Loading map...

1956 Map of Old Orchard Beach

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Old Orchard Beach
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

Old Orchard Beach and the adjacent shores of Saco Bay define the coastal character of this mid-century landscape. The map illustrates a dense concentration of civic and religious institutions, including the Campground Tabernacle, Jameson School, and the grounds of Thornton Academy. The commercial and social fabric of the era is evident in the inclusion of the Beech Ridge Speedway and the Drive-in Theater, reflecting the automotive culture that began to dominate the region following the construction of the Maine Turnpike.

Away from the beachfront, the terrain transitions into the significant wetland of The Heath and the winding course of the Nonesuch River. The transport network is anchored by the Boston and Maine Railroad, which serves established settlements like Dunstan, West Scarborough, and Ocean Park. This survey provides a look at the transition from traditional mill sites like Milliken Mills to a modern recreation-based economy, while still noting older landmarks such as Heath Church and Phillips Spring.