Text By: Carl Stinchfield and Dawn S. Pratt
The importance of wood products to the Town of Strong cannot be overstated.
Load of Firewood, ca. 1910
Strong Historical Society
Wood products such as firewood may seem insignificant, but over the years firewood has certainly had an impact on the economy of Strong. However, the wood mills turned this small town into a thriving community. Not only did they provide employment for the residents, but workers came from all the surrounding towns. Lumbermen from miles around worked to provide the raw materials. The wood products of Strong were shipped to markets all over the world.
Forster Manufacturing Co.
Forster's Toothpick Mill
Strong Historical Society
Charles Forster of Boston developed a machine to mass-produce toothpicks. After experimenting with many species of wood he determined that birch wood was the most suitable material for the product, as well as the production. For a time birch pulp wood was shipped from Maine to him in Boston, but he soon realized that he needed to relocate his operations to a site where the raw material was readily available. In 1887 he located in Strong, and for 116 of the next 118 years wood products were manufactured in Strong by the company carrying his name. (In 1947 a disastrous fire destroyed the plant, and production was redirected to other plants in Maine. The reconstruction took nearly two years.)
Strong Wood Turning Corp.
Strong Wood Turning Corp.
Strong Historical Society
Carroll H. Brackley began manufacturing novelties in 1919. He initially had 13 employees and made the first shipment in 1920. In 1942 a major expansion was made and production increased to include toothpicks and flatware. In 1947 a fire interrupted production for a time but was quickly rebuilt and an enamel shop was added, and production of special-order finished items increased. Thousands of different items were produced for worldwide markets and hundreds of area residents were employed. “C. H.” Brackley, as he was called, was known as a man who would not expect anyone to do a job which he himself was not capable of doing. A devastating fire October 25, 1965, caused by a series of dust explosions, didn’t dim his spirits as he resolved that he would rebuild. Reconstruction commenced and on November 14, 1965, 50 volunteers participated in rebuilding the mill. On December 31, 1965 the dedication of the new mill was held and was attended by more than 300 people.
Starbird Lumber Co.
Strong Historical Society
Starbird Lumber Co.
In 1887, 30-year-old Clinton V. Starbird purchased the Starbird mill in Freeman from his father, Amos D. Starbird, who was moving to Florida. When the route of the narrow gauge railroad through Freeman was established several miles from the mill, it was apparent that he could not benefit from the railroad. In 1888 he relocated his mill operations to Strong, the junction of rail service north to Kingfield, west to Phillips, and south to Farmington. "Clin" or "C.V.", as he was better known, acquired property on Upper Main Street, directly on the railroad easement. Four generations of the Starbird family manufactured wood products at this location for the next 90 years, shipping some all over New England.
