Our Mission
A 501c3 organization, Trefethen-Evergreen Improvement Association supports the Peaks Island community by offering facilities and programs for people of all ages in sailing, boating, water safety, racquet sports, youth camps, performing and visual arts, in educational programs on history, current affairs, literary, art, music, cultural and other topics of interest.
A Brief History
The Trefethen-Evergreen Improvement Association clubhouse, at the corner of Island and Trefethen Avenues on Peaks Island, was originally constructed in 1914-1915 as the Dayburn Casino Dance Hall. Bringing public water to Peaks Island was among the early civic contributions of Trefethen-Evergreen Improvement Association. In the 1920s, TEIA and the Forest City Improvement Association worked to bring Sebago Lake water to the island. After many difficulties, legislation was passed in the Maine state capital of Augusta to extend a submerged water cable to Peaks. On May 28, 1920, Sebago Lake water flowed through the mains of Peaks Island, bringing its residents into a new era of health and convenience. In 1922, the Association purchased the Dayburn Casino Dance Hall as its new clubhouse. Prior to that time, the group had met in the upstairs hall of the local grocery market, Webber’s Store. The clubhouse at Trefethen Landing was particularly desirable, being served by steamships from Portland, and having a maple floor considered “the best dance floor this side of Boston.” The purchase price was $3,600, plus the land previously obtained to construct a clubhouse. The cash was raised by donations and loans from 110 members, including substantial donations from the Association founders and future benefactors, Mary and Mabel Davies. The Association was granted tax-exempt status by the state in recognition of its commitment to provide religious services, civic improvements, educational programs, use of its hall by other civic or charitable organizations, as well as its dedication to cheer the sick and bereaved. During this time, social and entertainment activities were many. They included vaudeville shows, beautiful house expos, professional readers and speakers, pianists, solo and duet singers, ballet dancers, magicians, community singing, plays, box lunch suppers, bird lectures by the Davies sisters, seaplane rides at the annual fair, and luncheons with the ladies of Great Diamond Island.
For a more complete history click here. The reader should be aware that the final section of this document is a set of proposed changes that have neither been discussed or approved by TEIA.
FAQs
Trefethen-Evergreen Improvement Association.
The original focus and mission of the club was eloquently stated by its founders, Mabel and Mary Davies, in their 1912 Mission Statement:
“The object of this Association shall be for the improvement of Peaks Island, the preservation of its natural beauties, the development of its resources, the promotion of its health, cleanliness and attractiveness and the advancement of its religious, intellectual and social life and in connection therewith, the maintenance of the Clubhouse for the promotion of social intercourse among its members.”
The mission today is to support the Peaks Island community by offering facilities and programs for people of all ages in sailing, boating, water safety, racquet sports, youth camps, performing and visual arts, in educational programs on history, current affairs, literary, art, music, cultural and other topics of interest.
To learn more about our proud history, please visit here.
We welcome anyone who loves Peaks Island to become a member of TEIA! We are proud of our diverse membership of summer and winter community members and we look forward to seeing you.
TEIA is a seasonal facility which offers a variety of membership options to meet the needs of residents and summer visitors. Membership options include juniors (youth ages 13 to 18); seniors (ages 65 +), individuals and family memberships at short-term or seasonal rates. Activity and program fees are in addition to the general membership dues. For membership dues and activity/program costs, please visit the membership page.
We are proud of our full range of activities and events. TEIA memberships provide access to the main clubhouse building, lounge areas, the porches, the beach, the grounds, the parking lot and participation at many weekly events. New members are encouraged to attend Friday evening social time on the TEIA porch to meet new friends. Updates are regularly sent by e-mail to members.
Yes, members can receive the password to access internet at the clubhouse and porches.
To play on TEIA’s courts, you must become a TEIA member and tennis or pickleball member.
Signing up for programs offered at TEIA require a membership. There are some sailing events that can be paid for a la cart. See the sailing pages for details.
No. The clubhouse is closed during the winter months but reopens in May through the middle of October.
Yes. During the summer season, TEIA offers various age-appropriate youth camps for ages 4-18 and a dynamic sailing program designed to foster your child’s confidence, a love for adventure and responsibility. Additional children’s activities may include Kids Camps, movie nights, tennis lessons, pickleball, art classes, ping pong and pool. In addition, the beach is open to children with adult supervision.
Yes, guests are always welcome with a member present.
While members have greater access to the facilities and can sign up for programs, there are many events open to the wider community including art classes, live music, lectures and more.
Please follow us on the website for calendar events. We also invite you to like our page on Facebook where we post photos, event reminders, schedule changes, news and other island happenings. We want you to stay in the know as much as possible, so be sure to sign up for our e-mail communications.
Refunds are available on a limited basis, and memberships are not transferrable. If you are unhappy with your membership for any reason, we encourage you to speak with our Club Manager. We want your experience at the club to be a positive one!
Yes. Because of our spectacular water & sunset views, TEIA is perfect for weddings and other private functions. However, due to our short season, availability is limited. We suggest you plan in advance.
Yes. TEIA members may pay a dock use fee. Boating members are offered mooring spaces in the TEIA/Portland Grid and dinghy tie-ups at the docks. TEIA also has short-term guest moorings for a fee. Kayak rack storage is also available to all members for an additional fee.
TEIA is managed by a Club Manager in coordination with a dedicated Board Of Governors, Trustees and volunteer committee members. Together, we have created a friendly, open space where our members can come to gather and relax. We welcome everyone to take advantage of our beautiful campus. To learn more about our Board, Trustees and staff please contact infoteiaclub@gmail.com.
Come make lasting memories with us!
