Island Falls Historical Society
Knowledge of history is vitally important for understanding where we are today and how we can shape our futures. Groups such as the Island Falls Historical Society work to keep an awareness of the past alive in the present. The Island Falls Historical Society is an organization that seeks to preserve the history of the town of Island Falls. The organization aims to better its community by keeping its citizens in touch with its town’s history.
The Island Falls Historical Society owns several properties, including the Tingley House, the Bev-Rand Potato House, and the Jail House Museum.
The Tingley House was built around 1909 as a home for a local lumber mill boss. However, things did not work out, and the building sat vacant for an extended period. The Tingley family, also bosses at the local lumber mill, purchased the home, where they lived till the mid-1980s. A bank acquired the property where the house was initially located; however, it was given to and moved by the historical society. According to the Island Falls Historical Society President, Greg Ryan, the building has since been about 95% restored with new wallpaper, furnishings, old photographs, and artifacts.
The Bev Rand Potato House, sitting right in front of the Tingley House, is an old potato house once called “super spud,” referring to the rapid pace at which potatoes flew in and out. Today, the potato house contains town artifacts consisting of old farming equipment and tools. Although it is currently not open to the public, it is hoped that in the future, renovations can be made so that it can be.
The Jail House, currently undergoing construction, consists of two old jail cells located in the building’s cellar with simple cots hanging from the walls. The main floor of the building was once the town office. The jail cells, made of iron, are one of only two iron jail cells left in Maine. The Jail House building itself is made of sandstone, a scarce material, adding to the building’s uniqueness.
The community is very supportive of the Island Falls Historical Society’s efforts as they continue their renovations. The historical society’s future efforts are focused on finishing the Jail House renovations so that it can be open to the public for viewing.
The main floor of the Jail House will likely include two exhibits. One half of the building will consist of memorabilia from the town’s old schools, with the other half composed of specialized exhibitions. The Jail House will be open to the public starting in the Summer of 2022 for the 150th birthday of Island Falls.
Greg Ryan, historical society president, described his favorite part of the historical society as “the Tingley House experience.” “When you walk into the front door of this house, you could move right in… it is set up to be homey.. when you walk through the front door, you step back into time. It’s not like a regular museum where there are artifacts around. It feels like a home.” The plan is for the Tingley House to open back up this year (2021) around Memorial Day Weekend.
Click here to visit the Island Falls Historical Society webpage.
Address: 16 Nina Sawyer Ln (PO Box 204), Island Falls, ME 04747
Phone: (207) 463-2264