Muskie Congressional Record: Gov Baxter Death

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD – SENATE

July 7, 1969

Page 18439

DEATH OF FORMER GOVERNOR PERCIVAL P. BAXTER OF MAINE

Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, my distinguished colleague from Maine, Senator SMITH, joins me in paying respects to the memory of former Maine Gov. Percival P. Baxter, who died recently at the age of 92.

Governor Baxter was an outstanding citizen of Maine and the Nation. His philanthropies and his leadership in the area of conservation are living memories to this public servant. His contributions to the people of his State were described by many citizens of Maine at the time of his death, and were reported in the Maine papers. These reports give an insight into the quality of the character of Governor Baxter, and I ask, on behalf of myself and Senator SMITH, that they be included in the RECORD at this time.

There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:

[From the Portland (Maine) Press Herald, June 13, 1969]

EX-GOVERNOR PERCIVAL BAXTER DIES AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS

Former Maine Governor Percival P. Baxter, financier, conservationist and philanthropist, died Thursday evening at his home at 92 West St. after a brief illness. He was 92.

He had requested that he have no funeral, no flowers or no memorial services. The family will respect his wishes.

Called Maine's foremost benefactor, the millionaire bachelor has his name attached to a variety of gifts. They include the Baxter School for the Deaf and Mackworth Island, Falmouth, paintings and historic documents at Bowdoin, funds for the Baxter Library at Gorham, a wildlife sanctuary in Portland and other land preserves.

His chief work of a lifetime of giving, however, is the 200,000-acre wilderness reserve in north central Maine, including Mount Katahdin, now Baxter State Park. An ardent conservationist, the former governor anxiously followed five sessions in which the state legislature failed to set aside the Katahdin area as a state park. He then began purchase of the tracts which he deeded over to the state.

He specified that the park was to be "kept forever in its natural wild state" and gave a half million dollar trust fund for its care and operation. His action in acquiring the vast unspoiled area has been called an example of conservationist foresight not duplicated anywhere else in this country by one man.

The park is criss-crossed by well-marked foot trails but there are no automobile roads. Outboard motors are banned from its streams and ponds.

Gov. Baxter thought of his creation of the park as "my life work." He was saluted for it in 1962 with a Department of Interior conservation service award.

"The governor," as he came to be known for almost a half century after he had left the Blaine House, was born Nov. 22, 1876, in Portland, the son of wealthy James Phinney Baxter, businessman who served six terms as mayor of Portland, and Mehetabel Cummings Proctor Baxter.

Gov. Baxter attended Portland public schools and was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Bowdoin in 1898. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1901, and came back to his hometown to practice law. His chores also included management of family properties.

The governor's political apprenticeship included three terms (1905, 1917 and 1919) in the State House of Representatives and two (1909 and 1921) in the State Senate.

He was president of the Senate in 1921 when Frederick Parkhurst died a few weeks after becoming governor. Baxter automatically advanced to the governorship for the remainder of Parkhurst's term, then was reelected in his own right !n I923. He served another term as governor, leaving office in 1925. He run unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1926 and never again tried for public office.

His influence in the councils of the Republican party in the state, however, were felt for more than half a century, and he was generally thought of as the party's elder statesman.

The governor was devoted throughout his life to animals and in his younger years had a succession of Irish setters.

When one of these pets, a setter named Garry, died while Baxter was governor, he stirred a storm of protest from veterans' organizations by ordering the capital flag lowered to half staff. The governor retorted to claims that his gesture was an "insult to our flag" with a passionate defense of dogs and a chronicle of their roles in war and peace.

The incident apparently was of no concern to the U.S. Flag Association, for Baxter the next year was elected to its national council.

Gov. Baxter had an animal cemetery on Mackworth Island, the former family summer home, where a number of his dogs and horses are buried. The burial plot is unique in this section of the country.

Though he left political office in 1925, he maintained his interest in politics, and was a delegate to three Republican conventions, the last in 1928. As late as 1948, Gov. Baxter was being urged to become once again an active campaigner for public office. He put aside the suggestion gently.

