BY THE SEA
For centuries, the Maine coast served as a major route for boat travel of all kinds and North Haven sat perfectly poised along the way. Prior to the introduction of railroads and smooth roads, travel by water was far easier and faster than over land. For farmers, and indeed anyone wanting to trade goods, having a home near the water allowed for easy access to shipping routes and markets near and far.
As lumber, hay, ice, meat, butter, eggs, and produce left North Haven aboard coastal schooners, island farmers profited. The ability to ship products, in combination with fertile soil, made farming the backbone of the island’s economy through the 1800s and early 1900s.
Along the coast, farmers also valued the surrounding nearby smaller islands as a source of hay and a place to graze livestock. These small islands required no fencing since the shores provided a natural boundary -- a welcome relief to weary farmers who spent endless hours repairing and constructing fences. All along the Maine coast, numerous islands bear the names Hog, Sheep, or Ram, attesting to their historic use as pasture. In preparation for grazing, farmers often set fire to the smaller islands, which caused grass to grow back quickly. As a result, there are also a number of Maine islands known by the name “Burnt,” with two located near North Haven. Another advantage to farming by the sea, was access to a plentiful supply of organic fertilizer in the form of seaweed, shells, and fish. The naturally occurring calcium in the shells was especially useful as it lessened the soil’s natural acidity.
In addition, the ocean waters provided an insulating effect, often protecting the island from the icy temperatures and heavy snowfall known to Maine’s interior. Even today, island farmers benefit from milder temperatures and a longer growing season, often escaping the late spring and early fall frosts experienced by mainland farmers.
As lumber, hay, ice, meat, butter, eggs, and produce left North Haven aboard coastal schooners, island farmers profited. The ability to ship products, in combination with fertile soil, made farming the backbone of the island’s economy through the 1800s and early 1900s.
Along the coast, farmers also valued the surrounding nearby smaller islands as a source of hay and a place to graze livestock. These small islands required no fencing since the shores provided a natural boundary -- a welcome relief to weary farmers who spent endless hours repairing and constructing fences. All along the Maine coast, numerous islands bear the names Hog, Sheep, or Ram, attesting to their historic use as pasture. In preparation for grazing, farmers often set fire to the smaller islands, which caused grass to grow back quickly. As a result, there are also a number of Maine islands known by the name “Burnt,” with two located near North Haven. Another advantage to farming by the sea, was access to a plentiful supply of organic fertilizer in the form of seaweed, shells, and fish. The naturally occurring calcium in the shells was especially useful as it lessened the soil’s natural acidity.
In addition, the ocean waters provided an insulating effect, often protecting the island from the icy temperatures and heavy snowfall known to Maine’s interior. Even today, island farmers benefit from milder temperatures and a longer growing season, often escaping the late spring and early fall frosts experienced by mainland farmers.
The Brown and Webster Farms on North Haven's northeastern shore. Oak Hill and the islands Butter, Eagle, and Oak can be seen in the distance.