WEBVTT 00:12.533 --> 00:15.133 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (guitar music) 00:41.200 --> 00:44.066 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (gun shooting) 00:44.066 --> 00:45.966 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (canon blasting) 00:45.966 --> 00:48.533 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (guitar music) 01:06.500 --> 01:08.566 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - Welcome folks to the opening 01:08.566 --> 01:10.833 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% of the Gambo Pedestrian Bridge. 01:10.833 --> 01:13.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% This is the missing link of the puzzle 01:13.966 --> 01:17.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% to what is a great loop trail if you haven't been on it yet. 01:17.166 --> 01:18.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% It's quite an undertaking actually, 01:18.466 --> 01:20.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and we're very fortunate to be in the middle 01:20.766 --> 01:22.366 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% of what is just a gem. 01:22.366 --> 01:23.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% We are like the best kept secret, 01:23.966 --> 01:25.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and it's one of those things that you hate 01:25.266 --> 01:26.566 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% to tell everybody about, but it is a, 01:26.566 --> 01:27.700 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% it is a gem. 01:29.466 --> 01:31.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Narrator] With much fanfare and excitement. 01:31.000 --> 01:34.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Shaw Park opened in the spring of 2006. 01:34.033 --> 01:37.500 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Shaw Park is located along the historic Presumpscott River 01:37.500 --> 01:39.066 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% in Gorham and Windham, 01:39.066 --> 01:42.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% small rural towns located 15 miles west of Portland, 01:42.333 --> 01:44.866 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Maine's largest city. 01:44.866 --> 01:48.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Shaw Park features a nearly two mile long wooded loop trail 01:48.900 --> 01:51.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% located alongside the Presumpscott River. 01:51.933 --> 01:53.500 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - The word Presumpscott, 01:53.500 --> 01:57.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% is a native American term that means river of many rocks 01:57.866 --> 01:59.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% or a river of many falls. 01:59.566 --> 02:02.200 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (water flowing) 02:11.866 --> 02:13.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - [Narrator] Shaw Park became a public land 02:13.566 --> 02:15.400 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% when Shaw Brothers Industry 02:15.400 --> 02:17.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% donated property to the town of Gorham. 02:19.733 --> 02:21.333 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% To make the park a reality, 02:21.333 --> 02:23.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the company worked collaboratively with state 02:23.766 --> 02:26.266 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and government officials, rail trail groups, 02:26.266 --> 02:30.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the Presumpscott Regional Land Trust, municipal officials, 02:30.233 --> 02:33.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% nature enthusiasts, and historic preservationists. 02:34.900 --> 02:37.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Shaw Park is a popular stop on what is known 02:37.466 --> 02:39.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% as the Mountain Division Trail, 02:39.266 --> 02:40.800 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% a 25 mile walking 02:40.800 --> 02:43.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and riding path that flows from Sebago Lake 02:43.866 --> 02:45.466 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% to Casco Bay in Portland. 02:46.566 --> 02:48.266 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% The stretch of land on the Windham 02:48.266 --> 02:50.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and Gorham side of the Presumpscott River 02:50.400 --> 02:52.166 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% is historically significant. 02:53.700 --> 02:55.500 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Prior to the Colonial Era, 02:55.500 --> 02:58.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% native Americans hunted and fished along the banks 02:58.300 --> 02:59.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of the Presumpscott River 02:59.566 --> 03:01.766 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% for over 10,000 years. 03:03.066 --> 03:05.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Today, the Presumpscott Regional Land Trust seeks 03:05.633 --> 03:08.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to raise awareness of the park's history. 03:08.200 --> 03:11.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Interpretive signage can be seen at intervals 03:11.000 --> 03:12.533 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% along the forested path. 03:13.700 --> 03:15.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% These posters tell an incredible story 03:15.900 --> 03:17.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% that is worth remembering. 03:17.566 --> 03:20.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - It was top secret for so many years, 03:20.366 --> 03:22.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% so people who lived like I did in Gorham 03:22.966 --> 03:23.900 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and grew up in Gorham, 03:23.900 --> 03:25.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% we were never told about it, 03:25.566 --> 03:27.233 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% never studied it in school, 03:27.233 --> 03:29.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% never heard neighbors talk about it, 03:29.300 --> 03:31.766 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and yet it was a good source of jobs, 03:31.766 --> 03:34.333 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and a lot of income for a lot of families. 03:34.333 --> 03:35.666 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% So, that surprised me. 03:35.666 --> 03:37.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% How can that something that big be so secret? 03:38.766 --> 03:40.200 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - The magnitude of the mill, 03:40.200 --> 03:44.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I think is somewhat obscured by the forest here. 03:44.366 --> 03:48.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% There was a mill here on the Gorham side, 03:48.566 --> 03:52.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and there was a store on the Windham side. 03:52.366 --> 03:54.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% One of the issues that came up shortly 03:54.166 --> 03:56.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% after it was purchased was there was a, 03:56.466 --> 03:59.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% an injunction against the gunpowder mill, 04:01.100 --> 04:04.533 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% because there's a law that says you can't have something 04:04.533 --> 04:06.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that's potentially dangerous to the public 04:06.333 --> 04:10.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% within a certain distance of the public. 04:10.000 --> 04:11.466 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% And of course, 04:11.466 --> 04:13.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the gunpowder mill was within distance of the store, 04:13.600 --> 04:18.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and so they had to pay a fine in order to clear that, 04:18.200 --> 04:22.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in order to continue to run the gunpowder mill. 04:22.133 --> 04:24.566 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 04:33.900 --> 04:35.800 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - [Narrator] It's hard to imagine that this quiet, 04:35.800 --> 04:37.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% peaceful setting was once home 04:37.466 --> 04:40.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% to the historic Gambo Powder Mills, 04:40.466 --> 04:43.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a 19th century gunpowder production facility 04:43.300 --> 04:45.933 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% in operation from 1824 to 1905. 04:48.266 --> 04:50.833 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (guitar music) 04:55.866 --> 04:58.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The men who originally established the mills 04:58.100 --> 05:00.333 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% were Edmund Fowler and Lester Laughlin 05:00.333 --> 05:02.200 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% from Southwick, Massachusetts. 05:03.600 --> 05:05.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Laughlin's family had been making gunpowder 05:05.733 --> 05:07.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% since the Revolutionary War. 05:08.366 --> 05:10.633 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% In the summer of 1827, 05:10.633 --> 05:12.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Fowler and Laughlin drowned when their boat 05:12.900 --> 05:15.