The Mill at Pemaquid Falls has had a long history beginning around the turn of the 19th century. A survey of the mill’s architectural features and building materials suggest that the original portion of the building was constructed no later than 1825, and indeed, we find references in the 1807 Bristol Town Meeting minutes to “Captain [Thomas] Miller’s dam” and “Captain Millers’ grist mill pond” located at this location (on property owned by his mother-in-law Jane Given). Over the years, the mill has been used not only to grind grain, but also to card wool and saw lumber. Some of the treasures that can still be found inside include a 19th century water driven turbine, a wooden brake that controlled operation of the sawmill, a planer with a date of 1867, and numerous shafts, gears and pulleys.
In May of 2020, the Old Bristol Historical Society became owners and stewards of this historic mill. At that time, the OBHS began the ongoing and costly work of stabilizing and repairing the building, replacing rotten beams and siding, and securing the building against the elements. We are also endeavoring to restore the mill’s exterior appearance to match as much as possible that seen in early photographs. With much already accomplished, there is still much to do.
Once our building project is completed, we look forward to opening the mill to the public. Planning has already begun to convert the interior space into a museum and exhibit hall. Plans include setting up various rooms to demonstrate each of the mill’s prior uses as sawmill (hopefully including a running turbine), grist mill, and carding mill. There will also be exhibits focusing on other Bristol industries such as commercial fishing, granite quarrying, ice harvesting, farming, pogy fishing and oil processing, ship building and brick making. We plan to include as many “hands-on” exhibits as possible, and once open, the exhibits will be constantly changing so there will always be something new to see.
Depending on available funding, we anticipate that our vision will take several years to be accomplished. We invite you to support our efforts by volunteering your labor or with your financial gifts. And please do stop by to see the progress as it takes place over the next few years.
