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flag  History of Thorndike, Maine, USA

Journey back in time to Thorndike, Maine, USA

Visit Thorndike, Maine, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.

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Thorndike, Maine, USA - Post Office Square

Thorndike, Waldo, Maine, USA

THORN-dike is a town in Waldo County, incorporated on February 15, 1819 from Lincoln Plantation. It ceded land to the town of Knox in 1831.

Settled in 1772, the town lies southeast of Unity on Maine Route 139. It was named for Israel Thorndike, a Federalist State Senator in Massachusetts who was a principal purchaser of Henry Knox’s Waldo Patent in 1806. The "patent" essentially was a deed to ownership of much of the land in Waldo County... maineanencyclopedia.com/ thorndike/

Located in Thorndike Village, the Bryant Stove Works and Museum displays an eclectic collection of antique cast iron stoves, parlor heaters, roadsters and touring cars. In addition, the museum features antique layer pianos, pipe organs and music boxes, calliopes, nickelodeons, and hurdy-gurdys. 50states.com



There is MUCH more to discover about Thorndike, Maine, USA. Read on!

Thorndike Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

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Thorndike, Maine, USA

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Thorndike, Maine, USA

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Thorndike, Maine, USA

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Bird's Eye View, Thorndike, Me.
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Bird's Eye View, Thorndike, Me.

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Discover Thorndike: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1839 - Thorndike
Thorndike, Maine
Waldo county. This is an agricultural town of pleasant surface and fertile soil, 59 miles N.E. from Augusta and 17 N.W. from Belfast. It is watered by a branch of Sebasticook river. Thorndike was incorporated in 1819. Population, 1837, 763. Wheat crop, same year, 6,975 bushels.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
1873 - Thorndike murders
In 1873 John True Gordon, after a family dispute, killed his brother, sister-in-law and their daughter while they slept, with an ax. He then set the farmhouse on fire and began saving the furniture. A farm worker also living in the home, woke to the smell of smoke, raising an alarm. 2 young family members escaped to the neighbors, as the surrounding farms turned out to help put out the fire.

John True Gordon was quickly arrested and held for trial. One of the biggest that Waldo County had ever seen. After offering little defense he was convicted and sentenced to be hanged with the Smuttynose Island Murderer Louis H.F. Wagner on the gallows of the Maine State Prison at Thomaston.

On the day of his execution, June 25, 1875, John True attempted suicide and had to be carried to the gallows and held in place while the trap dropped.

Months after the execution, police received a mailed letter of confession from an anonymous source claiming responsibility for the murders. The truth... Read MORE...

2023 - If you're looking for places to go and things to do in Thorndike, here are some suggestions:
Mud Season Pottery: Start your visit to Thorndike by exploring the local art scene. Mud Season Pottery is a charming studio and gallery where you can view and purchase beautiful handcrafted pottery. If you're lucky, you might even catch a pottery-making demonstration.

Frye Mountain Wildlife Management Area: If you're an outdoor enthusiast, head to the Frye Mountain Wildlife Management Area, located just a short drive from Thorndike. This area offers hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a perfect place for a day of exploration. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Unity Pond: Unity Pond, also known as Lake Winnecook, is a picturesque spot for fishing, boating, and swimming during the warmer months. There's a public boat launch, so you can bring your own watercraft or rent one nearby. The tranquil surroundings make it a great place for a leisurely paddle.

Unity College Sky Lodge: Unity College's Sky Lodge is an eco-friendly, sustainable... Read MORE...

Discover MY Roots: Thorndike Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Thorndike, Maine, USA

We currently have information about 31 ancestors who were born or died in Thorndike.

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Genealogy Resources for Thorndike

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Updated: 9/15/2023 8:33:52 AM