Who We Are
The Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association has certainly had an immediate and lasting impact on the community and its residents. This is not only from a health, welfare, and beautification perspective but even more importantly from an economic and operational standpoint. The early charter and accomplishments of the BHVIA greatly influenced the direction and organization of the town once it assumed many of the public works duties that the VIA initiated. It set a high standard and created jobs caring for the town and building trails. It should be noted that many of the members of the VIA were year-round residents, and they played a major role in shaping policies, implementing them, and providing skilled local labor to perform the work.
In many ways, the BHVIA was the seed from which Acadia National Park sprouted. Once the BHVIA was formed in 1881 ( it was the first of its kind in the state), Village Improvement Societies were formed island-wide. Two key figures from the local VIAs, Charles Elliot and George B. Dorr, next created the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations as a land holding agency in 1901. In 1916, due to their tireless efforts, these lands were transferred to the federal government when Sieur De Mont National Monument was established, and in 1919 became the first National Park east of the Mississippi known as Lafayette National Park. The name was changed to Acadia in 1929.
In many ways, the BHVIA was the seed from which Acadia National Park sprouted. Once the BHVIA was formed in 1881 ( it was the first of its kind in the state), Village Improvement Societies were formed island-wide. Two key figures from the local VIAs, Charles Elliot and George B. Dorr, next created the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations as a land holding agency in 1901. In 1916, due to their tireless efforts, these lands were transferred to the federal government when Sieur De Mont National Monument was established, and in 1919 became the first National Park east of the Mississippi known as Lafayette National Park. The name was changed to Acadia in 1929.
Historically, VIA membership read like a Who's Who in America, a venerable mixture of local and summer residents. Prominent members included the likes of John S. Kennedy, Mrs Joseph Pulitzer, Mrs. J.P. Morgan, Mrs. George Vanderbilt, Ernesto Fabbri, Dr. Augustus Thorndike, Alfred Dupont and Dr. Robert Abbe (Ezra Cough, great grandfather of Dick Cough, the sitting president, was also a past member of the BHVIA).
Waldron Bates, George Dorr, and Beatrix Ferrand were among the most distinguished of our early members. These farsighted individuals were instrumental in designing Bar Harbor's downtown, parks and gardens, as well as Kebo Valley Golf Course and the boundaries and trails of Acadia National Park. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to these tireless and giving individuals; their vision created the town and park that we know and love today!
Waldron Bates, George Dorr, and Beatrix Ferrand were among the most distinguished of our early members. These farsighted individuals were instrumental in designing Bar Harbor's downtown, parks and gardens, as well as Kebo Valley Golf Course and the boundaries and trails of Acadia National Park. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to these tireless and giving individuals; their vision created the town and park that we know and love today!
The Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association would like to acknowledge Les Brewer, who passed away in August 2019. He acted as President for over 35 years. Under his quiet and confident direction, the VIA continued to grow, thrive, and provide competent stewardship for our properties. Also, Phil Cunningham, who passed away in November 2018. Phil and Les were the longest tenured board members.
Board of Directors
President: Dick Cough
Vice President: Andy Shea
Treasurer: Jon Nicholson
Secretary: Kimberly Swan
Directors:
Erin Cough
Jeff Dobbs
Tom Testa
David Witham Jr.
Helene Harton
