History of Gardiner, Maine, USA

1839 - Gardiner
Gardiner, Maine
Kennebec county. Gardiner was formerly a part of Pittston, and lies on the W. side of Kennebec river, 6 miles S. from Augusta and 4 below Hallowell. It is located at the head of large navigation, and in regard to its commerce, manufacturing and agricultural interests, it is considered one of the most flourishing towns in Maine. It was incorporated in 1803, and was named in honor of Dr. Sylvester Gardiner, one of the proprietors of the old Plymouth patent.
The Cobbessecontee waters meet the Kennebec river at this place, and produce a water power of great usefulness and extent. Here are mills for sawing lumber of all dimensions, and here are vessels of from 80 to 120 tons burthen, lading it for transportation to its various markets. Here are also manufactures of various other kinds. This town, Hallowell and Augusta, lie in a most favored section of our country. What we have said in regard to the location of Hallowell and Augusta, may be applied to Gardiner. These towns ... Read MORE...

1854 - Gardiner
Gardiner, a post-village of Kennebec county, Maine, on the right bank of Kennebec river, at the head of ship navigation, and on the Kennebec and Portland railroad. 53 miles N. N. E. from Portland. The Cobbessecontee river enters the Kennebec at this place, furnishing water-power, which is extensively employed for saw mills and manufacturing purposes generally. The village contains several churches, a lyceum, 2 newspaper offices, and 2 banks. Manufactures of the various kinds, and the lumber trade, constitute the chief occupation of the inhabitants. Population of the township, 6486.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1865 - Fire at Gardiner, Maine
Gardiner, Thursday, July 6.

The extensive Jarvis Steam Tannery, with all its stock of bark, &c., was destroyed by fire this noon; loss $20,000; insurance $7,000. It was with great difficulty that the adjoining mills and manufactories were saved.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 7, 1865

1869 - Schoolhouse Fire
AUGUSTA, Me., Nov. 8.
The Lyccum building, at Gardiner, used as the schoolhouse for the highschool, was destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon. The fire is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary.
The New York Times
New York, New York
November 9, 1869

1882 - A GREAT FIRE IN GARDINER, ME
SIXTY DWELLINGS AND MANY MILLS DESTROYED - THE LOSS VERY HEAVY.

GARDINER, Me., Aug. 7. - The most extensive conflagration that ever visited Gardiner began a little before 7 o'clock this evening in Moore & Brown's planing mill, on Bridge-street, near Water. A cluster of manufactories are located on the "Lower Dam" on the Cobbosse stream at this point. The wind blew the flames away from the main business street into the saw mills and foundries. Owing to the protracted drought and the inflammable nature of the buildings this part of the city was a perfect tinder-box, and in a few minutes the row of factories along Bridge-street was in flames. It was found that the local fire department was inadequate to cope with the flames, and help was called from the adjoining towns, which responded promptly. A high wind now set in and drove the fire with great fury down Bridge-street, eating up the tenement houses in its path like melting snow under the tropical heat of midsummer. The fire made a... Read MORE...

1886 - Gardiner
Gardiner, in the southern part of Kennebec County, is situated on the western bank of the Kenneec River about 25 miles from the sea. The Kennebec separates it from Pittston on the east, and the Cobbossee Contee Stream, on the opposite side divides it partly from W. . Gardiner. Farmingdale forms the northern boundary, and Richmond the southern. The other principal stream is Rolling-dam Brook. The form of the town is nearly triangular, the side on the river being about 6 miles in length, and the width of the southern side about 4 miles. Ward 6, in the southern part comprises two-thirds of the territory. On the river in this ward is the village of South Gardiner, where there are the large lumber-mills of Bradstreet Brothers and Lawrence Brothers. The city proper is at the northern extremity of the territory, where the Cobbosee Contee Stream enters the Kennebec. On this stream within one mile of its mouth is a descent of 127 feet to high tide in the river, included in 8 falls or rapids.... Read MORE...

1886 - A BIG FIRE IN MAINE
ICEHOUSES AND OTHER BUILDINGS BURNED - LOSS $250,000.

