Kennebunk Beach is secluded Parson's Beach,
a quiet alternative to the summer crowds. Note there is some local controversy
regarding the "Mother's Beach" moniker, (nickname). According to many
local residents, the smallest of the three main beaches - at the intersection
of Beach Ave and Ridge Ave - is officially Kennebunk Beach or, alternatively,
Boothby Beach. The term Boothby beach was from the mid-1730s when a Mabel
Littlefield married Richard Boothby and settled on land near what came to be
known as Boothby Beach.The information about the Boothbys was taken from
"Old News From Southern Maine" article on Mable and Richard Boothby,
by Sharon Cummins. Many natives today may not remember it being called Boothby
Beach and over the years the beach came to be known as Kennebunk Beach or
Mothers Beach. Older residents also recall the name Dipsy Bath Beach, a reference
to the baths once located there. The term Mother's Beach didn't come into
widespread use until the mid '80s; Although other native residents will dispute
that date and say they remember it being called "Mothers Beach" as
far back as the late 1950s. The name likely evolved due to its small size and
generally calmer water, due to the rocks under and above the ocean, thus making
it a natural made harbour of refuge that is safer for swimming and which makes
it popular with mothers keeping a watchful eye on their progeny, (children).
The name is clearly descriptive rather than official, in spite of the recent
installation of road signs pointing the way to "Mother's Beach".
In the 19th Century and early 20th Century many industrial concerns were
attracted to Mousam River at Kennebunk to provide motive force for their mills.
Among the firms to do business there were the Kennebunk Manufacturing Company,
the Mousam Manufacturing Company, the Leatheroid Company and the Rogers Fibre
Company.
The town is a popular summer tourist destination. Kennebunk contains fine
examples of