In 1958, however, he lent his influence to Republican forces within the state by backing the successful candidacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower against the late Sen. Robert A. Taft for the GOP presidential nomination. Gov. Baxter served as honorary chairman of the Maine for Eisenhower Committee.

In his middle and later years, Gov. Baxter traveled widely.

He was a big man, standing more that six feet in height, with broad shoulders, white hair and a ruddy complexion and enjoyed a vigorous old age. In his 70s, he continued his travels, especially in the Caribbean area, and became an air travel enthusiast during a flying trip to Europe when he was 77.

One of Gov. Baxter's close companions in his later years was the late Guy P. Gannett, Maine newspaper publisher.

In his 70s, the governor bore a striking resemblance to the General of the Armies George C. Marshall, and was often amused to be mistaken for the general during his travels.

Gov. Baxter won numerous honors and awards during his long career, among them the Cumberland County American Legion award for humanitarianism and child welfare work, the Amvets community service award and the National Disabled American Veterans award for work in rehabilitation. He was a former member of the College of Electors to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans.

He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon the Bowdoin Alumni Association, the Harvard Clubs of Boston and New York, and the Cumberland Club. He was a 32nd degree Mason.

[From the Portland (Maine) Press Herald, June 14, 1969]

MAINE MOURNS BAXTER'S DEATH

The flags on state buildings will fly at half staff for one week in honor of former Gov. Percival P. Baxter, the millionaire and philanthropist who endeared himself to Maine through his selfless generosity.

Upon issuing the executive order Friday, the day after Gov. Baxter died at the age of 92, Gov. Curtis called the former chief executive "a man who practiced humility and never spent any time seeking the credit he so often deserved for his many great works of charity."

State forestry Commission Austin H. Wilkins said he was awaiting word from the family regarding Baxter's wish that his body be laid to rest on mile-high Mt. Katahdin. No decision on funeral plans is expected until Sunday night.

In the hall of flags in the State House, the bronze burst of Baxter and surrounding rail were draped in black and a wreath of flowers was laid alongside.

Senate President Kenneth P. MacLeod, R-Brewer, said he will propose a joint memorial convention of the Senate and House Monday for the reading and adoption of a memorial resolution.

The Senate, of which Baxter was president in 1921, adjourned Friday without mention of Baxter's death. A House resolution was being prepared, but was not introduced in view of the fact that the Senate already had adjourned.

Maine's political leaders joined in expressing sorrow over the former governor's death and praising him as a person.

Maine's senior Sen. Margaret Chase Smith noted that ". . . while he will be remembered for his magnificent gifts to the state, countless individuals have benefitted by his kindnesses.,,

Sen. Edmund S. Muskie, vacationing at Kennebunk Beach, called Baxter a "friend and a wise counselor," and a man with a commitment to conservation "unparalleled in Maine's history."

First District Rep. Peter N. Kyros said Baxter had proved that "the best effort of any man is to cherish the life of his fellow man."

Rep. William D. Hathaway of Maine's 2nd District said, "It is difficult to think of anyone who has contributed more to the state of Maine."

Former Gov. Horace A. Hildreth Sr. said, "All Maine citizens will feel a deep loss at the death of this great citizen of Maine and the Nation."

Robert Hale, a long-time GOP congressman from Maine, commented, "No one will ever surpass him in love for the state, and I doubt if the state ever had a greater benefactor."

Former Maine Gov. John H. Reed, now chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board in Washington, said:

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Gov. Percival P. Baxter. He was one of Maine's greatest citizens. His generous gift of Baxter State Park will forever stand as a monument to his genuine concern for conservation and the preservation of our great natural resources. As a warm, compassionate human being, he had no peer.

"Percy Baxter gave Maine an outstanding administration during his tenure as governor. I know of no person more admired and revered by the people of Maine. His memory and good works will never be forgotten."

Most prominent on the list of gifts from Gov. Baxter is the 200,000-acre Baxter State Park in the north central part of the state, with mile-high Mount Katahdin in the middle, the ardent conservationist deeded the land to the state with only one string – that the park "be kept forever in its natural wild state ... "

Baxter once commented that man is born to die and material things eventually vanish, "but Katahdin in all its glory forever shall remain the mountain of the people of Maine."

