Guilford, Maine

By: Cindy Woodworth
Images by: Guilford Historical Society

Rebounding from the olive-drab pessimism of the First World War, in 1918 people of Guilford gathered in the square and celebrated as they burned the Kaiser in effigy, celebrating the peace. Fortunes were sure to change once again .

In the 1920’s many new businesses were established. The Minto Toothpick Company purchased a local wooden box mill and converted it to a toothpick mill. A grist mill and feed store changed hands from M. L. Hussey to Frank Palmer. S. J. Jackson Company set up a Men’s Haberdashery. The Guilford Hospital was formally opened. N. N. Scales purchased H. Douglass and Co. and after interior changes, continued sales of groceries, sporting goods, boots and shoes. Leslie Adkins wagon shop was built to paint and repair wagons. Piscataquis Valley Country Club was incorporated. The Guilford Chamber of Commerce was organized. Charles Herring started a slaughterhouse. The American Legion Hall was built and operated a bowling alley and pool tables.

The '20’s also brought Guilford devastating times. One of Guilford’s more damaging floods passed through in April 1923, leaving extensive wreckage to businesses and residences.

In 1925, Guilford’s High School building was destroyed by fire. Students used the Town Hall for their classrooms until a new high school was built in 1926. In 1928, the magnificently built Town Hall was completely burned to the ground. It was never rebuilt.

The '30’s brought to us the Skinner’s Furniture Store, two beer parlors, Weatherbee’s Hardware Store, The Community Movie Theater, the “Five & Dime” Variety Store, Haley’s Construction Company and Blake’s Insurance Agency. A modern alarm system and vault safe were added to the Bank. A picketing demonstration was held in Town on September 20, 1934. Organizers and agitators in the textile strike were busy that week, but Guilford mills operated as usual. Police and the National Guard were on hand in case of troubles. In May 19, 1938, the First Air Mail arrived at the Hudson farm field. Another flood in March 1936 caused more extensive damage to Guilford’s industries, and residences.

Guilford continued to thrive in the 1940’s. A new restaurant was opened called the Gold Nugget Restaurant. Guilford Woolen Mills Company was formed. McKusick Fuel Company was established. Samuel and Paul Herrick expanded their business to include a service station offering painting, welding and body work on cars. Central Maine Radio Services & Sales was established.

In the early 1950’s the construction for a new steel and concrete bridge was underway after being interrupted once again by another flood. The temporary footbridge and new abutments had been swept away, only to have the crew work harder and persevere until completion in 1954. Johnston & Hibbard Garage was established; Guilford Kiwanis Club was organized; Tripp’s Sporting Goods store came to Town as did Guilford Dairy, Goulette’s IGA and Davis Brother’s Furniture. A new fire house and elementary school were built.

In 1958, the B & A Railroad discontinued passenger service. Piscataquis area schools formed in the name of Piscataquis Community School District, and a new gymnasium was built. That year there was a devastating fire that destroyed the Hardwood Products Mill. Guilford rebuilt the following year, relying on volunteerism and community pride as usual.

In the 60’s the IGA moved into a new building, Worthen’s Market opened at the Odd Fellows Building, and a new church was built on High Street. Gerald Palmer closed the gristmill, and Guilford Lumber went out of business. Many businesses seemed to be “changing hands” or were “merging” but most remained and improved their services – including the bakery, hardware store, law offices and bank.

On June 17 & 18, 1966 townspeople chose to celebrate! It was Guilford’s 150th Birthday. Residents came together, once again, with a parade and special events to remember their accomplishments.

Modern History 1966 to Present
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