Pineland Farms

History

In the early part of the 20th century, the State of Maine purchased six farms in Pownal, Maine that became known as Pineland Farms. The purpose of this purchase was to build the Maine School for the Feeble Minded on part of the land and continue farming on the rest of it.

The Maine School and Pownal State School

Opening in 2008, the Maine School was envisioned as a coed residential facility for the mentally disabled and patients with epilepsy. However, during its early years, the State also placed orphans and other wards of the state at the Maine School, as no other public services existed to help them.

In 1913, a local committee expressed concerns that the State had purchased Pineland Farms solely as a commercial venture, and that the location did not meet the needs of the Maine school. The committee suggested that the State move the school to a better location.

Supporters of the Maine School, including mental health expert Dr. Walter E. Fernald and local doctor Seth C. Gordon, stated that while the agricultural fields of Pineland Farms did generate revenue, they also had therapeutic value. They would, as Gordon said, "keep these poor unfortunates employed and do them good." Maine School supporters also said that with some improvements, such as the installation of an additional artesian well, Pineland Farms could meet all the needs of its patients.

In 1921, a resident described as deaf mute with arsonist tendencies escaped from the Maine School. After burning two barns near North Yarmouth, Maine, the escapee was captured by local residents and returned to the school.

In 1925, the State changed the school name to "Pownal State School". The old title, with its reference to 'feeble minded", was considered insensitive to the patients.

At its peak residency in the 1930s, the Pownal School cared for an estimated 1,500 patients.

Pineland Center

In 1953, Peter W. Bowman became the superintendent of the Pownal State School, which in 1957 became the Pineland Hospital and Training Center. This name would be shortened to Pineland Center in the early 1970's. Over the next 18 years, Pineland Center received national recognition for the care of the mentally disabled.

In the 1970's, political intrusion and budget cuts ushered in a series of administrators who were poorly equipped to manage Pineland Center and advocate for its residents and underpaid staff. The facility deteriorated and quality care for its residents was largely abandoned. In 1976, due to worsening conditions and allegations of patient abuse, the Federal government placed Pineland Hospital into receivership.

As social attitudes towards the mentally disabled evolved, many Pineland Center residents were reintegrated into society. The most able of the hospital 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 for these former residents ended and they drifted from their new homes.. By June 1995, approximately 60 patients remained at Pineland Hospital.

In 1996, Pineland Center was closed.

Recreational property

In 2000, the Libra Foundation purchased Pineland Farms. At this time, the property included 1600 acres (6.5 km²) and 28 buildings. Most of Pineland Farms was being used for agriculture. The foundation extensively renovated the property, adding businesses, trails and recreational areas.

As of 2013, Pineland Farms encompassed approximately 5,000 (20.23 km²) acres and was being used primarily as a public recreation area.

Trail System

The trail system at Pineland Farms is approximately 15.5 miles (25 km) long. The Libra Foundation renovated much of Pineland Farms 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 Pineland Farm trails are also used for collegiate cross country running races and training. It is the home course for Bates College and has been the host site for the Maine state college championships. Pineland Farms is also used for orienteering events, such as the National Orienteering Championships, which were held at Pineland in 2004.

Other facilities

Bates College operates a Dutch Warmblood horse breeding at the Equestrian Center at Pineland Farms. Until 2008, a Equine-assisted therapy program was hosted at the center.

The Libra Foundation rents out meeting facilities and guest houses at Pineland Farms. It sell sells food grown at Pineland Farms to the general public.