Editing Harrison, Maine

{{Short description| Town in the state of Maine, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Harrison, Maine
|settlement_type          = [[New England town|Town]]
|nickname                 =
|motto                    =

<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            = File:HarrisonME Ballroom.jpg
|imagesize                =
|image_caption            = The Ballroom (2014)
|image_flag               =
|image_seal               =

<!-- Maps -->
|image_map                = Cumberland County Maine incorporated and unincorporated areas Harrison highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 260px
|map_caption              = Location in [[Cumberland County, Maine|Cumberland County]] and the state of [[Maine]].

<!-- Location -->
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Maine]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Maine|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Cumberland County, Maine|Cumberland]]
|parts_type               = Villages
|parts                    = Harrison<br>Bolsters&nbsp;Mills
|government_footnotes     =
|government_type          =
|leader_title             =
|leader_name              =
|leader_title1            =
|leader_name1             =
|established_title        = Incorporated
|established_date         = 1805

<!-- Area -->
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name ="Gazetteer files"/>
|area_magnitude           =
|area_total_km2           = 95.34
|area_land_km2            = 85.96
|area_water_km2           = 9.38
|area_total_sq_mi         = 36.81
|area_land_sq_mi          = 33.19
|area_water_sq_mi         = 3.62

<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           =
|pop_est_as_of            =
|population_total         = 2447
|population_density_km2   = 28.5
|population_density_sq_mi =

<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
|utc_offset               = -5
|timezone_DST             = EDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -4
|elevation_footnotes      =
|elevation_m              = 176
|elevation_ft             = 577
|coordinates              = {{coord|44|6|14|N|70|39|12|W|region:US-ME|display=inline}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code              = 04040
|area_code                = [[Area code 207|207]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 23-31600
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 0582513
|website                  ={{URL|www.harrisonmaine.org}}
|footnotes                =
}}
'''Harrison''' is a town in [[Cumberland County, Maine|Cumberland County]], [[Maine]], United States. Harrison is included in the [[Lewiston-Auburn]], Maine metropolitan New England city and town area. The population was 2,447 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="Census 2020">{{Cite web |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0600000US2300531600 |title=Census - Geography Profile: Harrison town, Cumberland County, Maine |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref> A historic resort area, Harrison straddles [[Long Lake (Maine)|Long Lake]] and Crystal Lake. It is part of the [[Portland, Maine|Portland]]–[[South Portland, Maine|South Portland]]–[[Biddeford, Maine|Biddeford]], Maine [[Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area|metropolitan statistical area]].

==History==

The [[Massachusetts General Court]] granted Otis Field Plantation in 1771 to [[James Otis, Jr.|James Otis]] and other heirs of Captain John Gorham and his company for their service in the 1690 [[Battle of Quebec (1690)|Battle of Quebec]]. It replaced a 1736 grant which had been ruled invalid. In 1797, the plantation was incorporated as [[Otisfield, Maine|Otisfield]]. On March 8, 1805, Harrison was set off and incorporated from portions of Otisfield and [[Bridgton, Maine|Bridgton]]. It was named after a principal landowner, [[Harrison Gray Otis (politician)|Harrison Gray Otis]] of [[Boston]], the heir of James Otis.<ref name=Coolidge>{{Cite book |last=Coolidge |first=Austin J. |author2=John B. Mansfield |title=A History and Description of New England |publisher=A.J. Coolidge |year=1859 |location=Boston, Massachusetts |page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_OcoMAAAAYAAJ/page/n188 154] |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_OcoMAAAAYAAJ |quote=coolidge mansfield history description new england 1859.}}</ref>

In the autumn of 1792, two brothers from [[Gorham, Maine|Gorham]], John and Nathan Carsley, built a camp and cleared land in Harrison. During the winter they returned to Gorham, coming back in March 1793 with their wives. Because John Carsley and his wife remained in Harrison when Nathan Carsley and his wife resumed living in Gorham until 1796, he is considered the town's first permanent settler. More pioneers arrived, living in [[log cabin|log house]]s chinked with [[moss]]. The outlet of Crystal Lake into Long Lake provided [[water power]] for industry, and James Sampson erected at Harrison village the first [[sawmill]] and [[gristmill]]. Over the years other industries followed, including a wire-making business, [[blacksmith]]y, [[roof shingle|shingle]] mill, [[safety harness|harness-maker]], [[foundry]], [[carriage]] maker, [[clothing]] maker and [[shoemaking|shoe]] shop. Scribner's Mill (now a museum) was built in 1847 on the [[Crooked River (Songo River)|Crooked River]]. On the Bear River, in 1867 the Harrison Water Power Company established the Bear River Woolen Mill, destroyed by fire in 1872.<ref name="ReferenceA">Alphonso Moulton, Howard L. Sampson and Granville Fernald, ''Centennial History of Harrison, Maine'', 1909; published by the Southworth Printing Company, Portland, Maine</ref>

