The Mingo Club was formed in 1906 by a group of teenage girls who shared a love of books. In 1909, they decided to raise funds, primarily by holding entertainments and suppers, to build a library. With the help of the community, Bailey Island Library Hall was completed in 1912. Today, the club has approximately 30 members (none of them teenagers) who meet regularly to help support, preserve and maintain the building and grounds.
A few years ago, the club established an annual grant to further honor that group of young women who focused on literacy, intellectual curiosity, and the social climate of their community. Members of the club are grateful to the community for the donations that have enabled them to support some of Harpswell’s graduating students as they go forward with their education — either formal or informal.
In 2024, the club was delighted to be able to make grants to three local students, all of whom have excellent academic records and a penchant for helping the Harpswell community.
Mary Scott “Scottie” Larsen, the recipient of the Mingo Grant in memory of Jean Chiquoine (a long-term and beloved member of the club), is attending the University of Maine, studying to become a large animal veterinarian. Her first love was a large horse she met when she was very young. She credits the nature camps and programs hosted by the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, and a semester at Chewonki, with fostering her love of biology. Now, she is studying to earn a degree in biology and a doctorate in veterinary medicine, and she continues to volunteer in Harpswell.
Danika Siatras is attending the University of Maryland, pursuing her dream to become a criminologist and work for the FBI’s organized crime unit. She is particularly interested in working to stop human trafficking. Danika believes she was “incredibly lucky” to have been brought up in Harpswell. Her family’s small business is still recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19, so every bit helps. Danika’s Mingo Grant will help pay for her food, books and basic necessities.
Nina Beattie is attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where she is learning to design robots. Nina spent three years at the Baxter Academy of Technology and Science, where she competed on a FIRST robotics team. Although she misses the calm and connected atmosphere of Harpswell, she finds it exciting to be surrounded by many people who have similar interests but different backgrounds. She says it allows her “to really see the possibilities” for her future.
All three of the grantees expressed their gratitude for the Mingo Grant, which is helping them deal with the financial burden of attending college.
