RUMFORD – An eye-catching caboose might be just the thing to draw attention to plans to create a pulp and paper museum.

That was one idea tossed around last week when a group of people from the River Valley and Jay/Livermore Falls areas met to work on plans for a museum that would document the history of the paper industry and the ethnic cultures that grew up around it.

“We need a program that will get people involved,” said Sherry Judd, a leader of the museum effort from the Jay/Livermore Falls area.

About a dozen River Valley area people met at the Rumford Public Library to look at ways to get the word out about a museum and to discuss ideas about its importance.

Judd is aware of a caboose that could be hauled to various community functions to draw interest in creating a museum. Inside the caboose could be photographs and artifacts of the paper industry and other related topics.

Possible sites for a museum were suggested, as well.

Paul Jones, a former paper mill employee who lives in Dixfield, is an organizer for the River Valley area. He suggested using a portion of the former bag mill that is currently being renovated into the River Valley Technology Center.

Other ideas include the Canton Grange Hall, the former Puiia’s and the Rumford Fire Station (if a new one is built).

“This is a good way for historical societies to get younger people involved,” added Jane deFrees, who represents the Western Mountains Alliance, a nonprofit group that helps new ideas and projects get off the ground. “It would be nice if Rumford took pride in its mill.”

Jones also suggested setting up a Web site that would help get the word out about the importance of a museum focusing on the paper industry and the people who helped it grow.

Judd said she and Jones will meet with Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments July 16 to develop a business plan for the museum and to begin registration as a nonprofit organization.

The next Pulp and Paper Heritage Museum Committee meeting in the Jay/Livermore Falls area is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. June 25 at Treat Memorial Library in Livermore Falls. The next meeting in the Rumford area will be set for sometime in August.

eadams@sunjournal.com