History of Orono, Maine, USA

1854 - Orono
Orono, a post-township in Penobscot co., Maine, on the W. side of the Penobscot river, 75 miles N. E. from Augusta, intersected by the Bangor and Piscataquis railroad. Pop., 2785.
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.

1886 - Orono
Orono, in Penobscot County, lies on the west side of the Penobscot River, and adjoins Bangor on the western part of each. On the north it is bounded by Oldtown, south by Veazie and Bangor, west by Glenburn and east by Bradley. The river separates it from the last. The European and North American Railway passes through the town, connecting above with the Piscataquis branch. The powers are on the Penobscot and a tributary on the western “chute” of it, called Stillwater River. This stream receives the two streams of Birch and Pushaw Streams, the last being the outlet of Pushaw Lake on the north-western border. The area of this and connected lakes is about 12 square miles. The surface is generally quite even. The land along the Penobscot is very productive, but the quality deteriorates as it recedes from the river. A large proportion of the people arc engaged in agriculture. The village is at the mouth of the Stiliwater River. There are two considerable falls on this river in the town,... Read MORE...

1892 - EXPLOSION IN A PAPER MILL. THREE MEN KILLED, SIX INJURED, AND TWO DIGESTERS DESTROYED.
Orono, Me., Oct. 11. - Two large digesters in the Bangor Pulp and Paper Company's mill exploded this morning at 7:30 o'clock, causing the loss of three lives and the injury, more or less seriously, of six persons. The explosion was without apparent cause, as the digesters were inspected two weeks ago and repeated to be in perfect condition.

KILLED.
RICHARD SEINAGERMAN, single, head and one foot blown off.
WILLIAM EDDY, single, scalded and both legs broken.
WALTER SMITH, who had charge of the digesters, was taken out alive, but died soon afterward.

INJURED.
Edward FARRELL of Orono.
William CROSBY of Bradley.
Austin WHITMORE of Orono, leg and hip broken and may die.
William BUCHANAN, seriously wounded.
J. McQUINN.

The people of the town and passengers on the train on the Maine Central were startled by one, and some say two, terrific explosions. At that time there were, according to the pay roll, 155 men at work. The plant produces pulp in one mill and paper in another.... Read MORE...

1895 - Orono
Orono, a post-village in Orono township, Penobscot co. Me., on the W. bank of the Penobscot River, and on the European & North American Railroad, 8 miles N.E. of Bangor. It is partly supported by the lumber-business. It Contains a national bank, a high school, 4 churches, a savings bank, and the State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, which was organized in 1865. It has maufactures of axes, barrels, matches, and lumber. Pop. of the township in 1890, 2790.
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

1906
Orono, a post-village in Orono township (town), Penobscot co., Me., on the W. bank of the Penobscot River and on the Maine Central R., 8 miles NE. of Bangor. It contains the University of Maine and the State Experiment Station, and has manufactures of lumber, paper, etc. The banking point is Bangor. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3257.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1962 - December 31 - Perhaps the worst blizzard in the history of the state of Maine finally came to an end. The storm produced 40 inches in 24 hours at Orono, and a total of 46 inches at Ripogenus Dam.

The Weather Channel

1963 - September 23 - WMEB TV channel 12 in Orono, ME (PBS) begins broadcasting

historyorb.com

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Orono:
University of Maine:

Explore the campus of the University of Maine, home to the Black Bears. Walk around the picturesque university grounds, visit iconic buildings, and soak in the vibrant collegiate atmosphere.

Hudson Museum:

Located on the University of Maine campus, the Hudson Museum is dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of world cultures. It features exhibits on Native American art, archaeology, and ethnography.

Orono Bog Boardwalk:

Take a leisurely stroll on the Orono Bog Boardwalk, a mile-long boardwalk that meanders through a fascinating bog ecosystem. It's a great spot for birdwatching and observing the unique flora of the region.

Collins Center for the Arts:

Check the schedule at the Collins Center for the Arts for live performances, including concerts, plays, and other cultural events. It's a hub for the arts and entertainment in Orono.

Pat's Pizza Orono:

Grab a bite at Pat's Pizza, a local favorite known for its delicious... Read MORE...