Frozen in time like an old potato

Potatos rank high on the list of things associated with the state of Maine, so it should not come as a huge surprise that they figure in the history of the state. However, few of us actually know many of the specifics of Maine potato history. Hearken, and learn. Let it be noted that the nation's first frozen French fries were manufactured in Maine. State authorities have a chance to save the facility where this momentous occasion occurred as a historical property, with a little help.

Old frozen foods plant among endangered historic properties
June 29, 2007
LEWISTON, Maine --A vacant factory in Washburn that was the production site for the nation's first frozen French fries was among six sites included Friday in Maine Preservation's annual list of the state's Most Endangered Historic Properties.

Taterstate Frozen Foods, which operated from 1941 to 1958, has potential for an agricultural museum and new agricultural businesses, the nonprofit group said. It identified the property as a Brownfields site, which indicates that its reuse may be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance or contaminant.

The announcement of this year's listings came at a news conference at the Bates Mill No. 5 Weave Shed in Lewiston, one of the listed sites. Others include the former Gerald Hotel in Fairfield, the Hubbard Cotton Store in Hiram, the Buck Memorial Library in Bucksport and the Hancock County Sheriff's Home and Jail in Ellsworth.
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[Click to read full article here: Source]

More on this year's list of endangered properties here, including photos.