Axe Making in Maine
Axe Making in Maine
With its extensive logging industry Maine was a busy hub of axe production in the United States. More than 300 axe manufacturers have been identified operating in Maine between 1800 and 1960.
Oakland, Maine with a population of around 2,000 in 1900 supported more than a dozen axe factories including Emerson & Stevens, Spiller and Dunn Edge Tool – some of today’s most sought after vintage axes.
Production at Emerson & Stevens shop in Oakland was captured in this film made in 1964 just months before the company ceased production. It is a fascinating glimpse into the way axes were made by Maine craftsmen.
More detailed information on axe making in Maine, the stories behind the companies and their famous brands can be found on our blog posts:
Axe Making in Oakland, Maine - Part 1
Axe Making in Oakland, Maine - Part 2
Secrets of the Emerson & Stevens Company
"All In The Family" - The Spiller Axe Company of Oakland, Maine
Color Photos of Emerson & Stevens from the 1960's
Secrets of the Emerson & Stevens Company - Part 2
The Story of Lemuel Cotton & The Ebonoak Handle
We sell several books where you can find more information on Maine's famous axe makers.
Oakland - Images of America Series
Logging And Lumbering In Maine
Sources:
- Axe Makers of Maine, Donald G. Yeaton and Art Gaffer (self-published)
- Oakland, Maine, Oakland Area Historical Society (Arcadia, Portsmouth, NH 2004)
- “Oakland, Maine Axes and Other Edge Tools,” The Chronicle of the Early American Industries Association, September, 1981.
- Registry of Maine Toolmakers, H.G. Brack (Davistown Museum, ME 2010)
- "Oakland Axes," Memories of Maine, Summer, 2014
- History of Oakland, Maine. Michael J. Denis 2019