GARDINER, Me., June 7. - A most disastrous fire, causing the loss of nearly $250,000 worth of property broke out in an elevator connected with the extensive icehouses of Bodwell & Allen, in Pittston, this afternoon. Within 15 minutes these buildings were totally destroyed. The flames then crossed the street to two dwellings owned by the firm and occupied by several tenants, and these also were burned. A sudden change in the wind carried the flames across the Kennebec, and in a few moments the entire roof of the South Knickerbocker icehouse in Farmingdale was ablaze. The excitement at this time became intense, as in the vicinity of the Knickerbocker houses were a long line of icehouses and many fine residences, all of which were endangered. The Fire Departments of Augusta were all engaged in fighting the flames, which, however, quickly spread from the Knickerbocker houses to the adjacent buildings known as the Marshall houses,... Read MORE...

1889 - Gardiner
In this State of magnificent rivers, the Kennebec has been widely regarded as unsurpassed for its beauty, and the power and charms of the towns and cities which adorn its banks. Since the early days of the colony, Gardiner has always been among the most influential and prominent of the communities in this part of the State. With Hallowell and Augusta it gives a solidity and power to this heart of the State which makes it a great center of industrial and political interest. The Kennebec Indians were the first known human occupants of this vicinity. They have left traditions and memorials not loud but deep. The bones of their departed ancestors are occasionally discovered throughout this region. All evidences go to show that the tribe was powerful and advanced beyond the ordinary Indian standard. Their form of government and mode of life was nearly the best that has been discovered to exist upon the hunting stage. They bad their councils and chief8, their orators, political managers and ... Read MORE...

1895 - Gardiner
Gar/ diner, city of Kennebec co, Me, on the W. bank of the Kennebec River, at the mouth of the Cobbosseecontee River, and on the Maine Central Railroad, 7 miles S. of Augusta, and 56 miles N.N.E. of Portland. Large vessels can ascend to this place, which has a bridge across the Kennebec River and is liberally supplied with water-power. It contains 8 churches, 3 national banks, a savings-bank," city hall, a public library, a high school,4 paper-mills, * flour-mill, 4 saw-mills, a woollen-factory, several machine shops, 2 potteries, and manufactures of sash and blinds, bricks, carriages, and furniture. Lumber and ice are the chief articles of export. One daily and 2 weekly newspapers are published here. Pop. in 1890, 5491.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1912 - FIRE DESTROYS MILL
Gardiner, Me., June 18 - Fire today destroyed the mill of the Oakland Manufacturing Co. Woodworkers and dealers in Southern lumber, and two adjoining dwellings. The loss was $20,000. The mill was insured.
Fitchburg Daily Sentinel
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
June 18, 1912

1916
Gardiner, a city of Kennebec co., Me., on the W. bank of the Kennebec River, at the mouth of the Cobbosseecontee River, and on the Maine Central R., 7 miles 8. of Augusta. Large vessels ascend the river to this place. It contains a city^hall, public library, high school, etc., and has flour- and saw-mills, machine-shops, and manufactures of woollens, paper, sash, shoes, etc. Lumber and ice are the chief articles of export. Pop. in 1890, 5491 ; in 1900, 6501.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Gardiner:
Visit Gardiner's Historic District: Start your exploration of Gardiner in its historic downtown district. The city is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, and a stroll through the downtown area will give you a glimpse into its rich history. Don't forget to check out the Gardiner Common, a lovely park right in the heart of town.

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center: If you're a fan of the arts, make sure to catch a show at Johnson Hall. This historic theater hosts a variety of performances, including live music, theater productions, and more. Check their schedule for upcoming events.

Cobbosseecontee Lake: For outdoor enthusiasts, Cobbosseecontee Lake is a fantastic spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake covers over 5,000 acres and offers beautiful views. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the calm waters.

Visit the Maine State House: Gardiner is just a short drive from Augusta, the state capital of Maine. Take a tour of the Maine ... Read MORE...