Patten Academy Alumni Park

Patten Academy Alumni Park is in the center of downtown Patten, Me. The park is conveniently located and has a ball field, bike pump track, fenced in play area with swing sets and a variety of play equipment, picnic table, and a Byway interpretive panel you won't want to miss. Next to the ball field and parking area is a green space with a paved path, gazebo, beautiful plantings, benches, and heritage markers. Leashed pets are welcome at the park, but are restricted from the ball field. Please be sure to clean up after your pets.

The site of the old Patten Academy is now the Patten Academy Alumni Park.

In September 1848, only a few years after the town of Patten was organized, the academy opened its doors to 61 students from Patten and the surrounding towns. A respected institution, the academy provided excellent education until it closed its doors permanently in 1967. Although the 1898 structure (the original building burned in 1897) was razed in the 70s, the spirit of the Patten Academy lives on in the hearts of alumni and the people of Patten.

Famous students

Born Annie “Lou” Rogers in 1879, she was the sister of Patten’s Lore A. Rogers and a graduate of the Patten Academy. Lou went on to become a prominent cartoonist in support of the suffragist cause.

In 1913, the renowned Cartoons Magazine wrote of Lou Rogers: “Her pen is destined to win battles for the Woman’s Movement and her name will be recorded when the history of the early days of the fight for equal rights is written.”

The stuff of legends!

On March 22, 1947, Mr. Phair, principal and coach led the Patten Academy Basketball team to win the New England Championship, beating the powerhouse Boston Latin 35-32. This victory became a huge sensation across Maine and large crowds gathered for the return of the champions. In 2016, the basketball team was inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame.

The good work of the Patten Woman’s Club

In November 1978, the school district gave the Patten Woman’s Club permission to use the Patten Academy lot to create a park. With the support of alumni, citizens, local businesses, and the town of Patten, the club created and continues to maintain this beautiful park. Thanks to the club’s ongoing efforts, the memories of the great Patten Academy are preserved.

Address: 85 Main Street, Patten, Maine 04765 (across the intersection from Craig's Clam Shack)

For more information, you can join the following Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/55088840801