Miles End, Belfast, Maine 47815

Miles End, Belfast, Maine 47815

Miles End, Belfast, Maine. Large estate just outside Belfast on river. In 1912-1913 Anne Crosby, the wealthy granddaughter of Judge and former Governor William G. Crosby and wife of Ralph Miller Johnson built this "summer cottage" just south of town. The cottage, "Miles End", features all the modern conveniences of the time, namely: electricity, plumbing, hot-water heat and 8 telephones. Anne Crosby Johnson gave the initial gift to the create the William G. Crosby High School (built in 1923) in memory of her grandfather. Upon her death in 1958, her will gave generously to many city projects. They included $60,000.00 to the Crosby Science department, $20,000.00 to the Penobscot Marine Museum, $10,000.00 to the Belfast Free Library, and $20,000.00 plus the family home on Primrose Hill to the First Church. Among Anne Crosby Johnson's many philanthropic efforts was the creation of the Belfast Youth Center. A year after the closure of George Robertson's Boys Cub in 1943, Johnson purchased the Chase Home (later the location of Cottle's Supermarket and present day site of the Redman Hall), installed pool and ping pong tables, a jukebox, and arts & crafts supplies. Both boys and girls were entertained until its closure, for lack of funds, in 1954. She also donated the white fence which surrounded the First Church for many years. The estate is currently the site of Crosby Manor Estates, a condominium development.