Maine Memory Network

Rusty turbine at Biddeford Mills, 2015

Contributed by: Biddeford Mills Museum Date: circa 1846 Location: Biddeford Media: Digital photograph

Wood Automatic Turbine stock certificate, Baldwin, 1894

Contributed by: Baldwin Historical Society Date: 1894 Location: Baldwin Media: Ink on paper

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 - Industry at the Mouth of the Vaughan Stream

"The turbine turned gears, wheels, and belts that powered the mill machinery. Whiting was made from finely powdered chalk."

Historic Hallowell - The Vaughan Stream & Sawmills

"The force of the water spun the turbine which turned a shaft with gears attached to it sending power to the mill."