thomas baxendale, of brockton, massachusetts, and his wife esther minerva purchased amrita island in 1893. the couple then began to build a residence on the island, including a mansion named "island haven," along with a stone bridge; four other homes named stonehenge, sorrento, castle le mere, and guardian; three bathing pavilions; a gazebo; a cottage; and a mausoleum that would eventually house the baxendales and several of their beloved animals.