1956 Map of Norridgewock

About this map

The Kennebec River and Sandy River converge near the historic settlement of Norridgewock, anchoring a landscape defined by its intricate network of lakes and ponds. During the mid-twentieth century, this region supported a mix of agricultural hamlets like Starks and East Mercer alongside a growing seasonal recreation economy centered on the Belgrade Lakes chain. The Central Maine Railroad tracks parallel the river, serving the northern reaches of the quadrangle, while specialized sites like Pine Tree Camp and Camp Abena reflect the area's established role in Maine's summer camp tradition. Family-named landmarks such as Dodling Hill and Bigelow Hill rise above the many water bodies, including North Pond and East Pond. This mapping reveals the detailed infrastructure of the era, from the Norridgewock Airport to numerous country schoolhouses and cemeteries like Sunset View Cem, providing a clear record of local genealogy and community development.