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,012 at the 2010 census.

History
Settled as early as 1623, the southern part of Kittery was once called Champernowne's after Sir Francis Champernowne, a prominent merchant adventurer and cousin of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the prime mover behind settlement north of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Nicholas Shapleigh built the first house in the area, and Edward Godfrey established a trading post in 1632. Early professions included fishermen, hunters and trappers. Others harvested the region's abundant timber, which was shipped to England or the West Indies. The town of Kittery was incorporated in 1652 when Maine became part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

The Pepperrells were a distinguished Kittery Point family who established fisheries to supply the London market. William Pepperrell Sr. had arrived from Devonshire as a lowly fisherman's apprentice at the Isles of Shoals in New Hampshire. He went on to build a mercantile empire, which his son Sir William Pepperrell inherited and expanded. Sir William became the first baronet in New England for commanding a militia which defeated the French in 1745 at the Siege of Louisbourg. His gambrel mansion of 1733 remains a landmark at Pepperrell Cove on the Piscataqua River. In 1760, his widow built the Lady Pepperrell House, a noted Georgian building formerly owned by Historic New England.

Pepperrell himself built an elaborate wooden house called the Sparhawk Mansion at Kittery Point as a gift to his daughter on her marriage to Nathaniel Sparhawk in 1750. Crowned with an elegant cupola, the house contained finely carved panelling in its 19 rooms. Sadly, over two centuries later, in 1967 the Sparhawk Mansion was demolished, just as preservation efforts in the area were emerging. More fortunate is the John Bray House, built by a shipwright in 1662 and considered the oldest surviving house in Maine. Recently threatened with redevelopment because of its desirable view of Pepperrell Cove and Portsmouth Harbor, the building has instead been restored. Some speculate that the Bray House was the birthplace of the mother of Sir William Pepperrell, whose father William Pepperrell Sr. married John Bray's daughter Margery, but it is more likely that she was born in England.

On land once owned by Sir William Pepperrell is a Portsmouth Harbor defense called Fort McClary, built opposite Fort Constitution in New Castle, New Hampshire. It is today Fort McClary State Historic Site and features a blockhouse dating from 1844. In 1969, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Foster, a later coastal defense, was built by the federal government on 92 acre at Gerrish Island. Now owned by the town of Kittery, Fort Foster Park provides superb views of Portsmouth Harbor, Whaleback Lighthouse and the Isles of Shoals, part of which belongs to Kittery. Near Seapoint Beach in the mid-20th century, the Newcomen Society built a cluster of Tudor cottages at what was then its summer retreat.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 6.7 sqkm, of which 4.9 sqkm is land and 1.7 sqkm (25.83%) is water. Kittery Point is bounded by Spruce Creek, the Piscataqua River, the Atlantic Ocean and Brave Boat Harbor.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,135 people, 538 households, and 322 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 230.6 /km2. There were 594 housing units at an average density of 120.7 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.44% White, 0.97% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.09% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.53% of the population.

There were 538 households, out of which 19.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.4% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.64.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 16.3% under the age of 18, 3.4% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 32.5% from 45 to 64, and 20.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $47,500, and the median income for a family was $53,839. Males had a median income of $40,417 versus $29,808 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $30,119. About 4.7% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.0% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

Sites of interest

 * Fort Foster Park
 * Fort McClary State Historic Site
 * Kittery Art Association
 * Kittery Historical and Naval Museum
 * Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
 * Spruce Creek

Notable people

 * John Haley Bellamy, woodcarver and folk artist
 * Sir William Pepperrell, merchant and soldier
 * Celia Thaxter, poet and writer
 * John Treworgie, trading post agent and politician
 * Helen Magill White, first American female Ph.D.

In popular culture
DinoSquad is an American animated television series that was produced by DIC Entertainment (Now DHX Media) and aired on the KEWLopolis block on CBS from November 3, 2007, to September 12, 2009. Dino Squad is set in Kittery Point, Maine.

title: Kittery Point, Maine


text:
Lake Arrowhead, Maine

Lake Arrowhead is a census-designated place (CDP) in the towns of Waterboro and Limerick in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,071 at the 2010 census. The CDP corresponds to the area covered by the Lake Arrowhead Community, a large subdivision begun in the 1960s which surrounds Lake Arrowhead, an artificial lake on the Little Ossipee River. The community is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Lake Arrowhead is located at 43.66139°N, -70.73833°W (43.661341, -70.738348).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 6.4 sqmi, of which 5.2 sqmi is land and 1.2 sqmi, or 18.36%, is water.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Lake Arrowhead has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,264 people, 746 households, and 610 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 434.1 PD/sqmi. There were 997 housing units at an average density of 191.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.50% White, 0.04% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.02% of the population.

There were 746 households, out of which 53.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.5% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.1% were non-families. 9.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 35.1% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 42.2% from 25 to 44, 12.9% from 45 to 64, and 3.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $46,818, and the median income for a family was $46,509. Males had a median income of $39,205 versus $24,083 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,588. About 4.9% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.5% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

2012 earthquake
On October 16, 2012, at approximately 7:12 PM EDT, an earthquake with a moment magnitude of 4.0 was felt with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VI (Strong). The earthquake was felt in many parts of eastern New England, and as far south as Long Island, NY.

title: Lake Arrowhead, Maine


text:
Lebanon, Maine

Lebanon is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 6,469 at the 2020 census. Lebanon includes the villages of Center Lebanon, West Lebanon, North Lebanon, South Lebanon, and East Lebanon. It is the westernmost town in Maine. Lebanon is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

History
It was called Towwoh by the Newichawannock Abenaki tribe, whose main village was further down the Salmon Falls River. On April 20, 1733, the Massachusetts General Court granted Towwoh Plantation to 60 colonists, who first settled it in 1743. The township was incorporated on June 17, 1767, renamed Lebanon after the biblical land of Lebanon. It was Maine's 23rd town. Lebanon annexed unincorporated land in 1785, and some from Sanford in 1787. It swapped land with Shapleigh, giving some in 1793, then annexing some in 1825.

