This island can be reached by the tourist boats that go to almost all the islands in Casco Bay. If the boat does not stop at Jewell Island, you can go to Cliff and cross over to Jewell by rowboat. The trip across the channel is a short one.
CHAPTER XV
GREAT CHEBEAGUE ISLAND
Here we have one of the largest islands in Casco Bay. The name is pronounced “Shar-Big.” This name in Indian language means “land of many springs.” The Indians used this large island as a gathering place for their outings and feasts. Many Indian families would come to Chebeague Island and spend the day boating, fishing and eating. The Indians were the forerunners of the modern day tourist.
On Chebeague you will find large shell heaps still visible after hundreds of years. These piles of shells are the debris of countless feasts held by the Indians.
Numerous relics of these Indian days have been found, and as late as 1935 crude implements of warfare, some household utensils, Indian skulls, and a curious stone pipe were unearthed.
The first legal document pertaining to Chebeague was a transfer of ownership dated 1650, so this island also dates back to a period of seventeenth-century history. Chebeague has many large and small coves which should command your attention. When you land on Chebeague ask about the old homes there. In the old days there were many homesteads on this island and some of them still remain. The area surrounding these structures should have a number of hidden relics buried around the yard. Don’t forget to ask the owner for his O.K. before you start any excavating.
The immediate shoreline would be the next location to receive a treatment from your metal detector. As I have mentioned, the Indians had their outings along the beaches and shoreline. The metal detector, of course, is very valuable on a treasure hunt, but don’t forget to use your eyes also. Some of the artifacts you may discover will not be made of metal, but could be stone, wood or even leather. Articles such as these, of course, would not register on your instrument, but nevertheless they would qualify as historical treasure.
Even up to the present day some of these Indian relics are being found and preserved by local residents. The Maine Historical Society has a nice collection for your examination. The Society is located next to the Longfellow House on Congress Street, Portland. You will be most welcome; go in and browse a bit. It is worth the time, as many interesting pieces are on display, and it will give you an idea of what you might uncover yourself.
To reach Great Chebeague Island you take a boat from Custom House Wharf, Portland. Most anyone can tell you how to get to the wharf. The boat trip takes only a short time to reach this island of the Indian days.