In partnership with the Maine Memory Network Maine Memory Network

Strong, a Mussul Unsquit village

A Legacy of Woods and Waters

The Cheese Factory

Text By: Strong School 7th and 8th Graders, 2011-2012

Cheese/Pantry Box
Cheese/Pantry Box
Strong Historical Society

Did you know that the first cheese factory in the state of Maine was located in Strong? This is true. Located on Upper Main Street, the cheese factory operated for several years, starting in 1871. This factory had been organized by local farmers, and the farmers named the factory the Sandy River Cheese Company. The cost of purchasing the land and building the factory was $1,656.00.

In 1871, 15,000 pounds of cheese was produced. Over 40,000 pounds were produced during each of the next two years. At the time the cost of purchasing cheese was about 15 cents per pound.

Large round blocks of cheese were stored in round wooden boxes. These boxes were often used as pantry storage boxes.