1951 Ford flatbed truck reminding everyone to come “Back to the Past” at Scribner’s Mill

HARRISON — The Scribner’s Saw Mill site will be open for their 25th “Back to the Past,” and Celebrating Maine’s 200th + 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 .

Special for this event will be the 3rd Maine Civil War re-enactors who will set up their encampment in what was once the millpond. Join the honor guard as they march from their campsite to the Homestead to deliver the letter which informs Cyrus Scribner that his young brother Bourdon was killed in the battle of Mine Run VA November 28, 1863. Also in the millpond area, admire the antique vehicles owned by local families and car and tractor clubs. The antique pumper owned by the Harrison Fire Department will be on hand to spray water from the Crooked River. Be brave, and run under the pumper’s spray.

In the Homestead’s barn and adjoining tarp tents, you’ll find talented area artisans and exhibitors who will be weaving, spinning, dyeing, and demonstrating other historic handcrafts. Stop to talk to Cheryl about her antique textile exhibit. Handcrafted treasures will be available for sale.

In the Barnyard, the Crooked River Masons will be serving up breakfast sandwiches until 11 a.m., then from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., they will serve lunch. Children and those who still have the kid in them can help crank the ice cream maker to make delicious homemade ice cream.  A free cup of ice cream will be served up as long as the ice cream lasts. The ice equipment exhibit can be found in the ice house behind the barn.

The kid’s zone will be under the huge Maple tree where there will be many old-time games for children and their families to attempt. Children can learn how candles used to be made by making a birthday candle or fire starter in the candle dipping area from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In the Homestead, let our guides take you back to 1924, when the house was updated by Jesse Scribner the year his son Edward was to be married.  Learn about the six generations of Scribners who lived in the 1849 Homestead.

Tour the mill with guides and learn about the early lumbering industry. While there, visit the Cooper’s shop to learn how a barrel is made. The antique mill machinery will be operated from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m.

Watch Tom Scribner slice off shingles in the long shed. If you want to be a part of Scribner’s history, put your signature on a shingle that will be used in the restoration of the mill site. Lucas Damen will be at the forge in the blacksmith shop. Make sure you ask him if you can help by pumping the bellows. Farrier Colleen O’ Connor will be parked next to the blacksmith shop, trimming hooves and nailing horseshoes.

Follow the signs for parking.  Golf carts will be ready to transport to and from the Mill site.   Handicapped parking will be on site.

Scribner’s Mill Preservation will be following the CDC guidelines as they change.  We ask those who have not been vaccinated to follow suit and wear a mask or wear a mask just to be safe.  Masks will be available at the ticket booth.

Scribner’s Mill is found south of Bolsters Mills on Jesse Mill Rd. crossing over the Crooked River Bridge into the Town of Harrison, the mill is on the left. From Routes 35 or 117, follow the Maine State Directional signs found at Carsley or Maple Ridge Roads respectively. For those following their GPS from Route 121, continue on Bolsters Mills Road. to Jesse Mill Road. instead of turning onto the Tamworth Road.

An admission donation of $8 is requested for each adult.  Children 12 and younger will be admitted for free.

For more information, visit scribnersmill.org.