BAILEY'S ISLAND
Here history tells us that the first settlers arrived about 1743. This
island is one of the larger islands of Casco Bay and there are still
many of the old homesteads there. A definite link with this early period
still standing on Bailey Island is the so-called "Gardiner" house built
in 1818. It stands back from the road at the northern end of the island
and in the rear is an ancient well. The timber came from the ruins of a
log house built by Deacon Timothy Bailey, for whom the island was named.
Another interesting house on the island is one called the "Captain Jot"
homestead. As the name implies, this house belonged to a sea captain. It
dates from 1763, an interesting location for the treasure seeker. Your
detector should be able to locate something of interest in this
vicinity.
There are many spots to be checked on this island. A good idea is to ask
the natives where these old houses are.
I have found that the inhabitants of a particular locale can tell you
the history of various points of interest, as most of the older folk
have this information at their finger tips. It usually pleases them, the
fact that you are asking questions about their own backyard. They will
point out many facts and locations that the history books have
overlooked.
This island may be reached from the mainland. From Portland take the
highway leading to Brunswick, Maine. There you will find signs directing
you to Bailey's Island. It is a beautiful trip to the island. The road
is bordered by tall Maine pines, rolling meadows, streams, old farms and
neat modern homes. To me the trip down to the island is one of lasting
memory.
During your treasure hunting time on the island, don't forget to have
some tasty Maine lobster for lunch. You can purchase these delicious
morsels right on the island all cooked. There are tables and benches at
which you may sit while enjoying one of Maine's famous lobster dinners.
The beaches that face the open sea should be checked carefully with your
detector, as many landings have taken place here from 1763 until today.
Who knows what might be buried along these shores? This island should be
one of the finest on your check list, as it is so easy to reach. The
author wishes you the best of luck here.