DESCRIPTION: Rare pen and ink manuscript forestry stand map of the south part of Allen's (Allen) Island, Maine. The map was created to represent the vegetation type, stand density and species distribution for South Allen Island in 1924. A century ago spruce predominated at the south end with pasture and scrub growth surrounding an old farm near island center.
Allen Island is a 450-acre private island located in St. George, Knox County, Maine. Situated near the southeastern end of Muscongus Bay, it is the largest island of a small cluster, with Benner Island to the northwest and Burnt Island to the east.
According to historical records, the island was first granted to William Allen, a prominent businessman and politician in Massachusetts, in the mid-18th century. Allen used the island primarily for fishing and hunting, and it remained in his family for several generations. In 1979, the island was purchased by Betsy Wyeth, wife of painter Andrew Wyeth. Prior to their ownership, the island had become a seasonal home for two fishing families living in decaying houses on the fringe of a fast-encroaching spruce forest.
Allen Island, Maine courtesy Colby College.
Wyeth was drawn to the island's stark natural beauty and solitude, which he found to be a perfect place for inspiration and artistic creation. He spent much of his time on the island, painting the landscape as well as the old decaying houses and structures that dotted the island's coastline. Many of his paintings featuring the island's landscape are considered to be among his most iconic works.
Allen Island is now owned by Colby College in Waterville, Maine. The small liberal-arts college will use the island "for a wide range of academic programs and activities.."
North oriented to the top. Drawn by hand on surveyors tracing cloth (paper) during January, 1926 by W.C. Wheeeler under the supervision of P.T. Coolidge, Forest Engineer.
PUBLICATION DATE: 1926
GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States
BODY OF WATER: Atlantic Ocean
CONDITION: Good.
 Solid. A bit, no a lot grubby and browned from age and handling. Wide margins. One pinhole in the ocean.
COLORING: None
ENGRAVER: 
SIZE: 11
" x
13 "
ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 86
PRICE: $350
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