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

Laconia Manufacturing Company office, Biddeford, ca. 2012

Contributed by: Biddeford Mills Museum Date: circa 1890 Location: Biddeford Media: Digital photograph

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.

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.