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% capsized during a storm on Sebago Lake. 05:17.066 --> 05:18.833 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% The men left widows behind 05:18.833 --> 05:21.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and these women hired superintendents 05:21.066 --> 05:23.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to continue operations at the mill. 05:24.333 --> 05:25.933 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% When this didn't work out, 05:25.933 --> 05:28.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% they sold the mills to Oliver Whipple 05:28.133 --> 05:30.300 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of Lowell, Massachusetts. 05:30.300 --> 05:32.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Whipple was Lowell's largest taxpayer. 05:34.033 --> 05:36.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% He expanded land holdings on both sides 05:36.366 --> 05:39.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% of the Presumpscott River to grow the business. 05:39.500 --> 05:41.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% He appointed his brothers to work 05:41.066 --> 05:42.833 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% as superintendents at the mills. 05:43.866 --> 05:46.866 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% On October 12th, 1855, 05:46.866 --> 05:50.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% another terrible explosion killed Oliver Whipple's brother, 05:50.666 --> 05:54.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% James and his grandson, along with five other workers. 05:56.033 --> 05:58.833 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% This explosion did extensive damage to the complex. 05:58.833 --> 06:01.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Given the tragic personal nature of his loss, 06:01.966 --> 06:04.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Oliver Whipple decided to sell the complex 06:04.633 --> 06:07.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to G. G. Newhall of Salem, Massachusetts. 06:08.900 --> 06:11.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The Newhall's operated the Gambo Powder Mill 06:11.733 --> 06:13.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% throughout the US Civil War. 06:13.733 --> 06:16.566 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% (drums strumming) 06:23.666 --> 06:25.866 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - So I usually start my tours 06:25.866 --> 06:29.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% by gathering people on the bridge 06:29.033 --> 06:31.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% that crosses the Presumpscott River. 06:31.433 --> 06:35.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And one of the first questions that people seem to want 06:35.066 --> 06:38.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to know is where did the name Gambo come from? 06:38.200 --> 06:42.900 align:left position:27.5% line:77% size:62.5% There was a person who apparently was brought to the area, 06:44.100 --> 06:48.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% probably back in the 1700s by a sea captain, 06:49.966 --> 06:53.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and he had perhaps been a former slave, 06:53.066 --> 06:55.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% but he was not a slave at that time. 06:55.700 --> 06:58.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And he became a resident of the the Gambo area, 06:58.733 --> 07:02.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and then the Gambo area became known through his name, 07:02.066 --> 07:03.566 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% which some, 07:03.566 --> 07:05.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I don't know if it was a first name or a last name, 07:05.666 --> 07:08.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but everyone referred to him as Gambo. 07:08.500 --> 07:11.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And it was apparently one of the activities 07:11.333 --> 07:14.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of the locals was to, on a Friday night, 07:14.666 --> 07:18.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% go down to Gambo and listen to the music 07:18.233 --> 07:22.100 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and dance to the fiddle music played by this individual. 07:22.100 --> 07:24.666 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (fiddle music) 07:31.000 --> 07:33.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% When you turn to come down Gambo Road. 07:33.900 --> 07:38.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The first building on the right was the home 07:38.166 --> 07:40.433 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% of the superintendent. 07:40.433 --> 07:42.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% There are at least two other structures, 07:42.966 --> 07:44.366 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% I believe, 07:44.366 --> 07:47.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% on the right hand side that were boarding houses 07:47.800 --> 07:50.066 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% where the workers lived, 07:50.066 --> 07:52.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% individuals who were at one time 07:52.166 --> 07:55.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% or another responsible for the mill operations here. 07:56.933 --> 07:58.966 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Not on the land trust property, 07:58.966 --> 08:01.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% but farther down the to the towpath, 08:01.300 --> 08:06.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% there are at least three more old stone foundations. 08:07.400 --> 08:08.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Those old foundations have endured 08:08.900 --> 08:11.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% for a couple hundred years. 08:11.733 --> 08:14.133 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 08:19.000 --> 08:20.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Narrator] Today, the scattered rock walls 08:20.733 --> 08:23.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and building foundations are all that remain 08:23.000 --> 08:26.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% of the old gunpowder mills that once operated here. 08:27.300 --> 08:29.700 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 09:15.733 --> 09:20.733 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% (birds chirping) (water flowing) 09:22.800 --> 09:25.366 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 09:26.733 --> 09:28.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The land where the gunpowder operation was located 09:28.900 --> 09:31.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% looked substantially different in the 19th century. 09:33.266 --> 09:36.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Former pathways leading to and from the industrial complex 09:36.666 --> 09:38.300 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% are now underwater. 09:38.300 --> 09:39.633 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And the historic wooden dam 09:39.633 --> 09:42.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that proceeded today's concrete structure 09:42.133 --> 09:45.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% is also submerged in about 25 feet of water. 09:45.366 --> 09:47.966 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 09:58.600 --> 10:01.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The concrete dam seen today was built in the early years 10:01.866 --> 10:03.433 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% of the 20th century, 10:03.433 --> 10:06.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% thereby raising the water level substantially. 10:08.433 --> 10:11.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - There's a small island that you can see on the north side 10:11.900 --> 10:14.533 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% of the Gambo Road, 10:14.533 --> 10:18.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and it was occupied by five large buildings. 10:19.533 --> 10:21.433 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% The building containing the ovens 10:21.433 --> 10:24.200 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% for cooking the woods, so to speak. 10:24.200 --> 10:27.333 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% The black powder consisted of carbon, 10:27.333 --> 10:31.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% which came from local trees, usually alders 10:31.233 --> 10:33.266 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% that were brought in from local farms 10:33.266 --> 10:36.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% or brought to the site by local farmers 10:36.300 --> 10:39.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and packing as much as possible into these ovens. 10:39.766 --> 10:41.066 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% So that, 10:41.066 --> 10:43.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and it ultimately would yield, charcoal. 10:43.033 --> 10:47.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Then the charcoal had to be pulverized in the mills 10:47.200 --> 10:51.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that would basically break up the chunks of charcoal 10:51.600 --> 10:54.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% into a very fine powder. 10:54.000 --> 10:56.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% We assumed that it was a 24 hour operation, 10:56.866 --> 10:59.