The former governor also gave the state Mackworth Island, off Falmouth, and donated $675,000 to help build the Maine School for the Deaf there.

Besides this, he gave a park to his native city of Portland, and financed a lighting system around the city's Baxter Boulevard, named for this father.

Baxter was a 1898 graduate of Bowdoin College and Harvard Law School in 1901. He was elected to the Maine House in 1905 and later served in the Senate.

Gov. Baxter is survived by two nephews, John L. Baxter, Brunswick, and James P. Baxter III, Williamstown, Mass.; six nieces, Mrs. Ellen B. Moyer, Cape Elizabeth; Mrs. Mary B. White, Brunswick: Mrs. Lydia B. Durney, Bath; Mrs. Nellie B. Bruce, Tucson, Ariz.; Mrs. Emily W. Holmes, Topsham, and Mrs. Ellen B. Morrell, Brunswick, and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

[From the Portland (Maine) Evening Express, June 13, 1969]

EX-GOVERNOR BAXTER MAY BE BURIED ATOP MOUNT KATAHDIN

(By Maxwell Wiesenthal)

Former Gov. Percival P. Baxter may be buried atop mile-high Mount Katahdin overlooking the 200,000-acre wilderness preserve in north central Maine which is his memorial.

Gov. Baxter died last night in his home at 92 West St., after a brief illness. He was 92. Members of his family were to meet late this afternoon to make arrangements for the governor's burial. He had requested that there be no funeral, no flowers or no memorial service.

Maine citizens, led by Gov. Kenneth M. Curtis, mourned the loss of the state's foremost benefactor.

Gov. Curtis ordered that flags on state buildings be flown at half staff for a week and the bronze bust of Baxter in the State House Hall of Flags be suitably draped.

Said Gov. Curtis:

"All Maine citizens are saddened by the death of former Gov. Percival P. Baxter. His selfless devotion to our state for more than six decades has enriched all our lives.

"His gift to Maine – the Mackworth Island School for the Deaf in Casco Bay, his series of gifts that created to 200,000-acre Baxter State Park and his $1.5 million trust fund to administer the park – are but a few of the many gifts for which he was responsible.

"Gov. Baxter was a man who practiced humility and never spent any time seeking the credit he so often deserved for his many great works of charity. Nevertheless, he has been signally honored on numerous occasions, including a tribute from the Maine Legislature, and from the national government with its "outstanding conservation award of the year" for his gift to the people of Baxter State Park. The area has become a national monument recognized by the United States of America as one of a few in the nation.

"He served his state in the legislature and as its governor and he leaves a legacy for all. It can be epitomized by his own words:

"'Man is born to die, his works are shortlived,

'Buildings crumble, monuments decay, wealth vanishes.

'But Katahdin in all its glory forever shall remain the mountain of the people of Maine."'

Maine's senior U.S. Sen. Margaret Chase Smith said:

"Percival P. Baxter has been one of the outstanding private citizens and one of her greatest governors. While he will be remembered for his magnificent gifts to the state, countless individuals have benefited by his kindnesses."

U.S. Sen. Edmund S. Muskie, vacationing at Kennebunk Beach, expressed his sorrow at Gov. Baxter's passing.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Gov. Baxter. He was a friend and a wise counselor.

"Gov. Baxter was an extraordinary human being, committed to public service, and generous and compassionate in that service. His commitment to conservation was unparalleled in Maine's history. His gift to Maine of Baxter State Park, encompassing 201,018 acres, will provide generations of Maine people with the opportunity to enjoy unspoiled timber land as well as Mt. Katahdin, our highest mountain.

"Gov. Baxter recognized long ago that Maine's natural beauty and resources were not without limits and could be spoiled if not protected.

"His gift of Baxter School for the Deaf was another example of his generosity and concern for the needs of people.

"Mr. Baxter was a progressive governor of Maine. His intelligence and integrity set a moral tone in Maine public life long after he retired from it.