In 1832, the [[Cumberland and Oxford Canal]] opened, connecting [[Portland, Maine|Portland]] with [[Sebago Lake]]. A series of 27 [[lock (water transport)|locks]] lifted vessels from sea level at [[Casco Bay]] to Sebago Lake, {{convert|270|ft}} above sea level. From there they traveled up the [[Songo River]] to [[Brandy Pond (Cumberland County, Maine)|Brandy Pond]], then continued along the [[Chute River]] to Long Lake. As the company name indicates, the canal was originally planned to reach [[Oxford County, Maine|Oxford County]], but instead terminated at Harrison. The town became a center for trade and transportation, with [[wharf|wharves]] and [[warehouse]]s lining the shore.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

[[Image:Caswell Public Library, Harrison, ME.jpg|thumb|right|Caswell Library in 1914, built in 1908 and now on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]]]
In 1847, the Sebago & Long Pond Steam Navigation Company built ''Fawn'', the first [[steamboat]] to ply the lakes and waterways. It had a shallow [[draft (hull)|draft]] to navigate the winding Songo River, with passengers asked to shift sides as [[sailing ballast|ballast]] to keep both [[paddlewheel]]s in the water around sharp curves. The lakes became a popular summer tourist destination, with The Elm House (later called The Elms Inn) opening in 1860. When the [[Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad]] commenced service to [[Standish, Maine|Sebago Lake Station]] in 1870, the canal was abandoned as obsolete. Beginning in 1898, the [[Bridgton and Saco River Railroad]], a [[narrow gauge]] line, delivered freight and passengers directly to Harrison.

In 1906, the Harrison Hotel opened. Camp Kineo operated beside Long Lake as a camp for boys. Today, Harrison remains a recreational area. Harrison is also home to [http://fernwoodcove.com Fernwood Cove], a half-season summer camp for girls on the same spot as Camp Chickawah was. It is located on Island Pond.<ref>Reverend G. T. Ridlon, ''History of the Settlement and Early Settlers of Harrison, Maine'', 1877; Published by Kilby & Woodbury; Skowhegan, Maine 1877</ref>

In 1936 the Historic Deertrees Theatre was built by Enrica Clay Dillon and is still home to countless theatre, opera and music performances, including the Sebago Long Lake Music Festival.

<gallery>
Image:Main Street, Harrison, ME.jpg|Main Street in 1912
Image:Camp Kineo, Harrison, ME.jpg|Camp Kineo in 1914
Image:The Elms Inn, Harrison, ME.jpg|The Elms Inn in 1910
</gallery>

==Geography==

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|36.81|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|33.19|sqmi|sqkm|2}}  is land and {{convert|3.62|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name ="Gazetteer files">{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/gazetteer2010.html |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=December 16, 2012}}</ref> Harrison is drained by the Bear River and [[Crooked River (Songo River)|Crooked River]].

The Maine state routes that cross through Harrison are [[Maine State Route 35|35]] and [[Maine State Route 117|117]]. Harrison is bordered by the town of [[Bridgton, Maine|Bridgton]] to its west, [[Waterford, Maine|Waterford]] and [[Norway, Maine|Norway]] to its north, [[Otisfield, Maine|Otisfield]] to its east, and [[Naples, Maine|Naples]] to its south.

===Crystal Lake===

{{Infobox body of water
 | name = Crystal Lake
 | image =
 | caption =
 | image_bathymetry =
 | caption_bathymetry =
 | location =
 | coords = {{coord|44|07|N|70|40|W|type:waterbody_region:US-ME|display=inline}}<ref name="gnis">{{gnis|564634|Crystal Lake}}</ref>
 | lake_type =
|pushpin_map=Maine
 | inflow =
 | outflow = Long Lake
 | catchment =
 | basin_countries = United States
 | length = {{convert|1.5|mi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name=dmc>{{cite book |title=The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer |publisher=DeLorme Mapping Company |edition=Thirteenth |date=1988 |location=Freeport, Maine |page=10 |isbn=0-89933-035-5}}</ref>
 | width =
 | area = {{convert|446|acre}}<ref name=web>{{cite web |url=http://www.pearl.maine.edu/Browseglobal.asp?PNI=LAKES_STREAMS&NoOfInputs=0&mode=DATA&TABLENAME=ADMIN_GMC03&action=DISPLAYFIELDS |title=Maine Lakes: Morphometry and Geographic Information |access-date=July 31, 2008 |author=Maine Depts. of Environmental Protection and Inland Fisheries & Wildlife |date=August 4, 2005 |publisher=Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Environmental and Watershed Research, The [[University of Maine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060903111335/http://www.pearl.maine.edu/Browseglobal.asp?PNI=LAKES_STREAMS&NoOfInputs=0&mode=DATA&TABLENAME=ADMIN_GMC03&action=DISPLAYFIELDS |archive-date=September 3, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
 | depth =
 | max-depth = {{convert|65|ft|m}}<ref name=f&g>{{cite web |url=http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/lakesurvey_maps/cumberland/crystal_lake_anonymous_pond.pdf |title=Crystal Lake |website=Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife |publisher=State of Maine |access-date=May 17, 2016}}</ref>
 | volume = {{convert|14254|acre.ft|abbr=on|lk=in}}<ref name=web/>
 | residence_time =
 | shore =
 | elevation = {{convert|308|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="gnis"/>
 | islands =
 | cities =
 | reference =
}}
Crystal Lake (formerly ''Anonymous Pond'') is north of Long Lake, and overflows into Long Lake through downtown Harrison.<ref name=dmc/> [[Smallmouth bass]] thrive in the lake, with a few [[lake trout]].<ref name=f&g/>