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% because it didn't make sense to stop. 10:59.033 --> 11:00.166 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% But particularly, you know, 11:00.166 --> 11:01.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the making of the raw ingredients, 11:01.500 --> 11:04.300 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% the carbon, the charcoal, 11:04.300 --> 11:07.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% those operations continued around the clock. 11:07.300 --> 11:11.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - Each mill was considered its own entity, 11:11.100 --> 11:15.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% even though it was a sequential function to make gunpowder. 11:15.300 --> 11:18.566 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% You had a mill for the carbon. 11:18.566 --> 11:22.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% You had a mill across the river to process the saltpeter, 11:22.633 --> 11:24.433 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% the potassium nitrate. 11:24.433 --> 11:28.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You had a mill on this side to process the sulfur. 11:29.866 --> 11:31.600 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% So now you have the sulfur powder, 11:31.600 --> 11:35.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% you have the potassium nitrate powder or crystal, 11:35.866 --> 11:37.866 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and you have the charcoal powder, 11:37.866 --> 11:40.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and then they would go to the mixing mill. 11:40.300 --> 11:41.866 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% And the best of our understanding, 11:41.866 --> 11:46.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% this round mill next to us here was probably a mixing mill. 11:50.966 --> 11:53.533 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (guitar music) 11:57.566 --> 11:59.033 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - [Narrator] In its heyday, 11:59.033 --> 12:02.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the Gambo Powder Mill complex was a bustling operation 12:02.233 --> 12:04.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that employed hundreds of men for nearly a century. 12:07.266 --> 12:11.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - [David] We know from Windham Historical Society records 12:11.233 --> 12:14.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that there was a stone mill here circa 1800. 12:14.966 --> 12:16.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% This was in front of the stone mill, 12:16.700 --> 12:19.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and this would've been late 1800s. 12:19.066 --> 12:20.566 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% It gives you, I think, 12:20.566 --> 12:24.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% a flavor of the youthfulness and the ragtag appearance 12:27.000 --> 12:32.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% for the people that were working here. 12:33.433 --> 12:34.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - [Narrator] When you look around the Gambo preserve today, 12:34.966 --> 12:38.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% you'll see clear evidence of the former gunpowder operation. 12:38.800 --> 12:42.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Don] There's a large rock right near one 12:42.466 --> 12:45.433 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% of those foundations that's got these iron rods in it. 12:45.433 --> 12:49.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% And those were connections for bridges, 12:49.466 --> 12:50.433 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% foot bridges 12:50.433 --> 12:51.966 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% that were across the river. 12:51.966 --> 12:54.000 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% They went to a little, what I call, 12:54.000 --> 12:56.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% an island in the middle, which is still there. 12:56.900 --> 12:58.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And then there was another bridge on the other side 12:58.700 --> 13:01.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of the island that went over to the Windham side. 13:03.033 --> 13:03.866 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% - I found, 13:03.866 --> 13:04.966 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% found out where it was, 13:04.966 --> 13:06.800 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I took different people down there, 13:06.800 --> 13:07.700 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% and there's nothing. 13:07.700 --> 13:09.966 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% There's a few foundations, 13:09.966 --> 13:12.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and then we were right beside a railroad track 13:12.000 --> 13:15.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and there was a pile of old rusty cans, 13:15.966 --> 13:17.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and we picked them up and they were 13:17.366 --> 13:19.166 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% from the Oriental Powder Mill. 13:23.433 --> 13:24.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - [Narrator] The mills produced gunpowder 13:24.966 --> 13:27.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% for a wide variety of uses. 13:27.566 --> 13:31.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Gunpowder produced here was used for a range of explosives. 13:31.200 --> 13:32.333 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% Most commonly, 13:32.333 --> 13:34.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the blasting powder needed to blast 13:34.000 --> 13:36.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% through rock ledge For western expansion. 13:36.400 --> 13:39.066 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (rail clicking) 13:40.466 --> 13:43.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Major projects included construction of railroad beds, 13:43.666 --> 13:45.766 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% canals, quarries, roads, 13:45.766 --> 13:48.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and for farming purposes, the clearing of tree stumps 13:48.466 --> 13:50.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and large rocks on forested land. 13:52.233 --> 13:55.666 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (horns blaring) 13:55.666 --> 13:57.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Perhaps most noteworthy, 13:57.466 --> 14:00.833 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% this once thriving gunpowder manufacturing company 14:00.833 --> 14:03.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% supplied vast amounts of gunpowder for some 14:03.733 --> 14:06.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of the deadliest wars of the 19th century. 14:07.300 --> 14:09.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% These battles were most notably 14:09.700 --> 14:13.866 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% the Mexican War of 1846 to 1848, 14:13.866 --> 14:16.700 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% the Crimean War of 1854 in Russia, 14:17.700 --> 14:19.433 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and much closer to home, 14:19.433 --> 14:23.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the United States Civil War fought from 1861 to 1865. 14:26.966 --> 14:28.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% During the US Civil War, 14:28.566 --> 14:32.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% the mills and Gorham and Windham produced an estimated 25% 14:32.600 --> 14:36.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of all the gunpowder used by the Union troops. 14:36.566 --> 14:39.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - The Gambo Mills had the reputation for being one 14:39.600 --> 14:42.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of the highest quality sources of gunpowder 14:42.800 --> 14:46.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% during the Civil War and perhaps in all other times as well. 14:47.700 --> 14:50.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Very interesting thing happened in the Civil War. 14:50.833 --> 14:51.966 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% At that time, 14:51.966 --> 14:54.033 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% England owned India, 14:55.400 --> 14:58.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and England was very favorable to the Confederacy. 14:59.166 --> 15:01.200 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And when the war broke out, 15:01.200 --> 15:05.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% England enacted an embargo that neither England 15:05.633 --> 15:09.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% nor India could send any more saltpeter 15:09.266 --> 15:11.033 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to the United States. 15:12.366 --> 15:14.800 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% When Lincoln got the news, 15:14.800 --> 15:16.633 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% he dispatched a man by the name 15:16.633 --> 15:19.200 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% of Lammot du Pont to England, 15:20.433 --> 15:23.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% who argued and must have been very diplomatic, 15:23.500 --> 15:28.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% because the British finally decided to rescind the embargo. 15:30.033 --> 15:34.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% If Lammot du Pont had not succeeded in that thing, 15:34.400 --> 15:37.