CHAPTER VI

SIMONTON'S COVE or WILLARD BEACH So. Portland

This cove located on the easterly end of South Portland facing Casco Bay is the scene of early settlers to this part of the Cape, (Elizabeth).

Today the cove is known as Willard Beach. It was named for Captain Ben Willard, who was born there in 1828. Ben was a fisherman, pilot, and stevedore.

This beach was used by the early settlers, of about 1813 as a landing spot for their fishing boats. Many little homesteads sprung up in this area in the early 1800's.

The old houses, of course, are gone now, but who can tell what might still be hidden along the beach or in the vicinity of the beach and cove.

Around the old point, that is on the south side of the beach, would be a likely area for the metal detector. The old fishing shacks that were there have vanished now, but many a cash deal was made on this old point of land. There may be still, some loose coins lying around with a few feet of dirt on top of them.

A few blocks to the rear of the beach was an old tavern that the stage coaches stopped at years ago. This old house is still standing. You probably will not be able to secure permission to go over the property as the house is occupied. I told you about this old place, just to convince you that this entire area is a fine one to look over.

If stage coaches came and went from this locality you can bet that this would be an ideal location in which to hunt. Go over the beach, then try the land, but for goodness sake, be sure to get permission from any property owner before you hunt on his property. We do not want you to get arrested and land in court.