History of Rumford, Maine in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 16, 2025

Rumford, Maine, located in Oxford County, had a population of 5,858 in 2020. The town is notable as the location of ND Paper Inc's Rumford Mill, a major paper production facility. It also serves as home to the Black Mountain of Maine ski resort, making it a destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Thus, Rumford's economy is tied to both manufacturing and tourism.

1900: Hugh Chisholm commissions Cass Gilbert

In 1900, Hugh Chisholm commissioned Cass Gilbert to plan Strathglass Park in Rumford, instructing him to build with brick, stone, and slate to provide comfort, elegance, and social gratification for the company housing.

1901: Strathglass Carries Designs and Realty Company

In 1901, Cass Gilbert produced 5 different designs for 51 duplexes in Strathglass Carries. Also in 1901, Hugh Chisholm founded The Rumford Realty Company to build the oval-shaped development, with maintenance provided by the Oxford Paper Company.

1920: Building Boom Ends

Around 1920, the building boom in Rumford, Maine, that began in 1890 ended. During this time much of the mill town was built and Rumford retains significant Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

June 1941: Sinking of "The Don"

In June 1941, the cabin cruiser "The Don" sunk off of Harpswell, Maine with 34 residents of Rumford on board. The cause of the wreck was never determined.

1948: Dissolution of Rumford Realty Company

In 1948, with the dissolution of the Rumford Realty Company, the existing duplex buildings were first offered for sale to the tenant of the two with the longest residency. But later, each half of the single building was sold creating two owners of each building.

1961: Rumford Historical Society Founded

In 1961, the Rumford Historical Society was founded under the sponsorship of Louis Thibodeau, Minerva Anderson, and Jonathan Mackenzie to preserve the history of Rumford and encourage community involvement.

1974: Strathglass Park Added to National Register

In 1974, Strathglass Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district, recognized for its unique architectural and social merit.

2000: Census Data

As of the census of 2000, there were 6,472 people living in the town with 2,876 households and 1,754 families. The population density was 94.3 inhabitants per square mile (36.4/km).

2010: Census Data

As of the census of 2010, the population in the town was 5,841 people, with 2,674 households and 1,524 families. The population density was 85.2 inhabitants per square mile (32.9/km).