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% we most likely would all be whistling Dixie 15:37.100 --> 15:38.300 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% up here right now. 15:39.200 --> 15:41.600 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 15:49.033 --> 15:51.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Narrator] During the final year of the war, 15:51.566 --> 15:54.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the powder mills produced over a million pounds 15:54.700 --> 15:57.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of the volatile and dangerous black powder. 15:58.700 --> 16:01.433 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (fire blaring) 16:01.433 --> 16:05.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% The Gambo Gunpowder Mill complex began operations in 1824. 16:07.000 --> 16:09.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The Gambo Powder Mill was easily the largest such mill 16:09.566 --> 16:12.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in Maine and the fourth largest in the US. 16:14.300 --> 16:16.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The largest at the time was the DuPont Industries 16:16.966 --> 16:17.966 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% in Rhode Island. 16:19.333 --> 16:22.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Gambo produced all three types of gun powder, 16:22.233 --> 16:25.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% military, hunting, and blasting powder. 16:25.066 --> 16:28.066 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% (explosives firing) 16:30.766 --> 16:32.133 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (gun clicking) 16:32.133 --> 16:34.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Gunpowder is believed to be a Chinese invention 16:34.533 --> 16:37.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that arrived in Europe around the year 1240. 16:37.400 --> 16:39.866 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (fire lighting) 16:39.866 --> 16:44.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Gunpowder was first introduced in Massachusetts in 1639, 16:44.433 --> 16:47.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% prior to the first of many brutal Native American wars 16:47.933 --> 16:49.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that were fought throughout New England. 16:51.266 --> 16:52.766 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (gun shooting) 16:52.766 --> 16:54.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The three ingredients used to make gunpowder back then, 16:54.866 --> 16:59.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter were carefully weighed 16:59.333 --> 17:02.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and mixed together in the proper proportions, 17:02.066 --> 17:05.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% depending on the type of powder being produced. 17:05.366 --> 17:08.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% The mixture was then transferred from the production mill 17:08.000 --> 17:10.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to the incorporating mills along both sides 17:10.500 --> 17:13.066 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% of the river in Windham and Gorham. 17:13.066 --> 17:15.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [David] And they just looked like little sheds. 17:15.166 --> 17:16.300 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% I mean, 17:16.300 --> 17:17.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% it was what was going on inside them 17:17.766 --> 17:18.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% that made a difference, 17:18.900 --> 17:20.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% as to whether it was a pressing mill, 17:20.066 --> 17:22.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% a kernelling mill, a mixing mill, 17:22.833 --> 17:24.366 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% sorting mill, you know, 17:24.366 --> 17:26.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% 'cause they, they had to sort the grain 17:26.033 --> 17:30.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% to determine whether it was for civilian use for birdshot, 17:30.300 --> 17:31.900 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% a rifle shot, 17:31.900 --> 17:34.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% or whether they were making it for military use, 17:34.133 --> 17:36.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% which had just a slightly different formula, 17:36.766 --> 17:40.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and it went in anything from small multi ounce flask 17:40.566 --> 17:42.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% all the way up to a hundred pound barrels. 17:47.600 --> 17:49.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - [Narrator] Despite careful packing, 17:49.266 --> 17:52.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the gunpowder remained a seriously dangerous material 17:52.800 --> 17:56.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and was a challenge to transport in those days. 17:56.200 --> 17:57.600 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Back in the 19th century, 17:57.600 --> 18:01.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the historic Cumberland Oxford Canal made transport 18:01.566 --> 18:04.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% of gunpowder and other goods safer and more efficient. 18:06.233 --> 18:09.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The historic canal towpath was a manmade series 18:09.233 --> 18:11.933 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% of canals connecting Sebago Lake 18:11.933 --> 18:15.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with training centers along Portland's coast. 18:15.133 --> 18:18.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - [Don] The canal was originally financed 18:18.066 --> 18:21.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% by creating a new bank called Canal Bank. 18:21.166 --> 18:23.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And they were the forerunners of what is today KeyBank. 18:25.333 --> 18:27.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - [Narrator] The canal was constructed to enable transport 18:27.800 --> 18:30.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% of vital supplies to the settlers. 18:31.700 --> 18:34.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The Gambo powder mills had their own canal boat, 18:34.266 --> 18:39.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and it was in use from 1830 until the canal closed in 1871. 18:40.500 --> 18:41.533 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% A time corresponding with the introduction 18:41.533 --> 18:43.233 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% of railroad transport. 18:43.233 --> 18:46.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - [Don] The trains came through about 1870 18:46.700 --> 18:47.866 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% through Windham at least. 18:47.866 --> 18:48.900 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% They had been in operation 18:48.900 --> 18:50.966 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% for a few years before that. 18:50.966 --> 18:52.933 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% The tracks still exist. 18:52.933 --> 18:56.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The right of way was sold by the Oriental Powder Company 18:56.133 --> 18:58.233 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% to the railroad at the time. 18:58.233 --> 19:02.133 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% That led to the demise of the canal, 19:02.133 --> 19:03.866 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% because the canal, first of all, 19:03.866 --> 19:05.200 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% was seasonal. 19:05.200 --> 19:06.666 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% It only operated, you know, 19:06.666 --> 19:08.333 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% during warmer months. 19:08.333 --> 19:10.433 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Trains could run year round. 19:10.433 --> 19:13.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% However, the trains were reluctant in the beginning 19:13.866 --> 19:15.900 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% to carry explosives. 19:15.900 --> 19:19.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Eventually, I guess they determined that it, 19:19.300 --> 19:21.733 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% that if they took proper precautions, 19:21.733 --> 19:23.233 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% that they could could do that. 19:24.366 --> 19:25.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - [Narrator] Prior to the railroads, 19:25.533 --> 19:27.166 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% gunpowder would be transported 19:27.166 --> 19:29.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% by boat from the mill to Portland, 19:29.633 --> 19:32.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and from there it would be transported to Boston 19:32.566 --> 19:34.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and other ports along the eastern seaboard. 19:36.400 --> 19:40.500 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - [Don] Sometimes they would sail all the way to Boston, 19:40.500 --> 19:43.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but they also discovered that they would 19:43.133 --> 19:45.500 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% not always be allowed to tie up 19:45.500 --> 19:46.333 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (Don laughing) 19:46.333 --> 19:47.733 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% on a wharf. 