Poland Spring Bottling Plant and Spring House, Water bottling facility in South Poland, Maine, US
The Poland Spring Bottling Plant and Spring House is a water processing facility in Maine designed in the early 1900s. The main building displays a cross-shaped form with a central square tower topped by a copper dome, supported by Tuscan columns and framed by rusticated stone walls.
Construction finished in 1907 following designs by architect Harry Wilkerson for entrepreneur Edward P. Ricker. This occurred during an era when mineral springs were valued for health benefits and demand for pure spring water was rising across America.
The spring and its buildings represent a pivotal moment when American bottled water became a commercial product. Visitors can see how a natural resource transformed into a brand that shaped drinking habits across the country.
The site now operates as a museum and environmental education center featuring exhibits about the company's operations and history. Visitors can explore the buildings and view displays that explain how the water was processed and distributed.
The water received international recognition and awards at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago for its exceptional purity. This prestigious honor helped launch the brand to national prominence and established its reputation for quality.
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