Staff Writer
CASTLE HILL – Dana Allison corralled a troop of five children and a menagerie of farm animals. Now, nearing 80, Allison enjoys the peace and quiet afforded at her geodesic home nestled between Haystack, Pyle and McDonald mountains only interrupted on occasion by her dog greeting visitors at the door.
“I used to say I could put toothpaste back into the tube easier than I could round up all five kids in a department store,” laughed Allison.
Allison, originally from Springfield, Mass., moved to Aroostook County in 1965 when her husband, Horace, received a job offer as a pediatrician in Presque Isle. The couple and company made the move to Castle Hill in 1975 to house livestock and their growing family.
Horace, coming from a Texas farm background, always wanted to have animals and space. “We went down to a Fourth of July parade in Houlton, and at the time we had 3-year-old twins and one on the way. Well he spotted a jack, and just had to have it,” told Allison of how they gained their first non-human member of the family. The Allisons swapped two de-scented skunks for the donkey and the farm grew from there to include sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats.
The Allison farm produced meat, eggs, wool and other products under the careful guidance of Allison and her children. They also grew vegetables on their land. The farm helped cure Dr. Allison’s young patients of their doctor-visit fears as well. Patients would tour the pastures and buildings and meet the animals. The visit helped them overcome their trepidation the next time they had a checkup.
Keeping the farm and family took a great deal of organization. “First there was the chaos of getting the kids off to school and then going out to feed and doing chores,” remembered Allison. But all the work never bothered the homemaker/farmhand too much. “There was the sheer joy of living and working with other beings who responded to you.”
With an interest in political science branching from her college education, Allison also became involved in County politics as a member of the Maine Republicans and the SAD 1 board from 1983 to 2005. The school system made many changes over those 22 years, but Allison believes they were all for the better.
Allison still works in the political realm as the Castle Hill town chair for Sen. Susan Collins, and will voice her opinion for anyone who might care to ask. Allison hopes for economic development to reverse Aroostook’s aging population. “I wish there were more jobs here for young people,” said Allison. “I’ve spoken to so many people who’ve moved to Connecticut or New Jersey who like the pay but don’t like the style of living.”
Her own children have also moved away, and Allison has a great deal of pride in all their accomplishments. “I’m proud of them all,” commented Allison. “They put themselves through college.”
Orpheus is a professor of English in China, Ewen is a lawyer, Piper is studying for her master’s in social work, Justin is a biological researcher and Harmony is a gastroenterologist.
When not visiting her children or promoting Collins’ campaign, Allison likes to quilt and sew, giving away most of her colorful creations as gifts. Allison completed her first sewing project at 9 years old and continued to make much of her own clothing due to her height at six-feet.
Quilting took much more dedication and practice to perfect. Even though Allison’s mother preferred giving more attention to opera than the crafting arts, she eventually helped teach her daughter quilting methods. Since 1986, Allison estimates she’s made 100 quilts. “It’s enough to keep me out of mischief,” she said.
While Allison is “from away,” she feels rooted to her dome and pastoral surroundings. “I just feel that people in the area have adopted me. After my house burned down and my husband passed away, the help I got was just so amazing, and Aroostook’s got a hold of me.”
