Maine Memory Network
Maine's Online Museum

Title: Garland Manufacturing Co., Saco, ca. 1965

Contributed by: Dyer Library Archives / Saco Museum

Date: circa 1965

Location: Saco

Media: black and white photograph

Title: Eastern Manufacturing Company, Brewer, 1890

Contributed by: Brewer Public Library

Date: 1890

Location: Brewer

Media: Photograph

Title: Eastern Manufacturing Company

Contributed by: City of Brewer

Date: 1921

Location: Brewer

Media: Photograph

Address: 54-56 York Street, Portland

Owner in 1924: McDonald Manufacturing Co.

Use: Garage

Address: 54-56 York Street, Portland

Owner in 1924: McDonald Manufacturing Co.

Use: Storage

Address: 54-56 York Street, Portland

Owner in 1924: McDonald Manufacturing Co.

Use: Storage

Silk Manufacturing in Westbrook

Cultivation of silkworms and manufacture of silk thread was touted as a new agricultural boon for Maine in the early 19th century. However, only small-scale silk production followed. In 1874, the Haskell Silk Co. of Westbrook changed that, importing raw silk, and producing silk machine twist threat, then fabrics, until its demise in 1930.

Eastern Fine Paper

The paper mill on the Penobscot River in South Brewer, which became known as Eastern Fine Paper Co., began as a sawmill in 1884 and grew over the years as an important part of the economy of the region and a large presence in the landscape. Its closing in 2005 affected more than the men and women who lost their jobs.

Wired! How Electricity Came to Maine

As early as 1633, entrepreneurs along the Piscataqua River in southern Maine utilized the force of the river to power a sawmill, recognizing the potential of the area's natural power sources, but it was not until the 1890s that technology made widespread electricity a reality -- and even then, consumers had to be urged to use it.

Strong, a Mussul Unsquit village

The history of a small western Maine community north of Farmington as told by a team consisting of Strong Historical Society, Strong Elementary School, and Strong Public Library. Exhibit topics include Strong's prominence in the wood products industry (it was once the "Toothpick Capital of the World"), the "Bridge that Changed the Map," schools and educational history, clubs and organizations, "Fly Rod" Crosby, the first Maine guide, and a rich student section related to the Civil War and post-Civil War era in the town.

Guilford, Maine

An extensive history of a small central Maine town as compiled by team members from Guilford Historical Society and Piscataquis Community Middle School, with input from Guilford Memorial Library, Guilford Economic Development Board, and the Guilford’s town office. Manufacturing, festive events, historic buildings, notable veterans, and education, are covered in depth.