19:47.733 --> 19:50.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% They had to anchor offshore and transfer their load 19:50.266 --> 19:52.166 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% through some other means. 19:52.166 --> 19:53.233 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (Don giggling) 19:53.233 --> 19:55.633 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 19:58.400 --> 20:01.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - [Narrator] Gunpowder mills in Maine and elsewhere 20:01.133 --> 20:03.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% were all built on rivers or streams to ensure 20:03.500 --> 20:05.400 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% they had a good source of water power. 20:06.666 --> 20:08.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The various production buildings were usually 20:08.466 --> 20:11.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of wood construction on stone foundations. 20:11.800 --> 20:13.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Most of them were one story high, 20:13.600 --> 20:17.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and each building was positioned at some distance apart 20:17.066 --> 20:19.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% so that if an explosion or fire occurred, 20:19.766 --> 20:22.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the whole production operation would not be destroyed. 20:23.866 --> 20:26.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The charcoal house was built on an island separate 20:26.433 --> 20:28.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% from the rest of the operation. 20:29.266 --> 20:31.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Trees also served as natural barriers. 20:31.966 --> 20:34.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The charcoal house and various buildings located 20:34.666 --> 20:37.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% on both sides of the river were connected 20:37.100 --> 20:38.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% by wooden plank walks, 20:38.533 --> 20:41.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% which had to be kept free of sand and dirt. 20:42.500 --> 20:45.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Iron and steel were prohibited in building construction 20:45.400 --> 20:47.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% to prevent striking a spark. 20:47.466 --> 20:49.666 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - There was always a risk of a spark. 20:49.666 --> 20:52.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% You know, there was no occupational safety 20:52.133 --> 20:55.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and health people at, in those days, 20:55.166 --> 20:57.600 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and it was just a dangerous place to work. 20:57.600 --> 21:00.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And everyone was encouraged to be careful. 21:00.166 --> 21:02.766 align:left position:30% line:77% size:60% - That's the bane of the existence of the gun powder mill, 21:02.766 --> 21:04.066 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% were sparks. 21:04.066 --> 21:05.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% One of the story goes from Morris Whitten 21:05.966 --> 21:09.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% is a farmer neglected to change, 21:09.466 --> 21:10.966 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% went home, 21:10.966 --> 21:15.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and as he was standing next to his kitchen wood stove, 21:16.533 --> 21:17.866 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% he started to spark, 21:17.866 --> 21:19.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% because he had so much gunpowder dust on him. 21:20.900 --> 21:22.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Narrator] To further prevent sparking all 21:22.733 --> 21:24.666 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% of the wheelbarrows and various tools 21:24.666 --> 21:27.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% used by the workmen were made of wood. 21:28.233 --> 21:30.200 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Workers were not allowed to smoke 21:30.200 --> 21:32.933 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% or carry matches on the premises. 21:32.933 --> 21:35.233 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% No artificial light was allowed except 21:35.233 --> 21:38.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% for a kerosene lantern outside of the window 21:38.000 --> 21:39.733 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% on each wheelhouse. 21:39.733 --> 21:42.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% All workmen had to have specially constructed boots 21:42.566 --> 21:44.666 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% or shoes with no iron nails. 21:46.200 --> 21:48.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Wooden pegs were used instead of nails. 21:48.866 --> 21:51.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Some workmen chose to go barefoot in the warmer months 21:51.600 --> 21:53.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to help ensure safety. 21:53.600 --> 21:57.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Others used cotton felt boots or slippers. 21:57.000 --> 21:58.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Every meal had a wash house 21:58.566 --> 22:01.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and the men were required to launder their work attire 22:01.733 --> 22:03.200 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and to change into other clothes 22:03.200 --> 22:05.066 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% before leaving the premises. 22:05.066 --> 22:07.100 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Returning home in work clothes covered 22:07.100 --> 22:10.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% with gunpowder dust was risky and dangerous, 22:10.266 --> 22:12.466 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% not only to the laborers, 22:12.466 --> 22:14.033 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% but also to their families 22:14.033 --> 22:16.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% who would be put at risk from a possible explosion. 22:18.300 --> 22:20.200 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Despite these safety precautions, 22:20.200 --> 22:23.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the ongoing risk of gunpowder ignition in the mills 22:23.733 --> 22:26.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% was real and deeply feared. 22:26.466 --> 22:29.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - The gunpowder operation over the years there in, 22:29.166 --> 22:30.333 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% in the 80, 22:30.333 --> 22:32.533 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% approximately 80 years that it ran, 22:32.533 --> 22:34.600 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% was a dangerous place to work. 22:34.600 --> 22:37.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% There were multiple explosions. 22:37.266 --> 22:41.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The buildings themselves were also built very loosely. 22:41.000 --> 22:42.933 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% They were built that way on purpose, 22:42.933 --> 22:44.166 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% you know, 22:44.166 --> 22:45.666 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% so that if they did have an explosion, 22:45.666 --> 22:47.266 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (explosion blasting) 22:47.266 --> 22:50.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the building would come apart easily 22:50.366 --> 22:54.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and maybe be deflected more upward than outward. 22:54.000 --> 22:55.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So they knew what they were dealing with. 22:55.900 --> 22:57.100 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% It wasn't like it, 22:57.100 --> 22:59.700 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% every explosion was a big surprise. 22:59.700 --> 23:01.166 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (fire blaring) 23:01.166 --> 23:02.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - [Narrator] Over the 81 year span 23:02.766 --> 23:05.100 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% of the Gambo Powder operation, 23:05.100 --> 23:09.500 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% 46 men tragically lost their lives in horrific explosions. 23:10.666 --> 23:13.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - The incorporating mills were one 23:13.833 --> 23:15.466 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of the places where they, 23:15.466 --> 23:18.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% they were very much subject to explosions. 23:19.433 --> 23:22.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The tray that these large granite wheels roll slowly 23:22.666 --> 23:24.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% around driven by the water mill, 23:25.700 --> 23:29.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% had to keep a constant charge of the mixture 23:29.600 --> 23:32.866 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% between the wheel and the metal tray. 23:32.866 --> 23:34.166 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% And the reason, of course, 23:34.166 --> 23:37.