*MUCH MORE FROM MILLINOCKET* • The extended, ad-free version is 47 minutes and includes the disused paper mill, historic old neighborhoods like Little Italy, placid Millinocket Stream, and a surprising visit to the tiny airport: www.patreon.com/posts/114500004 • Free newsletter: www.patreon.com/posts/114499968
Growing up in Millinocket in the 80’s was a golden time. Uptown shopping center was completely occupied with drug store, arcade, movie theater, department store and connected restaurant. Downtown also bustling with dozens of specialty stores. Every neighborhood had a little variety store. It was a a safe place for kids to play, everyone was on the same level economically. Then of course the abundant outdoor activities and trails surrounding entire town. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I moved back a few years ago and it’s obviously a much different town, and I hope someday it can regain some of its former glory.
@ in Millinocket it was the 2003 shut down of paper mill as was the case in Lincoln, Old Town , Belfast, and Skowhegan. In other towns it was the same thing, other manufacturing jobs being outsourced to the far east to exploit cheap labor in the name of corporate greed. Dexter Shoe, numerous other textile mills, nearly all manufacturing in this part of state. The changes in retail shopping and proliferation of big box stores was a symptom rather than a cause. With lower incomes and the closing of local retail locations, families had no choice but to shop at big box chain stores or online (which took/take advantage of the outsourced manufacturing by using huge volume discounts to offer much lower retail prices.) In the process families are forced to drive further miles for employment and shopping, so naturally the oil companies and government took advantage of this by jacking fuel prices/taxes. Hell, one might even say the huge increases in tobacco and alcohol taxes were also to take advantage of a stressed out populace who turned to addiction as a way to cope and escape. The pharmaceutical industry then benefits greatly from treating a nation full of citizens who health was impacted due to poor diets, stress, poisoned food, carcinogenic household goods, etc. And I could go on and on. Corporate greed and government corruption killed rural Maine and the American dream.
I graduated from Stearns High in 1991. Millinocket was an amazing place to live. It has changed a lot due to the Mill closing. We enjoy our camp on North Twin Lake. We will retire in Millinocket soon. Can't wait to move back. 😁
Ironic on the population graph the steep decline started around mid 1980s onward. Just about that time the politicians said giving manufacturing jobs to China would be a ''win-win'' for America. Seen it in many towns that once were busy. Another mill town. one I was born in Maine , Rumford in western Maine hills ,a drive through a couple years ago saw no one on the streets. The mill sold a few times is still there but population declined. Some moved to Lewiston or Portland I heard.
I'm from Maine and you have the pronunciation of the place names spot on. Here are a few more to try: Macwahoc, Mulunkus (both just east of Millinocket), Aziscohos and Cupsuptic lakes(in western Maine near the New Hampshire state line)...I could go on!
So much potential flowed through Millinocket as the forest wealth was funneled through this town. Sadly, a town that might have envisioned a future without an endless paper money flow and planned for the day when it would diminish is left as so many extractive economies have, used, abused and scrounging. Fortunately, it is still blessed with a vast, beautiful environment. If the town recovers, it will do so due to the power of nature to restore itself. I hope the town learns how to live with its greatest asset.
Been to old Milly when white water rafting and there was a beautiful strip joint conveniently sharing a parking lot with a motel. Not saying anything but…maybe called “Steppin Out”
I have family in Maine, in the forest NW of Portland. Away from the Portsmouth NH-to-Bar Harbor coastal strip it's a very empty, hardscrabble place (also often very beautiful).
It is starts/ends in Dahloniega,Ga. (Da-lon-a-ga)! I remember the family style Inn there, pass the pork chops would you, plesse! All u can eat! At the Smith House!! You dont get better southern cook'in anywhere else!!
I'm from Rhode Island and the last time I was in Millinocket Maine was back in 1985 when I went deer hunting with my father. All I remember is a giant sawmill and the entire town stunk. Looking at this video it doesn't look like much changed.
So sad. I grew up in Millinocket and loved it except for the "keeping up with the Jones" mentality. I always planned to move back for retirement but house prices are ridiculous.
Why are the mills closed? Is it their outdated? There are almost 4 million acres of woods and it gets shipped to Canada? Donald Trump jr just purchased thousands of acres in Crystal! Maybe something can be done at Mills
Cuz paper isnt in demand like it used to be and the investments necessary for this area to truly be competitive in the paper industry again would be unlikely to pay themselves off. Not sure what ur asking as far as the donald trump jr stuff goes but the mills in millinocket were paper mills and paper is just a dying industry. Its well past time to move on from it and build new industries. There’s a lot more u can do with timber than just paper
@@HarmonsHarbor it doesnt have as much to do with that as it does our mills being outdated in general and our labor force being too small to compete with other areas. Energy is part of it tho. Most mills in maine were designed to run off riverpower and even tho many were retrofitted to become more modern and competitive the buildings are still not designed to pump out the same level of production. They cant compete as is and even if someone spends the money to build a modern production facility you still need to find people to work there. A lot of the old paper towns have had their populations absolutely decimated since the closing of the mills. Once that happens its not always as simple as just building a new one and hoping workers move back to the area. Its just an industry maine is better off moving away from. Despite rural maine having a lot of poverty maine actually has a decent economy but it just needs to diversify. There is definitely things they can do to make their manufacturing industry in general stronger but they shouldnt be focusing on how to keep paper mills alive just out of the sake of tradition. Its a recipe for disaster
@@dennistyler9852 yup, you're right, they are. So in other places EVERY town has a police department 😯 I live above Millinocket in Aroostook County, very few towns with their own cops. Amazing!