Farmers found the surface of the town relatively level in the southeast, with extensive pine plains in the northwest. The chief crop would be hay. At the Salmon Falls River and the Little River were water power sites for mills. Lebanon had four sawmills, three gristmills, a shingle mill, a wool carding mill and a tannery. In 1850, Oren B. Cheney founded West Lebanon Academy. Beginning in the early 1870s, the Portland and Rochester Railroad ran the length of the town's southeast side, with the Portsmouth, Great Falls and Conway Railroad crossing for a short distance on the western side.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 55.83 sqmi, of which 55.00 sqmi is land and 0.83 sqmi is water. Lebanon is drained by the Little River and Salmon Falls River. The town's highest point is Prospect Hill, at an elevation of 880 feet (268 m) above sea level. The lowest elevation borders the Salmon Falls River, on the town's southernmost boundary, which is approximately 170 feet (52 m) above sea level.

The town is crossed by U.S. Route 202 and State Route 11. It borders the towns of Acton to the north, Sanford to the east, Berwick and North Berwick to the southeast, and the New Hampshire towns of Milton and Rochester to the west.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,031 people, 2,204 households, and 1,679 families living in the town. The population density was 109.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,540 housing units at an average density of 46.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.1% White, 0.4% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 2,204 households, of which 37.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.7% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.8% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the town was 39.3 years. 25.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.8% were from 25 to 44; 31% were from 45 to 64; and 10.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,083 people, 1,823 households, and 1,405 families living in the town. The population density was 92.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,090 housing units at an average density of 38.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.49% White, 0.31% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 0.59% from two or more races. 0.63% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,823 households, out of which 38.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.9% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 17.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $40,021, and the median income for a family was $41,713. Males had a median income of $33,551 versus $22,292 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,503. 10.4% of the population and 8.8% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 12.9% of those under the age of 18 and 7.1% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Education
Lebanon is part of MSAD60/RSU 60. Audra Beauvais is the Superintendent of Schools.

Lebanon has two schools, Lebanon Elementary School (grades 4–5) and Hanson School (grades K–3).

Notable people

 * Ole Bull, violinist and composer (summer resident)
 * Oren B. Cheney, clergyman, abolitionist, founded Bates College
 * Claudius B. Grant, Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
 * Elihu B. Hayes, manufacturer, newspaper owner and politician
 * Charles Coffin Jewett, superintendent of the Boston Public Library
 * Sumner Increase Kimball, organized the United States Life-Saving Service
 * Charles E. Littlefield, US congressman

title: Lebanon, Maine


text:
Limerick, Maine

Limerick (pronounced "LIM-rick") is a town in York County, Maine, United States. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The population was 3,188 at the 2020 census.

History
This was territory of the Newichewannock Abenaki Indians, whose village was located on the Salmon Falls River. In 1668, Francis Small of Kittery, a trader, bought from Chief Captain Sunday (or Wesumbe) a large tract of land, for which he exchanged two blankets, two gallons of rum, two pounds of gunpowder, four pounds of musket balls and twenty strings of beads. Small thereupon sold half of his interest to Major Nicholas Shapleigh of Eliot, one of the wealthiest merchants in the Piscataqua region.

Settlement was delayed, however, by the ongoing French and Indian Wars, which finally ended with the 1763 Treaty of Paris. In 1773, the heirs of Francis Small and Nicholas Shapleigh promised a township to lawyer James Sullivan of Biddeford if he defended their larger claims. Sullivan accepted and in 1775 helped settle Limerick Plantation, named after Limerick in Ireland, his father's birthplace. It would be incorporated on March 6, 1787. Among the early settlers was Dr. Joshua Leavitt, for whom Leavitt Brook in Limerick is named. The town of New Limerick in Aroostook County would be settled by people from Limerick, Maine.

The village grew along the old Sokokis Trail (now Route 5), which connected the Sokokis village at Pequawket (now Fryeburg) to the tribe's coastal encampment at what is today Saco. Endowed with good soil, Limerick became a thriving farming community. Chief crops included hay, apples, grapes and cranberries. Cattle and dairy products were important. In addition, the town had four blacksmith shops, four shoemakers, two hatmakers, two harness makers and three tanneries. Various brooks provided water power for industry, including four furniture factories and a clothing factory. There were also gristmills, shingle mills and lumber mills. In 1826 the Morning Star, a Free Will Baptist abolitionist newspaper, was founded in the town. In 1846, James Bradbury established the Limerick Manufacturing Company at Brown Brook. It was bought in 1857 by Joshua Holland. The firm produced the nationally famous Holland Blankets, which were supplied to troops during the Civil War. A village once called Hollandville developed around the mill.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 28.25 sqmi, of which, 27.14 sqmi is land and 1.11 sqmi is water. Set among hills and lakes, Limerick is drained by Leavitt Brook, Brown Brook and Spencer Brook.