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% is that if the granite wheel came into contact 23:37.533 --> 23:39.233 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% with the metal tray, 23:39.233 --> 23:41.933 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% it was a steel or iron tray, 23:41.933 --> 23:42.766 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% and it, 23:42.766 --> 23:44.166 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% if it was just one spark 23:44.166 --> 23:46.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% (explosion blasting) ignited by that interaction, 23:46.700 --> 23:48.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% the whole thing would go up in a, 23:48.633 --> 23:51.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% in a giant explosion involving about 300 pounds 23:51.900 --> 23:54.833 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% of blasting power. 23:54.833 --> 23:55.866 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% And it happened. 23:55.866 --> 23:58.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% It happened more than once. 23:58.366 --> 23:59.566 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Beside the towpath, 23:59.566 --> 24:02.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% if you walk towards the power line, 24:02.266 --> 24:05.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% there's a wheel, two halves of one of them. 24:05.066 --> 24:07.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We don't know how that one actually got there. 24:07.966 --> 24:10.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We were curious that it might have been blown there 24:10.166 --> 24:12.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% by an explosion 'cause it's quite a ways 24:12.333 --> 24:14.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% from where it would've been utilized, 24:14.400 --> 24:16.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% you know, as a part of the machinery. 24:20.533 --> 24:22.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - [Narrator] It's impossible to convey how terrifying 24:22.966 --> 24:26.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and gruesome the injuries caused by these explosions were. 24:27.500 --> 24:30.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The blast shook nearby farms on both sides of the river 24:30.300 --> 24:32.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and could be felt as far away as Portland. 24:32.500 --> 24:34.033 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - [Linda] Buildings were, 24:34.033 --> 24:35.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% would shake and sometimes windows would break. 24:35.100 --> 24:36.466 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% (glass shattering) 24:36.466 --> 24:40.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So there was a big rush of doctors and undertakers 24:40.066 --> 24:43.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and workmen who would show up to get those jobs 24:43.466 --> 24:45.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% that were now available. 24:45.000 --> 24:47.933 align:left position:27.5% line:77% size:62.5% - [Narrator] These catastrophically deadly explosions 24:47.933 --> 24:51.500 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% once provided sensationalist front page news fodder 24:51.500 --> 24:53.366 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% for the 19th century newspapers. 24:53.366 --> 24:56.833 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% like the "Portland Advisor" and "The Eastern Argus." 24:56.833 --> 25:00.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% One story described an explosion at the mill this way, 25:00.333 --> 25:03.366 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% (explosion blaring) 25:04.700 --> 25:07.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "A frightful explosion that the Gambo Powder Mill 25:07.166 --> 25:09.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% in Gorham took place yesterday morning, 25:09.500 --> 25:12.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% causing a great loss of life. 25:12.033 --> 25:14.000 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% A devastating explosion occurred 25:14.000 --> 25:16.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% as seven men were loading a canal boat with gunpowder. 25:18.266 --> 25:20.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% One man was thrown nearly a quarter of a mile. 25:21.966 --> 25:23.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Two men were blown into the canal 25:23.866 --> 25:26.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and their mutilated bodies were recovered shortly 25:26.333 --> 25:27.666 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% after the disaster. 25:29.033 --> 25:30.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% The smoke from the explosion 25:30.566 --> 25:34.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% cast a dent black funeral pall over the site for hours. 25:35.966 --> 25:40.133 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Most of seven men killed leave behind wives and children." 25:40.133 --> 25:43.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - There was a lady who wrote a lot about history in Windham 25:43.700 --> 25:45.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and she told about the schoolchildren 25:45.900 --> 25:48.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% at school when they heard explosions, 25:48.900 --> 25:51.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% they all put their heads down on their desk 25:51.400 --> 25:53.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and they started to cry. 25:53.100 --> 25:55.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And the reason why was their fathers were working 25:55.700 --> 25:57.500 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% in the gunpowder mills, 25:57.500 --> 25:59.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% so they were afraid it might be their family. 25:59.466 --> 26:01.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - If you lost your breadwinner, 26:01.700 --> 26:04.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the family was gonna be in a bad way for a long time. 26:05.500 --> 26:08.266 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 26:15.533 --> 26:18.166 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 26:18.166 --> 26:20.800 align:left position:30% line:77% size:60% - [Narrator] One might reasonably believe mill operators 26:20.800 --> 26:23.033 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% would have trouble locating replacement workers 26:23.033 --> 26:25.133 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% after such gruesome fatalities, 26:25.133 --> 26:26.766 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% but that was hardly the case. 26:28.266 --> 26:30.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Astonishingly, these horrific deaths were not a deterrent 26:30.733 --> 26:32.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% for those seeking good paying work. 26:32.866 --> 26:35.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The mill paid roughly $2 per day to laborers, 26:35.933 --> 26:38.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% an impressive sum of money at the time. 26:39.433 --> 26:41.533 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% After a deadly explosion at the mill, 26:41.533 --> 26:44.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% as many as 15 or more job applicants would be 26:44.600 --> 26:46.766 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% in line the following day, 26:46.766 --> 26:50.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% seeking to replace the unlucky souls that had perished. 26:51.266 --> 26:53.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Some of the descendants of the original owners 26:53.433 --> 26:54.800 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% were among those unlucky enough 26:54.800 --> 26:57.100 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to be killed in a workplace detonation. 26:58.066 --> 27:00.800 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% On July 19th, 1828, 27:00.800 --> 27:03.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% a severe explosion killed seven workmen. 27:04.666 --> 27:07.566 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Many more employees would fall victim to explosions 27:07.566 --> 27:10.466 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% before the mill finally closed in 1905. 27:15.066 --> 27:17.800 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 27:27.233 --> 27:31.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Moses Little was a well-known member of Windham's 27:31.266 --> 27:35.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and he provided funds for people when they needed money. 27:35.366 --> 27:37.466 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% He was a money lender. 27:37.466 --> 27:40.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% He had a giant store in South Windham 27:40.133 --> 27:41.400 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and he didn't even work there. 27:41.400 --> 27:42.700 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% He owned it, 27:42.700 --> 27:44.366 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% but he made a lot of money from that store, 27:44.366 --> 27:46.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% so he built perhaps one of the biggest houses 27:46.500 --> 27:48.866 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% at that time in Windham. 27:48.866 --> 27:52.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He had six children and only two lived to be 27:52.133 --> 27:54.433 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% over the age of six years old 27:54.433 --> 27:56.600 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and one of them was his only son. 27:56.600 --> 27:58.166 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% So when his son got older, 27:58.166 --> 28:01.566 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% his son worked at the gunpowder mill 28:01.566 --> 28:04.