Two historic buildings and their surrounding grounds recall the grandeur of an early twentieth century resort focused on the waters of Poland Spring. Exhibits include the story of renowned dog sled driver Leonhard Seppala and his lead dog Togo. During the Alaska diphtheria epidemic of 1925 they carried the life-saving serum farther, and over more dangerous terrain, than any of the other teams. In 1926 Seppala brought Togo and the rest of his team to Poland Springs for a race, and was convinced to leave the dogs there to start a breeding kennel. Togo died and was buried in Poland Spring in 1929.
Address: 37 Preservation Way, Poland Springs, ME 04274
Website: http://polandspringps.org/
Photo courtesy of Tim Pierce. CC BY-SA 3.0
The Admiral Peary Inn Bed & Breakfast is an 1865 colonial farmhouse that derives its name from Robert E. Peary, whose mother rented the house from its architect and lived at the location from 1877 to 1880. Her son came to live and work as a surveyor in Fryeburg after graduating from Bowdoin, until he left for Washington, DC in 1879. One of the guest rooms is dedicated to Admiral Peary, his family, and his travels, while the other six are named for the innkeeper’s own world travels.
