Edith Patch's Braeside Has New Sign

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Braeside, the historic home of Dr. Edith Marion Patch, has a sturdy new sign to replace the one stolen some time ago.

The Gothic Revival farmhouse at 500 College Avenue was already more than half a century old when it was purchased in 1913 by Edith Marion Patch. Overlooking river, meadows, woods, fields, and gardens, the fifty acre property included the home, a barn, and a small screen house on stone foundation never the bank of the Stillwater River.

Patch had arrived at the University of Maine in 1903 to establish an entomology department for the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station. As the institution's first woman scientist, she had to endure a first, probationary year without salary to prove she was capable of doing the work. Patch quickly demonstrated her worth, and solidified her position as one of the world's leading experts on agricultural pests.

In 1997, Braeside was rescued from demolition, and a few years later was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Braeside is also listed as one of UMaine's Historic buildings in the campus Preservation Master Plan.

The Friends of Dr. Edith Marion Patch have been working to rehabilitate Braeside and to establish there a center for entomology, the environment, and education. Major restoration work has already been completed to stabilize the building including complete restoration of the foundation. In 2010 electrical wiring, installation of a bathroom and kitchen plumbing are scheduled to be completed.

The landscape plan for Braeside was developed by University of Maine Horticulture student Erika Williams for her senior capstone project. After conducting research on Dr. Patch's environmental writings, Williams designed a set of thematic garden spaces that accurately reflect the scientist's interest and expertise, while offering modern visitors an inviting and varied habitat for exploration and contemplation. In fall 2009, University of Maine landscape design students, under the instruction of Robert Bangs, are developing detailed plans for plantings around the building. If adequate funding is secured, implementation of the garden plans will begin in the fall of 2010.

If you would like more information about Braeside restoration plans, please contact mary.bird@umit.maine.edu. If you would like to learn more about ways you can contribute, contact the University of Maine Foundation.