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.
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 hospitals and clinics. Adolph Turgeon was a member of the National Association of Retail Druggists and the Central Maine Pharmaceutical Association. Turgeon’s Pharmacy was originally located at 366 Lisbon Street for nearly 25 years before moving to 392 Lisbon Street and continuing operations.
Robert Morneau, who started work in the Pharmacy in 1943, eventually became the president and owner of the Pharmacy in 1977. Robert spent three years in the US Army before returning to Turgeon’s as a qualified assistant Pharmacist. He studied Pharmacy under Adolph until going out on his own in 1951 and spending 25 years with Pharmacie Nationale.
Adolph Turgeon sold Turgeon’s Pharmacy to his brother Edward in 1948 but continued to work there. Adolph remained with Turgeon’s after Mr. Morneau became President, returning from retirement in a consulting capacity.
This unnamed eye medication came from Turgeon’s Pharmacy in 1957 and was prescribed by a Dr. Morin. We can see A. Turgeon, Reg. Ph on the top of the label. The original location of 366 Lisbon Street can be seen at the bottom.
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.
June 2024: Lake Grove Park Postcard
Happy Summer! This June we highlight a postcard from our collection. You may recognize this sunny scene to be Lake Grove Park in Auburn, a popular spot for lounging since 1909. A woman by the name of Julia sent this postcard to Worcester, Massachusetts in care of...
May 2024: Soldier’s Uniform Jacket
In honor of Memorial Day this month, our object for May is a soldier's uniform jacket. While textile factories like Bates chiefly produced bedspreads along with a variety of other household linens, Lewiston’s industries also played a role in multiple war efforts....
April 2024: The Creation of a Woven Bedspread
Our April object of the month is this Bates educational poster titled "The Creation of a Woven Bedspread." Most likely from the 1950s, the poster provides a step-by-step guide to the intricate process of producing a bedspread from raw cotton. It covers each...
March 2024: Rosie the Riveter lunch box
In honor of Women’s History Month, our object for March is a “Rosie the Riveter” lunch box currently on display in our 2024 exhibit, “Unseen Hands, The Hidden Elements of Labor.” Over the last several decades, J. Howard Miller’s design of a female worker dressed in a...
February 2024: Dye Tubes
It's February, which means our 2024 gallery "Unseen Hands, The Hidden Elements of Labor" opened to the public! This month, we're highlighting dye tubes from the Bates Dyeing Facility, offering a glimpse at just one of the dozens of objects we have on display this...
January 2024: Ward Bros. Womens Cloche Hat
Our object of the month for January is this women’s cloche felt hat from the iconic Ward Bros. store once located on Lisbon Street. Founded by cousins Larry Ward and David Mersons, Ward’s was one of many stores owned and operated by Lewiston’s Jewish population. Wards...
December 2023: Peck’s Department Store Christmas
For December, we are highlighting these images of Peck’s Department store during the holiday season. At the time of its opening in 1899, Peck’s was considered the largest and most significant department store in Maine. During each Christmas Season, visitors from all...
November 2023: October 25 Memorial Item
Following the tragic events of October 25, 2023 Maine MILL began working with the City of Lewiston, the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and artist Tanja Hollander to collect memorial items (such as candles, Lewiston Strong signage, posters, hearts,...
October 2023: Bates Fabriques Hockey Jersey
For the month of October, we’re featuring a Bates Fabriques Hockey jersey from the 1950s. The Fabriques were just one of the many sports teams the Bates Manufacturing Company supported throughout its operation. There were several other textile manufacturers in the...
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