The town borders Newfield, Parsonsfield, Cornish, Waterboro and Limington. Maine State routes 5, 11, and 160 cross through Limerick.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,892 people, 1,100 households, and 803 families living in the town. The population density was 106.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,569 housing units at an average density of 57.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.3% White, 0.3% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 1,100 households, of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.0% were non-families. 19.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the town was 39.4 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.6% were from 25 to 44; 30.3% were from 45 to 64; and 11.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.2% male and 49.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,240 people, 850 households, and 607 families living in the town. The population density was 82.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,279 housing units at an average density of 47.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.21% White, 0.31% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.04% Asian, 0.04% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.36% of the population.

There were 850 households, out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.7% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $40,845, and the median income for a family was $44,917. Males had a median income of $32,829 versus $24,036 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,844. About 7.5% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.8% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Limerick students grades K–5 attend the Line Elementary School, which is also shared by Newfield and which is based in Newfield. It is part of Regional School Unit 57. Students in grades 6–8 attend Massabesic Middle School, while students in grades 9–12 attend Massabesic High School, both of which are in Waterboro.

Notable people

 * Alpheus Felch, US Senator; fifth governor of Michigan
 * Joseph M. Harper, US Representative and Acting Governor of New Hampshire
 * Isaiah H. Hedge, MD, abolitionist, early donor to Bates College, physician
 * Moses MacDonald, US Representative
 * Louise Lamprey, writer of children's literature
 * Annie Carroll Moore, children's librarian

title: Limerick, Maine


text:
Limington, Maine

Limington is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,892 at the 2020 census. Limington is a tourist destination with historic architecture. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

History
In 1668, Francis Small traded goods with the Newichewannock tribe of this area. Their Chief Wesumbe, also known as Captain Sunday, was friendly with Small and warned him of a plot against his life. A group of renegade tribesmen planned to murder Small rather than pay him the furs they owed him. Small escaped after watching his trading post in what is now Cornish burn to the ground. The chief made up for the loss by selling Small all the lands bounded by the Great and Little Ossipee Rivers, the Saco River and the New Hampshire border. Known as the Ossipee Tract, it comprised the present-day towns of Limington, Limerick, Cornish (formerly Francisborough), Newfield, Parsonsfield and Shapleigh (which then included Acton).

First called Little Ossipee Plantation (after Ossapee, its original Abenaki name), it was settled by Deacon Amos Chase, who removed here and built a mill in 1773 at the mouth of the Little Ossipee River. Ezra Davis and Jonathan Boothby followed him in 1774, and John McArthur and Joshua Small in 1775. Little Ossipee Plantation was incorporated on February 9, 1792, as the town of Limington. It was named after Limington in Somerset, England, the home county of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, Lord Proprietor of Maine. As the surface of the land was rocky and broken, in 1798 nearly 2,000 acre of land were annexed from Little Falls Plantation (Hollis). In 1870, about 1,500 acre of land were ceded to Limerick.

Soil was fertile and farmers yielded good crops. Another important early trade was logging, with the timber manufactured at various water power mills into lumber, boxes, shingles and clapboards. There were also gristmills and a tannery. Limington Academy was incorporated in 1848, its structure built in 1852. The population in 1870 was 1,630. Davis Memorial Library was built in 1912 to designs of noted Portland architect John Calvin Stevens. Today, 22 buildings in the town center are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.29 sqmi, of which 41.92 sqmi is land and 1.37 sqmi is water. Limington is drained by the Little Ossipee River and Saco River. There are seven ponds, with four of these—Boyd, Dole, Foss and Sand ponds—in South Limington, and three others—Horn, Ward and Webster ponds—in North Limington. The highest point in town is Sawyer Mountain, at an elevation of 1198 ft above sea level.

Limington is served by state routes 11, 25 and 117. It borders the towns of Baldwin to the north, Standish to the east, Hollis and Waterboro to the south, and Limerick and Cornish to the west. Located in the extreme northeastern part of York County, Limington is slightly over nine miles (14 km) long and an average of five miles (8 km) wide.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,713 people, 1,392 households, and 1,029 families living in the town. The population density was 88.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,615 housing units at an average density of 38.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.6% White, 0.2% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 1,392 households, of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.1% were non-families. 18.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age in the town was 38.9 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.1% were from 25 to 44; 31.6% were from 45 to 64; and 9.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,403 people, 1,141 households, and 893 families living in the town. The population density was 81.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,354 housing units at an average density of 32.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.33% White, 0.41% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 0.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.29% of the population.

There were 1,141 households, out of which 41.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.1% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.7% were non-families. 15.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.4% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $42,023, and the median income for a family was $46,571. Males had a median income of $31,049 versus $23,966 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,097. About 9.5% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.0% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Brackett's Orchards is thought to be the oldest family owned and operated orchard in Maine. The original descendants settled Limington, Maine in 1783, and as soon as the land was cleared, apple trees were planted on a few acres. Manley Brackett is the eighth generation of Brackets which still farms the land growing apples and many varieties of pumpkins and squash.

Notable people

 * Frank S. Black, US congressman; 32nd governor of New York
 * Simon Lord, Wisconsin State Senator
 * William B. Small, US congressman

title: Limington, Maine


text:
Lyman, Maine

Lyman is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 4,525 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. Lyman, together with Alfred, is home to Massabesic Experimental Forest.

