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Cobbossee Colony
by David Dennett Can you imagine life on Lake Cobbosseecontee during the early 1900's? The lake was lower. The old timers would probably tell you it was 6 to 9 feet lower than current full pond! Navigation was, therefore, most difficult. So how was the fishing with that kind of water level? And where did a sportsman stay for a relaxing opportunity to enjoy this special lake? What other activities were available for the casual traveler of that early day in Cobbossee history? According to one old brochure for the Cobbossee Colony, a sporting camp located in the town of Monmouth just east of Sheep Island near the southern most end of the lake, "They catch good fish here too and you can drive your car right to your bungalow." And that would been over some pretty decent gravel roads. Lake Cobbosseecontee has long been considered one of the most beautiful lakes of Maine with its 32 islands, and back in those days not only white perch and bass were favorites of the fisherman; but also salmon and trout. At the lake one could sail, canoe, swim, play tennis or golf, as well as fish. Relaxation on the shores of Cobbossee was the summer objective of many an early tourist. 
Cobbossee Colony was one of many sporting camps located on this picturesque lake. It featured thirty bungalows, a main lodge where guests would gather for home-cooked meals, boats, canoes, docks, water slides at the private swimming area, tennis courts, and a nearby nine hole golf course. According to one old ad, that course" covers a large area and extends up over a hill which gives a glorious view of the lake and adjacent hills. You will find several interesting and sporty holes that would do credit to a metropolitan area." Today only the Cobbossee Colony Golf Course remains and that specific shoreline in Monmouth now has many homes and cottages where the original sporting camp was once located. The lake is mostly fished for large and small mouth bass. . Most of the old camps have long since closed, and that would include Cobbossee Colony where, according to that old brochure, you could, "Forget your cares and enjoy life with us in one of nature's finest playgrounds. You dress as you please and do as you please. You can lounge about the Club House on the Golf Course, drowse on the swimming float for the sun bath, or play cards on the cool piazzas, and all the while breath the pine scented air of Maine. Yes sir, happy carefree days filled with sunshine and play; that's the life you can look forward to at Cobbossee Colony on Lake Cobbosseecontee." | ||