In 1847, Grant & Lyon erected the first paper mill on the northerly side of the Presumpscot River at Cumberland Mills. The first mill was a small wooden structure. In 1854, Samuel Dennis Warren, of the paper firm of Grant, Daniel & Co. of Boston, purchased the Grant & Lyon mill. Warren started building, renovating and remodeling and in 1860 he purchased the water power and land on the south side of the Presumpscot River from the Winslow heirs. He continued to expand his operation into a major paper mill, left photo. Over the years, Warren and his family were generous to the community and were instrumental in building the Warren Congregational Church and Parish House, Other gifts to the community include the Warren Block, which still stands in Cumberland Mills at the intersection of Main and Cumberland streets, the Warren Library, the industrial training building at the rear of the old high school and now part of Presumpscot Commons and the Cornelia Warren Swimming Pool.The ownership of the mill has changed several times over the years and today it is owned by Sappi Fine Paper.

Research and photos courtesy of Mike Sanphy