Before We Forget Remembering Upper Mills

Border communities are unique, and Upper Mills in Charlotte County, New Brunswick is no exception. The community had its start in 1784 when one Revolutionary War veteran settled on the bank of the St. Croix River. He built the first mill on the far bank in 1805, and then constructed the first bridge across the St Croix River. Farmers, woods workers and mill hands established settlements at both ends of the bridge, and they functioned as one community. When the St. Croix River became the international border in 1839, daily life in Upper Mills, New Brunswick and Baring, Maine remained unchanged. A Customs Office wasn’t even established in Upper Mills until 1903. How the connection formed by work, family and friendship survived for 150 years, and was finally broken, is central to Upper Mills’ history. The journey of eight families are brought to life with personal memories. Equally important is what keeps the community strong today. Learn how the community evolved, how its families adapted to change over time and how they maintain their connection to the past.“Before We Forget: Remembering Upper Mills” will make you look at your community differently, and it will nurture curiosity about the evolution of your own family. Images from the past will encourage discussions over old scrapbooks and family stories will emerge. By honouring and remembering the past, we ensure it isn’t forgotten.