Power for Pejepscot Paper - Dam the Androscoggin

Construction starts with large timers c1893 - click to enlarge
Photo: Maine Historical Society via www.mainememory.net

  F. C. Whitehouse who had mills in Lisbon Falls and in Pejepscot Village wanted to build a new paper mill in Topsham.  He needed power to run a large mill, he needed a hydroelectric dam.  He set about to build a dam on the Androscoggin River, which at that point is about 500-600 feet wider - maybe more.
  What he had available were workers, timer, ox teams, horses and one steam engine.  They would build the dam.  It was a slow process bringing the timber, loads and loads of rocks of varying sizes, some the size of a Model A Ford.  They first diverted the river with a channel, and then in the empty river bed started with dirt and lots and lots of rocks.  Next came more dirt and the timbers.  Slowly and surely the dam was ready for concrete which was carried by man and beast to be placed in site.
  The machinery for producing electric power came next, and the river was put back in place and - - - it worked!

Nearly ready for the water 1893 - click to enlarge
Photo: Maine Historical Society via www.mainememory.net

The Pejepscot Paper Mill in Topsham and the dam in 1900 - click to enlarge
Photo: Maine Historical Society via www.mainememory.net