Local History
A Brief History of the Bass Shoe Co. and our historic building.
In 1876, George Henry Bass founded his internationally famous shoe company on the banks of Wilson Lake in Wilton, Maine, “to build the best shoe for the purpose.” Our Restaurant is located in this, his original Bass Shoe Factory building.
This factory, along with Forster Mfg. Co. became major employers during the latter part of the 19th & the better part of the 20th centuries, providing generations of area residents with skilled, well paying jobs.
In 1938, Bass put a stylish spin on a Norwegian farm shoe & playfully dubbed them “Weejuns” introducing the world’s first Penny Loafer. In addition, Bass outfitted aviator Charles Lindbergh on the first nonstop flight from NY to Paris, Richard E. Byrd on his explorations of the Antarctic, WWII paratroopers, infantrymen, golfer Bobby Jones & countless Maine Guides, outdoorsmen, skiers, hikers & bon vivants until its closure in February 1998.
This building was originally powered by the rushing waters of Wilson Stream until the installation of steam boilers built by The Portland Co. in 1922, who’s logo became the inspiration for ours.
Now owned by the Phillips Van Heusen Co., the Bass brand lives on in quality products manufactured overseas.
If you’d like to learn more about Bass Shoe and the rich history of Wilton, Maine we encourage you to visit The Wilton Farm & Home Museum located in the white building just at the head of our parking lot.