Maine Memory Network

Start of Bicycle Race, Fairfield, 1887

Contributed by: Skowhegan History House Date: 1887 Location: Fairfield Media: Photographic print

Bicycle race, Fairfield, 1888

Contributed by: Skowhegan History House Date: 1888 Location: Fairfield Media: Photographic print

A Craze for Cycling

Success at riding a bike mirrored success in life. Bicycling could bring families together. Bicycling was good for one's health. Bicycling was fun. Bicycles could go fast. Such were some of the arguments made to induce many thousands of people around Maine and the nation to take up the new pastime at the end of the nineteenth century.

The Swinging Bridge: Walking Across the Androscoggin

Built in 1892 to entice workers at the Cabot Manufacturing Corporation in Brunswick to move to newly built housing in Topsham, the Androscoggin Pedestrian "Swinging" Bridge or Le Petit Pont quickly became important to many people traveling between the two communities.

Skowhegan Community History - Skowhegan Then and Now

"…   Our movie on Skowhegan Then and Now Bicycle ClubSkowhegan History House This movie was part of our heritage studies."

Owls Head Transportation Museum

View collections, facts, and contact information for this Contributing Partner.

Dan Gagne: The story behind Biddeford’s legendary speed skater
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Stories from a competitive athlete with countless awards and contributions to his community