History should continue at D-F mill

To the Editor;

Hello. Recently discovered that the Mill Café is closed at least for the time being. What about adding some curated pieces to the commercial space? I visited both Bates Mill in Auburn and Pepperell Mill in Biddeford and fell in love with the history.

The mill in Dover-Foxcroft contains stories. These stories I feel can feed the current population. The town’s ancestry if you will plays an important part in securing an identity. We live in an increasingly fast-moving society where relationships are being replaced by technology. To show the tools, the equipment and the people of the mill reminds us that we are connected to the past. It is fascinating to learn of working conditions, how people survived, the culture and demographics. At once you appreciate advances and progress, feel empathy for people who were probably not much different than yourselves and a wondrous nostalgia!

Whether or not they “were good old days,” is not the point. It is good to know life in Dover-Foxcroft was positive. Learning how people were able to make a way creates optimism. Just as many churches across the nation are being “repurposed,” mills become apartments, stores and non-profit venues. I think it would be great to add the history of The American Woolen Company Foxcroft Mill to The Mill! Thank you.

Anne Larsen

Portland