Maine Memory Network

Rene W. Boisvert, founder of Biddeford Textile, Biddeford, ca. 1997

Contributed by: Biddeford Mills Museum Date: 1997 Location: Biddeford Media: Digital photograph

Textile mill workers, ca. 1900

Contributed by: Lewiston Public Library Date: circa 1900 Location: Lewiston Media: Phototransparency

Androscoggin Mills Store House, Lewiston, 1880-1904

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1880–1904 Location: Lewiston Client: Androscoggin Mills Architect: George M. Coombs; Stevens and Coombs Architects

Bates Mill Buildings, Lewiston, 1900-1902

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1900–1902 Location: Lewiston Client: Bates Mill Architect: George M. Coombs; Coombs and Gibbs Architects

Biddeford, Saco and the Textile Industry

The largest textile factory in the country reached seven stories up on the banks of the Saco River in 1825, ushering in more than a century of making cloth in Biddeford and Saco. Along with the industry came larger populations and commercial, retail, social, and cultural growth.

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.

Biddeford History & Heritage Project - The Civil War/Reconstruction Era as Experienced in Biddeford & Saco - Page 7 of 17

"… city during the 1800’s and early 1900’s as the textile industry in Maine thrived. Like ice, this industry was international and products shipped…"

Biddeford History & Heritage Project - The Civil War/Reconstruction Era as Experienced in Biddeford & Saco - Page 2 of 17

"… for ice harvesting, granite cutting, and cotton textile manufacturing. Businesses that supported the war did well and were able to hire more…"

Rug Hooking Project with a Story
by Marilyn Weymouth Seguin

My grandmother taught me the Maine craft of rug hooking when I was a child.

Co-founding Halcyon Yarn and learning to weave
by Hector Jaeger

Moving to Maine, Halcyon Yarn, and rediscovering the joy of weaving