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In the woodshed: Birdena giving young Bourdon a haircut with sister, Lucy, standing by.

HARRISON — The Historic Scribner’s Saw Mill and Homestead site will be open for tours  on  Saturday July 16  from 1 – 4 p.m. Come early enough to be able to enjoy the tour of the mill where you learn about the “Sash” saw used to cut lumber, how to make a barrel, exhibits in the Long and Exhibit Sheds, and tour the Homestead. The barn & ice houses are also open for self-guided tours. The blacksmith shop will be open, however, our blacksmith is not available this weekend to demonstrate the forge.

Historic Note: While Jesse Scribner ruled the roost at the mill, his wife, Birdena (Birdie), was in charge of the homestead. After raising their family, then taking care of Birdie’s father, Jesse and Birdie had two years of an empty nest before tragedy struck on October 10th, 1935. Mabel, their daughter-in-law, was struck with what she thought was a cold after Ed, their 5 children and a nephew had attended the Fryeburg Fair. As she grew worse, they called for the local doctor to come see Mabel. Dr. Ruby Day immediately called for an ambulance to take Mabel to the hospital.  Unfortunately, she never made it to the hospital for she died while on the way in the ambulance. Afterwards, she was diagnosed as having Polio. Her five children were all under the age of 10. One by one, Mabel’s children moved into the comfort of their Grandparent’s home. First it was Catherine, then Phyllis, then Lucy, and finally the two boys. The Homestead was occupied by the Scribner Family until 1983. Since then, it has been restored to its period of significance of 1924, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is owned by Scribner’s Mill Preservation, Inc.

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.

A $5 donation for each adult is requested. Check our website scribnersmill.org for more information about the mill.

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