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and he was killed in one of the explosions. 28:04.100 --> 28:07.033 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% His only son got killed 28:07.033 --> 28:09.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and he had no one to leave all his money to. 28:09.333 --> 28:11.200 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% He had no one to leave his name to. 28:12.066 --> 28:14.833 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 28:22.800 --> 28:25.200 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 28:34.600 --> 28:37.033 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 28:52.000 --> 28:53.733 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - [Don] The mill continued to operate 28:53.733 --> 28:57.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% as the Oriental Powder Mill right up until its demise 28:57.800 --> 29:00.700 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% in about 1904. 29:00.700 --> 29:02.266 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% At that time, 29:02.266 --> 29:06.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the demand for black powder was diminishing significantly. 29:06.533 --> 29:08.766 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% There were other powder manufacturers 29:08.766 --> 29:11.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that had sprung up across the country. 29:11.633 --> 29:15.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The railroads were also moving the country west, 29:15.000 --> 29:20.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% so the demand for powder from the Gorham-Windham Mills 29:20.700 --> 29:21.900 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% were diminishing. 29:26.333 --> 29:28.933 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 29:28.933 --> 29:32.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Based on the number of job duties 29:32.700 --> 29:35.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that existed there during the time when there 29:35.900 --> 29:37.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% were more than 50 buildings, 29:37.566 --> 29:38.933 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% both sides of the river. 29:38.933 --> 29:40.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% If you looked at all the different mill operations 29:40.666 --> 29:44.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and all the storage operations and supporting operations 29:44.433 --> 29:46.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and maybe administrative functions, 29:46.400 --> 29:50.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we estimated 60 people to support the operation, 29:50.233 --> 29:51.766 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% at its peak. 29:51.766 --> 29:54.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And that's based on just how many people does it take 29:54.866 --> 29:57.833 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to run an incorporating mill. 29:57.833 --> 30:00.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Would they be running it 24/7? 30:00.700 --> 30:03.700 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (bugs chirping) 30:03.700 --> 30:06.133 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 30:11.433 --> 30:14.200 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 30:22.566 --> 30:23.700 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% During the Civil War, 30:23.700 --> 30:26.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% they were losing employees to the draft. 30:26.866 --> 30:30.800 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% One of the affiliates was a gentleman by the name 30:30.800 --> 30:32.566 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% of William Jackson, 30:32.566 --> 30:36.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and he had been a mill superintendent at that time. 30:36.666 --> 30:41.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Mr. Jackson had his legal folks draft a letter 30:42.800 --> 30:44.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to the Governor of Maine at the time, 30:44.066 --> 30:45.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and this letter was submitted to him 30:45.833 --> 30:48.766 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% by Mr. Jackson's attorneys explaining 30:48.766 --> 30:53.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that they were losing employees to the draft 30:53.566 --> 30:56.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and that that was going to impact the ability 30:56.700 --> 30:58.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to produce the military grade gunpowder 30:58.800 --> 30:59.600 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% needed during, 30:59.600 --> 31:00.600 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% by the Union Army. 31:03.066 --> 31:06.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - "Will your office go so far as to use your best endeavor 31:06.466 --> 31:09.533 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% with the governor of the state to have the workman employed 31:09.533 --> 31:12.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% by this company in manufacturing gunpowder 31:12.333 --> 31:14.433 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% exempt from the draft? 31:14.433 --> 31:16.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% It must be obvious that without powder, 31:16.633 --> 31:20.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% wars cannot be carried on and that our expert workman 31:20.100 --> 31:22.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% in a powder mill is of more service 31:22.233 --> 31:23.733 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% than he would be as a soldier. 31:26.600 --> 31:29.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The loss of workman is enough by accident beyond control, 31:29.933 --> 31:32.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and we should not have them taken from us by draft. 31:34.633 --> 31:36.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% If you can aid us in this matter, 31:36.800 --> 31:38.166 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% you would confer a favor, 31:39.266 --> 31:40.266 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% William Jackson." 31:41.500 --> 31:43.800 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - [Don] They made an appeal to the governor 31:43.800 --> 31:46.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to declare that people who were working 31:46.900 --> 31:50.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% in the gunpowder operations would be exempt 31:50.500 --> 31:52.133 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% from the draft. 31:52.133 --> 31:55.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% That was approved by the governor 31:55.366 --> 31:57.666 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and put into law at the time. 31:58.866 --> 32:00.133 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - [Narrator] In 1870, 32:00.133 --> 32:02.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% a major financial crisis was underway 32:02.633 --> 32:05.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and many companies went bankrupt during this period. 32:06.766 --> 32:09.300 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% The mill sold for $100,000 32:09.300 --> 32:12.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and was renamed the Oriental Powder Mill. 32:12.533 --> 32:14.033 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% In 1879, 32:14.033 --> 32:17.033 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% other large firms started buying stock in the company 32:17.033 --> 32:19.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and the operation was eventually sold, 32:19.233 --> 32:20.100 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% yet again. 32:21.300 --> 32:23.333 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% The DuPont firm of Rhode Island, 32:23.333 --> 32:25.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% at the time the largest producer of gunpowder 32:25.666 --> 32:28.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% in the United States wanted to buy the mill, 32:28.866 --> 32:31.366 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% but was not able to secure sufficient capital 32:31.366 --> 32:33.066 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% for the purchase. 32:33.066 --> 32:37.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% DuPont was eventually able to identify sufficient resources 32:37.166 --> 32:41.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and ultimately acquired the Oriental Powder Mill operation. 32:42.266 --> 32:44.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Due to the reduction in the demand 32:44.333 --> 32:47.233 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% for various types of gunpowder, 32:47.233 --> 32:50.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The other gunpowder operations around the state, 32:50.466 --> 32:53.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Buckfield, Warren, and Camden, 32:53.333 --> 32:56.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% many of the resources utilized in those locations 32:56.500 --> 32:59.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% were acquired by the Oriental Powder Company, 32:59.700 --> 33:03.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% possibly some of it consolidated back in the Delaware area 33:03.300 --> 33:07.