HARRISON — The Historic Scribner’s Mill will open for this summer’s season on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, from 1-4 p.m.  Throughout this season Scribner’s Mill Preservation will be following the CDC guidelines as they change.  At this point all volunteers will be wearing masks and we ask that those who have not been vaccinated to follow suit.

The mill site tours will be continue through the season on the  first and third Saturdays of June, July, and August.  In the mill we will hopefully have the barrel equipment running.  The shingle mill will be in operation in the long shed, the blacksmith will be working at his forge in the blacksmith shop, and the Homestead will be open for small group tours.  The barn, chicken, & ice house will be open for self-guided tours.

Special this year will be our celebration of Maine’s 200th birthday with a “Back to the Past” event on August 14. The site will be filled with many exhibitors demonstrating Mill and Homestead skills, antique engines and vehicles.  The 3rd Maine Civil War reenactors will be gathering on Friday to set up their encampment.  It is fitting that they will be on hand to ceremonially deliver the letter to the Scribner family telling them of the death of their young 18 year old son, Bourdon.  He was killed in 1863 during a skirmish with a Southern rebel contingent.  He had survived Gettysburg to be killed at Mine Run while on march through a wooded area in Virginia.  His date of death was Thursday November 26, our first official Thanksgiving Day declared by President Abraham Lincoln.   The bravery of the Maine men during the Civil War is an important part of Maine’s legacy.

The book “Scribner’s Mil”, that tells the story of its beginnings, the families, and those who worked at the mill will be available for purchase.  A $5 donation for each adult is requested.  Check our web site scribnersmill.org for more information about the mill.

Scribner’s Mill is found south of Bolsters Mills on Jesse Mill Rd. crossing over the Crooked River Bridge into the Town of Harrison, the mill is on the left.  From Routes 35 or 117, follow the Maine State Directional signs found at Carsley or Maple Ridge Roads respectively.  For those following their GPS from Rte. 121, continue on Bolsters Mills Rd. to Jesse Mill Rd. instead of turning onto the Tamworth Rd.

Historic Note:  Elijah and his son Cyrus purchased the Barrows’ Saw Mill from Worthy Barrows in January 1851.  At the time of purchase, Elijah was Mr. Barrows’ sawyer.  In 1850 Elijah and his family were living in the newly built 1849 Mill House. In addition to the mill, Elijah purchased the Homestead for $150.  The corporation name became, “Elijah Scribner and Son.”  Scribner’s Mill continued to operate until 1962 under the ownership of Jesse P. Scribner when he retired at the age of 92.

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