While travelling in the northeast there was no shortage of interesting buildings surrounded by beautiful scenery. This site provided a trifecta for my eyes by tossing in an iron bridge crossing a torrential river.
The bridge is the Frank J Wood bridge and it is crossing the Androscoggin River between Brunswick and Topsham in Maine, USA. Constructed in 1932 this bridge has a rich history.
Named after Frank J. Wood, a prominent Maine politician, the bridge served as a vital transportation link connecting the two communities and facilitating commerce and travel in the region.
Initially, the bridge was a toll bridge, with users required to pay a fee to cross. However, in 1956, it became toll-free, further enhancing its accessibility and importance to the local area.
Over the years, the Frank J. Wood Bridge has undergone several renovations and maintenance efforts to ensure its structural integrity and continued functionality. Despite these updates, its iconic design and historical significance remain preserved, serving as a symbol of the region’s transportation heritage.
The building next to it hints at an old mill and that is exactly how it started its life, but like every cool building in our current landscape it is housing a brewery at this time.
The Androscoggin Mill itself has roots dating back to the mid-19th century when it was established as a textile mill. Over the years, the mill evolved to adapt to changing economic conditions and technological advancements. By the 20th century, it had become a significant industrial complex, playing a pivotal role in the local economy and employing generations of workers.
In more recent times, as the textile industry declined in the United States, the Androscoggin Mill underwent transformations to diversify its operations and remain relevant in the modern era. This led to the repurposing of parts of the mill complex for new uses, including commercial and recreational purposes.
Enter the Sea Dog Brewery. The brewery occupies a section of the historic Androscoggin Mill, leveraging the unique character and architecture of the industrial space to create a distinctive brewing environment. By repurposing a portion of the mill, Sea Dog Brewery not only pays homage to the area’s industrial heritage but also revitalizes a once-thriving industrial site, bringing new life and economic activity to the community.
The brewery offers visitors a chance to experience craft beer production against the backdrop of the mill’s industrial ambiance, creating a one-of-a-kind destination for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of Maine’s industrial legacy, showcasing how old industrial spaces can be repurposed for new and innovative uses.
