Pejepscot Paper Company facts for kids
View from Brunswick ca. 2021
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| Pulp | |
|---|---|
| Alternative names |
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| Paper machine | |
| Current status | Standing, usage changed |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| Structural system | Granite, Brick & wood |
| Location | 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Topsham, Maine |
| Current tenants | Sea Dog Brewing Company |
| Coordinates | 43°55′18″N 69°57′53″W / 43.92167°N 69.96472°W |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1868 |
| Employees |
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| Floor count | 3 |
| Other dimensions |
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| Cost | US$80,000 (1874) |
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Pejepscot Paper Company
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| NRHP reference No. | 74000192 |
| Added to NRHP | September 17, 1974 |
The Pejepscot Paper Company mill building is a very old paper factory in Topsham, Maine. It sits right next to the Androscoggin River, near the Frank J. Wood Bridge. This building was made in 1868, making it one of the oldest paper mills still standing in Maine. On September 17, 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the building is used for different businesses, including the Sea Dog Brewing Company.
Contents
Building Design and Look
The Pejepscot Paper Company mill building is a large, historic paper factory. It is located on a piece of land that sticks out into the Androscoggin River. The building is made of brick and has three floors. It has a strong granite base.
The side of the building facing the river has many windows. These windows are set into special arched openings. In the middle of the building, there is a tall, five-story tower with a pyramid-shaped roof. The whole building is about 250 feet (76 meters) long and 65 feet (20 meters) wide.
History of the Paper Mill
From 1868 to 1985, three different companies used this building to make paper. After that, it was changed into offices and shops.
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topsham Paper Company | 1868 | 1874 | 6 |
| H.&A.W. Parsons | 1874 | 1875 | 1 |
| Bowdoin Paper Manufacturing Company | 1875 | 1887 | 12 |
| Pejepscot Paper Company | 1887 | 1985 | 93 |
| Fore River Company | 1998 | Present |
Early Days: Topsham Paper Company
The mill was built in 1868. It was an important part of Maine's history of making paper from wood pulp. The first company to run it was the Topsham Paper Company. Sanford A. Perkins managed the mill, and Samuel R. Jackson was the company's president.
The Topsham Paper Company used special grinding machines from the Bath Iron Works. They started small, in the basement of a sawmill. They grew very quickly. However, the company expanded too much and had problems with people who invested money. Because of this, the company eventually went out of business.
New Owners: W.H.&A.W. Parsons and Bowdoin Paper
On September 16, 1874, the Topsham Paper Company was bought at an auction by W.H.&A.W. Parsons for $80,000. The next year, on February 19, 1875, W.H.&A.W. Parsons became the Bowdoin Paper Manufacturing Company.
At that time, the mill had one Fourdrinier machine, which is a special machine for making paper. It also had other equipment needed to prepare the wood pulp.
The Pejepscot Paper Company Era
In 1887, the Pejepscot Paper Company bought the mill. They added more equipment, doubling what the mill could do. Now, the mill had two Fourdrinier machines and many other tools for making paper.
By 1878, the company was making 5 short tons (about 4.5 metric tons) of paper every day. They even had their own workshop to fix machines and build new ones. The company employed 45 men and 30 women. They made paper for books and newspapers.
By 1985, the Pejepscot Paper Company closed its doors. At that time, they only had 13 employees. The building was then used to finish paper, turning large rolls into sheets for things like construction paper and paper for business forms.
The Mill Today
From 1985 to 1986, the Hearst Company used the mill to store paper. But from 1986 until 1998, the building was empty. In 1998, the Fore River Company bought the building. They fixed it up to be used as office space. They then rented out part of the old mill to the Sea Dog Brewing Company. This company added a patio that looks out over the Androscoggin River.
The Pejepscot Paper Company building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 17, 1974. This means it is recognized as an important historic site.
See also
