Educational Bureau of Ocean Park

Beginnings and Founders

In 1881 a group of Free Will Baptist ministers founded Ocean Park as a summer assembly location for the Free Will Baptists. By 1885, the ladies in the community recognized the need for an additional organization to cater to community needs beyond the religious programming. Thus the "Women's Bureau of Ocean Park" was founded in 1885. Mrs. Clara Dexter was its first president. Article II of its Constitution, adopted August 5, 1885, read as follows: "The object of the Bureau shall be to promote the physical, mental, and spiritual culture of women and children."

By 1886 work with children started with the Reverend Lewis Dexter as teacher. Forty entered the course in Bible geography and history. Fourteen completed the work with a written examination and received diplomas. Soon, many other programs were offered including craft classes, nature study, and physical culture. In 1888 the Women's Bureau incorporated so that they could legally own property, a step necessary to complete the purchase of The Curtis. The Women's Bureau name was changed to "The Educational Bureau of Ocean Park" to better represent the goals of the organization.

A major enterprise undertaken by the Educational Bureau was the purchase of the Blake Industrial Building next to the Curtis in 1893 to provide hot food and groceries to the community. (See Blake Cottage link). Then in 1901 the Bureau voted "to secure a traveling library" for use by Ocean Park visitors. From 1902 until the current library was built in 1924, the Ed Bureau obtained sets of books circulated by the State of Maine and housed them in a room at the Curtis for the summer season.

Always sensitive to the needs of the community, the Ed Bureau undertook the construction of the Agnes L. Park Recreation Building in 1949 to provide a center for recreational activities. It was financed and equipped by the Bureau, which maintained and operated it until 1961, when it was deeded to the Ocean Park Association as a gift to the community. Agnes Park served as President of the Educational Bureau from 1937 to 1951 and spearheaded the entire project.

 

The Education Bureau Today

Today the organization continues to provide activities for both children and adults in the community. Bible School, art classes, Kidz Got Talent Camp, Ecology Adventure Camp, and Children's Beach Olympics are among the current children's offerings.

Ocean Park's Kidz Got Talent Camp is returning to the Temple in 2025. That's right! Brush up on your music, dance, comedy, juggling, or other performance-related talents, so that you can perform live on the Temple Stage this summer. The camp will run Monday through Friday mornings July 28 through August 1 and culminate in an Ocean Park's Kidz Got Talent Show on August 1. In addition to having practice and rehearsal time, all participants will perform in one or two fun dance numbers learned at the camp. $100 camp fee. Ages 6-18 and all levels of experience are welcome. Preregister by July 14 with Beth Keene, at keene1512@aol.com.

Additional information about the Educational Bureau's sponsored activities will be noted here as soon as available. Including the Bureau's July Bazaar and Luncheon and an August Lawn/Craft/Food Sale. Register for a sale table at the Bazaars. You can also find our events on the Ocean Park Association Event Calendar when it's updated for summer 2025. In addition to these programs, the Educational Bureau owns and maintains the Curtis and the adjoining 4 bedroom Blake Cottage, which is rented on a weekly basis.

You can help to preserve the architectural heritage, character, and culture of Ocean Park. Residents and visitors are invited to participate and become members of this historic and active non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Life memberships are $50. Annual memberships are $10 a  year. We also welcome your donation to the Educational Bureau of Ocean Park. Everything you need to get started is on our Membership Form here > >.

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