HARRISON — The Scribner’s Sawmill and Homestead will be open for tours from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 21.

The original 1847 sawmill housed an up-and-down sash saw to cut dimension lumber, and machinery to manufacture clapboards, shingles and lathe.

It was in 1884 when Jesse Scribner, who was 14 at the time, took over the operation of the mill with his older brother Bourdon in order to support the family. For 78 years he ran the industrial mill business providing a variety of lumber products not only for the local community, but for the world market.

In 1896, Jesse provided over 10,000 barrels for use by the local apple growers to ship their produce to London where the local Baldwin apples were a sought after treat in the foreign market. In 1938, the mill produced boxes, including ammunition boxes (shook) for the WWII effort. The mill sawed its last load of lumber in 1962. The mill continues to make barrels and shingles while the restoration of the site continues.

The homestead, built in 1849, was the home for five generations of the Scribner family and is interpreted as it appeared in the 1920s when it was remodeled and electricity, generated at the mill, was installed.

The barn holds a large collection of antique mill equipment. Behind the barn is the ice house which is filled with tools used in harvesting ice off the Crooked River.

Scribner’s Mill is found one mile south of Bolsters Mills on Jesse Mill Road just over the bridge in Harrison. Or follow the Maine State Directional Signs found at Carsley Road from Route 35 North, or Maple Ridge Road from Route 117 to the mill.

Entrance is free; however, donations are welcomed and used for the continued restoration of the site. For more information or to schedule a private tour, call 583-MILL (6455). To schedule a group tour or a school field trip, call education coordinator Nancy Grigg at 647- 4459.