FtV – A Hermit Named Coffin in the Desert of Maine
New England Legends Podcast
Deep Dive
How did the Desert of Maine form?
The Desert of Maine formed due to poor farming practices by the Tuttle family in the 19th century. They grew potatoes year after year without rotating crops, depleting the soil. Overgrazing by sheep further eroded the land, exposing glacial sand deposits from the Ice Age. Wind and storms spread the sand, eventually covering the farm and creating the desert.
Who was Charlie Coffin and what was his role in the Desert of Maine?
Charlie Coffin was a local vaudeville musician who became known as 'The Hermit of Maine.' He lived in a shack near the Desert of Maine and charged tourists 15 cents to look inside. Coffin sold trinkets, paintings, and entertained visitors with songs, capitalizing on the desert's fame as a tourist attraction.
Why is the Desert of Maine considered a unique attraction?
The Desert of Maine is unique because it is a 40-acre sandy area surrounded by pine trees in a region known for its forests. It was created by glacial deposits and poor farming practices, making it an unexpected desert-like landscape in Maine. It has been a tourist attraction since the 1920s, offering tours, camping, and a glimpse into its unusual history.
What led to the Tuttle family abandoning their farm?
The Tuttle family abandoned their farm due to soil depletion and overgrazing by sheep. They grew potatoes in the same fields year after year, which stripped the soil of nutrients. Sheep overgrazed the pastures, exposing glacial sand deposits. Wind and storms spread the sand, covering the fields and making farming impossible.
How did Henry Goldrip turn the Desert of Maine into a tourist attraction?
Henry Goldrip bought the abandoned Tuttle Sand Farm in 1925 for $400. He saw potential in the unique landscape and branded it the 'Desert of Maine.' Goldrip sold ice cream, hot dogs, and offered walking tours, attracting tourists traveling along Route 1. His efforts turned the site into a popular roadside attraction.
Why is the Desert of Maine shrinking?
The Desert of Maine is shrinking because, without sheep grazing and farming, vegetation like trees and mosses is reclaiming the land. Over time, the sand is being covered, and the area is gradually returning to a forested state.
What made Charlie Coffin a 'professional hermit'?
Charlie Coffin was a 'professional hermit' because he embraced the hermit persona for profit. He lived in a shack near the Desert of Maine, charged tourists to visit, and sold trinkets and paintings. Unlike traditional hermits, Coffin actively engaged with the public and used his hermit image as a tourist attraction.
- Glacial activity deposited sand thousands of years ago
- Tuttle family's farming practices exposed the sand
- Overgrazing and lack of crop rotation led to soil depletion
Shownotes Transcript