Maine Memory Network

Ice tongs, Presque Isle, ca. 1910

Contributed by: Presque Isle Historical Society Date: circa 1910 Location: Presque Isle Media: Metal

Unloading potatoes, ca. 1959

Contributed by: Oakfield Historical Society Date: circa 1959 Media: Photographic print

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.

"We are growing to be somewhat cosmopolitan..." Waterville, 1911

Between 1870 and 1911, Waterville more than doubled in size, becoming a center of manufacturing, transportation, and the retail trade and offering a variety of entertainments for its residents.

Presque Isle: The Star City - Loading ice, Presque Isle Stream, 1946

"… were used to cool Bangor and Aroostook Railroad refrigerator cars for shipping potatoes. Cement blocks were manufactured in the small building on…"

Farmington: Franklin County's Shiretown - Lowell's General Store, Commerce, & the Railroad

"The advancement in refrigerated cars made the export of meat possible as well as improved the condition of eggs and fruit."

The Oakfield Inn
by Rodney Duplisea

This is a summarized article about the opening of the Oakfield Inn. It appeared in the Bangor Daily

History of Forest Gardens
by Gary Libby

This is a history of one of Portland's oldest local bars