LISBON — The Worumbo Mill is coming down.
The iconic building, with the curious tree growing on its roof, is expected to be gone by the end of summer, according to its owners.
Positive Change Lisbon, which announced the news earlier this week, seemed to recognize the nostalgia associated with the mill.
“While this mill has been a huge part of this community’s history, and will be missed by many, we see this as a very positive step forward,” the group wrote. “We are aware that many would love to see this mill renovated but that is simply not a feasible option.”
For nearly 100 years, the bone-white building has towered over Lisbon Falls’ downtown, drawing the gaze even of people who see it every day. It was a link to the town’s past, a useful navigational landmark and the subject of fiction.
Locals reacted to the news with sadness but also with resignation.
“Might as well tear it down,” Bonnie Hunter of Lisbon wrote. “There isn’t much left to our town. Just take a look. Pretty sad.”
“Bad building, great name,” David Marquis said. “Rename Lisbon Falls to Worumbo Falls.”
“It’s not useful but it’s got tons of history and sentimental ties,” wrote Barbara Dupee Kazimer of Lisbon. “So many folks in town have worked there or have family that has. On the other hand, it’ll be exciting if something comes about that enriches our town with use of the land. We just have to hope for the best.”
Miller Industries, which owns the mill, confirmed this week that the building would be torn down and the property sold. Most recently the home of a fabric warehouse, the building has remained vacant since 2006, the target of vandals and burglars.
The mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, although that designation will not save it. Miller Industries has said that demolition will begin as soon as the proper state and local paperwork has been completed.
With the mill will go the fanciful speculation of many.
A decade ago, a conspiracy theory group suggested that the old building was a warehouse for either dead or living aliens and part of a government cover-up. Others say the mill is merely haunted. Stephen King, in his novel “11/22/63,” had Worumbo as the site of a time-travel portal.
“Where will the aliens go?” wondered a Litchfield man on the Positive Change Facebook page.
“Where will all the ghosts go?” a Lewiston woman wondered.
While some waxed nostalgic about the news of demolition, others offered a more practical stance.
“Urban renewal time is always good for the community,” said Rayne Poussard, formerly of Sabattus. “It is a blight on the town as it is in disrepair with no practical use whatever. It will be nice to see the Androscoggin again.”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