==Demographics==

{{US Census population
|1810= 439
|1820= 789
|1830= 1068
|1840= 1243
|1850= 1416
|1860= 1251
|1870= 1219
|1880= 1168
|1890= 1071
|1900= 969
|1910= 967
|1920= 901
|1930= 966
|1940= 1026
|1950= 1026
|1960= 1014
|1970= 1045
|1980= 1667
|1990= 1951
|2000= 2315
|2010= 2730
|2020= 2447
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

===2010 census===

As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=December 16, 2012}}</ref> of 2010, there were 2,730 people, 1,113 households, and 779 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|82.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 1,761 housing units at an average density of {{convert|53.1|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 97.4% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.3% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.7% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.2% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.3% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.1% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 1,113 households, of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.0% were non-families. 23.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the town was 45.3 years. 21.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.2% were from 25 to 44; 35% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.3% male and 48.7% female.

===2000 census===

As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 2,315 people, 920 households, and 662 families living in the town. The population density was {{convert|70.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.  There were 1,430 housing units at an average density of {{convert|43.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 98.79% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.52% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.04% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.04% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], and 0.60% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.52% of the population.

There were 920 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,478, and the median income for a family was $42,159. Males had a median income of $30,726 versus $22,311 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $17,898. About 6.9% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

== Notable people ==
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· The article must mention how they are associated with Harrison, whether born, raised, or residing.
· The fact of their association should have a reliable source cited.
· Alphabetical by last name please.
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* [[Horace A. Barrows]], a 19th-century physician, maker of plant-based medicines and advocate of vegetarian diet who invested  in the building of the Barrows-Scribner's Mills sawmill and [[Scribner Homestead]]
* [[Edward H. Hill]], founder of [[Central Maine Medical Center]]
* [[Melville E. Ingalls]], Massachusetts state legislator and railroad president
* [[George Lakin]], US senator from [[Wisconsin]] and [[United States District Attorney]]
*[[Frank Edward Lowe]], United States Army Major General, trusted advisor to US [[Harry S. Truman|President Harry Truman]] during the [[Korean War]]. Lowe acted as President Harry Truman's "eyes and ears" in Korea.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |url=https://worldcat.org/title/430144 |last=Ward |first=Ernest E. |year=1967 |title=My First Sixty Years in Harrison, Maine |publisher=Cardinal Printing |location=Denmark, Maine |oclc=430144}}

==External links==
* [http://www.harrisonmaine.org/ Town of Harrison official website]
* [http://www.harrison.lib.me.us/ Harrison Village Library]
* Deertrees Theatre http://www.deertrees-theatre.org
* [http://www.harrisonfriendlyriders.net/ Harrison Friendly Riders Snowmobile Club]
* [http://www.maine.gov/local/cumberland/harrison/ Harrison at Maine.Gov] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026103449/http://www.maine.gov/local/cumberland/harrison/ |date=October 26, 2007 }}
* [http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=2153 Epodunk Town Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822072420/http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=2153 |date=August 22, 2007 }}
* [http://www.mainegenealogy.net/individual_place_record.asp?place=harrison Maine Genealogy: Harrison, Cumberland County, Maine]

{{Commons category|Harrison, Maine}}

{{Cumberland County, Maine}}
{{Presumpscot River}}

{{Coord|44|06|37|N|70|40|45|W|type:city_region:US-ME|display=title}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Harrison, Maine| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Cumberland County, Maine]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1805]]
[[Category:Portland metropolitan area, Maine]]
[[Category:Towns in Maine]]
[[Category:1805 establishments in Massachusetts]]