Item 70074 - Indian Island, Old Town, ca. 1935

Item 70074 - Indian Island, Old Town, ca. 1935
Contributed by Boston Public Library
Item 70074
Indian Island, Old Town, ca. 1935
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Indian Island is in the Penobscot River and is the main reservation for the Penobscot Tribe of Maine. The postcard depicts birch bark teepees. The Works Progress Administration employed 30 local laborers at the island to bring electricity, pave roads, install streetlights, and build a sewer system and water mains connected to nearby Old Town, all of which was completed by 1936.

The Penobscot Nation has lived on the island and river for thousands of years. Community celebrations took place throughout the year, as depicted in this postcard. Gala Day was celebrated on the island in June and included Native American dances, food, beaded objects, and baskets for sale.

The caption reads, "Gala Day on Indian Island, Old Town, Maine."

The Tichnor Brothers printing company published this type of postcard circa 1930-1945.

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