History
In 1660, John Sanders, John Bush and Peter Turbat purchased from the Abenaki sachem Sosowen and his son Fluellin what is now the township of Lyman. First called Swanfield, it was settled in 1767. While the original settlers are not known for certain, early records and deeds mention the following: William and Jacob Waterhouse (of Kennebunk), Love Roberts, Alexander Grant, Thomas Lord, Jacob Rhoades, Benjamin and Mark Goodwin (brothers who built one of the first mills at Goodwin's Mills), John Low (who served as town moderator and treasurer), John Burbank, Joseph Witten, James and William Brock, Mark Ricker, Robert Cousens, Valentine Hill, and Gershom Downs.

Swanfield would be incorporated by the Massachusetts General Court on April 24, 1780, as Coxhall, probably after Coggeshall (pronounced Coxhall) in Essex, England. On February 25, 1803, the name was changed to Lyman in honor of Theodore Lyman, a wealthy merchant who established a successful shipping firm in the 1790s at York before moving to Boston.

Farmers found the surface of the town moderately uneven, with fair soil that yielded good crops of grain, hay and apples. Watermills were established at the outlets of the larger ponds, with two sawmills at Swan Pond and another at Kennebunk Pond. Lumbering was a considerable source of income for many inhabitants. In 1782, a sawmill and gristmill were erected at Goodwin's Mills, which developed into the town's only business and trade center, despite the fact that some of the village is actually located in Dayton. The Great Fires of 1947 devastated part of Lyman. Today, the town is largely a bedroom community.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 40.49 sqmi, of which 38.99 sqmi is land and 1.50 sqmi is water. Lyman is drained by the Kennebunk River.

The town is crossed by U.S. Route 202 and State Routes 5, 35 and 111. It is bordered by the towns of Hollis and Dayton to the northeast, Arundel and Kennebunk to the southeast, Alfred to the southwest, and Waterboro to the northwest.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,344 people, 1,660 households, and 1,269 families living in the town. The population density was 111.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,067 housing units at an average density of 53.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.8% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.7% of the population.

There were 1,660 households, of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.6% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.6% were non-families. 16.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the town was 43.3 years. 21.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.7% were from 25 to 44; 34.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,795 people, 1,366 households, and 1,087 families living in the town. The population density was 97.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,749 housing units at an average density of 44.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.45% White, 0.29% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.32% of the population.

There were 1,366 households, out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.6% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.4% were non-families. 12.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $47,860, and the median income for a family was $53,140. Males had a median income of $37,917 versus $25,192 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,203. About 4.8% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lyman, Maine


text:
Newfield, Maine

Newfield is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,648 at the 2020 census. The town is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area.

Newfield is home to a museum called Willowbrook Museum Village.

History
This was part of the large tract sold on November 28, 1668, by Newichawannock Indian Chief Sunday (or Wesumbe) to Francis Small, a Kittery trader. The price was two large Indian blankets, two gallons of rum, two pounds of gunpowder, four pounds of musket balls and twenty strings of beads. The township was surveyed and first settled as Washington Plantation in 1778. A number of settlers had been soldiers in the Revolutionary War. It was incorporated as Newfield on February 25, 1794, and by 1859, the population was 1,418.

The Little Ossipee River runs through Newfield village and once provided water power to operate two gristmills, two lumber mills, a barrel stave mill, a shook mill, a planing mill and a carding mill. West Newfield had a sawmill, gristmill and stave mill. There was an attempt in the community to mine silver and iron, but it was not profitable. By 1880, the population was 995. Newfield would be heavily damaged by the Great Fires of 1947.

Don King of Topsfield, Massachusetts bought an old farm at Newfield in 1965, marking the beginning of what would become Willowbrook Museum Village, a re-created 19th-century village. Other properties and historic buildings were added, together with a collection of early farm implements, tools, carriages and sleighs. The museum is now a tourist attraction.

On March 17, 2009, Newfield adopted a local law to stop Nestlé and other corporations from taking over their groundwater. The volunteer community organization, Protecting Our Water and Wildlife Resources (POWWR), with the assistance of Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) who drafted the ordinance, were responsible for advocating the legislation.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.44 sqmi, of which 32.30 sqmi is land and 1.14 sqmi is water. Newfield is drained by the Little Ossipee River. The town's highest point is Province Mountain, at 1,176 feet (358.4 m) above sea level.

The town is crossed by state routes 11 and 110. Newfield borders the towns of Parsonsfield to its north, Limerick and Waterboro to its east, Wakefield, New Hampshire to its west, and Acton and Shapleigh to its south.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,522 people, 625 households, and 450 families living in the town. The population density was 47.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,096 housing units at an average density of 33.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.2% White, 0.1% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 625 households, of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.1% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.0% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.81.

The median age in the town was 44.3 years. 21% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.6% were from 25 to 44; 35.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.8% male and 49.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,328 people, 496 households, and 370 families living in the town. The population density was 41.1 PD/sqmi. There were 939 housing units at an average density of 29.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.89% White, 0.08% African American, 0.90% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.15% from other races, and 0.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.68% of the population.

There were 496 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $38,654, and the median income for a family was $41,563. Males had a median income of $30,403 versus $24,688 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,280. About 8.0% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Students of Newfield who are in grades K–5 attend Line Elementary School, which is a part of Regional School Unit 57, on the Newfield-Limerick border, shared with Limerick. Students in grades 6–8 attend Massabesic Middle School, while students in grades 9–12 attend Massabesic High School in Waterboro.

Sites of interest

 * Newfield Historical Society & Museum
 * Willowbrook Museum Village

Notable people

 * Nathan Clifford, statesman, diplomat and jurist
 * Horace Parnell Tuttle, astronomer

title: Newfield, Maine


text:
Ogunquit, Maine

Ogunquit is a resort town in York County, Maine, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 1,577.

