Gunpowder film draws crowd

A large turnout attended the premiere of “The Gunpowder Mills of Gorham and Windham” on Nov. 4 at the Old Robie School in Little Falls.

Georgia Humphrey, Gorham Community TV’s community access media manager, and Patrick Bonsant, Saco River Community Media’s executive director, teamed up to produce the documentary. Before the showing, Bonsant thanked Humphrey for making the film possible. “It was a labor of love,” Bonsant said.

The setting for the documentary was the Gambo area along the Presumpscot River between Gorham and Windham. The gunpowder mills there produced an estimated 25% of the black powder used in the American Civil War.

The film is based on a book, “The Gunpowder Mills of Maine,” written by the late Maurice Whitten of Gorham.

Gorham Recreation Director Cindy Hazelton introduced the film to the gathering. Hazelton said hundreds of hours went into the documentary, which is about 40 minutes long.

Those who would like to purchase a DVD can send a check for $20 to Saco River Community Media, 564 Plains Road, Hollis, Maine, 04042. Saco River TV covers several towns, including Buxton.

Hazelton also gave a brief history of the Old Robie School, built in 1898. She said it was saved by a PTA group that turned the building over to the town. Gorham Recreation now uses the building.

Closed for Veterans Day

Gorham Municipal Center, administrative offices, recreation office, and Baxter Memorial Library will be closed Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

50 years ago

The American Journal reported on Nov. 8, 1972, that Henry Severance of McLellan Road closed Gorham Country Club for the season. He and his wife had left for Sarasota, Florida.

National debt

The Treasury Department reported on Nov. 3 that the U.S. public debt was $31,218,945,420,267.56.

This story was updated Dec. 19 to correct the spelling of Patrick Bonsant’s name.