Editing Phillips, Maine

{{Short description| Town in the state of Maine, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Phillips, Maine
| settlement_type    = [[New England town|Town]]
| nickname           = 
| motto              = <!-- Images -->
| image_skyline      = Main Street, From Union Church Tower, Phillips, ME.jpg
| imagesize          = 
| image_caption      = Main Street in 1907
| image_flag         = 
| image_seal         = <!-- Maps -->
| pushpin_map        = Maine
| pushpin_label      = Phillips
| pushpin_label_position = <!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within the state of Maine
| pushpin_mapsize    = 
| image_map          = 
| mapsize            = 
| map_caption        = 
| image_map1         = 
| mapsize1           = 
| map_caption1       = <!-- 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  = [[Franklin County, Maine|Franklin]]
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = 
| leader_title       = 
| leader_name        = 
| leader_title1      = 
| leader_name1       = 
| established_title  = [[Incorporation (municipal government)|Incorporated]]
| established_date   = 1812

<!-- Area -->| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name ="Gazetteer files"/>
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 132.06
| area_land_km2      = 131.60
| area_water_km2     = 0.47
| area_total_sq_mi   = 50.99
| area_land_sq_mi    = 50.81
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.18

<!-- Population -->| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_est     = 
| pop_est_as_of      = 
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 898
| population_density_km2 = 6.8
| 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        = 357
| elevation_ft       = 1171
| coordinates        = {{coord|44|50|25|N|70|22|20|W|region:US-ME|display=inline}}
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]]
| postal_code        = 04966
| area_code          = [[Area code 207|207]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 23-58445
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 0582674
| website            = {{URL|http://www.phillipsmaine.com/}}
| footnotes          = 
}}
'''Phillips''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Franklin County, Maine|Franklin County]], [[Maine]], United States. The population was 898 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0600000US2300758445|title=Census - Geography Profile: Phillips town, Franklin County, Maine|access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> It is home to the [[Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad]], a [[heritage railroad]].

==History==
The plantation was part of a large tract granted by [[Massachusetts General Court|Massachusetts]] about 1790 to Jonathan Phillips of [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]]. It was first settled in 1791 by Perkins Allen from [[Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts|Martha's Vineyard]], a [[sea captain]] who called it Curvo. It was incorporated on February 25, 1812, and named for Phillips. The town was noted both for its productive soil, with [[hay]] the chief crop, and its superior [[water power]]. At [[waterfall|falls]] along the [[Sandy River (Kennebec River)|Sandy River]] were erected [[sawmill]]s, [[gristmill]]s, a [[fulling]] mill and a [[carding]] machine.<ref name=Coolidge>{{Cite book | last = Coolidge | first = Austin J.|author2=John B. Mansfield | title = A History and Description of New England| year = 1859| location = Boston, Massachusetts| pages = 257–259| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=OcoMAAAAYAAJ&q=coolidge%20mansfield%20history%20description%20new%20england%201859&pg=PA257}}</ref>

Other industries included a [[starch]] factory, [[Tanning (leather)|tannery]], [[furniture]] factory, [[boot]] and [[shoemaking|shoe]] factory, [[carriage]] maker, and [[horse harness|harness]] maker. Most significantly, however, Phillips became prosperous as the center for [[lumbering]] in the [[Rangeley Lake]] region. At first, [[lumber]] was shipped during winter months on [[sledge]]s dragged across the snow by [[oxen]]. But then in 1879, the [[narrow-gauge]] [[Sandy River Railroad]] opened to [[Farmington, Maine|Farmington]], where the [[Maine Central Railroad]] carried [[freight]] to further destinations.<ref>[http://history.rays-place.com/me/phillips-me.htm George J. Varney, ''History of Phillips, Maine'', Boston, Massachusetts 1886]</ref> In 1891, the line became the [[Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad]]. Although the railroad closed in 1935, a short section has been revived as a [[tourist attraction]] and museum.<ref>{{cite web
   |url=http://www.srrl-rr.org/museum/history/
   |title=History: Today's SR&RL RR
   |publisher=Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad
   |access-date=April 5, 2017 }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|50.99|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|50.81|sqmi|sqkm|2}}  is land and {{convert|0.18|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> Phillips is drained by the [[Sandy River (Kennebec River)|Sandy River]], a [[tributary]] of the [[Kennebec River]].

The town is bordered by [[Madrid, Maine|Madrid]] and Salem Townships to the north, Township 6 North of Weld to the west, [[Weld, Maine|Weld]] and [[Avon, Maine|Avon]] to the south, and Freeman Township to the east.

Phillips is crossed by state routes [[Maine State Route 4|4]], [[Maine State Route 142|142]] and [[Maine State Route 149|149]].