Ogunquit is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Ogunquit was first a village within Wells, which was settled in 1641. The first sawmill was established in 1686, and shipbuilding developed along the tidal Ogunquit River. Local shipwrights built schooners, brigs and dories.

At what was then called Fish Cove, near the unnavigable Josias River, fishing was a major livelihood. But the cove was unprotected by a headland or breakwater from Atlantic storms, so fishermen had to protect their boats by hauling them ashore each night. Resolving to create a safe anchorage, they formed the Fish Cove Harbor Association, and dug a channel across land they purchased to connect Fish Cove with the Josias River. When the trench was complete, erosion helped to further widen the passage. The resulting tidewater basin is called Perkins Cove, spanned by a manually operated draw footbridge. With a one and a half-mile beach of pale sand and dunes forming a barrier peninsula, connected to the mainland in 1888 by bridge across the Ogunquit River, the village was discovered by artists. It became a popular art colony and tourist area. Particularly after 1898, when the Ogunquit Art Colony was established, it was not unusual to see both artists and fishermen working around Perkins Cove. To accommodate summer crowds, several seaside hotels and inns were built. Marginal Way, a scenic trail dating back to the 1920s, runs along the coast from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach. Ogunquit seceded from Wells in 1980 and incorporated as a town. Ogunquit was named America's Best Coastal Small Town in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice 2016.

Ogunquit is a destination for LGBT tourists, with numerous LGBT-owned and -operated hotels, restaurants, bars, theaters, and other businesses. Most of the LGBT-oriented businesses are in the village area of the town.

In 2023, Tripadvisor ranked Ogunquit Beach as among the United States' top 10 beaches.

Education
The Wells-Ogunquit Community School District provides education for students of all ages in the coastal southern Maine towns of Wells and Ogunquit.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.25 sqmi, of which 4.18 sqmi is land and 11.07 sqmi is water. Ogunquit is drained by the Josias and Ogunquit Rivers. The highest elevation in town is just over 160 feet (49 m) above sea level, in several locations. The lowest elevation is sea level, along the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Acidic, stony-loam or sandy-loam glacial till soils of the Lyman series underlie most of Ogunquit. There also are outwash sands of the Adams or Croghan series. All of these soils have classic podzol profile development in undisturbed areas.

Ogunquit's Marginal Way, a 1.25-mile (2 km) trail with views of the coast, is neatly paved, and the treacherous cliffs are, in places, fenced. The path leads from the downtown shopping area to the fishing village in Perkins Cove, now an outdoor mall with jewelry, clothing, and candle boutiques.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Ogunquit has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of 2000 the median income for a household in the town was $47,727, and the median income for a family was $56,731. Males had a median income of $44,583 versus $31,528 for females. The per capita income for the town was $34,289. About 1.2% of families and 4.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 892 people, 498 households, and 234 families residing in the town. The population density was 213.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,009 housing units at an average density of 480.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.0% White, 0.1% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 498 households, of which 8.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 53.0% were non-families. Of all households, 41.2% were made up of individuals, and 20.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.79 and the average family size was 2.37.

The median age in the town was 61.7 years. Of the residents, 7.6% were under the age of 18; 2.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 13.6% were from 25 to 44; 34% were from 45 to 64; and 42.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

Cultural sites and museums

 * Barn Gallery | Ogunquit Art Association (est 1928)
 * Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit (1862) (located in Wells)
 * Ogunquit Museum of American Art
 * Ogunquit Playhouse
 * Captain James Winn House (c. 1785)
 * Ogunquit Memorial Library

Notable people

 * Clarence H. Adams, commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and President of the Boston Celtics
 * Marjorie Agosín, award-winning poet, essayist, novelist, and professor at Wellesley College
 * Edward H. and Gladys G. Aschermann, early 20th century designers; they resided in Ogunquit and designed the interior of the old Ogunquit Playhouse
 * John Kendrick Bangs, author
 * Bobby Coombs, Major League Baseball pitcher
 * Joseph B. Davol, marine painter and art teacher
 * Nathan Haskell Dole, author
 * Totie Fields, actress/comedian
 * Arnie Ginsburg, radio personality
 * Peter George Olenchuk, U.S. Army Major General
 * J. Scott Smart, radio, film and stage actor
 * Sally Struthers, actress
 * Craig Timberlake, stage actor, singer, author, and educator
 * John Grimes Walker, admiral in the United States Navy
 * Charles Herbert Woodbury, artist

Trivia
Ogunquit Beach is the name of a geologic unit on Mars which was once underwater or on the shore of an ancient lake.

Part of Stephen King's The Stand, published in 1978, is set in Ogunquit. The first episode of the 2020 miniseries adaptation is set in the town, though the series was filmed in Vancouver.

title: Ogunquit, Maine


text:
Parsonsfield, Maine

Parsonsfield is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,791 at the 2020 census. Parsonsfield includes the villages of Kezar Falls, Parsonsfield, and North, East and South Parsonsfield. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

History
This was part of a large tract of land sold on November 28, 1668, by Newichewannock Indian Chief Sunday (or Wesumbe) to Francis Small, a trader from Kittery. The price was two large Indian blankets, two gallons of rum, two pounds of gunpowder, four pounds of musket balls and twenty strings of Indian beads. Small then sold half his interest to Major Nicholas Shapleigh of what is now Eliot. In 1771, heirs sold the township to Thomas Parsons and 39 associates, upon which it was surveyed into 100 acre lots. Called Parsonstown Plantation, it was first settled in 1772 by 12 families.

