“It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

— Mother Theresa

We have to learn to embrace change. It’s how things grow. It’s how we grow. It’s how life is. I came to Biddeford as a young bride 65 years ago. I can almost see the people who lived then, busy with their work, their goals, their relationships, their fear and their hopes.

I touched the stones of a Biddeford that no longer exists. I marvel at the old brick structures that still stand today. The mills had an early impact on life here. Folks felt delightfully secure, guided, centered and ready to leap into work ”“ a remarkable example of the spirit and ingenuity that made America great.  

A historically accurate glimpse of life on a Friday night during the times of the Biddeford mills lets you feel its past.

Biddeford was a modern, sparkling, busy city. On Friday evening you could not walk on the streets because they were so crowded. People everywhere. You wondered where all these people came from. Folks out with their family shopping. The beautifully decorated shops were an invitation for joy, hope and simple treasures. You could walk into Butlers and find the perfect merchandise for the whole family. I have not seen the likes of Polackwich dresses. There was also a men’s Polackwich. You could surely find the outfit you needed.

Penney’s, Woolworth’s, Nichols, Puritan’s, WonderBar and many more were there, too. Saco also had its share of wonderful shops. We seniors often reminisce about the convenience of shopping and the quality of goods. 

As the world around us changes and evolves we have the younger generations who are moving forward with joy. They are vibrant and energetic as they take their place in the universal dance.

Here are just a few brief comments about the history of the mills.

In 1826 the Saco Manufacturing Company erected a huge, seven-story cotton mill, the largest in the United States. After a disastrous fire in 1830 the business reorganized as the York Manufacturing Co. and the first mill was opened in 1832. York ran eight mills by the turn of the century. The establishment of the Laconia Mills, Pepperell Mills and Biddeford Mill made the combined mill district one of the largest cotton milling districts in the country, employing as many as 9,000 people. The success of the cotton mill brought Saco-Lowell shops, Garland Manufacturing and parts of Bates Manufacturing to the area. The York Mills were closed in 1958.

All endings are tied to new beginnings. Open our hearts and minds to all that lies ahead. Believe that the best is yet to come.

Now we turn to upcoming events. There will be raffles and historical displays at the annual spring baked beans and pasta supper on April 25, from 4:30-6 p.m. at the M .L. Day School on Limerick Road in Arundel. The menu includes baked beans (two kinds), macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, rolls, cornbread,  homemade bread and refreshments.

The meal costs $7 per person, and children younger than 5 are free. All proceeds will benefit the Arundel Historical Society.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at [email protected].