SIMONTON'S COVE
or
WILLARD BEACH
So. Portland
This cove located on the easterly end of South Portland facing Casco Bay
is the scene of early settlers to this part of the Cape, (Elizabeth).
Today the cove is known as Willard Beach. It was named for Captain Ben
Willard, who was born there in 1828. Ben was a fisherman, pilot, and
stevedore.
This beach was used by the early settlers, of about 1813 as a landing
spot for their fishing boats. Many little homesteads sprung up in this
area in the early 1800's.
The old houses, of course, are gone now, but who can tell what might
still be hidden along the beach or in the vicinity of the beach and
cove.
Around the old point, that is on the south side of the beach, would be a
likely area for the metal detector. The old fishing shacks that were
there have vanished now, but many a cash deal was made on this old point
of land. There may be still, some loose coins lying around with a few
feet of dirt on top of them.
A few blocks to the rear of the beach was an old tavern that the stage
coaches stopped at years ago. This old house is still standing. You
probably will not be able to secure permission to go over the property
as the house is occupied. I told you about this old place, just to
convince you that this entire area is a fine one to look over.
If stage coaches came and went from this locality you can bet that this
would be an ideal location in which to hunt. Go over the beach, then try
the land, but for goodness sake, be sure to get permission from any
property owner before you hunt on his property. We do not want you to
get arrested and land in court.