These 8 Businesses in Maine Were Founded Over 100 Years Ago

It takes a lot of hard work, a good product, and a loyal customer base to manage to stay in business in Maine for over 100 years. These eight Maine businesses opened up over 100 years ago and are still in business today.

L.L. Bean in Freeport – 112 years

Founded in Freeport in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean to sell his Maine hunting shoe out of one room, L.L.Bean has become a worldwide business with over 42 stores. They've now got a lot more than just the famous Maine hunting shoe, known today as the practical and fashion trendy Bean Boot. 112 years later, the flagship store remains where it all started in Freeport.

Ripley & Fletcher Ford in South Paris – 115 years

The oldest Ford dealership in New England was selling Model T's back in 1909 when it opened up for business in South Paris, right across from the railroad station where trains would regularly deliver new automobiles. Back in 1922, Ripley and Fletcher sold a Model T touring car to Eliza Davis of West Paris for $403 and two cows. The cars have changed, the railroad station is now Norway-Paris Soft Serve, but Ripley and Fletcher have remained in the same location selling cars for 115 years.

Amatos in Portland – 122 years

Giovanni Amato opened his sandwich shop on India Street in Portland in 1902, and named his signature sandwich an "Italian" after his home country. The Italian is now a Maine staple, and Amato's has the honor of serving the "real" Maine Italian. 115 years later, Amato's now has 49 stores in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, including the original in its same location on India Street.
Gieger in Lewiston, Maine – 146 Years

Originally founded in Newark, New Jersey, in 1878, Geiger Brothers, formerly known as Geiger Brothers, began as a print shop. In 1955, the company moved to Lewiston and is now simply named Geiger. It's an advertising specialties company that makes promo products with business logos on them, has remained a family-owned business for five generations, and is now headed by brothers Gene and Peter Geiger. You may know Peter as the guy who hands out king-size candy bars at Halloween.

Wyman's Blueberries of Maine – 150 years

Wyman's Blueberries was founded in 1874 in Millbridge, Maine, by Jasper Wyman. Today, it ships Maine blueberries and other fruits all across the county and parts of the world. John, Liz, Nick, Sara, and Tom are the great-grandchildren of our founder Jasper Wyman, and they run the company today.

Mathew's Pub in Portland – 152 years

The old green sign still hangs off the building outside Mathew's Pub on Free Street in Portland calling itself "Portland's Oldest Pub & Restaurant." Honestly, nothing exists to verify the claim, but it's been there as long as anyone alive can verify. It's gone by many names over the years, but no one is around anymore to know what it was originally called.

Deering Lumber – 158 years

Matthews Brothers in Belfast – 170 Years

Matthews Brothers was founded in Belfast in 1854 by brothers Noah, Spencer, and Sanford Matthews and manufactured doors, window sashes, blinds, shutters, and window and door frames. You can't miss their manufacturing facility on Perkins Road as you drive past its 900-foot length.