Filmmaker Patrick Bonsant stands near part of the Gambo Gunpowder Mill’s Foundation. Contributed / Patrick Bonsant
Historical Society presents showing of gunpowder mills documentary
Windham Historical Society will show the documentary “The Gunpowder Mills of Gorham and Windham, Maine” at 1 p.m. March 11 at the Little Meetinghouse at 719 Roosevelt Trail in North Windham.
Producer Patrick Bonsant, who worked with Georgia Humphrey of Gorham Community Access Television to produce the film, will attend the showing.
Millworkers at the Gambo Gunpowder Mill. It was a dangerous line of work. Contributed / Patrick Bonsant
The book “The Gunpowder Mills of Maine” by Maurice Whitten was source material for the film, and former Windham Historical Society President Linda Griffin, historian David Tanguay, and Don Wescott of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust were interviewed to provide further historical details.
Right off of Gambo Road in the Newhall section of Windham is the remains of the Gambo Gunpowder Mill. During the Civil War, the mill supplied about 25% of the gunpowder used by the Union army. All that remains these days is a shell of what was once one of the largest employers in the towns of Windham and Gorham. Working at the mill was dangerous. Accidents and explosions were a distinct possibility during a day at work. This story from the heart of Maine is now brought to life on film.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of our town, this intriguing story of one of Maine’s most productive wartime industries and the hardships faced and sacrifices made by the men who worked in the mills is something you won’t want to miss. The event is free and refreshments will be served. Donations are always welcome.
Haley Pal, a Windham resident and active member of the Windham Historical Society, can be contacted at haleypal@aol.com.
Veterans Fair
Windham’s American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 is partnering with the Portland Vet Center to host a comprehensive Veterans Information Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 8 at the Windham Veterans Center. This is an excellent opportunity for local veterans to ask questions about their benefits or seek support to help reach a better quality of life.
Organizations attending include Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10643, Operation Ray of Light, Martin’s Point, Vet 2 Vet, the VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator, the VA Interpersonal Violence Coordinator, the VA Whole Health Team, the VA Caregiver Support Team, the VA Homeless Veteran Program, Honor Flight Maine and more. The Windham social service officer will also be on hand to help individuals with food insecurity issues or who need help heating their homes to sign up for assistance.
Windham Veterans Center is located behind the Hannaford supermarket in North Windham.
Roleplaying at the library
A weekly tabletop roleplaying games club for kids ages 9-12 starts March 20 at the Windham Public Library. The program will take place from 4-5 p.m. on Mondays. Participants will use creative expression, problem-solving skills, basic math and teamwork to take on various roles. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to stay around and join in on the fun. With spring on the way, the games may be played outside when the weather permits. For more information, contact the Children’s Room at the library at 892-1908 ext. 4.
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