The American Woolen Mill in North Vassalboro, Maine, is a historically significant textile facility that dates back to 1850. Built by John D. Lang, a Quaker businessman and abolitionist, the mill replaced an earlier wool operation and was expanded significantly by 1861 to a size of 47 by 200 feet—making it the largest woolen mill in New England at that time. At its peak in the late 19th century, the mill employed nearly 600 people, many of whom were immigrants from Ireland, England, and French-speaking Canada. It produced fine woolen cloth, including cashmere and kersey, and in 1899, it became part of the American Woolen Company, one of the largest textile trusts in the U.S. during the Industrial Revolution.

The mill remained operational through both World Wars, during which it manufactured durable navy-blue fabric for U.S. military uniforms. It also supported a thriving mill village, including worker housing, a store, a post office, and the nearby Mill Agent’s House, a Greek Revival home built in 1851 that still stands today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill’s operation ceased in 1955, and the building passed through various owners, housing diverse businesses like paper production, mechanical repair shops, and even food packing. Its solid brick structure withstood time but showed signs of wear, especially after the devastating 2017 windstorm that caused major roof damage.

In 2010, local resident Salem Breton purchased the mill complex for under $35,000 and began investing in its restoration, eventually putting in more than $100,000. The building, now called the Olde Mill Place, serves as a unique community center hosting craft fairs, haunted house events, antique markets, weddings, and even mountain bike races inside its vast halls. A highlight is Parafest Maine, an annual paranormal convention that draws ghost hunters and supernatural enthusiasts from around the region. The Save the Mill campaign continues to raise funds for repairs and preservation, ensuring that this monument to Maine’s industrial heritage remains a living part of the Vassalboro community.