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History of Jewel Island, Peter W. Benoit's book, a Review

(In region Casco Bay)
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Lat/Long: N 43.6793 | W 70.09385 (appx)


Peter W. Benoit's book History of Jewell Island is a must-read for anyone visiting Casco Bay. For once you read it you'll see the island and the entire Casco Bay region with new eyes - framed from the earliest of Maine's Coastal history.

Peter begins his book in 1524 when the first Europeans arrived in Casco Bay. It quickly becomes apparent that Peter seeks to report history, not create it. He takes great pains to document and reference each statement. And when this is not possible, he says so.
 
For example, while Peter reports that many historians believe that Jewell Island was named after George Jewell, a "Barnstable Fishing Master", he points out there is little factual evidence to base this on. What there is, he presents, and leaves it to the reader to make their own judgment.
 
Fortunately available written history for Jewell Island begins to ramp up when Henry Donnell started fish processing there in the mid 1600's. Henry constructed and operated a fish house for storing Cod after drying.
 
The book takes us through attacks by indians - with special treatment to what may or may not have happened with the indian attack of 1676. Next time you are anchored at Jewell look out and imagine what it must have been like to see some unfriendly boaters heading your way.

Historical Photos of Jewell Island

Chapters on the 1700's and 1800's provide rich details of life on a Maine Coastal island, but it's the 1800's that offer plenty of visual history in the form of photos.  A visitor today will likely recognize many of the features depicted in those early images. On your next visit to the island your imagination may see ghosts of families playing in Cocktail Cove after looking at Peter's fine assembly of photos.

(And oh yes, Peter discusses ghosts and rumors of ghosts as well.)

World War I and World War II are treated in detail. The two large concrete observation towers on Jewell today are actually a minor portion of the full military presence that once stood guard. With the help of Peter's book one begins to see Jewell Island from a whole new perspective. The money and manpower to build the military facilities and the manpower to run it was a significant investment for our government.  (But like its neighbor Naval Air Station Brunswick (NASB / BNAS), one day Uncle Sam woke up, said it wasn't needed, and walked away.)

Which leads us to Peter's closing chapters: the story of post war development attempts and eventual purchase by the State of Maine. This is fortunate for all of us, as Jewell Island is a time capsule of Maine's history.  Through Jewell you can see the struggle between the early settlers and native Americans; the growth of Maine's fishing industry; ventures tried and ventures lost, a shield against our enemies in time of war; and a place today where one can explore an island rich in Maine's history. 

Purchasing a Copy of History of Jewell Island

The only downside to Peter's book is that it is not available on Amazon to purchase. Peter self published it; this reviewer was fortunate to purchase a copy circa 2002.  I don't have his email address, but based on a mailing address given on another Maine boating website, you may be able to purchase a copy by writing him. The publicly listed address is:
 
Peter Benoit
4450 East Mariah Dr.
Wasilla AK. 99654
 
I do not know if this address is current. If you verify that it is, let me know.
 
The Maine library system has three copies of his book on file; they are very good about interlibrary loans so check with your local library.  Use this link to auto-search the state system and three copies should pop up. Click to find out which libraries are holding them.
 
View the BoatMaine.us article on Jewell Island to view more recent photos.
 
 
Rick Dieffenbach
Rick@boatmaine.us
 

    

Other Marine Resources Within 3 Miles of History of Jewel Island, Peter W. Benoit's book, a Review

(You can zoom in and out of the map below with your mouse wheel and drag the map with your mouse left button.)

#
Statute Miles
 Item Contact Info:
X
0
 Jewell Island, Maine 
2
0
 History of Jewel Island, Peter W. Benoit's book, a Review 
3
1.2
 Inner Green Island 
4
1.5
 West Brown Cow 
5
1.5
 Cliff Island, Maine 
6
2.2
 Rogues Island 
7
2.2
 Hope Island 
8
2.3
 Bates Island 
9
2.5
 Stepping Stones 
10
2.5
 Sand Island 
11
2.5
 Outer Green Island 
12
2.5
 Stave Island 
13
2.7
 Ministerial Island 
14
2.7
 Obeds Rock 
15
2.9
 Wreck: (Boatmaine region Casco Bay) NOAA# 2240 
16
2.9
 Crow Island 
17
3
 Eagle Island (Admiral Peary home and State Historical Site)  phone: (207) 624-6080
www.pearyeagleisland.org
     

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