"He was a thoroughly decent man who we all will miss. Maine is a far better place in which to live and work because he chose to live here and help guide it."

U.S. Rep. William Hathaway said:

"Gov. Baxter had lived a long and useful life and his contributions to the State will always be remembered and appreciated. It's difficult to think of anyone who has contributed more to the State of Maine."

U.S. Rep. Peter N. Kyros eulogized Gov. Baxter as follows:

"I deeply regret the death of Gov. Baxter. I think the memorial that he left to us is his complete understanding of the dignity of human life. In his efforts for conservation, where he was an early pioneer, in his concern for children, in his love of animals, in his gifts to the state that he loved, he proved forever that the best effort of any man is to cherish the life of his fellow man. We will miss him."

Former U.S. Rep. Robert Hale, a personal friend, said:

"In the death of Percival P. Baxter, Maine loses one of its most distinguished citizens. No one ever surpassed him in love for the state and I doubt if the state ever had a greater benefactor. I served in the legislature when he was governor and I have valued his friendship ever since. I shall miss him and I honor his memory."

Dr. Roger Howell Jr., president of Bowdoin College said: "Bowdoin mourns with the state and the nation the loss of a distinguished son and elder statesman. Gov. Baxter's concern for his native state and all his fellows has distinguished his career from the time of his Bowdoin days throughout his long life of public service."

Federal Maritime Commissioner James V. Day said in Washington:

"Our State and nation have just lost a great and significant citizen, a man whose sense of the public interest was so well exemplified by his service as governor and his many philanthropies on behalf of the public. I, of course, have also a deep sense of personal loss upon the passing of such a true friend and advisor but I recognize foremost what Gov. Baxter has meant, and what his having lived will continue to mean to the people of Maine."

Former Gov. John H. Reed, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, was conducting a hearing and was unavailable for comment.

The park is criss-crossed by well-marked foot trails but there are no automobile roads. Outboard motors are banned from its streams and ponds.

Gov. Baxter thought of his creation of the park as "my life work." He was saluted for it in 1962 with a Department of Interior conservation service award.

The governor's political apprenticeship included three terms (1905, 1917 and 1919) in the State House of Representatives and two (1909 and 1921) in the State Senate.

He was president of the Senate in 1921 when Frederick Parkhurst died a few weeks after becoming governor. Baxter automatically advanced to the governorship for the remainder of Parkhurst's term, then was reelected in his own right in 1923. He served another term as governor, leaving office in 1925. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1926 and never again tried for public office.

His influence in the councils of the Republican party in the state, however, were felt for more than half a century, and he was generally thought of as the party's elder statesman.

The Governor was devoted throughout his life to animals and in his younger years had a succession of Irish setters.

The incident apparently was of no concern to the U.S. Flag Association, for Baxter the next year was elected to its national council.

Gov. Baxter had an animal cemetery on Mackworth Island, the former family summer home; where a number of his dogs and horses are buried. The burial plot is unique in this section of the country.

As a young state lawmaker he authored the nation's first anti-vivisection law.

In his middle and later years, Gov. Baxter traveled widely.

He was a big man, standing more than six feet in height with broad shoulders, white hair and a ruddy complexion and enjoyed a vigorous old age. In his 70s, he continued his travels, especially in the Caribbean area, and became an air travel enthusiast during a flying trip to Europe when he was 77.

One of Gov. Baxter's close companions in his later years was the late Guy P. Gannett, Maine newspaper publisher.

In his 70s, the governor bore a striking resemblance to General of the Armies George C. Marshall, and was often amused to be mistaken for the general during his travels.

Gov. Baxter also gave a park to his native city of Portland and financed a brilliant lighting system similar to that in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, around Baxter Boulevard, named after his father.

He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, the Bowdoin Alumni Association, the Harvard Clubs of Boston and New York, the Cumberland Club, the Portland Club and an honorary member of the Rotary Club. He was a 32nd degree Mason.

