Biddeford in York County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
The Lincoln Street Mill and Clock Tower
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La Filature Et Sa Tour Sur La Rue Lincoln
Biddeford, Maine
| — | The Museum in the Streets | — |
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 12, 2021
1. The Lincoln Street Mill and Clock Tower / La Filature Et Sa Tour Sur La Rue Lincoln Marker
The Lincoln Street Mill went into production in 1853. With additions it contained eight million square feet of floor space. Power from the Saco river arrived in 27-foot diameter brick-lined tunnels. Turbines converted the flow into power. Downtown was filled with the roar of hundreds of loom shuttles being knocked through the web of the cloth. A clock tower and bell were added to the mill in 1896. From the 1840's New England mills ran by the public clock. With school bells, church bells, and mill bells Biddeford got to be known as the "City of Bells." The large flag decorating the mill is from Filene's Department Store in Boston and was installed on April 14, 1917 in support of World War I. The tower and clock were removed after the building's sale in 2007. Following its restoration, the clock will be reinstalled at the entrance of the Riverwalk.
Erected 2006
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells, and the The Museum in the Streets: Biddeford, Maine series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 14, 1917.
Location. 43° 29.614′ N, 70° 27.372′ W. Marker is in Biddeford, Maine, in York County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Lincoln Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 Main St, Biddeford ME 04005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Southern Maine Coast. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Biddeford City Hall / L'Hôtel de Ville (a few steps from this marker); The Opera House / La Salle de L'Opéra (a few steps
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 12, 2021
2. The Lincoln Street Mill and Clock Tower / La Filature Et Sa Tour Sur La Rue Lincoln Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 768 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
