LEWISTON — The Stanton Bird Club Board of Directors welcomed Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Dec. 17 to Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary.

The occasion marked the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the bird club, which occurred Dec. 5, 1921. The club had been in existence for two years at that point and this step was taken so that the club could accept the first gift of land from the Anthony family to create Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary.

Professor Alfred Anthony, his wife Gertrude Libbey Anthony, and his sister Kate Anthony donated the initial 45-acre parcel to the bird club in January 1922, stating that one of the main purposes was “increasing animal life” and “promoting an intelligent interest in birds and animals,” according to a news release from the bird club.

The parcel of land, which was named Thorncrag by Dr. Anthony, stretched from Montello Street to the summit of what was known as Thorne’s Mountain. Since those early days the sanctuary has increased to 450 acres and has welcomed thousands of visitors year while continuing to protect the animals and plants which live on the land.

Bellows read from a certificate of achievement congratulating the club on achieving “this honorable distinction of duration and longevity.” Following this presentation, Bellows spent time walking trails with board members and the chair of the Stewardship Committee to the Anthony Fireplace and the height of land.

Over the next year, the bird club plans to hold a number of events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Thorncrag, starting with a snowshoe walk on Saturday, Feb. 19.

For more information about the club, visit stantonbirdclub.org.

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.