Barker Mill
143 Mill St., Auburn, MEArchitecturally, the Barker Mill is one of the most well proportioned of the relatively few mansard-roofed mills in Maine. Although by their very nature, late 19th-century textile mills tended to be starkly simple and rather drab in appearance, this particular structure, even with the loss of the top floor of the tower, possesses an unusual stylistic dignity and extensive decorative detail.
The Barker Mill was designed by Charles F. Douglas whose brief but meteoric career(see C. F. Douglas House - nomination pending) included such outstanding works as the impressive Continental Mill in Lewiston, the Somerset County Courthouse in Skowhegan and the Glover House in Rockland.
This mill was, for a long time, Auburn's one major venture in the textile industry. It was the enterprise that gave the New Auburn section its favorable start as a business center.
The undertaking began in 1870, with the acquisition of a large area of land along the Little Androscoggin River for a considerable distance upstream from its confluence with the Big Androscoggin. The purpose of the group of businessmen, who called themselves the Little Androscoggin Water Power Company, was to develop water power for a textile mill. This purchase of land with the right to build a power dam led not only to the dam and a five-story mill but to the sale of home building lots to the people who flocked into the area.
The dam was completed in 1872; the mill in 1873; and "Barker Mill", so named in honor of c. I. Barker, a prominent textile executive who became its first directing agent, went into operation in 1874. It engaged in the manufacture of cotton shirtings and sheetings and was active for many years. In 1888, it employed 275 persons and produced four million yards of goods.
Local significance of the building:
The Barker Mill was designed by Charles F. Douglas whose brief but meteoric career(see C. F. Douglas House - nomination pending) included such outstanding works as the impressive Continental Mill in Lewiston, the Somerset County Courthouse in Skowhegan and the Glover House in Rockland.
This mill was, for a long time, Auburn's one major venture in the textile industry. It was the enterprise that gave the New Auburn section its favorable start as a business center.
The undertaking began in 1870, with the acquisition of a large area of land along the Little Androscoggin River for a considerable distance upstream from its confluence with the Big Androscoggin. The purpose of the group of businessmen, who called themselves the Little Androscoggin Water Power Company, was to develop water power for a textile mill. This purchase of land with the right to build a power dam led not only to the dam and a five-story mill but to the sale of home building lots to the people who flocked into the area.
The dam was completed in 1872; the mill in 1873; and "Barker Mill", so named in honor of c. I. Barker, a prominent textile executive who became its first directing agent, went into operation in 1874. It engaged in the manufacture of cotton shirtings and sheetings and was active for many years. In 1888, it employed 275 persons and produced four million yards of goods.
Industry; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Maine is known for its delicious blueberries: Maine is one of the largest producers of blueberries in the United States and is known for its wild blueberries, which are smaller and sweeter than cultivated blueberries.
About Androscoggin County
Androscoggin County Timeline
Androscoggin County, located in the state of Maine, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was historically inhabited by the Abenaki Native American tribe who utilized the Androscoggin River, which runs through the county, for transportation, fishing, and trade. European settlers arrived in the early 17th century, with the first permanent settlement established in the 1630s.
The region saw significant growth during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The Androscoggin River played a crucial role in the development of textile mills, shoe factories, and paper mills, transforming the area into a major industrial center. Communities like Lewiston and Auburn became thriving manufacturing hubs, attracting a large immigrant population, particularly French-Canadians and Irish immigrants, who came to work in the mills.
The county faced challenges during the Great Depression in the 1930s, with the closure of many mills and factories leading to high unemployment rates. However, Androscoggin County remained resilient and diversified its economy by expanding into other industries like healthcare and higher education. The establishment of institutions like Bates College and hospitals helped to stabilize the region economically and provide new opportunities for its residents.
In recent years, Androscoggin County has experienced revitalization efforts focused on preserving its history and promoting tourism. The area boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, including the Bates Mill complex and various museums, which attract visitors interested in learning about its industrial past. Additionally, the county's natural beauty, with its rivers, parks, and lakes, has made it a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities. Overall, Androscoggin County's history is characterized by industrial growth, cultural diversity, and the ability to adapt to changing economic circumstances.
The region saw significant growth during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The Androscoggin River played a crucial role in the development of textile mills, shoe factories, and paper mills, transforming the area into a major industrial center. Communities like Lewiston and Auburn became thriving manufacturing hubs, attracting a large immigrant population, particularly French-Canadians and Irish immigrants, who came to work in the mills.
The county faced challenges during the Great Depression in the 1930s, with the closure of many mills and factories leading to high unemployment rates. However, Androscoggin County remained resilient and diversified its economy by expanding into other industries like healthcare and higher education. The establishment of institutions like Bates College and hospitals helped to stabilize the region economically and provide new opportunities for its residents.
In recent years, Androscoggin County has experienced revitalization efforts focused on preserving its history and promoting tourism. The area boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, including the Bates Mill complex and various museums, which attract visitors interested in learning about its industrial past. Additionally, the county's natural beauty, with its rivers, parks, and lakes, has made it a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities. Overall, Androscoggin County's history is characterized by industrial growth, cultural diversity, and the ability to adapt to changing economic circumstances.
Androscoggin County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Androscoggin County, Maine.
- 1854 - Androscoggin County is established by the Maine Legislature on March 18
- 1873 - The county seat is moved from Auburn to Lewiston
- 1890 - Bates College is founded in Lewiston
- 19th century - Mills along the Androscoggin River drive the local economy
- 1930s - The textile industry in the county starts to decline
- Late 20th century - Lewiston and Auburn experience a period of economic restructuring
- 2000s - The county focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism