Maine Memory Network

Electrical worker pouch, ca. 1930

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1930 Media: Canvas

Rubber electrical worker gloves, ca. 1935

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1935 Media: Rubber, leather, suede, canvas, brass

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.

The Trolley Parks of Maine

At the heyday of trolleys in Maine, many of the trolley companies developed recreational facilities along or at the end of trolley lines as one further way to encourage ridership. The parks often had walking paths, dance pavilions, and various other entertainments. Cutting-edge technology came together with a thirst for adventure and forever changed social dynamics in the process.