On August 29, 1785, the town was incorporated as Parsonsfield after Thomas Parsons, one of the largest proprietors. The Blazo-Leavitt House, a fine example of the Federal style, was built in 1812. Parsonsfield Seminary was founded in 1832 and closed in 1949.

The surface of the town is rough and hilly, its soil rocky but fertile for farming. Chief crops were grain and hay. Mills were built at pond outlets and on the South River. The largest water power source was on the Ossipee River at Kezar Falls, where the village of Kezar Falls straddled the stream into Porter. Parsonsfield had seven sawmills and seven gristmills. In 1880, John Devereux and George W. Towle built the Kezar Falls Woolen Mill, a woolen textile factory which became the most important business in Parsonsfield.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 59.91 sqmi, of which 58.89 sqmi is land and 1.02 sqmi is water. Parsonsfield is drained by the South River and Ossipee River. The town's highest point is Wiggin Mountain, 1,300 ft above sea level.

The town is crossed by state routes 25, 160, and NH 153. It is bordered by Effingham and Wakefield, New Hampshire to the west, Porter and Hiram to the north, Cornish and Limerick to the east, and Newfield to the south.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,898 people, 764 households, and 514 families residing in the town. The population density was 32.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,174 housing units at an average density of 19.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.0% White, 0.2% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population.

There were 764 households, of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.7% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the town was 42.4 years. 22.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.3% were from 25 to 44; 31.5% were from 45 to 64; and 14.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,584 people, 634 households, and 438 families residing in the town. The population density was 26.9 PD/sqmi. There were 996 housing units at an average density of 16.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.17% White, 0.13% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.06% from other races, and 1.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.82% of the population.

There were 634 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $32,214, and the median income for a family was $36,016. Males had a median income of $30,815 versus $20,917 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,968. About 10.5% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.0% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.

Geographical description in 1888
Note: The following section is largely copied from the book "History of Parsonsfield, Maine: 1771–1888," published by Brown Thurston & Company, 1888.

The town of Parsonsfield is in the extreme northwest corner of York County, Maine. Center Square, on the northern slope of Cedar Mountain, is about 30 mi from the ocean, at Old Orchard and thirty-two from Wells Beach on an air line, and 33 mi west-north-west from Portland.

Its northern boundary is the Great Ossipee River (Ossipee signifies "River of Pines" in the Indian dialect.) The towns of Porter and Hiram are north of the river. Effingham and Wakefield, NH, are on the western border, Newfield is on the south, Limerick and Cornish on the east. The outer lines of the town have been measured several times, giving an area from 62.23 to 64 square miles (161 to 166 km2). The length of the western line is nearly 8.5 mi, the eastern something over 9 mi, the northern and southern about 7.3 mi.

The surface of Parsonsfield is quite broken, or more properly, rises into high swells. Ricker's Mountain, in the southwest, is the highest, it being not far from 1,600 ft above the level of the sea. Cedar Mountain, in the center, comes up within one hundred feet of Ricker's, while Randall's Mountain in the east, may fall 100 ft below Cedar. The Seminary varies but little from 1,200 ft above sea level, while the average altitude of the town is estimated at 1,000 ft. After Parsonsfield Seminary burned in 1854, Bates College was founded as a replacement.

Ricker's Mountain takes its name from Dea. Dominicus Ricker, who lived and died near the summit. Cedar is so called from the mountain cedar growing there. A legend tells how a hunter named Randall perished from cold on the mountain called by his name. Another tradition goes something like this: "Many years ago a famous hunter, named Randall, hunted hereaway among these mountains and caught much game. He usually reposed on the top of the high mountain by the rivulet, where it is supposed he was murdered by another hunter for his furs. The supposed murderer was absent only a few days from the settlements and returned heavily laden with valuable skins."

The high ridge, of which Cedar Mountain is the apex, runs east and west across the town. It is the water-shed, or divide, between the Great and Little Ossipee Rivers. The town is dotted all over with hills and swells, some of them hard to climb, but generally productive.

The principal river is the Great Ossipee. By estimation, the average yearly discharge is nine billion cubic feet (8 m³/s), the length 33 mi, draining an area of about 240 sqmi. There is an excellent water power at Kezar Falls, the descent being 50 ft/mi.

South River is next in size. It enters the Ossipee above Porter Bridge. The privilege at Lord's mills is the best within the town. The Bickford and Blaisdall mill streams run into the Little Ossipee. Smaller brooks are found in all parts of the town. It would be hard to find a lot of land not having one or more living springs, and as many never failing rivulets.

A small part of Province Pond is in Parsonsfield. The state line is one-fourth of a mile (400 m) from the eastern shore, and the distance across, by that line, is about 1 mi. Long Pond, in the northeast, is a beautiful sheet of water, 1.5 mi long, and about one-third (800 m) that in width. West Pond, separated from Long Pond by a ridge, is nearly half as large. Smaller ponds are found among the hills.

Coarse granite rock projects here and there, but surface ledges cover only a small part of the town. Less than half the wells extend down to the rock bed. The prevailing soil may be denominated granite. There are patches of sand, but clay, even of inferior quality, is scarce. From one to two feet (300 to 600 mm) below the surface there is a hard pan or subsoil.

There are but few swamps or bog meadows, for the reason that the surface is tilted this, that, and every way, but valuable intervales lie along the brooks and rivers.

There are very few farms without stones enough to fence them. A large surplus of this imperishable fence material is the rule.

