Windham Historical Society’s Walter Lunt explains the significance of this old foundation at the site of the first commercial gunpowder mill built in Maine. The foundation is on property preserved by a Gorham organization, and land donated by a Gorham business. The Oriental Powder Mill was in operation longer than any other Maine mill, and it was the largest mill of its kind in Maine and among the largest in the nation for many years. The remnants of this business, which was in operation until the early 1920s, are located on both sides of Presumpscot River (Gorham and Windham) near the Newhall section of town. It is one of the sites included on history tours provided free to all third-graders in the Windham Schools and a recent tour for the Adult Education Program. On May 26 at 7 p.m., Windham Historical Society will present a program on the Gunpowder Mills of Maine by Dr. Maurice Whitten at Society headquarters on Windham Center Road.

Courtesy photo

Lakes Region Memories