Keywords: York Textile Mills
Item 104659
Rene W. Boisvert, founder of Biddeford Textile, Biddeford, ca. 1997
Contributed by: Biddeford Mills Museum Date: 1997 Location: Biddeford Media: Digital photograph
Item 102041
Night view of textile mills and river, Biddeford and Saco, ca. 1910
Contributed by: McArthur Public Library Date: circa 1910 Location: Biddeford; Saco Media: Postcard
Exhibit
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.
Exhibit
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.
Site Page
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.
Site Page
"Saco Water Power Company of York Manufacturing, built the Laconia Mills on the Biddeford side of the river in 1844, then started Pepperell…"
Story
Jim Paquette - preserving his Franco-American and musical roots
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
Lead singer of the iconic Black Hart Band shares insights of his life journey.
