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

Rusty turbine at Biddeford Mills, 2015

Contributed by: Biddeford Mills Museum Date: circa 1846 Location: Biddeford Media: Digital photograph

Miss Lena McArthur house, Biddeford, 1922-1925

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1922–1925 Location: Biddeford Client: Lena G. McArthur Architect: John Calvin Stevens and John Howard Stevens Architects

McArthur House, Portland, 1912-1913

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1912–1913 Location: Portland Client: Robert McArthur Architect: John Calvin Stevens and John Howard Stevens 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 Mills Museum

A historic mill museum dedicated to creating exhibits that will educate the community and highlight mill history; as a research collection to assist the public in locating information on the mill's buildings, history and employees; and to ensure the story of Biddeford's economic and industrial revolution remains relevant and accessible to diverse audiences.

McArthur Public Library

View collections, facts, and contact information for this Contributing Partner.

My career working at Pepperell Mills in the Vellux Division
by David Bishop

My 35 years working in the Vellux blanket division of Pepperell Mills, Biddeford.

Bob "Coach" Cote: Highlights from life of a Biddeford legend
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Bob talks about growing up in Biddeford, sports, the fire of 1947, and closing of St. Louis High.