Collection + Exhibits
Object of the Month
Get a glimpse of the past with highlighted artifacts from the museum’s collection.
With more than 10,00 artifacts in our collection, there’s a lot to learn about. Come along with us as we unearth one item a month and take a deep dive into its use, significance, and any community stories connected to its history, meaning, or purpose.
From archival photographs to awards, manufacturing tools and inventions to locally made holiday ornaments from a once renown manufacturer—get a glimpse into the past, right now.
August 2026: Pepperell Fabric’s Advertising
V-J Day, when Imperial Japan surrendered and brought an end to WWII, was announced in the United States on the 14th of August 1945. Despite occurring in August, it is celebrated on September 2nd in the US.
Pepperell Fabrics was a company headquartered in Boston, founded in 1844, with a division in Lewiston, Maine. Originally dedicated to cotton fabrics, manufacturing eventually moved onto rayon and nylon fabrics. In their height, they were considered one of the largest textile producers in the country, producing 14,000 yards of fabrics and 4,000 pounds of cotton goods every year. Products included cotton pillowcases, nylon bed sheets, work clothing, blankets, and an assortment of different fabrics for the industry. During WWII, 80% of Pepperell’s manufacturing capacity shifted towards war production, and the plant in Biddeford, Maine was expanded in order to accommodate the demands.
This advertisement came from a local magazine and as we can see from the bottom, it was intended to be framed if desired.
Did you miss a past Object of The Month?
We’ve gone through a treasure trove of items from our collection over the years. Scroll through and see what you may have missed.
August 2026: Pepperell Fabric’s Advertising
V-J Day, when Imperial Japan surrendered and brought an end to WWII, was announced in the United States on the 14th of August 1945. Despite occurring in August, it is celebrated on September 2nd in the US. Pepperell Fabrics was a company headquartered in Boston,...
July 2026: Rolandeau’s Restaurant Menu
Rolandeau’s Restaurant, a fine dining establishment specializing in French and American cuisine, opened its doors in Auburn, Maine, at 775 Washington Street in 1972 under the ownership of Roland Nadeau. The restaurant was well-known for its specialty, the Roast Rib of...
June 2026: Turgeon Pharmacy Inc.
Turgeon Pharmacy Inc. was founded by Adolph Turgeon and his wife Jeannette in 1937 upon returning from New Haven, Connecticut where he worked for Liggett Co. Adolph was known to be dedicated and hardworking, spending long hours in the office and being on call for...
May 2026: Bates College Ivy Day Pamphlet
College seniors across the country prepare to graduate this month. Bates College, a private liberal arts institution in Lewiston, Maine, was founded in 1855 by textile magnate Benjamin Bates, for whom the Bates Mills are also named. It holds the distinction of being...
April 2026: Health and Safety in the Mill
April 24th is National Workers Memorial Day in which the US Department of Labor honors fallen workers. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the regulatory agency that oversees the safety and health of all workers in the United States. A 1990...
March 2026: Women in Bates Mill Bowling League
March is designated as Women's History Month, a tradition established by Jimmy Carter to honor the often-unnoticed contributions of women to the building of our nation. This month provides an opportunity to focus on the leadership, courage, strength, love, and...
February 2026: Peck’s Department Store 100th Anniversary Bag
Peck’s Department Store was founded in 1880 by Bradford Peck. Originally located on the Music Hall block of Lisbon Street in Lewiston, in 1886 it moved to the Sands Block and in 1899 moved to the corners of Main Street and Lisbon Street, where it occupied all five...
January 2026: Weaving Inspection Tools
These tools were meant for the inspection, mending, and hand picking of any imperfections in the weaves and textiles in the Lewiston mills. With regular use these tools developed a gorgeous patina and are a testament to the careful eye of the workers to ensure that...
December 2025: Snowshoe Club Uniform Jacket
This uniform jacket, features the signature gray and scarlet colors of Lewiston's Le Montagnard snowshoe club. Founded in 1922 by Louis-Philippe Gagné, Le Montagnard was the first club of its kind in Lewiston. Each snowshoe club had a unique uniform, identifiable by...
Help preserve Maine MILL artifacts
Antique and vintage items need a lot of maintenance to prolong their lifetime. Help us to preserve and care for these historical items and representations of our community’s history by donating today.