A Visit to Winthrop, Maine

Winthrop is one of the oldest towns in Maine. It was incorporated in 1771 being formerly known as “Pond Town Plantation.” Sometimes deep research is required to uncover the source of a place name, but there are no mysteries with this one. There are eleven bodies of water located within the town.

Summer camps for children, as well as get-away cabins and cottages, have long been enjoyed in this region. Winthrop even has a lighthouse named Ladies Delight, but it can only be viewed from the water, and I was boatless when I arrived in Winthrop for this feature.

Winthrop has undergone many changes over the years, but its history remains visible all over town. Dave’s Appliance, now in their second and third generations, is in the old Maxim’s building on Central Street.

As a side note: if you’ve been following this journey for a while, you know that Maine family businesses which have been in operation for multiple generations are of particular interest. Dave’s Appliance was included as a stop on this journey due to hearing so many good reports about them along the way. It was a pleasure to talk with them, see the store (I didn’t know it was possible to like a refrigerator’s color so much), and hear about the loyalty of their customer base.

Since the late 1800s, the [Dave] Ketchens and the Maxims have been the only two families to own this property. As the store was (and is) located next to the railroad, it was an ideal spot to unload goods. A large mural (one of numerous displays around Winthrop) on the side of the building facing the tracks serves as reminder of the old days and all the bustling activity from past generations.

This community was previously known for its robust farms. The trains not only dropped off people (such as tourists) and supplies, but also carried away crops to be sold in other towns and cities.

Another of the many businesses in a repurposed building is Freckle Salvage Co. on Main Street. Among other uses, it was the former home of the post office. Today it is a sweet vintage, gift, and decor shop. Not only is there a combination of used and new items from dozens of vendors, but the displays look magazine-ready. If you aren’t a fan of digging through cluttered flea markets, this is a must-stop with additional good options nearby. One weekend a month, Freckle Salvage holds a vault event in the old textile mill complex.

To state the obvious: there are numerous opportunities to support small and local Maine businesses in Winthrop.

To learn more detailed history of the town, one can pop into the Winthrop History and Heritage Center (in the former KeyBank) on Main Street. The Winthrop Historical Society graciously gathered in order to meet with me; it was much appreciated. They house numerous intriguing items. Only a couple are pictured below…

This model loom serves as a reminder of the town’s deep roots in the textile industry. Winthrop’s first woolen and cotton mills opened early in the 1800s and continued until 2002.

The building pictured on the tea cup above is the same place as the other two photos. The structure opened in 1855 with the Towle Academy on the first floor and the town hall on the second. At the present time it is home to the police station. 

There was ONE building on my list for this feature that has the same purpose for which it was originally designed. The Bailey Library has been open since 1916 and is named for Charles M. Bailey who owned one of the largest oilcloth operations in the country. The children’s section of the library is in the original part of the site; it has a unique ceiling. Look up, if you stop by!

As is the case in many parts of our state, you will miss the majority of Winthrop’s treasures unless you bypass the bypass. Next time you’re in the area, get off from Route 202 and onto Main Street and the surrounding streets for a bit. You’re sure to enjoy this town that is older than the nation.

It’s time to research the next Maine town. If you’re new here, you might not know that Maine Features is a long journey to visit, photograph, and write about every town in the state. Drop your email in the box below, or sign up on the newsletter page, if you want to stay updated.