The Historic and endangered Matthews Mill



The Matthews Mill, located in Union, began as a gristmill c.l850, providing employment to many people in the area. The mill was central to the Town's development. Over the course of the last 150 years or so, the Matthews Mill and a second "back mill" (located to the north) have housed a variety of other businesses such as a machine shop, carriage shop and blacksmith shop. These two structures are the last of their kind in Union Village, which was an industrial center for many generations. These modest sized structures are clad in wood shingles and clapboards, and are obvious from Common Road that passes nearby. A business sign advertising a mill once operated by Ed Matthews on this site for many years remains on the west end of the Matthews Mill. It was Ed Matthews' collection of tools and household items, which formed the core beginning of the Matthews Museum, now an independent museum located nearby on the Union
Fairgrounds.

Following Matthews, a blacksmith took ownership and it was his former apprentice of many years who now owns the property. For the last ten years, no business has operated out of the mills and minimal maintenance has been done to the buildings. Also, because of their close proximity to waterways, the overall condition and structural stability of the buildings has worsened. The mill buildings of have been waiting for someone with interest and vision to take them into the next century through stabilization, restoration and interpretation. The Union Historical Society, the current owner and concerned citizens want to save these buildings and once again make this area a center of town, as well as a center of historical and cultural interests. For more information, or to get involved, contact Dave Shaub, Officer of the Union Historical Society, P.O. Box 154, Union, Maine, 04862, (207) 785-6092.

                                                        -From the website of Maine Preservation, www. mainepreservation.org


 

Location:  12 Sunk Haze Road, Union
Year Built:   1850
Lot Size:  0.50 acre, with approx. 200 feet on the St. George River
Zone:   Shoreland
Roads:   Paved public
Map/Lot:   24/24



                        Today


             Looking west from Sunk Haze Road



                                   Ell Interior



                           Main Floor Interior



                                Workshop
 

More information about this property



                    Yesterday


            Looking east towards Union Common


    Looking west from Sunk Haze. Note steel bridge.


               Looking east. Note steel bridge again.


                After the flood. No more bridge!


  Re-routed road and new bridge under construction.


                    Completed road and bridge.