Pineland Farms

Pineland Farms is a 5,000 acre farm and recreational property in the eastern part of New Gloucester, Maine, and the former site of the "Pineland Hospital and Training Center".

History

Pineland first opened in 1908 as the Maine School for the Feeble Minded, an institution intended to house patients with mental illness and epilepsy.[1][2][3] However, during its early years, orphans and other wards of the state were often inappropriately placed at the Maine School, as no other public services existed to help them.

The land was acquired with the purchase of six farms in the area.[3] In 1913, a local committee issued concerns that the property had been purchased solely as a commercial venture and that the location would not meet the needs of the school. The committee suggested the school be moved to a more suitable location. But supporters of the institution, including mental health expert Dr. Walter E. Fernald and local doctor Seth C. Gordon, stated that while the farm did generate revenue, it also had therapeutic value and would, as Gordon said, "keep these poor unfortunates employed and do them good."[3][4] They also asserted that with some improvements, such as the installation of an additional artesian well, the farm could meet all the needs of its patients.[3] At peak residency in the 1930s, the Maine School cared for an estimated 1500 patients.[5]

In 1953, Peter W. Bowman became superintendent, changed its name to "Pineland Hospital & Training Center" and over the next 18 years Pineland became regarded as a national model for the care of the mentally handicapped. However, political intrusion and budget cuts during the 1970s ushered in a series of administrators poorly equipped to manage and advocate for its residents and their under-paid caretakers. Pineland's facilities deteriorated and quality care for its residents was largely abandoned. Due to worsening conditions and allegations of abusive treatment, Pineland was placed into federal receivership in 1976.

As social attitudes toward patients with mental illness eased, former residents of these institutions were reintegrated into society. The most able of Pineland's population were re-homed into apartments in the 1990s. Many advocates for the homeless noted that Maine's local transient population began to grow during this period as Pineland and other facilities released its residents. Routine care and therapy ceased and they drifted from their new homes.. In June 1995, approximately 60 patients remained.[6] Pineland Hospital & Training Center was closed in 1996.[7]

Upon its close, the campus had approximately 1600 acres (6.5 km2) and 28 buildings. Much of the area was used for farming purposes, and to satisfy needs of the employees and residents. In 2000, the farm was purchased by the Portland, Maine-based Libra Foundation, who heavily renovated the property, adding businesses, and recreational trails and areas.

Today, Pineland encompasses approximately 5000 (20.23 km2) acres and is used primarily as a public recreation area.[8]

Attractions

Pineland Farms wedding photo by Maine wedding photographer, Trina Dinnar.
Photo by Trina Dinnar Photography

Activities

The trail system at Pineland is approximately 15.5 miles (25 km) long. The Libra Foundation renovated much of Pineland's area into cross-country ski trails, which are used for a variety of other seasonal activities, such as trail running, mountain biking, and cyclo-cross. The trails are also used for collegiate cross country races and training. It is the home course for nearby Bates College and has been the host site for the Maine state college championships. The land is also used for orienteering events, such as the National Orienteering Championships, which were held at Pineland in 2004. A Dutch-Warmblood horse breeding program is run off-campus at the Equestrian Center at Pineland Farms. Until 2008 a therapeutic riding program was run out of the stable.

The property can be used to host corporate meetings, retreats, weddings, picnics, etc. The facilities include a conference center and banquet room as well as a tented location accented with a patio and pergola area, suitable for wedding ceremonies and cocktail parties.

Pineland Farms also has six restored farmhouses available for rental through their "Guest Houses at Pineland Farms" program. Food grown and produced by the farm is available for sale in the Visitor Center's market.

References

  1. ↑ "Urges Institutions for Feeble-Minded". Lewiston Evening Journal. Lewiston, Maine. August 1, 1928. p. 6. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  2. ↑ Fellers, Ellie (June 23, 1993). "History proves Pineland Center patients were ostracized". Sun-Journal. Lewiston, Maine. sec. Neighbors p. 2. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Pownal School Has its Friends". Lewiston Evening Journal. Lewiston, Maine. February 7, 1913. p. 8. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  4. ↑ Coe, Harrie B. (1928). Maine Biographies (2003 ed.). Baltimore, MD.: Clearfield Co. pp. 441–442. ISBN 978-0806351247. Retrieved July 2, 2013. Note: Though the 1913 Lewiston Evening Journal reference doesn't indicate Fernald's first name, it does say that he ran the Massachusetts School for the Feeble Minded. Cross-checking that against this citation, Maine Biographies, should confirm that Walter E. Fernald was the doctor in question.
  5. ↑ Fellers, Ellie (March 18, 1985). "Future Pineland options weighed". Sun-Journal. Lewiston, Maine. pp. 9, 10. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  6. ↑ Fellers, Ellie (July 20, 1995). "Pineland Center closing its doors next June". Sun-Journal. Lewiston, Maine. p. 2B. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  7. ↑ Fellers, Ellie (April 13, 1999). "Bids sought for Pineland Center marketing pact". Sun-Journal. Lewiston, Maine. sec. City p. B2. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Orienteering". PinelandFarms.org. Pineland Farms, Inc. Retrieved July 2, 2013.

Coordinates: 43°54′14″N 70°15′25″W / 43.904°N 70.257°W / 43.904; -70.257

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