Deep in the woods of Maine you can take a trip back to Colonial America and see how they harvested the forests in the 18th century. The Maine Forest & Logging Museum near Bradley, Maine, shows how the trees that built America, were milled — before the days of electricity. The mill even predates the use of steam power. Back then they just used water,  harnessing the streams and rivers of Maine. As long time museum volunteer Ed Berry put it, “every little stream in Maine had a dam and a sawmill.”

The crews worked all winter long in the forests. Literally trillions of board feet of wood were pulled out of the forests of Maine — part of Massachusetts until 1820. The museum was first proposed back in the 1950’s to teach the history of logging in the state. Volunteers have rebuilt a demonstration mill where historians say Leonard’s Mill once stood, first operating here in 1790. The very first “up and down” water powered mill in Maine was reportedly built in 1634.  Here the water runs over the top of a water wheel — driving complex wooden gears below — to lift and lower the saw blade.

The museum also features a classic old Batteau boat. It was used to move logs on lakes, streams and rivers. In the early 20th century came the classic invention of the steam powered Lombard Log hauler. it looks and sounds like an old steam locomotive — but on treads. In the old days, come winter, the front was mounted on skis.  These things would move giant trains of logs through the forest. Volunteers operate the Lombards a few times each summer and they are always a hit. The museum has several events planned for each summer.  We got to see “Living History Days,” with people in period clothes, horse drawn wagons, as well as cooking, blacksmith and other skills demonstrated — using old tools. It is a perfect living history experience.