The purpose of this purchase was to build the Maine School for the Feeble Minded on part of the land and continue farming on the rest of it.

[4] In 1913, a local committee expressed concerns that the State had purchased Pineland Farms solely as a commercial venture, and that the location did not meet the needs of the Maine school.

Supporters of the Maine School, including mental health expert Dr. Walter E. Fernald and local doctor Seth C. Gordon, stated that while the agricultural fields of Pineland Farms did generate revenue, they also had therapeutic value.

"[4][5] Maine School supporters also said that with some improvements, such as the installation of an additional artesian well, Pineland Farms could meet all the needs of its patients.

After burning two barns near North Yarmouth, the escapee was captured by local residents and returned to the school.

[9] In 1953, Peter W. Bowman became the superintendent of the Pownal State School, which in 1957 became the Pineland Hospital and Training Center.

In the 1970s, political intrusion and budget cuts ushered in a series of administrators who were poorly equipped to manage Pineland Center and advocate for its residents and underpaid staff.

In 1976, due to worsening conditions and allegations of patient abuse, the Federal government placed Pineland Hospital into receivership.

Many advocates for the homeless noted that Maine's local transient population began to grow during this period as Pineland and other facilities released their residents.

[17] Bates College formerly operated a Dutch Warmblood horse breeding at Pineland's Equestrian Center, which opened in 2002.