A historic look at Wells, Maine and the homes of Drakes Island

A historic look at Wells, Maine and the homes of Drakes Island

a brief history of the brave defenders of colonial Wells and the eventual development of its jewel, Drakes Island

by Theodore Henry Exford

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About
Part I Wells is a historian's delight, for few towns can boast of such a rich history. The 1600's and 1700's were filled with the specter of war, kidnappings and death that few families emerged from unscathed. Fortunately for Wells, there always seemed to be the right person at the right time to pick up the standard and rally those about him. On the 9th of June, 1691, Captain James Converse, with his militia, successfully defended Storer's garrison against a superior force of 200 Native Americans and French. A year later, on the 10th of June, 1692, a force of 400 Native Americans and Some French troupes laid an unsuccessful three day siege on Storer's garrison commanded by Lieutenant Joseph Storer. This gave rise to the phrase: "Berwick, Kittery, York shall fall, Wells will stand to see it all." Wells was now a "Frontier Town". Part II A once in a lifetime record of all of the Drakes Island homes and their owners as of 2008, can now be owned by each household. Whenever possible, former owners and a short history of each home is also included. When a home had been renovated over the years, there was an attempt to include the before and after photos as well as a description. As time passes, this record of homes will be ever more valuable to the homeowner. The great quality of the color photos will allow many years of lasting enjoyment.

Discussion questions for A historic look at Wells, Maine and the homes of Drakes Island

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  1. 1

    How does learning about the 17th-century violence, war, and kidnappings that early Wells residents endured change your perspective on the town as you experience it today?

  2. 2

    Theodore Henry Exford highlights how Wells repeatedly found "the right person at the right time" to rally the community during crises; who are the modern figures or community leaders you see playing that role today?

  3. 3

    The defiant local phrase "Berwick, Kittery, York shall fall, Wells will stand to see it all" captures a powerful sense of frontier resilience—how do you think the physical landscape of Maine shaped this tenacious spirit?

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