@@scampbell1980 There was a town police department that was shut down, and now East Millinocket provides policing. I'm not talking about the Penobscot County Sheriff.
I'm sorry you were wrong about millinockett. Being the end of the Appalachian trail, it is not the Appalachian trail ends in Newfoundland so please get your facts right?
*MUCH MORE FROM MILLINOCKET*
• The extended, ad-free version is 47 minutes and includes the disused paper mill, historic old neighborhoods like Little Italy, placid Millinocket Stream, and a surprising visit to the tiny airport: www.patreon.com/posts/114500004
• Free newsletter: www.patreon.com/posts/114499968
Thank you for paying attention and making a video about our great little town. The people are fun and honest. Retired here and I'm glad I did .
Where did you retire from? What town?
Growing up in Millinocket in the 80’s was a golden time. Uptown shopping center was completely occupied with drug store, arcade, movie theater, department store and connected restaurant. Downtown also bustling with dozens of specialty stores. Every neighborhood had a little variety store. It was a a safe place for kids to play, everyone was on the same level economically. Then of course the abundant outdoor activities and trails surrounding entire town. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I moved back a few years ago and it’s obviously a much different town, and I hope someday it can regain some of its former glory.
What changed ? I have to think malls - then and online shopping now.
@ in Millinocket it was the 2003 shut down of paper mill as was the case in Lincoln, Old Town , Belfast, and Skowhegan. In other towns it was the same thing, other manufacturing jobs being outsourced to the far east to exploit cheap labor in the name of corporate greed. Dexter Shoe, numerous other textile mills, nearly all manufacturing in this part of state.
The changes in retail shopping and proliferation of big box stores was a symptom rather than a cause. With lower incomes and the closing of local retail locations, families had no choice but to shop at big box chain stores or online (which took/take advantage of the outsourced manufacturing by using huge volume discounts to offer much lower retail prices.)
In the process families are forced to drive further miles for employment and shopping, so naturally the oil companies and government took advantage of this by jacking fuel prices/taxes. Hell, one might even say the huge increases in tobacco and alcohol taxes were also to take advantage of a stressed out populace who turned to addiction as a way to cope and escape. The pharmaceutical industry then benefits greatly from treating a nation full of citizens who health was impacted due to poor diets, stress, poisoned food, carcinogenic household goods, etc. And I could go on and on. Corporate greed and government corruption killed rural Maine and the American dream.
It's amazing that the town is doing as well as it is, considering.
I graduated from Stearns High in 1991. Millinocket was an amazing place to live. It has changed a lot due to the Mill closing. We enjoy our camp on North Twin Lake. We will retire in Millinocket soon. Can't wait to move back. 😁
Ironic on the population graph the steep decline started around mid 1980s onward. Just about that time the politicians said giving manufacturing jobs to China would be a ''win-win'' for America. Seen it in many towns that once were busy. Another mill town. one I was born in Maine , Rumford in western Maine hills ,a drive through a couple years ago saw no one on the streets. The mill sold a few times is still there but population declined. Some moved to Lewiston or Portland I heard.
Love all your videos Jeremy 👍👍
Sad to see towns like these decline 😢
My dad put the signage on the walls of the GN Paper mill back in the late 70's.
I'm from Maine and you have the pronunciation of the place names spot on. Here are a few more to try: Macwahoc, Mulunkus (both just east of Millinocket), Aziscohos and Cupsuptic lakes(in western Maine near the New Hampshire state line)...I could go on!
one of my favs but not difficult to pronounce: Mooselookmeguntic
Wytopitlock, Meddybemps
Oh man I'm gonna have to take some time and really study...!
Interesting. Thanks Jeremy. 😊
The welcome sign on the home looking building is the eye doctor.😊
My daughter, son in law and their family live in Millinocket. They love the quiet, beauty and all it has to offer.
Early 80,s my band played at the Heritage Motor Inn-Millinocket. Have some roots there too.
Do you have a brother named John?
@@Michael-h8c No, But some asked me back then the same thing.
So much potential flowed through Millinocket as the forest wealth was funneled through this town. Sadly, a town that might have envisioned a future without an endless paper money flow and planned for the day when it would diminish is left as so many extractive economies have, used, abused and scrounging. Fortunately, it is still blessed with a vast, beautiful environment. If the town recovers, it will do so due to the power of nature to restore itself. I hope the town learns how to live with its greatest asset.
It’s sad the old buildings are being burned or torn down.
