The future of Mount Desert Island: A report to the plan committee, Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association

Eliot, Charles

From the report of committee: "Will the Island of Mt. Desert become more beautiful and attractive or less so as the years pass? The answer depends upon us who, whether for twelve months or two, live upon the Island; and everyone who lives on it loves it and would do much to conserve its beauties. Last year the Village Improvement Society of Bar Harbor, convinced that some definite action should be taken towards the study of the conservation of the Island as a whole, appointed a committee-Messrs. Gist Blair, Parker Corning, Fred C. Lynam, Dave H. Morris, Charles B. Pike and the Chairman,-who engaged Mr. Charles W. Eliot 2nd, City Planner to the National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Washington, to make such a study. Mr. Eliot's intimate knowledge of the Island throughout his life, and his broad experience insure the value of his survey. This report with its maps and suggestions is a challenge to every person upon the Island to take part in a United Movement for its conservation. The people of Mount Desert living throughout the year in the villages and farms, the keepers of shops and garages joining with those who come here for the summer can if we all will make this Island a unit of rare beauty. The future Island of Mt. Desert may be found in this Report if we will read it carefully and if each and all of us will take our part in acting upon its suggestions. The carrying out of the program will take years; perhaps a century; the beginning of its execution is today. The Committee has set forth the Ideal but has been restrained in making definite suggestions, for we believe that when public opinion is aroused, leaders and groups will come forward in the several localities and from various interests who will by their devotion conserve and enhance the Glories of Mt. Desert."