Papermaking in Maine: Economic Trends from 1894 to 2000

Abstract

This essay reviews the major economic trends in Maine’s paper industry since the late nineteenth century. It sets the context at national and regional levels, offers a broad statistical picture of the industry’s production in Maine, and concludes with a focus on Maine’s “mill towns.” Paper production is a branch of a larger industry that converts primary ?ber — logs, chips, wastepaper, rags, or market pulp — into paper.