The original forest growth was maple, beech, hemlock, pine, birch, oak, and ash, with scores of other trees interspersed. Each variety prevailing in its favored locality, but not holding exclusive possession of a single farm. Where a second growth has been allowed to spring up, the soft woods in many cases have succeeded the hard, while the hard has been followed by soft. It is known that the present growth is a little more mixed than the first.

Roughly 20 percent of the town of Parsonsfield falls within the 8603 acre Leavitt Plantation Forest, the largest contiguous block of forest land south of Sebago Lake. When the tract of forest was slated to be sold into smaller parcels, the Nature Conservancy and the state of Maine intervened, purchasing a conservation easement on the entire parcel and keeping it intact. That easement will protect Leavitt Plantation in perpetuity, while allowing sustainable forestry practices.

Local schools

 * Sacopee Valley Middle School
 * Sacopee Valley High School

Sites of interest

 * Parsonsfield-Porter Bridge, a 2 span covered bridge built in 1876
 * Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society & Museum (in Porter)

Notable people

 * James W. Bradbury, senator
 * Contessa Brewer, news anchor
 * Nathaniel Burbank, journalist
 * John Buzzell, clergyman, writer
 * Oren B. Cheney, clergyman, educator
 * Carolyn Chute, writer
 * Luther Orlando Emerson, musician, composer, music publisher
 * Charles Augustus Hilton, preacher
 * Louise Lamprey, writer, journalist
 * Jerry Korn, pilot, author
 * Robert Greenleaf Leavitt, botanist
 * Rufus McIntire, US congressman
 * Daniel Page, politician, businessman
 * Alzina Parson Stevens, labor leader
 * Lorenzo De Medici Sweat, US congressman
 * Amos Tuck, US congressman

title: Parsonsfield, Maine


text:
Saco, Maine

Saco is a city in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 20,381 at the 2020 census. It is home to Ferry Beach State Park, Funtown Splashtown USA, Thornton Academy, as well as General Dynamics Armament Systems (also known by its former name, Saco Defense), a subsidiary of the defense contractor General Dynamics. Saco sees much tourism during summer months due to its amusement parks, Camp Ellis Beach and Pier, Ferry Beach State Park, and proximity to Old Orchard Beach.

Saco is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. Saco's twin-city is Biddeford.

History
This was territory of the Abenaki tribe whose fortified village was located up the Sokokis Trail at Pequawket (now Fryeburg). There was a settlement at the mouth of the Saco river, with homes and permanent cultivation, at the time of contact with Europeans in the early 1600s.

In July 1607, 500 warriors led by sakmow (Grand Chief) of the Mi'kmaq First Nations Henri Membertou attacked the village at present-day Saco, killing 20 of their braves, including two of their leaders, Onmechin and Marchin, leading to conflict that lasted until 1615.

In 1630 the Plymouth Company granted Thomas Lewis and Richard Bonython a charter to establish a town at Saco, with a deed that extended 4 mi along the sea, by 8 mi inland. Settled in 1631 as part of Winter Harbor (as Biddeford Pool was first known). The government of Maine, under Ferdinando Gorges, was based in the town from 1636 to 1653. It would be reorganized in 1653 by the Massachusetts General Court as Saco, which would be renamed Biddeford in 1718.

The settlement was attacked by Indians in 1675 during King Philip's War. Settlers moved to the mouth of the river, and the houses and mills they left behind were burned. Saco lay in contested territory between New England and New France, which recruited the Indians as allies. In 1689 during King William's War, it was again attacked, with some residents taken captive. Hostilities intensified from 1702 until 1709, then ceased in 1713 with the Treaty of Portsmouth. The community was rebuilt and in 1718 incorporated as Biddeford. Peace would not last, however, and the town was again attacked in 1723 during Dummer's War, when it contained 14 garrisons. In August and September 1723, there were Indian raids on Saco, Maine and Dover, New Hampshire. But in 1724, a Massachusetts militia destroyed Norridgewock, an Abenaki stronghold on the Kennebec River organizing raids on English settlements. The region became less dangerous, especially after the French defeat in 1745 at the Battle of Louisburg. The French and Indian Wars finally ended with the 1763 Treaty of Paris.

In 1762, the northeastern bank of Biddeford separated as the District of Pepperrellborough, named for Sir William Pepperrell, hero of the Battle of Louisburg and late proprietor of the town. Amos Chase was one of the pioneers of Pepperrellborough. He was chosen as a selectman at the first town meeting, and served as the first deacon of the Congregational Church. Dea. Chase was one of the area's largest taxpayers, and was prominent in civic affairs during the American Revolution, serving on the town's Committee of Correspondence and Committee of Inspection.

The district was incorporated as the Town of Pepperellborough in 1775. Inhabitants found the name to be cumbersome, so in 1805 it was renamed Saco. It would be incorporated as a city in 1867. Saco became a center for lumbering, with log drives down the river from Little Falls Plantation (now Dayton, Lyman, Hollis and part of Limington). At Saco Falls, the timber was cut by 17 sawmills. In 1827, the community produced 21000000 ft of sawn lumber, some of which was used for shipbuilding.

