Peak's Island is part of Portland, Maine, about a 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland. Ranging in population today from about 800 in the winter to 6,000 in the summer, it became popular as the "Coney Island of Maine" in the late 19th century. These postcards show the steamboat "Pilgrim" landing at the ferry dock, the view from offshore, and the Gem Theater which existed until 1934 when it was destroyed by fire.
The island also played an important role in World War II, when an isolated facility called Battery Steele was built to house a large military defense installation. It included two 16 inch guns, which were only fired when first tested, blowing out windows on the other side of the island. Today, Battery Steele is a hidden ruin consisting of a large underground tunnel with side rooms where ammunition was stored, decorated by graffitti and home to partying teenagers. An arts exhibit, called the "Sacred and Profane" festival, transforms the space into a performance and visual art exhibition annually. See the TimParsons Project Website for great photographs of this site.
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5 comments:
I really enjoy the old linen cards ... the colors are so wonderful. Wonder if it's cool in Maine???!!! Happy PFF!
The postcards look interesting, haven't heard so much about maine. Beautiful cards indeed
Looks like quite the location. Thanks for sharing.
The number of people on the ferry dock, waiting to go on the steamboat I suppose, is quite incredible.
Still have crowds to get there by ferry. No theatre or amusement park anymore but still worth the trip for beautiful views. You can explore Battery Steele, however.
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