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

Attic loom, North Sebago, ca. 1850

Contributed by: Sebago Historical Society Date: circa 1850 Location: Sebago Media: Wood

Sarajo Gallery, Portland, 2007

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 2007 Location: Portland Clients: Yosi Barzilai; Sarajo Gallery Architect: Carol A. Wilson; Carol A. Wilson Architect

Sarajo Gallery, New York, New York, 2016

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 2016 Location: New York Clients: Yosi Barzilai; Grant Lindsey Architect: Carol A. Wilson; Carol A. Wilson Architect

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

"… city during the 1800’s and early 1900’s as the textile industry in Maine thrived. Like ice, this industry was international and products shipped…"

Biddeford History & Heritage Project - The Civil War/Reconstruction Era as Experienced in Biddeford & Saco - Page 2 of 17

"… for ice harvesting, granite cutting, and cotton textile manufacturing. Businesses that supported the war did well and were able to hire more…"

Rug Hooking Project with a Story
by Marilyn Weymouth Seguin

My grandmother taught me the Maine craft of rug hooking when I was a child.

Co-founding Halcyon Yarn and learning to weave
by Hector Jaeger

Moving to Maine, Halcyon Yarn, and rediscovering the joy of weaving