Gov. Baxter is Survived by two nephews, John L. Baxter, Brunswick, and James P. Baxter III, Williamstown, Mass.; six nieces, Mrs. Ellen B. Moyer, Cape Elizabeth; Mrs. Mary B. White, Brunswick; Mrs. Lydia B. Durney, Bath; Mrs. Nelly B. Bruce, Tucson, Ariz.; Mrs. Emily W. Holmes, Topsham, and Mrs. Ellen B. Morrell, Brunswick, and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

[From the Waterville (Maine) Sunday Telegram, June 22, 1969]

11-YEAR-OLD COLUMN TELLS GOV. BAXTER STORY BEST

(By Gene Letourneau)

WATERVILLE.– A Sportsmen Say column written 11 years ago when the late former Governor Percival P. Baxter was 81 years old became "privileged" material upon his recent death.

The column concerns an eight-pound Eastern Brook Trout caught by Mr. Baxter in the Rangeley region when he was seven years old. At the time, he related the story to the writer he requested that publication be withheld until after his death.

The man who made more than 200,000 acres of wilderness a paradise for outdoors and wildlife enthusiasts must have been gifted with wisdom at an early age. He made Baxter State Park possible. His trophy trout could well become the foundation of a fund to finance production of such fish for the same area from which his prize was taken. Following is that column:

"Percival P. Baxter, fish account." So reads the title of one of the savings accounts at a Portland bank. Behind it is a 73-year-old story of sound management, thrift and good sportsmanship.

The account was opened in 1884, when the former governor of Maine was seven years of age.

The account actually was started at Toothacher Cove, Cupsuptic Lake, in the Rangeley region, where young Baxter accompanied his father on many fishing trips.

On this particular occasion, the fish weren't biting too well. As it does with any active youngster, time weighed heavily on the boy who was eventually destined to become one of Maine's outstanding benefactors. Only the swish of the oars pulled by the guide disturbed the surroundings. The sun was beaming upon the still, motionless water.

Young Baxter was contemplating asking to return to camp when his father beat him to the punch. An enthusiastic and tireless angler, the elder Baxter told his son that if he should catch a trout weighing five pounds or more on this day he would honor the trophy by giving him ten dollars for each pound.

The offer, appealing but little under the circumstances to young Baxter, had hardly been made when the rod in the lad's hands almost was ripped from his grasp. A huge fish had struck.

The boy now was all enthusiasm and action. Following carefully the advice of his father, and their guide, he played the great fish until his arms became weary.

The guide, undoubtedly more excited than either of his sports, felt sure this was a great trout, as it kept lunging for deep water and battling under the surface. As it kept calling for line, the boy played it out reluctantly, regaining it whenever the tension slackened.

It was a memorable fight, one that a boy would recall many times. Eventually, the speckled beauty, rolling on the surface near the boat, was netted by the guide. The fish was a trophy, an Eastern Brook Trout that weighed exactly eight pounds. It was the largest Mr. Baxter ever caught.

That evening, at the community dining room of the sporting camp, the trout was the center of attraction. Word had spread about the fund it had brought to young Baxter. One of the sportsmen asked the lad what he planned to do with his newly acquired "Fortune" of eighty dollars.

"When I get back home," young Baxter replied, "I ran going to open a savings account in the bank." And that is exactly what he did.

Today (1958) the Percival P. Baxter fish account has grown to almost $1,100 as the interest accumulated. The former governor, donor of the famous Baxter Park in the Katahdin region, feels it should be used for the purpose his father originally must have had in mind.

The Baxters have been successful business people. They also have championed many things for others to enjoy. The former governor's contributions have been myriad, many directly affecting the life and the natural beauty of his beloved state.

Mr. Baxter lives quietly at his home in Portland. One of the pictures on the walls before which he frequently pauses, shows him holding his great catch. It represents more than an ordinary trophy in the den of an unusual personality.

Some day, Maine will benefit by that trophy. The money it raises, Mr. Baxter sincerely hopes, will be used for the protection of wildlife, possibly for the propagation of several comparable trout that will benefit others as did his own trophy. (End Baxter column written 11 years ago.)