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% where the DuPont company had major operations. 33:07.400 --> 33:10.066 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (water flowing) 33:20.300 --> 33:22.866 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (guitar music) 33:25.633 --> 33:30.466 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% SD Warren Company acquired property here 33:30.466 --> 33:32.733 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% in the early 1900s. 33:32.733 --> 33:37.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The 1907 dam was created in order to provide 33:37.100 --> 33:40.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% a greater supply of water that could be used to run 33:40.466 --> 33:43.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% through their hydro power generating station, 33:43.166 --> 33:45.800 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% which is just downstream from here. 33:45.800 --> 33:48.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So, hydropower is still being utilized from here down 33:48.866 --> 33:50.966 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to the Sappi mill in Westbrook, 33:50.966 --> 33:53.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and they're utilizing the electricity 33:53.666 --> 33:56.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% generated right here in Gambo as we speak. 33:59.133 --> 34:01.700 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (guitar music) 34:07.466 --> 34:09.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Narrator] The remains of the gunpowder mill 34:09.500 --> 34:12.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% hold a certain mystique for visitors exploring the woods 34:12.966 --> 34:15.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and waters where the operation once stood. 34:17.833 --> 34:19.366 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Today, walking the pathway 34:19.366 --> 34:21.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% through this historic site is a peaceful, 34:21.400 --> 34:23.466 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% serene experience. 34:23.466 --> 34:25.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Visitors are often unaware they are hiking 34:25.866 --> 34:30.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% on hallowed ground once traveled by 19th century men, 34:30.266 --> 34:32.333 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% working long grueling hours 34:32.333 --> 34:35.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% in an extremely dangerous environment to earn money 34:35.333 --> 34:36.766 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% to support their families. 34:44.566 --> 34:47.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Most of the immigrants here in Windham, 34:47.500 --> 34:48.966 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% at least first generations, 34:48.966 --> 34:50.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% were all out of Massachusetts, 34:50.700 --> 34:53.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and a lot of 'em did have Scotch-Irish backgrounds. 34:53.966 --> 34:55.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% They paid a heavy price, yeah. 34:55.700 --> 34:58.133 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 35:05.766 --> 35:08.333 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (guitar music) 35:25.266 --> 35:26.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - [Narrator] The Presumpscott River 35:26.366 --> 35:28.700 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% has a rich and storied past. 35:28.700 --> 35:30.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And the gunpowder mills remain one 35:30.300 --> 35:32.033 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% of the most fascinating chapters 35:32.033 --> 35:33.833 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% in Maine's industrial history. 35:35.200 --> 35:40.066 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - I find it very interesting that they were able 35:40.066 --> 35:41.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to use the water power 35:41.533 --> 35:44.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and to harness that power very creatively 35:44.233 --> 35:49.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% requiring considerable engineering talent. 35:49.200 --> 35:53.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% It's a testimony to what mankind can do. 35:53.500 --> 35:55.100 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Back in those days, 35:55.100 --> 35:59.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that was considered high-end engineering technology 35:59.000 --> 36:00.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% even though it was dangerous. 36:01.333 --> 36:02.966 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% To me, that, 36:02.966 --> 36:07.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% you know, represents one legacy of the the mill operation, 36:07.133 --> 36:09.000 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% what it took to make it work 36:09.000 --> 36:11.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and what they were able to do with it. 36:11.133 --> 36:12.400 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% During the Civil War, 36:12.400 --> 36:14.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% they were producing almost 3 million pounds 36:14.866 --> 36:19.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% of powder from the Gorham mills to support the war effort. 36:19.833 --> 36:23.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% When the powder mill ceased operations here, 36:23.066 --> 36:24.166 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% the land, 36:24.166 --> 36:26.000 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% particularly on the Windham side, 36:26.000 --> 36:30.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% continued in some business orientation. 36:30.300 --> 36:35.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% The property where the saltpeter mill was located originally 36:35.066 --> 36:38.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% was acquired by the Eastern Dynamite Company, 36:38.633 --> 36:43.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and they were producing there a product 36:44.500 --> 36:46.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% called wood flour that was used 36:46.433 --> 36:50.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% as an ingredient in the manufacturer of dynamite. 36:50.233 --> 36:52.933 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (spark igniting) 36:52.933 --> 36:55.500 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (guitar music) 37:02.366 --> 37:05.433 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - [Narrator] Today, Shaw Park and the Gambo Preserve 37:05.433 --> 37:08.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% are places locals go to experience the outdoors 37:08.466 --> 37:11.266 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% in a peaceful, quiet environment. 37:11.266 --> 37:13.733 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The Gambo Preserve is a tranquil place, 37:13.733 --> 37:17.266 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% one that stands in stark contrast to the noisy grind 37:17.266 --> 37:21.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% of a productive wartime industry that once produced millions 37:21.266 --> 37:22.966 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% of pounds of gunpowder 37:22.966 --> 37:26.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% for some of the 19th century's deadliest wars. 37:28.400 --> 37:30.500 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Whether we realize it or not, 37:30.500 --> 37:32.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% history is always beneath our feet, 37:32.933 --> 37:37.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and our landscape offers mysterious clues to our past. 37:37.233 --> 37:40.133 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Today's visitors enjoy recreating here, 37:40.133 --> 37:42.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but some visit the site of the old gunpowder mills 37:42.633 --> 37:46.400 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% to remember and honor those whose lives ended here, 37:46.400 --> 37:48.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% the hardships they endured, 37:48.366 --> 37:51.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and the generations of families they left behind. 37:52.566 --> 37:55.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The laborers who worked in the extremely dangerous 37:55.233 --> 37:58.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and stressful conditions at the Gambo powder mill 37:58.566 --> 38:01.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% were the backbone of the local economy for generations. 38:02.966 --> 38:05.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% May their sacrifices never be forgotten, 38:05.633 --> 38:09.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% for they too were casualties of war. 38:09.300 --> 38:11.866 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (guitar music) 38:20.666 --> 38:23.233 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (guitar music) 38:30.800 --> 38:33.200 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 38:43.666 --> 38:46.100 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 38:57.166 --> 38:59.600 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 39:09.733 --> 39:12.166 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 39:24.800 --> 39:27.200 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music) 39:36.466 --> 39:38.900 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (soft music)