Rollo Pond Water Dam, Farmington, ME
N 44° 39.889 W 070° 08.778
19T E 409128 N 4946355
The pond behind this water dam has a series of books named after it.
Waymark Code: WMFE3W
Location: Maine, United States
Date Posted: 10/05/2012
Views: 13
Jacob Abbott and his family moved to Farmington in 1836 and purchased some property that was known by the title "Few Acres" and was very close to the middle of the town of Farmington. Abbott's son, Jacob Abbott II, purchased neighboring property which was called "Little Blue" and this is where Rollo Pond is located. Jacob II became a pastor and educator and he and his family were deeply involved in the creation of Abbott School (nicknamed "Little Blue schoo"), and developed a lovely parklike setting for the school, complete with the water dam, several walking bridges (including one located adjacent the water dam) and walking trails.
During lean years of Little Blue, when financial troubles persisted, the school was merged with Farmington Normal School and portions of the property were sold. A developer purchased the pond and filled it in, leveling many of the buildings. The developer failed to finish the project, the State took over the property in 1969 and dredged the pond and restored the property as a park.
Jacob II wrote 180 books in his ifetime including illustrated history books, a series of educational books called the "Rollo Books", and the writing of children’s books. In addition to the Rollo books, Jacob also wrote the “Lucy Books,” the “Marco Paul” series, the “Franconia” stories. One of Jacob II's students was Henry Longfellow.
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Link to photo of the water dam in 1895:
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Link to an online Rollo book:
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