America's Best History Spotlight

On this page we're going to Spotlight the lesser known historic sites and attractions that dot the history landscape across the USA and are worth a visit if you're in their area. And while they may be lesser known, some are very unique, and will be that rare find. You'll be, at times, on the ground floor, or maybe even know something others don't. It'll be fun. Visit them.

Peaks Island and Its Playhouse

In 1887, Bartley McCullum thought the summer vacation island off the coast of Maine needed an attraction. So he constructed a theater, known as McCullum's Theater. It had five hundred seats. During the first season, he hired local actors to man, and woman, his plays. By the second season, actors and actresses from the halls of New York and Boston were plying the boards. How important was this start and how prevalent did it become? By 1957, there were more than two hundred summer stock theaters in the United States with ninety located in New England alone. By then, it was known as the Citronella Circuit. Yes, because some of them had lots of bugs.

McCullum's Theater lasted as the main theater until 1898, then used for lesser functions until 1921. It was followed by the Greenwood Garden Playhouse, built in 1884 and used as a theater starting in 1891. This structure hosted plays, vaudeville, orchestras, and other events into the middle of the 20th century, summer stock after World War I, and still exists, used for other functions. The Forest City Skating Rink was converted in 1898 into a one thousand five hundred seat theater, known as the Gem. Performances were held there until 1934. Other buildings were used for various theatric purposes, too. Originally known as the Magestic Skating Rink when built in 1903, it hosted events until 1929/1930. Were there famous people associated with Peaks Island and these houses. Absolutely. Think Director John Ford, George M. Cohan, D.W. Griffith, and the Barrymores, for several.

For Peaks Island, the playhouses did not quite make it to 1957, at least in high form, but did flourish for decades after Bart's start. The popularity of the town began to wane in the 1920's when auto touring began. In World War II it was part of the Atlantic defense with large guns pointing from its batteries.

Photo above: The original playhouse, McCullum's Theater, in 1897, during its 10th season. Advertisement announces the last week of the comedy Turned Up, with closing date of October 4, 1897. Source Maine Historical Society. Below: Gem Theater on Peaks Island, 1904, Detroit Publishing Company. Courtesy Library of Congress.

Where Is It

Peaks Island is located less than four miles east of downtown Portland and is reacheable by a seventeen minute, one way, ride on the South Portland - Peaks Island Ferry.