A really big storm hit Maine over the weekend causing devastating damage to coastal communities. The tide surged at over 14.5ft at high tide, which broke the pervious record set in 1978. Some records you want to break but this was not one of them. One of the losses during the storm were the historic fishing shacks in South Portland.
If you have been following this blog or my Instagram account for a while you will be no stranger to these little shacks. They are part of my daily routine during the warmer months as I walk up to Willard Beach to catch the sunrise (and get some exercise). I’m heartbroken as a native SoPo gal that part of my city’s history has been swept out to sea. I have always been really interested in the little buildings, here’s what I know about these iconic shacks.
The Origin
The Willard neighborhood, where the shacks stood, has a long history of being home to fishermen. The Simonton family arrived in 1718 and helped to develop the area. They built a large wharf and a warehouse on the point. More people soon settled in the neighborhood, mostly Scottish and Irish, building fish shacks on the beach and homes in the area.
In the late 1800s many fishing schooners were based out of Simonton Cove making it a bustling working beachfront. Someone ended up buying up some of the beachfront, so the fishing shacks were relocated to the point. The City of South Portland acquired the point in the early 1900s. They allowed the fishermen using the shacks to keep using them. They just had to pay a fee to the city each year.
The shacks slowly started depleting in numbers as storms and vandalism claimed many over the years. A couple of the shacks were lost during that previous record holding storm of 1978. The last two original still remained until January 13, 2024. I know that it looks like three buildings, but they are actually just two,
Looking Forward
Thankfully the South Portland Historical Society had the foresight to have a crew come take detailed photos of the shacks in 2022. The 360-degree photographic documentation of the interiors of the shacks and architectural drawings are available to help with a recreation of the shacks. The land is owned by the city so it will need approval and would be built with donations only. With the outpouring of support to the SP Historical Society in just a few days I can only imagine that they will have enough funds to rebuild. Whether they rebuild the shacks or do some sort of memorial installation.
If you would like to make a donation for the shacks click the link here and in the comments type “fishing shacks”.
Oh, so cool that you documented this on your blog and posted the link to help. It is a great service, helping to preserve history and fostering an appreciation of history around you. Cheers!
Than you! They hold such a special place in the hearts of our community.