Been to old Milly when white water rafting and there was a beautiful strip joint conveniently sharing a parking lot with a motel. Not saying anything but…maybe called “Steppin Out”
Did you just walk right by the museum? Or did I miss it
"Which way to Millinocket?" Bert and I. LOL.
I have family in Maine, in the forest NW of Portland. Away from the Portsmouth NH-to-Bar Harbor coastal strip it's a very empty, hardscrabble place (also often very beautiful).
Nothing else like it, really
Did you own the Jimi Hendrix "Potato Haze" 8 track?
No, but I had Axis: Bold As Spud
No one really buys a newspaper 📰 anymore. They have their phones glued to their faces.
Potato haze all in my brain
Lately, things just don't seem the same
Eatin' spuds but I don't have haters
'Scuse me while I kiss the taters
It is starts/ends in Dahloniega,Ga.
(Da-lon-a-ga)!
I remember the family style Inn there, pass the pork chops would you, plesse! All u can eat! At the Smith House!!
You dont get better southern cook'in anywhere else!!
Your prononciation is good. Remember that its socko not sayco.
I'm from Rhode Island and the last time I was in Millinocket Maine was back in 1985 when I went deer hunting with my father. All I remember is a giant sawmill and the entire town stunk. Looking at this video it doesn't look like much changed.
Like a 1950s sci-fi movie where everyone has disappeared
Heh exactly
People don’t walk around anymore.
What peeples
So sad. I grew up in Millinocket and loved it except for the "keeping up with the Jones" mentality. I always planned to move back for retirement but house prices are ridiculous.
Its proximity to I-95 likely plays a part in the town remaining alive. Yes , there has been a population decline, but I doubt it will empty out.
That's the sense I got. Down but steady
Nice work!(gateway to Baxter state park)
Never showed the paper company.
It's in the extended version: www.patreon.com/posts/114500004
2120 you should've said hi. You'd probably had a friend for life.
Millinocket is wonderful
Why are the mills closed? Is it their outdated? There are almost 4 million acres of woods and it gets shipped to Canada? Donald Trump jr just purchased thousands of acres in Crystal! Maybe something can be done at Mills
Cuz paper isnt in demand like it used to be and the investments necessary for this area to truly be competitive in the paper industry again would be unlikely to pay themselves off. Not sure what ur asking as far as the donald trump jr stuff goes but the mills in millinocket were paper mills and paper is just a dying industry. Its well past time to move on from it and build new industries. There’s a lot more u can do with timber than just paper
Energy prices have played a big factor in the mill closings. Can’t compete with the Carolinas.
@@HarmonsHarbor it doesnt have as much to do with that as it does our mills being outdated in general and our labor force being too small to compete with other areas. Energy is part of it tho. Most mills in maine were designed to run off riverpower and even tho many were retrofitted to become more modern and competitive the buildings are still not designed to pump out the same level of production. They cant compete as is and even if someone spends the money to build a modern production facility you still need to find people to work there. A lot of the old paper towns have had their populations absolutely decimated since the closing of the mills. Once that happens its not always as simple as just building a new one and hoping workers move back to the area. Its just an industry maine is better off moving away from. Despite rural maine having a lot of poverty maine actually has a decent economy but it just needs to diversify. There is definitely things they can do to make their manufacturing industry in general stronger but they shouldnt be focusing on how to keep paper mills alive just out of the sake of tradition. Its a recipe for disaster
@ I agree. I’m from Bath. I was just adding another aspect that contributes to it all.
Youre off on Bangor. Bangah lol
The Mural is the History of The Logging Industry,, i am the Artist, it is still in Progress, i was born and raised here
Great work!
Not skimping on fire engines... Who else is going to respond???
Nicknamed The Magic City
Love the American flags❤
why do Americans worshipped the flag? Is it some sort of cult
@@londo776 it's a cult called America.
@londo776All nations are patriotic.
Wonder how people earn a living there today Must be tough
Very good; now try saying Lubec, Machias, and Calais.
If you are not in Portland your town is going under sadly i know i live in strong Maine.
Millinocket's not much these days--doesn't even have its own police department.
Good point
Since when did that happen?.....police station was in the municipal building that doubles as a court.😮
County Police
@@dennistyler9852 yup, you're right, they are. So in other places EVERY town has a police department 😯 I live above Millinocket in Aroostook County, very few towns with their own cops. Amazing!
@@scampbell1980 There was a town police department that was shut down, and now East Millinocket provides policing. I'm not talking about the Penobscot County Sheriff.
Dover-foxcroft….not craft
I'm sorry you were wrong about millinockett. Being the end of the Appalachian trail, it is not the Appalachian trail ends in Newfoundland so please get your facts right?
Nah.
It doesn't
The Appalachian trail ends at the summit of Mt kathadin in Baxter State Park, Maine
Hysterical. The AT definitely ends at Katahdin.
Doomed of course It’s in the USA which is doomed
Doomed. Next question
The water is poisonous in miillinoket. Because of the mill.
Embarrassing when a man cannot finish his breakfast
I dare say I can speak for many others who thank you for highlighting the most important piece of information we should have learned from this video.