On Factory Island, the Saco Iron Works began operation in 1811. The Saco Manufacturing Company established a cotton mill in 1826, and a canal was dug through rock to provide water power. The mill burned in 1830, but was replaced in 1831 by the York Manufacturing Company. With the arrival of the Portland, Saco and Portsmouth Railroad in 1842, Factory Island developed into a major textile manufacturing center, with extensive brick mills dominating the Saco and Biddeford waterfronts. Other businesses included foundries, belting and harnessmaking, and machine shops. But the New England textile industry faded in the 20th century, and the York Manufacturing Company would close in 1958. The prosperous mill town era, however, left behind much fine architecture in the Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian styles. Many buildings are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1844, Laurel Hill Cemetery was established on 25 acre of land. Still in operation, it is one of the earliest examples of the Rural cemetery movement.

Saco has taken steps to make the city more environmentally friendly. In early 2007 a small wind turbine was erected near the water treatment plant at the foot of Front street. Another larger wind turbine was erected on the top of York Hill in December 2007, and was expected to generate power for the new train station for Amtrak's Downeaster, although this was torn down in 2018 as the wind turbine never came close to generating the amount of energy promised. Saco also has two growing business parks.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 52.76 sqmi, of which 38.46 sqmi is land and 14.30 sqmi is water. Situated beside Saco Bay on the Gulf of Maine, Saco is drained by the Saco River.

Saco borders the city of Biddeford, as well as the towns of Scarborough, Buxton, Dayton and Old Orchard Beach.

Terrain
Saco contains a wide variety of landforms, including beaches, fields, forests, bogs, and urban areas. The beachfront Camp Ellis section of the city has been eroding since the Army Corps of Engineers built a jetty in the 1860s at the mouth of the Saco River that stopped sediment from feeding the Camp Ellis beaches. This has been exacerbated by rising sea levels and climate change in Maine.

This is an archive of documents related to erosion issues in the Camp Ellis section of Saco.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 18,482 people, 7,623 households, and 4,925 families residing in the city. The population density was 480.6 PD/sqmi. There were 8,508 housing units at an average density of 221.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.7% White, 0.7% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 7,623 households, of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.4% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 41.9 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.6% were from 25 to 44; 30.5% were from 45 to 64; and 14.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,822 people, 6,801 households, and 4,590 families residing in the city. The population density was 437.2 PD/sqmi. There were 7,424 housing units at an average density of 193.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.91% White, 0.32% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.58% of the population.

There were 6,801 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,105, and the median income for a family was $52,724. Males had a median income of $35,446 versus $25,585 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,444. About 7.1% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.

Voter registration

Saco is divided into 7 voting wards, represented by: Ward 1 Councilor Marshall Archer, Ward 2 Councilor Joshua Parks, Ward 3 Councilor Joseph Gunn, Ward 4 Councilor Michael Burman, Ward 5 Councilor Phillip Hatch, Ward 6 Councilor Tricia Huot, and Ward 7 Councilor Nathan Johnston. On November 7, 2023, Saco Elected former city councilor Jodi MacPhail as its first female Mayor. Mayor MacPhail was sworn in at a historic inauguration ceremony held on December 4, 2023, at Saco City Hall.

List of schools

 * Governor John Fairfield School (K–2)
 * Young School (K–2)
 * C.K. Burns School (3–5)
 * Saco Middle School (6–8)
 * Thornton Academy (9–12)
 * Saco Transition Program (6–12)
 * Elsie. J Parquette School (K-12)
 * Saco Island School (9–12)

Previous schools

 * Notre Dame de Lourdes School (K–8) – Closed in 2009 due to budget constraints and lack of students.

Higher education

 * University College has a campus located in Saco.

Transportation

The Saco Transportation Center provides transportation between Portland and Boston via the Downeaster passenger train.

Saco is accessible from Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 195. State routes 5, 9, 112, and 117 also serve the city. Taxis serve the Tri-City Area (Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach).

The Portland International Jetport is about 14 mi north of Saco. The ShuttleBus and Zoom Bus provide local transportation.

Environmental contamination
Since 1960, the City of Saco has owned and operated the Saco Municipal Landfill. The site consists of four distinct disposal areas, the fourth of which is a recently closed landfill that accepted household waste and tannery sludge containing chromium and other heavy metals, as well as volatile organic compounds. In February 1990 the site was placed on the National Priorities List. From 1992 to 1994, EPA studied the groundwater contamination. in September 1996, EPA started capping the landfill. In 2000, institutional controls were established, which restrict site uses.

Notable people

 * Henry A. Barrows, actor
 * Liberty Billings, Florida senator
 * Samuel Brannan, businessman and pioneer
 * Amos Chase, Saco pioneer
 * Justin Chenette, Maine state representative
 * Richard Cutts, U.S. congressman
 * Arthur P. Fairfield, naval officer
 * John Fairfield, U.S. congressman and senator; 16th governor of Maine
 * Rory Ferreira, musician better known as Milo
 * George Lincoln Goodale, botanist
 * Charles Henry Granger, painter
 * Elizabeth Deering Hanscom, English professor
 * Bryan Kaenrath, Maine state representative
 * Cyrus King, U.S. congressman
 * Slugger Labbe, crew chief with NASCAR
 * James Felix McKenney, actor
 * Isaac Lawrence Milliken, 16th mayor of Chicago
 * Edith Nourse Rogers, U.S. congresswoman
 * Emery J. San Souci, 53rd governor of Rhode Island
 * John Fairfield Scammon, U.S. congressman
 * Ether Shepley, Maine state congressman, U.S. senator and jurist
 * George F. Shepley, general in the Union Army and 18th Governor of Louisiana
 * John Wingate Thornton, lawyer, historian, and author

Sites of interest

 * Dyer Library
 * Funtown Splashtown USA
 * Saco Heath Preserve
 * Ferry Beach State Park

title: Saco, Maine