Maine Memory Network
Maine's Online Museum

Title: Canning factory, Fryeburg, 1938

Contributed by: Fryeburg Historical Society

Date: 1938

Location: Fryeburg

Media: Photograph

Title: Columbian Canning Plant, Lubec, ca. 1912

Contributed by: Lubec Historical Society

Date: circa 1912

Location: Lubec

Media: Photograph

Title: Seacoast Canning Company, Lubec, ca. 1920

Contributed by: Lubec Historical Society

Date: 1920-11-01

Location: Lubec

Media: Photographic print

Address: 62-64 Exeter Street, Portland

Owner in 1924: William G Canning

Use: Dwelling - Two family

Address: 74-76 Bishop Street, Portland

Owner in 1924: Blue Diamond Canning Company

Style: Utilitarian

Use: Storage

Canning: A Maine Industry

Maine's corn canning industry, as illuminated by the career of George S. Jewett, prospered between 1850 and 1950.

The Herring Catch

Herring and sardines, small herring, were once an important part of the Maine economy. Smoked or salted herring provided an important food source before refrigeration and sardine canning was equally prominent along the Maine coast.

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.

Farmington: Franklin County's Shiretown

The history of Farmington as depicted by representatives from Farmington Historical Society, Farmington Public Library, Center for Community GIS, University of Maine at Farmington, and the Mallett School. Topics covered include education, culture, early settlers, important residents, agriculture, and a special section on maps.

Lubec, Maine

A history of the easternmost town in Maine as created by the Lubec Historical Society, Lubec Consolidated School, Lubec Landmarks, and Lubec Memorial Library. Exhibits include the sardine and herring industries, the Sardine Queen, the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, the 1911 Centennial Celebration, the S. S. Cumberland Steamer, the gold hoax, an important community quilt, a tragic boating accident, and the blizzard of 1934, among others.

Swan's Island: Six miles east of ordinary

A look back at island life in Maine as captured by a team consisting of Swan's Island Educational Society representatives, which encompasses the community's library and historical society, a class from the Swan's Island School, and an Island Fellow from the Island Institute. Exhibit topics examine islanders at work and play, Baird's Quarry, old buildings, and the changing role of women on the island.