Then and Now - Topsham Paper Company Mill Building - Topsham, Maine
Located between Brunswick and Topsham, Maine, the mill, originally known as the Topsham Paper Mill, was established in 1868 along the Androscoggin River. The river served was used to transport wood pulp to the mill for processing.
In 1887, the Pejepscot Paper Company bought the mill, making substantial enhancements. The mill’s equipment was doubled, featuring two Fourdrinier machines, nine roll engines, two patent engines, two rotary, and two tub bleachers. By 1878, the company achieved a daily paper production of 5 short tons (4.5 t). The expansion also included a machine shop with wood and iron working machinery for repairs and the manufacture of new equipment. The workforce comprised forty-five males and thirty females, engaged in the production of book and wood newspapers.
As the years passed, the mill underwent changes. By 1985, when the company closed, only 13 employees remained. During this period, the building transformed into a paper finishing facility, converting rolls into sheets for construction paper, art paper, and business forms.
From 1985 to 1986, the Hearst Company utilized the mill for paper storage. Subsequently, from 1986 to 1998, the building remained vacant. In 1998, the Fore River Company from Portland, Maine, purchased and renovated the mill for office space. The old mill was leased to the Sea Dog Brewing Company, which added a patio overlooking the Androscoggin River.
Matt Lambros ME Topsham Jan 18, 2024 Architecture History Then & Now
Jan 18, 2024
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