On a recent trip passing through Springvale, Maine, I stumbled upon a tiny pocket park named Pence Park. The name caught my attention immediately, as it coincidentally matched my own. Intrigued, I decided to explore further. Pence Park, located at the corner of Water and Bridge Streets, is a charming spot, barely big enough to sport a strip of grass between the sidewalk and the Mousam River, dominated by a bolder with the words that caught my eye… “Pence Park”.
Thanks to modern technology, I quickly learned that Pence Park was named in honor of David and Linda Pence, who established a trust fund dedicated to the beautification of Springvale. The funds used to pave the walkway and install the stone were left over from money raised decades ago by the Springvale Improvement Committee. The park now stands in honor of the Pence family and to the community’s commit ment to preserving and enhancing their local environment.
Directly across the street, I discovered Holdsworth Park, a larger green space that offered a more expansive area for relaxation and recreation. Well, I couldn’t miss it, since it has the closest parking spots to Pence Park.
This park, with its lush greenery and small-but-distinctive red brick gazebo / pavilion / wellhouse, provided a perfect starting point for my urban hike along the Mousam River and into Springvale.
At Holdsworth Park, I took a moment to enjoy the wooden deck overlook, which provides stunning views of the Mousam River’s water splashing over an industrial-era stone dam. This well-maintained deck is a popular spot for visitors to relax and take in the serene river scenery. The gentle sound of the flowing water and the sight of local wildlife added to the peaceful atmosphere to pause and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
The waterfall and dam under Bridge Street is a great reminder of the history embedded in this place. The Mousam River has been a vital part of the town’s development since its early days. The river’s power was harnessed by the first European settlers in the 17th century, who built sawmills and gristmills along its banks. These mills were essential for processing lumber and grain, supporting the local economy and the growth of the community.
During the 19th century, the river continued to be a crucial energy source for various industries, including the cotton cloth printing factory established in 1820. The village of Springvale, named after the local spring and the Mousam River valley, flourished with the addition of several mills and factories. The bustling mill community was a hub of activity, with successful businessmen living along Main Street and workers, mostly French Canadian immigrants, residing on the east side of the river.
The river’s significance persisted into the 20th century, even as steam power began to replace water power. The legacy of the Mousam River and its role in shaping Springvale’s history is still evident today, with many historic sites and remnants of old mills serving as reminders of the town’s industrious past.
From Holdsworth Park, I followed the path along the river, leading me across the river on a quaint footbridge into Springvale. The trail was a pleasant mix of paved sidewalks and wooded footpaths, offering a variety of scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. As I walked, I encountered several historic sites that provided a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past.
Easy-to-spot green signs marked historical sites and still-existing historical buildings along the way. Pence Park, for example had once been the location of a long-lasting general store. The Holdworth Park had been the location of a factory that made wooden shingles.
Following the path, I found the site of the Sears-Roebuck Shoe Factory. Built in 1912 at the Springvale Mill Pond dam, just a block’s distance upstream from the marker for Pence Park, this factory was a significant part of Springvale’s industrial history. Originally constructed by local citizens, it housed the Preston B. Keith Shoe Company before being taken over by Sears & Roebuck in 1910. The factory operated until the late 1960s and was eventually demolished in 1972. Walking past the site, I could almost hear the bustling activity that must have once filled the area to supply shoes to the largest retailer of the era.
Another historic site, the Nasson Institute, which later became Nasson College still stands. Founded in 1912 as a two-year program for women, it evolved into a four-year liberal arts college by 1935 and became co-educational in 1952. The college offered a range of majors and was known for its close-knit community. Despite its closure in 1983 due to financial difficulties, the legacy of Nasson College remains an integral part of Springvale’s educational history.
The original building still stands with its distinctive copula and columns, but the original red brick common to the historic buildings on this excursion is now a pleasant cream color.
The Springvale Public Library, originally a private residence for the Frost family, now serves the community while preserving its historical architecture. The Springvale Village Green, a central gathering place since the 19th century, hosts vari ous community events and activities. The Springvale Railroad Depot, a key transportation hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, facilitated the movement of goods and people, playing a crucial role in the town’s development.
Main Street in Springvale is lined with a variety of businesses that add to the town’s charm, like the Springvale Publick House, a cozy bar and restaurant known for its delicious food and inviting atmosphere. There was also a Subway restaur ant, offering a quick and familiar meal option.
The Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce was another notable establishment, promoting local businesses and community events. Additionally, The Depot provided convenience store services and gas, catering to both locals and travelers.
The final historic site on my walk was the General William Frost House. This beautiful home, built in the 19th century, showcases the architectural styles of the period and provides insight into the living conditions of the time. The house is now part of the Springvale Public Library, which has preserved its historical significance while serving the commu nity’s educational needs.
After exploring the parks and river, I made my way back to my car. The mile-long hike through Springvale was not only relaxing but also educational, offering a perfect break in my journey.
I wrapped up my brief stop in Springvale with a late breakfast at Mel’s Raspberry Patch restaurant just down the road.
If you happen to be traveling through like I did, take a little while to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and learn a little about the history of the town.
For more information
- sanfordhistory.org
Paul not only writes many of the articles in the pages of this magazine, he is also the publisher and editor of all of the magazines in the Amygis Publishing’s family of travel magazines. He loves exploring, traveling the back roads, experiencing the world, and finding what is unique and memorable about the places he visits.
And he loves writing – poetry, short stories, essays, non-fiction, news, and. of course, travel writing.
For over 20 years, he has shared his explorations with readers in a wide variety of outlets, from groundbreaking forays into the first stirrings of the dot-com boom to travel guides, local newspapers, and television, including Runner’s World, Travel Lady, Providence Journal, and Northstar Travel Media. He currently publishes and writes for Amygis Publishing’s magazines Jaunting, Northeast Traveler, and Rhode Island Roads.