===Toothaker Pond===
{{Infobox body of water
| name               = Toothaker Pond
| image              = 
| caption            = 
| pushpin_map        = Maine
| image_bathymetry   = 
| caption_bathymetry = 
| location           = 
| coords             = {{coord|44|52|N|70|24|W|type:waterbody_region:US-ME|display=inline}}<ref name=gnis>{{gnis|577200|Toothaker Pond}}</ref>
| lake_type          = 
| inflow             = 
| outflow            = [[Sandy River (Kennebec River)|Sandy River]]
| catchment          = 
| basin_countries    = 
| length             = {{convert|500|yd|m|abbr=on}}
| width              = 
| area               = {{convert|23|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|20|ft|m}}<ref name=f&g>{{cite web |url=http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/lakesurvey_maps/franklin/toothaker_pond.pdf |title=Toothaker Pond |website=Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife |publisher=State of Maine |access-date=May 26, 2016 }}</ref>
| volume             = {{convert|134|acre.ft|abbr=on|lk=in}}<ref name=web/>
| residence_time     = 
| shore              = 
| elevation          = {{convert|794|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=gnis/>
| islands            = 
| cities             = 
| reference          = 
}}

The Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad followed the west shore of Toothaker pond in the northern part of Phillips. The pond overflows into the Sandy River {{convert|1|mi|km}} to the south. [[Berlin Mills Co.]] built a sawmill in 1902 using Toothaker Pond as a [[log pond]].<ref>{{cite book| title=The Maine Scenic Route |author=Crittenden, H. Temple |publisher=McClain Printing |year=1966 |pages=80&81 }}</ref> The pond shoreline was developed with residences and seasonal cabins after the sawmill closed in 1908. The pond has summer algal blooms and dissolved [[oxygen]] deficiencies. It holds [[Brook Trout]], [[rainbow smelt]], [[golden shiner]], [[Yellow Perch]] and [[redbelly dace]].<ref name=f&g/>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1820= 634
|1830= 954
|1840= 1312
|1850= 1673
|1860= 1698
|1870= 1373
|1880= 1437
|1890= 1394
|1900= 1399
|1910= 1423
|1920= 1353
|1930= 1143
|1940= 1186
|1950= 1088
|1960= 1021
|1970= 979
|1980= 1092
|1990= 1148
|2000= 990
|2010= 1028
|2020= 898
|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 1,028 people, 454 households, and 284 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|20.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 668 housing units at an average density of {{convert|13.1|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 97.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.2% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], and 1.8% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.1% of the population.

There were 454 households, of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.4% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.76.

The median age in the town was 45.5 years. 21.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.9% were from 25 to 44; 34.6% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.6% male and 51.4% 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 990 people, 407 households, and 275 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|19.4|/sqmi|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|abbr=out}}. There were 626 housing units at an average density of {{convert|12.3|/sqmi|/km2|abbr=out}}. The racial makeup of the town was 98.79% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.10% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.51% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.10% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], and 0.51% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.40% of the population.

There were 407 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,579, and the median income for a family was $32,284. Males had a median income of $26,413 versus $19,250 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $13,840. About 9.3% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 20.6% of those under age 18 and 20.5% of those age 65 or over.

==Schools==
Phillips is part of [[Maine School Administrative District 58]], and home to Phillips Elementary School.

==Stereoscopic views==

<gallery>
Image:View in Phillips, Maine, from Robert N. Dennis collection of stereoscopic views.jpg|General view {{circa|1872–1873}}
Image:Barden House, Phillips, Maine, from Robert N. Dennis collection of stereoscopic views 2.jpg|Barden House
Image:Kimball's Hotel, Phillips, Maine, from Robert N. Dennis collection of stereoscopic views.jpg|Kimball's Hotel
</gallery>

==Sites of interest==

* [http://www.state.me.us/doc/nrimc/mgs/explore/surficial/sites/aug04.htm Daggett Rock – Maine's Largest Glacial Erratic]
* [http://phillipshs.mainememory.net/page/2758/display.html Phillips Historical Society]<ref>{{cite news
   |url=http://www.theirregular.com/news/2015-08-19/Community_(and)_Local_News/Phillips_Historical_Society_open_this_weekend.html
   |publisher=[[The Irregular]]
   |title=Phillips Historical Society open this weekend
   |author=Bangs, B.J.
   |date=August 19, 2015
|access-date= April 5, 2017
}}</ref>
* [http://www.srrl-rr.org/ Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad – museum and heritage railroad]

== Notable people ==
<!-- Note:
· Only people who already have a Wikipedia article may appear here. This establishes notability.
· The article must mention how they are associated with Phillips, whether born, raised, or residing.
· The fact of their association should have a reliable source cited.
· Alphabetical by last name please.
· All others will be deleted.
-->

* [[Horace A. Barrows]], 19th century physician, maker of plant-based medicines and advocate of vegetarian diet
* [[Carroll L. Beedy]], US congressman
* [[Nathan Cook Brackett]], abolitionist, founder of [[Storer College]] and [[Bluefield State College]]
* [[Minnie D. Craig]], legislator
* [[J. Blaine Morrison]], Maine legislator and lawyer
* [[Andrew Bonney Robbins]], entrepreneur, civil war veteran, real estate developer
* Norman Harry Rothschild, eminent scholar of Tang Dynasty China and professor of history at the University of North Florida
* [[John P. Soule]], photographer, publisher
* [[C. J. Stevens]], writer
* [[Augustus Stinchfield]], physician

==Climate==
This [[climate|climatic]] region has large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Phillips has a [[humid continental climate]], abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=507671&cityname=Phillips%2C+Maine%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Phillips, Maine]</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.phillipsmaine.com/ Town of Phillips, Maine]
* [http://www.phillips.lib.me.us/ Phillips Public Library]
* [http://www.northfranklinsnowmobileclub.org/ North Franklin Snowmobile Club]
* [http://www.maine.gov/local/franklin/phillips/ Maine.gov – Phillips, Maine]

{{Franklin County, Maine}}
{{Kennebec River}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Coord|44|49|23|N|70|20|22|W|type:city_region:US-ME|display=title}}

[[Category:Phillips, Maine| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Franklin County, Maine]]
[[Category:Towns in Maine]]