Mackworth Island is surrounded by the beauty of Casco Bay. Situated in Falmouth, less than a mile from the B&M plant, it is connected to the mainland by a paved causeway. Mackworth Island is unique in its history of public access, beauty and the beginnings of a strong conservationist. The Island was donated to the State in 1943 and was the childhood home of Governor Percival Baxter. Governor Baxter became an extraordinary conservationist that used his own private funds to build a conservation legacy – Baxter State Park.

Having housed The Baxter School for the Deaf since 1957, Mackworth Island has been open to the public for as long as I can remember. But its past has not been all beauty and calm. Atrocities took place at the school, and the Island has taken on a persona of its own. Good for some and hurtful for others. Many children and adults where physically and mentally abused while attending the Baxter School for the Deaf. It was the desecration of helpless humans which muddied Mackworth Island’s beauty and solitude for me. I now try to look upon the Island as a refuge, a place of healing for the mind, body, and soul. I believe Governor Percival would be comfortable with that view if he were here today. I only hope that the wrongs of the past can be healed in the minds of those involved.

Why am I mentioning Mackworth Island in a fishing blog? I mention it because fishing has always been a place of refuge for me. Fishing has been my place to contemplate, appreciate and give thanks. Mackworth Island’s beautiful shores, overlooking Casco Bay, make it a great place to do just that. A spot were you can bring your dog and relax on the rocks as you bait fish for Stripers or Blues. Bring a book, set on a rock and watch your pole while taking in the views of the bay.

I was able to make a brief stop at Mackworth Island on my way to Yarmouth last week. The island’s charm has not changed since my younger days. A one and a half mile walking path surrounds the circumference of the island which is studded with rocky overviews where one can take a break and enjoy the sights. The island can also be looked at as a memorial to Governor Baxter’s closest friends, his dogs. The island is covered with their eternal resting spots.

If you’re looking for a fishing spot with a multitude of uses and views, Mackworth Island is a spot that fits the bill. I like to begin my journey by crossing the road opposite the parking lot and walking the island in a clockwise direction. It enables me to settle down and relax quickly. If you begin the walk from the parking lot, and walk in a counter-clockwise direction, you will walk the borders of the Baxter School for the Deft first. I enjoy beginning my walk in the woods that the clockwise direction provides. I find myself unwinding faster and feeling the island’s undeveloped character.

There are ample spots to fish as the path starts to hug the rocky shore. Grab a spot, dip a line, ant take in the sights. Governor Baxter would be proud. Imagine that….a little bit of his legacy right here in the city!

Mackworth Island is also a spot that will kinder special memories if given the chance. Memories like the ones I have. Memories of being so relaxed while reading and fishing that I had to chase my fishing pole half way down the rocks after a fish hit. Memories of walking my dog during the brilliant days of Fall or memories of scraping mud off my shoes after a Spring walk A muddied walk that was one of my last walks with my good friend and childhood dog Bridge.

Mackworth Island holds a special place in my heart. Hopefully, when you find the courage to have nothing to do, and you can start creating the memories that will fondly become your past. Memories etched so vividly they will never be forgotten. I hope your memories will be as good as mine. If they are not, take a walk with a good friend to help begin the healing process, whatever that may be.

Mackworth Island…..a place of refuge.....a place for healing, Mackworth Island….not for the faint of heart!

E-mail this entry to a friend