Albion> Local town history centennial projects written by students about communities

Editor’s Note: This is the 40th in a series of town history centennial projects written by students about their communities in the Bangor Daily News readership area. Students were asked to compile a timeline of important events in the 20th century, to write an essay about what has set their community apart, and to choose a photograph that sums up something important about their community’s history during the century.

By Lawrence Junior High School eighth-graders Marshall Holmes, Bridgett O’Clair and Nicole Gilpatrick, with teacher Kristie Littlefield

In the past 100 years, a lot has changed around Albion. Milling and railroading have been replaced by farming and small businesses. The chicken coops have been replaced by cow barns. The days without running water are over.

The area had several other names, such as Freetown, Fairfax and Lygonia. Albion, an ancient name for England, became the name in 1824.

Elijah Lovejoy, a farm boy, was born here in 1802. He fought against slavery and for freedom of speech. He was killed defending his printing press in 1837 in Alton, Ill., stirring sentiment in the North and strengthening the abolition movement. In his honor, the body of water that is enclosed by Albion town lines was named Lovejoy Pond. Later, a health clinic was named after him.

A narrow-gauge railroad at one time ran through this community. Until its closure in 1933 it was used for transportation of mill products. The old train station is still located at the edge of the mill pond. Today, the station is being renovated.

Another part of Albion’s fame, the Besse Building, was donated to the town by Frank Besse. It was considered one of the most modern schools in the state when it was built in 1913. Today it is used as a town hall and meeting place. Before 1913, there were 14 districts, or schools, in the Albion area. Today, none of the school buildings remain standing.

Since the turn of the century, Albion has changed with the times and the technology, but it has kept its quiet, friendly atmosphere. Its rich heritage continues to set it apart from other communities.

1905 — A new tannery is built by Frank Besse on the outlet of Lovejoy Pond.

1913 — The Besse Building is built and used as a high school.

1920 — Electric lights are first used in Albion.

1924 — The tannery is burned.

1933 — The narrow-gauge railroad closes down.

1947 — Lee Bros., a contracting company, is formed, and a building to house the Fire Department is built.

1957 — A sawmill is built by the Gould family.

1960s — The chicken broiler industry is introduced to local farmers.

1970s — Chicken barns close, as the broiler business takes a sudden drop.

1980 — The population of Albion passes 1,500.

1996 — Reconstruction of the railroad station begins, with plans to use it as a museum.

1998 — The Ice Storm of 1998 damages the town physically, but it brings people closer together.