About Yarmouth

Located eleven miles northeast of Portland, Yarmouth is easily accessible from both Interstate 295 and Route 1. The Town of Yarmouth is a wonderful blend of all the best qualities of our Maine lifestyle. Stroll along our historic village Main Street and you will find beautiful homes dating back to the 1700’s, quaint shops, cafés and businesses. Enjoy the scenic beauty as you walk along the picturesque Royal River. Our sheltered harbor provides easy access to the ocean. We are proud of our excellent public school system and a well-respected private school is located right in the village center. There is a thriving and varied commercial base along Route 1. Our unique mix of charm, amenities, convenient access, ocean views, and bustling commerce makes Yarmouth a true gem of a town. Our motto rings true—“The Latchstring, Always Out.”

Population: 8,400
Households: 3,772
Land area: 12.60 Square Miles
Water area: .03 Square Miles
Zip Code: 04096

Town Website: www.yarmouth.me.us

History:

papermill
Forest Paper Company, ca 1900
Collection of the Yarmouth Historical Society

The area of Ancient North Yarmouth attracted both Native American and later European settlers because of the natural features that surrounded the coastal land. The ability to access both the river and the sea along Broad Cove made this area desirable for Native American tribes such as the Wabanaki and settlers who were primarily English.

North Yarmouth was settled three times, beginning with William Royall and John Cousins who were among the first European settlers. The “North” in the name was intended to differentiate it from Yarmouth, Massachusetts that was already established on Cape Cod. The original territory of North Yarmouth in 1680 was repeatedly subdivided, with Harpswell being set off
in 1758, Freeport in 1789, Pownal in 1808, Cumberland in 1821, and Yarmouth in 1849.

Starting in 1674 when the earliest known mill was erected, the Royal River has had a lasting impact on the community of Yarmouth. There are four falls along the river and the energy produced by them led to the development of the town. Grain, lumber, carding, cotton mills and iron foundries were among the earlier types found along the river. Later industries that utilized Yarmouth’s hydropower included a cotton mill specializing in seamless grain bags and Forest Paper Company. At its peak, Yarmouth was a thriving mill town employing hundreds of workers in a variety of industries.

The protected harbor at the mouth of the Royal River provided an ideal location for shipbuilding. Throughout Yarmouth’s shipbuilding history, vessels were built for different kinds of trade—sloops and schooners for coasting, brigantines and barks for trade with the West Indies and ships for world trade. The height of Yarmouth’s shipbuilding occurred between the years 1850 and 1875. Four major shipyards built vessels during this time.

Yarmouth at the turn of the twentieth century was growing and changing. The trolley system ran from Portland to Bath with stops in Yarmouth. In 1955, a bridge was built to Cousins Island to facilitate the construction of a power plant. With the bridge, residents could live on the islands year round. In 1961, the state built Route 295 and Yarmouth has consistently grown in population.

Yarmouth has maintained its village characteristics primarily by maintaining a Main Street that is reminiscent of earlier days. The Yarmouth History Center at 118 East Elm Street, adjacent to the river, has an interpretive gallery that focuses on the history of the region ranging from the early pre-settlement days to current topics with changing exhibits. The hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00-5:00. www.yarmouthmehistory.org

Education:

Performance indicators of every type point to the Yarmouth schools being among the finest in New England, both on the academic scale and in terms of our co-curricular and community service offerings. Highly qualified staff, motivated students, and engaged parents are our greatest resources, complemented by significant instructional technology, community investment in education, and well-maintained, updated facilities. Over 90% of our graduates pursue a post-secondary education. Both Harrison Middle School and Yarmouth High School are Apple Distinguished Schools because of the effective
use of technology with individual laptop computers for students and staff. Both U.S. News and the Washington Post consistently designate Yarmouth High School as one of America’s best high schools. In addition, Yarmouth has two outstanding schools serving elementary students; Rowe School serves students in grades K and 1, while Yarmouth Elementary School serves students in grades 2 through 4.

All four facilities provide students with modern learning environments. Students, staff, parents, and community members are all part of our educational system, working together to accomplish our mission: “Empowering all students to create fulfilling lives in a changing world.” Yarmouth students succeed in the classroom, on the stage, and on the playing fields. Our schools offer a comprehensive academic program as well as an extra-curricula program that is accessed by the majority of our students. In addition to winning state championships and academic awards and contests, our students serve as volunteers, contribute to publications, and are vital members of the community. Likewise, our teachers are recognized for prestigious awards and present at state and national conferences.

For more information about Yarmouth public schools, please call 207.846.5586 or visit www.yarmouthschools.org

Yarmouth is also home to one of New England’s premier independent schools, North Yarmouth Academy. Established in 1814, NYA is a coeducational day school that has been educating the area’s young people for over 200 years. Resembling a small college in the heart of the village, NYA’s 25-acre campus includes a lower school, middle school, music building, a state-of-the-art science center, language center, gymnasium, athletic fields, and NYA’s Travis Roy Ice Arena. NYA offers a structured program that establishes clear standards and high expectations in an environment that emphasizes values of mutual respect, trust, and community. Academics, arts, and athletics are the cornerstones of the Academy’s program.

The Lower School at NYA uses Montessori methods through kindergarten, and the first through fourth grade curriculum prepares students for middle school. In the Middle School, the focus shifts to critical thinking and writing, and Upper School students prepare for college and beyond. The Kauffmann Program in Environmental Writing and Wilderness Exploration, senior speeches, diplomas with distinction, prep ice hockey, personalized college counseling, and an innovation lab are among the programs that set NYA apart. For more information about North Yarmouth Academy, go to http://www.nya.org/

recreation

Recreation:

Yarmouth is a welcoming town, inviting residents and guests to enjoy and explore its open spaces, which range from active recreation to rustic and natural areas.

The 22-acre Royal River Park is located in the center of town and is the “jewel” in the crown of the Yarmouth park system. It features a mile-long paved walkway, waterfalls and many scenic vistas along the Royal River. It serves as a perfect picnic spot, as well as a great place to walk, jog, ride or roll. During the summer months, the Yarmouth Summer Arts Series hosts live performances on Wednesdays that are free and open to the public. Public access for canoeing or kayaking on the upper Royal River is located across the street from the East Elm Street entrance of the Royal River Park.

At over 225 acres, Pratt’s Brook Park, on the northwest side of town, offers over 6 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails.

The Beth Condon Pathway, part of the East Coast Greenway, extends for over one mile along Route 1, from Portland Street to the East Main Street overpass, connecting with several other pedestrian and bicycle routes. It provides safe and convenient access to the many shops and businesses along Route 1 and Main Street.

By fall of 2017, the West Side Trail will be extended another two miles to create an over 8-mile, multi-use trail along the CMP transmission line, traversing Yarmouth from west to east. Park at Exit 15 Park & Ride, Tyler Technologies, or Fels-Groves Farm Preserve for the most convenient access to the trail.

Marvel at the Community Garden bounty at the 75-acre Frank Knight Forest on East Main Street or explore the park further along lovely wooded trails.

There are many other active recreational and sports facilities available in Yarmouth. These include tennis and pickleball courts, five playgrounds, ball fields, basketball courts, beaches, boat launches and even a seasonal outdoor skating facility with a warming hut.

Yarmouth Community Services offers programs and activities for residents and visitors of all ages year round. Call 846-2406 for further information or visit www.yarmouthcommunityservices.org.