Members of Westport Island's conversation commission, selectmen, and friends were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony to open the newly completed disabled accessible trails at the Clough Point Town Preserve at the north end of the island.

Glenn James, of Wiscasset, was the first official user of the new trails, and was very pleased with the wide design of the trails which allows people in wheelchairs to gain access to the preserve.

Before the official ribbon cutting, Conservation Commission member Dennis Dunbar took some time to share some history, and some legends about the site with those who had gathered for the event.

He told the story of Molly Molasses, a Wabanaki Indian, who grew up in the Bangor area in the 1800s. She then traveled the country and was said to be a powerful medicine woman.

During one of her visits to the northern end of Jeremy Squam (the first name of Westport Island) there was a party of merrymakers having a clam bake. Molly Molasses told them how the Indians did it, and provided the direction for a real Indian clam bake. In honor of that visit, the extreme tip of the island has since been known as "Camp Molly."

It is said that every one loved Molly, and that was the reason she was called Molly Molasses, because she was so sweet.

According to the book "Wiscasset in Pownalbourgh" by Fannie Chase, Molly died in 1868 at a "very advanced age."

"The Camp Molly trail and the old campground nearby is named in honor of her and her gift of the traditional Indian clam bake to the citizens of the island," Dunbar said.

Dunbar also spoke about the Marie Antoinette house, at the tip of Clough Point, which was being prepared as an exile home for her. However, her execution by the guillotine ended any dreams of a quiet life here. In 1838, the house was moved across the frozen Sheepscot River on gondolas, pulled by oxen, to Edgecomb where it still stands today on the hill behind the Edgecomb Eddy Marina.

"The Clough Point Town Preserve is a Westport Island treasure for the use and enjoyment of residents and visitors," Dunbar said. The 8-acre natural area was purchased by the town in 1971 and is maintained by the Conservation Commission. Hiking trails, picnic areas and benches at scenic points allow beautiful views of Wiscasset village, the harbor, Fort Edgecomb and the working lobster boats.

There is now access to a popular shore-side natural area for persons with limited mobility. The trails provide disabled access to viewing sites and family picnic areas. Approximately 800 feet of existing foot paths were upgraded to wheelchair accessible trails providing three routes in the preserve.

According to a press release prepared by Dunbar, the three trails were upgraded by grading and filling the existing footpaths to a width of four feet. American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines were used in the design and construction process. Ron Harrison performed the grading and gravel fill work. Volunteers assisted with adding mulch to the disturbed areas and with clearing and chipping of deadfall on either side of the upgraded trails to reduce fire danger. Care was taken to ensure that erosion prevention precautions were made and runoff controlled during the construction phase.

The existing parking area was upgraded and a disabled accessible parking spot was added. This spot allows easy access by disabled persons to get onto the upgraded trails. An existing foot bridge was modified to add side guide rails to ensure wheelchairs can safely transit. This task was also be done by volunteers. Two specially designed picnic tables were added that accommodate wheelchair access.

Funding for the project was provided by the Maine Department of Conservation's Recreational Trails Program. Westport Island was awarded a grant of $7,810 to upgrade selected trails for physically limited residents. The town provided a match of $1,957, and the work was supported by volunteers from the Westport Island Conservation Commission.

A survey of important plants was conducted before construction began, and those deemed to be important plants were relocated, according to the release.

First Selectman George Richardson, newly elected Third Selectman Ross Norton, State representative Bruce McDonald, and Conservation Commission member Bill Hopkins participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Other members and guests included Glenn James, Sandy Hopkins, Carol Way, Dennis Dunbar, Bill James, and Christi Hopkins.