Maine Memory Network

Westinghouse Round-type electric meter, 1904

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1904 Media: Metal, glass

Forest Avenue power station interior, Portland, 1900

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1900 Location: Portland Media: Photographic print

The Checkley House, Scarborough, 1895

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1895 Location: Scarborough Client: unknown Architect: John Calvin Stevens

Walter Wyman and River Power

Walter Wyman's vision to capture the power of Maine's rivers to produce electricity led to the formation of Central Maine Power Co. and to a struggle within the state over what should happen to the power produced by the state's natural resources.

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.

Historic Hallowell - St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and the Hubbard Free Library

"Q: Did people still go to church? A: Yes, they still had services by candle light on Sunday morning’s until they got the power turned back on."

Lubec, Maine - The Lighthouse at West Quoddy Head

"Eventually the modern electrically-powered foghorn became standard equipment at lighthouses. Living at the Lighthouse Not an easy life those early…"

Monument Square 1967
by C. Michael Lewis

The background story and research behind a commissioned painting of Monument Square.