Historic Maine Fishing Shacks Lost to High Tide, Leaving Community in Mourning

Three historic fishing shacks in South Portland, Maine, that had stood since the 1800s and served as a beloved backdrop for countless photographs, were tragically washed away by a record high tide, leaving the community devastated.

A record-breaking high tide in Maine has claimed three historic fishing shacks that stood as iconic landmarks since the 1800s. These shacks, situated at Fishermans Point in Willard Beach, South Portland, held a special place in the hearts of the local community and served as a picturesque backdrop for countless photographs.

Witnessing History's Demise

Michelle Erskine, a lifelong resident of South Portland, captured the heart-wrenching moment on video as the last two wooden shacks succumbed to the relentless waves. Her voice, filled with dismay, can be heard on the video exclaiming, "Oh no. They're both going. Oh no!" Erskine shared her personal connection to the shacks, recalling her son's senior photos taken there and the frequent visits by wedding parties. "It's truly a sad day for the community and the residents of South Portland," she expressed in an interview. "History is just being washed away."

A Glimpse into the Past

Owned by the city of South Portland, the shacks had recently undergone renovations in October, receiving a fresh coat of paint. They stood as the last remnants of a series of fishing shacks that predated the city's incorporation. Originally built along the shore, they were later relocated to their final resting place in the 1880s. Erskine shared that these shacks once served as storage for lobster traps and fishing gear, adding to their historical significance.

Record-Breaking Tide and Aftermath

The devastating event was attributed to a record-breaking 14.57-foot high tide measured in Portland, Maine, just after noon on Saturday. This exceptional tide resulted from a storm surge that amplified what was already the month's highest tide, explained National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Cempa. The previous record of 14.17 feet, set in 1978, was surpassed, marking the highest tide since measurements began in 1912.

The surge caused flooding in several coastal areas, including homes in Old Orchard Beach and Kennebunkport in Maine, as well as Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. This unfortunate incident came shortly after another storm damaged one of Maine's beloved lighthouses, featured prominently on the state quarter.

Preserving History through Reconstruction

In the face of this loss, the city of South Portland expressed its grief on its Facebook page, acknowledging the complete destruction of the three fishing shacks at Willard Beach. However, the South Portland Historical Society offered a glimmer of hope. Anticipating such an event, the society had proactively engaged architects and engineers last year to create detailed drawings. This foresight ensures that everything is in place to reconstruct replicas of the shacks, if necessary. The society is now seeking donations to support this rebuilding effort.

As the community grapples with the loss of these iconic landmarks, the spirit of preservation prevails. The fishing shacks may have been swept away by the relentless tide, but the memories they hold and the stories they tell will forever remain etched in the hearts of the South Portland community.