AUBURN — Maine’s once-thriving automobile manufacturing industry will be the topic at the Androscoggin Historical Society meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, in the society’s headquarters, on the third floor of the County Courthouse at Court and Turner streets. The public is invited to attend without charge. An elevator is available.

The speakers will be Richard and Nancy Fraser, automobile collectors and residents of East Poland, who have published the second edition of their book, “A History of Maine-Built Automobiles and Motorized Vehicles, 1834-1934, with a History of Maine License Plates.”

Around the turn of the century hundreds of small shops in Maine were turning out automobiles – although perhaps only one or two in some shops. Maine made its biggest mark in the world of automobiles through the efforts of the Stanley Twins of Kingfield and their steam-propelled vehicles.

Many of the Maine-produced vehicles that are listed in the Frasers’ book were one of a kind but others, like the Lombard Log Hauler and Casco Trucks, enjoyed successful production runs. Several of more than 230 vehicle companies listed in the book were incorporated in Maine but manufactured elsewhere or not at all.

The 500-page book illustrates the early development of the auto industry in Maine, and contains 317 photographs and illustrations showing 232 makes of vehicles. The book also describes the early pioneers who made noteworthy contributions to the history of the horseless carriage.

Richard Fraser is a member of the Androscoggin Historical Society board of directors.