Maine Memory Network

Cooper's adze, ca. 1830

Contributed by: Davistown Museum Date: circa 1830 Location: Union Media: Cast steel

Mastshave, ca. 1850

Contributed by: Davistown Museum Date: circa 1850 Location: Buffalo Media: Cast steel, wood

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.

Making Paper, Making Maine

Paper has shaped Maine's economy, molded individual and community identities, and impacted the environment throughout Maine. When Hugh Chisholm opened the Otis Falls Pulp Company in Jay in 1888, the mill was one of the most modern paper-making facilities in the country, and was connected to national and global markets. For the next century, Maine was an international leader in the manufacture of pulp and paper.

Swan's Island: Six miles east of ordinary - Kids at the quarry

"… that generated the steam power for the quarry tools. The kids even got to get their hands dirty as they excavated for artifacts near where the…"

Swan's Island: Six miles east of ordinary - Draining the quarry

"… drained in 2003, many treasures were found: old tools, items lost over the years by swimmers, even eels."