Farwell Mill
ME 196, Lisbon, METhe Farwell Mill in Lisbon, Maine is an example of a "state of the art" cotton mill built at the height of the Industrial Revolution. The overwhelming central structure in the small, rural town of Lisbon Village, the mill has long been the economic backbone of the village and the surrounding area.
Begun in 1872, the mill was the only full-scale textile operation owned by Nathaniel W. Farwell. Farwell's interests and holdings in the textile industry were many: he was responsible for starting or operating bleacheries in four states; he was on the board of directors of numerous textile manufacturing concerns in New England, and as a banker, he helped finance the textile industry.
Located on the Sabattus River, a tributary to Maine's mighty Androscoggin, the upper of the two water privileges at this site was the location of Maine's earliest recorded woolen mill, begun by John Mayall around 1808. Mayall's property was purchased by Farwell in 1867 as Farwell amassed property along both sides of the Sabattus River at what was then known as Factory village. After Farwell bought the mill, he "repaired and enlarged it, and...occupied it as a cotton mill."
Farwell then looked to the lower, or "Moody's" privilege to expand his operations. This power had been utilized as early as 1800 for a grist mill on its east side by Gideon and Abel Curtis, from whom the early name of the town "Curtis's Mills" was derived. By the time Farwell purchased the site, there was a small saw and grist mill on the western shore, but it had not recently been improved.
Despite the Panic of 1873, plans for the construction of the New Farwell Cotton Mill went ahead. Incorporated on January 29, 1872, construction of the new building must have been rapid, as it appears in the 1873 Atlas of Androscoggin County. The Atlas describes the mill as "a first-class cotton mill, built of brick, three stories in height, 346 feet long, and 52 feet wide, with a working capacity of 12,000 mule spindles.
A feature of interest in the newly constructed mill complex was the square, one-story gas works located just below the bridge on the property. Not especially common on a mill site in a small separate building such as this, the well-proportioned brick structure is one of the few such gas houses remaining in Maine.
Nathaniel W. Farwell himself stands as an exemplary New England success story for the Industrial Revolution.
Local significance of the building:
Begun in 1872, the mill was the only full-scale textile operation owned by Nathaniel W. Farwell. Farwell's interests and holdings in the textile industry were many: he was responsible for starting or operating bleacheries in four states; he was on the board of directors of numerous textile manufacturing concerns in New England, and as a banker, he helped finance the textile industry.
Located on the Sabattus River, a tributary to Maine's mighty Androscoggin, the upper of the two water privileges at this site was the location of Maine's earliest recorded woolen mill, begun by John Mayall around 1808. Mayall's property was purchased by Farwell in 1867 as Farwell amassed property along both sides of the Sabattus River at what was then known as Factory village. After Farwell bought the mill, he "repaired and enlarged it, and...occupied it as a cotton mill."
Farwell then looked to the lower, or "Moody's" privilege to expand his operations. This power had been utilized as early as 1800 for a grist mill on its east side by Gideon and Abel Curtis, from whom the early name of the town "Curtis's Mills" was derived. By the time Farwell purchased the site, there was a small saw and grist mill on the western shore, but it had not recently been improved.
Despite the Panic of 1873, plans for the construction of the New Farwell Cotton Mill went ahead. Incorporated on January 29, 1872, construction of the new building must have been rapid, as it appears in the 1873 Atlas of Androscoggin County. The Atlas describes the mill as "a first-class cotton mill, built of brick, three stories in height, 346 feet long, and 52 feet wide, with a working capacity of 12,000 mule spindles.
A feature of interest in the newly constructed mill complex was the square, one-story gas works located just below the bridge on the property. Not especially common on a mill site in a small separate building such as this, the well-proportioned brick structure is one of the few such gas houses remaining in Maine.
Nathaniel W. Farwell himself stands as an exemplary New England success story for the Industrial Revolution.
Industry
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
Maine was the first state to adopt Prohibition: Maine was the first state to adopt Prohibition in 1851, almost 70 years before the rest of the country followed suit. However, it was also one of the first states to repeal Prohibition, doing so in 1934.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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