Riceville, Maine facts for kids

Riceville was once a busy town in East Hancock, Maine, but today it is a ghost town. This means no one lives there anymore. It was also known by other names like Hancock Tannery or Riceville Plantation. The town was located in an area called Township 39 Middle Division.

What Was Riceville?

Riceville grew up around a special factory that made leather. This factory was called a "tannery." Leather is used to make many things, like shoes and bags.

The First Factory

The first factory in Riceville was a "bark extract works." This factory took natural materials, like tree bark, to make a special liquid. This liquid was then used to help turn animal hides into leather. A company called F. Shaw and Brothers Company owned this factory. They owned many other leather-making factories in the state of Maine.

Making Leather in Riceville

Later, a man named James Rice bought the factory. He changed it into a full tannery. His company, Buzzell and Rice Tanning, started making strong leather for shoe soles. They even used buffalo hides! After some time, James Rice started a new company called Hancock Leather. He continued to make leather for shoes in Riceville.

Life in the Town

As the tannery grew, people moved to Riceville to work there. In 1890, about 136 people lived in the town. By 1900, the number of residents had dropped to 75. The town even had a school for the children. In 1900, 21 students attended the Riceville school. The town also had its own post office, which was open from 1898 to 1906.

Why Riceville Became a Ghost Town

The main reason Riceville became a ghost town was a big fire. In 1905, the tannery burned down. Without the factory, there was no work for the people. Soon after the fire, everyone left Riceville. By 1910 and 1920, no one lived in the township anymore. The once busy town became quiet and empty.