Antique Adventure in Brunswick's Fort Andross

This weekend's Gypsy Girl Adventure took us to a beautifully restored textile mill on the Androscoggin River in Brunswick, Maine. Located across the bridge from its sister town, Topsham, both communities are rich in history and former mill towns.



Resource: www.thebollard.com

The former textile mill we visited is known to locals as Fort Andross. This historic brick structure, once known as the Cabot Mill, was built in 1688 and had been the home for manufacturers of cotton cloth, woolen broadcloth, synthetics, shoes, brushes and woven fiberglass. But like most textile mills, time and technology took its toll and the textile mill no longer serves its original purpose.

In recent years, major renovations to the mill complex has included modern office space and has attracted nonprofits, architectural, engineering and law firms, restaurants, conservation groups, antique and flea market dealers and artists. The mill is now known at "Fort Andross."

And of course, my favorite place in the mill is  Cabot Mill Antiques. This multi-dealer emporium features more than 160 beautiful displays of antique and vintage furniture, glasswear, jewelry, clothing, linens, artwork and much, much more.

This beautiful hanging sign greats you as you enter the antique mall.  Large windows along the front  help illuminate cut glass plates, McCoy pottery,  stained glass windows, oil lamps....

and plaster statues waiting to be brought home to a cottage garden.

I must say we had to laugh at this little item.  It's "a horror movie in  box" I told my friend. We affectionately named him "Chuckles."

But for the Gypsy Girl, there are linens and lace, buttons, vintage costume jewelry, shabby chic furniture and plenty of angels and cherubs.

Every nook and cranny is filled with a vintage surprise! I wanted something from every booth, but my budget only allowed for a few vintage linens, some doilies and buttons.  I was happy! 

By the end of our walk through the emporium we were a bit tired, but all the better for a chance to see some beautiful and interesting antiques and collectibles.  Thanks for joining me Nancy!