The Megunticook River is a very short, very steep stream in Camden, Maine.
At one time there were ten or more active mills and dam sites on the stream. The town of Camden was settled and grew on the Megunticook River because of the water power of the Megunticook for its businesses and industries.
Our special “Jane’s Walk” will be visiting three or four of the remaining dam sites Saturday, May 4, 2024 — 2:00 p.m. The walk will show a dramatic waterfall at each site. There is an ongoing debate about the future of these dams and their waterfalls. This walk will be led by members of “Save the Dam Falls,” which is offering a counter-argument to the campaign to remove the dams, millponds, and waterfalls, particularly the spectacular Montgomery Falls at the head of the harbor.
The town has dedicated a $1.6 million fund to run a PR campaign to design and promote dam removal. Depending on the outcome, this could be your last chance to visit the Knowlton Street waterfall, the Knox Mill dam, and the gorgeous Montgomery Dam and waterfall.
These treasures mean a great deal to the citizens of Camden and should not be removed casually. The walk leaders will be well prepared in the historical, wildlife, and engineering aspects of the river and how the proposed changes will impact them.
Most of the walk area will be wheelchair-accessible and parts of the walk will be near refreshment sources.
ACCESSIBILITY:
A potential early part of the planned tour could be a walk to a beaver dam upriver from the Knowlton Dam along an occasionally rough (depending on weather) walking trail. Almost all of the rest of the walk would be along well-paved sidewalks. Parking is available at both the beginning and end of the walk, and rides can be provided to the start.
STARTING LOCATION:
The parking lot off Knowlton St., across the street from the Knowlton Street Dam, Camden Maine. Saturday, May 4, 2024 — 2:00 p.m. Approximately 90 minutes.
Knowlton Street Dam
Camden, Maine 04843
ENDING LOCATION:
The Camden Deli, a popular dining and gathering place in Camden which has large bay windows looking out over the endangered Montgomery Dam and its waterfalls that pour down into scenic Camden Harbor.
WHAT IS JANE’S WALK?
Jane’s Walk is a global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by community activist Jane Jacobs.
Jane’s Walks combine the simple act of exploring a place with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement.
The annual Jane’s Walk festival takes place the first weekend in May, in more than 200 cities and towns around the globe. This year, the walk roster will be available in mid-April and the festival will be held in Maine on Saturday, May 4.
WHO WAS JANE JACOBS?
The “Jane” in the name is Jane Jacobs who led the famous, courageous, and successful opposition to a plan by Robert Moses, New York City’s notorious “Improvements Czar”, who was planning to ramrod the creation of a highway through downtown New York City’s iconic Greenwich Village, backed by tens of millions of “development” dollars and vested interests.
The Save The Dam Falls effort is in many ways the same sort of struggle.
GET IN TOUCH
Jane’s Walk ME is coordinated by Friends of Congress Square Park, Greater Portland Landmarks, Maine Downtown Center, Maine Preservation, and Portland Downtown.
