Maine Memory Network

From Sewers to Skylines: William S. Edwards's 1887 Photo Album

William S. Edwards (1830-1918) was a civil engineer who worked for the City of Portland from 1876-1906. Serving as First Assistant to Chief Engineer William A. Goodwin, then to Commissioner George N. Fernald, Edwards was a fixture in City Hall for 30 consecutive years, proving indispensable throughout the terms of 15 Mayors of Portland, including all six of those held by James Phineas Baxter. Edwards made significant contributions to Portland, was an outstanding mapmaker and planner, and his works continue to benefit historians.

One Hundred Years of Caring -- EMMC

In 1892 five physicians -- William H. Simmons, William C. Mason, Walter H. Hunt, Everett T. Nealey, and William E. Baxter -- realized the need for a hospital in the city of Bangor had become urgent and they set about providing one.

A Soldier's Declaration of Independence

William Bayley of Falmouth (Portland) was a soldier in the Continental Army, seeing service at Ticonderoga, Valley Forge, Monmouth Court House, and Saratoga, among other locations. His letters home to his mother reveal much about the economic hardships experienced by both soldiers and those at home.

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.

Promoting Rockland Through a Stereopticon, 1875

Frank Crockett and photographer J.P. Armbrust took stereo views of Rockland's downtown, industry, and notable homes in the 1870s as a way to promote tourism to the town.

West Baldwin Methodist Church

The West Baldwin Methodist Church, founded in 1826, was one of three original churches in Baldwin. While its location has remained the same, the church has undergone numerous changes to serve the changing community.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Business as Usual

"… of Maine Historical Society This image shows James and Patrick McGlinchy's Casco Brewery on the slopes of Munjoy Hill, the last active, legal…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Bootleggers vs. Police

"and Mrs. James M. Cameron X Billy club, ca. 1928 Courtesy of Joyce Butler Owned by George Butler, Police Commissioner in Biddeford."

Presidents and Campaigns

Several Mainers have run for president or vice president, a number of presidents, past presidents, and future presidents have had ties to the state or visited here, and, during campaign season, many presidential candidates and their family members have brought their campaigns to Maine.

Princeton: Woods and Water Built This Town

Princeton benefited from its location on a river -- the St. Croix -- that was useful for transportation of people and lumber and for powering mills as well as on its proximity to forests.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Acknowledgements

"Frost Dave Evans, The Great Lost Bear William B. Jordan, Jr. Barbara Lannon Maine Charitable Mechanic Association Maine Historic Preservation…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Taverns, People, and Scenes

"William McLellan Sr., Portland, ca.1800Maine Historical Society Captain William McLellan, Sr., ca. 1800 John Brewster, Jr."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Drinking Implements

"… of Colonial ceramics bears the likeness of William III. It was abandoned by the Scamman family of Saco when they were captured by Indians in 1697…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Neal Dow

"… Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of William B. Jordan, Jr., 1998 Portland City Hall, Market Square, ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Influential & Interesting Documents

"… high prices and, in the estimate of historian William Goold, raised the spirits of all Portland."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Quenching the Thirst

"… Robinson The MacMillan Company, 1929 Courtesy of William and Debra Barry Collections of Maine Historical Society, B R561edc Robinson (1869-1935)…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"… Rope Makers, Riggers and Sail Makers, 1841 William Capen, Jr. (ca. 1801-1863) Oil on cloth Collections of Maine Historical Society, from the Maine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law

"… moderates behind, including wine drinker Governor William King, who founded the first statewide temperance association."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Society Copes

"… Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of William David Barry, 1998 Coll. 2093, B1F2 This popular song marked the beginning of national…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - A Call to Temperance

"… Society and Publication House, 1883 Courtesy of William and Debra Barry X Father Matthew Plate White earthenware, ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"… Sturdivant, the Prisoner's Friend (New York: William McDonald & Co., 1879). Collections of Maine Historical Society B St 96 A native of Ireland…"

Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In

Adorning oneself to look one's "best" has varied over time, gender, economic class, and by event. Adornments suggest one's sense of identity and one's intent to stand out or fit in.

People, Pets & Portraits

Informal family photos often include family pets -- but formal, studio portraits and paintings also often feature one person and one pet, in formal attire and pose.

Music in Maine - MAKE

"The First Music of Maine Hand drum by James Eric Francis, Sr., Old Town, 2018Maine Historical Society Wabanaki peoples created the first music…"