©2019 River Valley Chamber of Commerce | info@rivervalleychamber.com | 207-364-3241
The present town of Rumford was settled as New Pennacook in 1774 as a farming community and became incorporated as Rumford in 1800. Since that time it has become the business center of the region with the NewPage Paper Company as its largest employer.
Rumford is a beautiful area filled with trees, streams and mountains. The Androscoggin River flows through the town and features a series of spectacular waterfalls. Together they have a total drop of 176 feet, making it the highest drop east of the Niagara Falls.
The Reflection Pool at the foot of the Falls is a peaceful place for relaxation and solitude. As visitors gaze over the pool they are transported back to a time when the Anasagunticook Indians visited the area to hunt and fish. The business district of the town is located on “The Island” located between the Androscoggin River and the canals that were constructed many years ago to supply water to the mill. The Island features restaurants and retail stores along with the local government offices.
Rumford is home to Black Mountain of Maine ski area, where competitors from far away have competed in national and world championship events. With its superb new facilities located just outside Rumford, Black Mountain Ski Resort’s employees and volunteers are dedicated to providing the best in family-affordable Alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing. Come inside the rustic modern lodge to warm up by one of two crackling fireplaces, enjoy your favorite food and beverages, and learn about the rich skiing heritage of the River Valley region. Check us out online at www.skiblackmountain.org.
Paul Bunyan and his ox, Babe, have been a popular attraction and great photo opportunity for many visiting the town of Rumford. These larger-than-life statues are located near the Information Center at the foot of the Falls. From there it is only a short walk over the bridge to “Shopper’s Island,” where you will find shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
The Rumford Mechanics Institute was founded in 1911 by Hugh J. Chisholm, founder of the Oxford Paper Company. It was built to “provide a place for learning in the sciences, mechanics, arts, and whatever social and athletic activities would help the people of Rumford and the surrounding area.” In 1972 the name was changed to the Greater Rumford Community center.
The GRCC, as a nonprofit organization, strives to provide affordable quality recreational programs and services for residents of the River Valley Area. The Center houses a gymnasium with walking track, a 24 hour fitness facility, racquetball court, numerous program rooms, a sauna, locker rooms and a game room. It is the home of an excellent gymnastics program offering instruction for toddlers through proven athletes involved in the successful year-round competition team. In addition to gymnastics, fall programs include; ju-jitsu, karate, aerobics, soccer, and flag football. In the winter, when basketball bounces into full swing, parents, grandparents, and friends fill the building with cheering and excitement.
Martial arts, fitness classes and basketball make for an extensive list of indoor winter activities. In late spring, the baseball and softball teams hit the fields to practice for hours of summer games. Youth and adult floor hockey is also offered. When the school year ends, more warm weather outdoor activities begin. The Black Mountain Pool is opened and supervised for refreshing swims and daily swim lessons. Summer soccer and swim lessons at Worthley Pond round out the exciting list of active things to do. If you are interested in joining the Greater Rumford Community Center, volunteering, or making a tax deductible contribution, please call 207-369-9906 or email grcc@gwi.net.
Town Office:
145 Congress Street
Rumford, ME 04276
Phone: 207-364-4576
Fax: 207-364-5642
Open: Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm
Rumford Public Library:
58 Rumford Avenue
Rumford, ME 04276
Phone: 207-364-3661
Monday & Saturday: 9am-2pm
Tuesday &Thursday: 9am-8pm
Wednesday & Friday: 9am-5pm