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

Textile mill workers, ca. 1900

Contributed by: Lewiston Public Library Date: circa 1900 Location: Lewiston Media: Phototransparency

Columbia Mills, Lewiston, 1902-1903

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1902–1903 Location: Lewiston Client: Columbia Mills Architect: Coombs and Gibbs Architects

Columbia Mills, Lewiston, 1897-1903

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1897–1903 Location: Lewiston Client: Columbia Mills Architect: Coombs, Gibbs, and Wilkinson 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.

Biddeford History & Heritage Project - The Civil War/Reconstruction Era as Experienced in Biddeford & Saco - Page 7 of 17

"The Laconia Mills were a critical asset to the city during the war but were unable to recover from the economic hardships they faced during and after…"

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.

Everything we did was new and exciting in the Vellux division
by Maurice Paquette

If you applied yourself you could do anything at Pepperell Mills.