Maine Memory Network

Port of Portland's Custom House and Collectors of Customs

The collector of Portland was the key to federal patronage in Maine, though other ports and towns had collectors. Through the 19th century, the revenue was the major source of Federal Government income. As in Colonial times, the person appointed to head the custom House in Casco Bay was almost always a leading community figure, or a well-connected political personage.

Working Women of the Old Port

Women at the turn of the 20th century were increasingly involved in paid work outside the home. For wage-earning women in the Old Port section of Portland, the jobs ranged from canning fish and vegetables to setting type. A study done in 1907 found many women did not earn living wages.

Scarborough: They Called It Owascoag - Catch of the Day: Clamming and Lobstering - Page 3 of 4

"… range of smack boats, companies such as Burnham & Morrill began canning lobster meat. The first tidal lobster pound was introduced in Vinalhaven in…"

Farmington: Franklin County's Shiretown - Agriculture

"… Canning Industry.) Challenges Burnham and Morrill Canning Factory at Center Bridge The Sandy River has flooded the Burnham and Morrill canning…"