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Hugh J. Chisholm, Sr.

Hugh J. Chisholm, Sr.: His Ideas; His Actions; His Philanthropies
By Jane Welch Peterson & David Gawtry

Hugh J. Chisholm was born in in Chippewa, Ontario to Scottish immigrant Alexander Chisholm and former Mary Margaret Phelan of Chippewa, Ontario. He was the fifth of ten children, and when his father died on May 24, 1859, Hugh was forced to help provide for the family. He ultimately sold newspapers on the Grand Trunk Railroad System. He formed a partnership with his brother, in 1861, to publish papers for this system. During this time, he became friends with another newsboy about his age, Thomas A. Edison, the inventor; this friendship lasted throughout their lives.

Chisholm bought out his brother’s interest in the business in 1872; relocated from New York to Portland, ME., and married Henrietta Mason of Portland. After traveling frequently throughout Maine’s wilderness, and established the Somerset Fiber Company in Fairfield, ME. When it burned down, he established the Umbagog Pulp Company and became President and principal stockholder of that company in Livermore Falls, ME. (McKenna)

It was not until 1882 that he visited Rumford in a sleigh, on a cold winter’s day. He saw the potential of a commercial venture when he viewed the power and grandeur of the Rumford Falls. He realized that unless he could own and control the riparian rights above and around the Falls, his plans for dams, canal, mills, a power company, and a water district could not be finalized. He sought the assistance of a well-known, profitable, and well-liked local farmer outside of Rumford Center, Waldo Pettengill, to act as his agent to procure 1400 acres of land. It would take 8 years to complete all the transactions, and allow Chisholm to pursue his construction and manufacturing plans for creating a paper mill.

Chisholm’s taming of the Androscoggin River, through construction of a dam at the head of the Falls; digging a canal to channel waters and pulpwood to the mills’ interior; and a lower dam to form a large holding basin at the base of the Falls, was the beginning of his influence in the Town’s development.

Chisholm created the following companies in the Rumford region: Rumford Falls Paper Company Rumford Falls Sulfite Company, Rumford Falls Publishing Company, Rumford Falls Boom Company, Rumford Falls Light and Water Company, Rumford Falls Woolen Company, Rumford Falls Realty Company, and, finally, Oxford Paper Company (which was to become a family business, run by his son, Hugh J. Chisholm, Jr. and grandson, William H. Chisholm until it merged with Ethyl Corporation on August 1, 1967).

Much has been written about Hugh J. Chisholm and his skills at organizing companies. However, less is known about his philanthropic events, which had a major impact on the Town of Rumford. He had a goal to build a “model town” and engaged different firms to help lay out the lots and streets.

The Rumford Falls Times newspaper, on September 14, 1901 described Chisholm’s proposed construction of Strathglass Park, a group of brick homes for the workers of the area. The Rumford Falls Realty (an outgrowth of the Rumford Falls Power Company) was established to develop these residences. He named the region “Strathglass Park” in memory of his family’s origins in Scotland.

Chisholm’s other interests were to develop an attractive business district to be constructed between the canal and the Androscoggin River. He generously contributed lands for various churches to be built in Rumford. He believed in healthy living and provided a free public skating rink to be maintained by him. Individual donations to the Library; to mill workers at Christmas, and park maintenance were also attributed to him.

The Rumford Mechanics Institute, the largest building constructed by Chisholm on the business island, was Chisholm’s answer to a YMCA for the Town of Rumford. He formed two organizations (The Rumford Mechanics Institutes to direct the facility, and the Institute Land Company to construct the building.) His intent was for the facility to provide opportunities for recreation and education. The dedication, which Chisholm and his friends attended, was held on November 9, 1911.

Hugh J. Chisholm’s last visit to Rumford Falls, was to attend the dedication of the Institute Building. The Portland Daily Press, July 9, 1912, reported that he had attended the dedication via special rail car, returning to Portland and then to his New York City apartment. He died in New York City on July 8, 1912 at age 67.

SOURCES:
Hugh J. Chisholm’s Magic Town, 1882-1912, by Peter A. McKenna
A History of Rumford, Maine, 1774-2000 by John J. Leane (1858) and Rumford Historical Society and Elliot E. “Bud” Burns (1972)
Paper Times, August, 1976 “The Man”