Edna May Sperl and Ben Hendricks with Douglas’ Orchestra, a local Augusta band. Submitted photo

AUGUSTA — The Kennebec Historical Society and the Maine State Library plans to present “Silent Films in Maine, Part II” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the library’s temporary location, 242 State St.

“Border River” with Evelyn Brent and Edgar Jones. Submitted photo

From 1919 to 1921, Augusta was home to a movie production company founded by Edgar Jones and local businessmen. His goal was to make “North Woods” films. He chose the Augusta area because of the Kennebec River, surrounding lakes and forestland, and its four seasons, according to a news release from the society.

Jones brought in a company of actors and a film crew, who all lived together at 129 Sewall St. Jones used locals as extras in the films. The films premiered at the Colonial Theater.

Jones worked with local writer Holman Day to adapt many of Day’s stories for the films. In 1921 Day and local businessmen took over the company, ousting Jones. Day soon bankrupted the company.

“A Knight of the Pines” with Edgar Jones and Edna May Sperl. Submitted photo

Six of the dozens of two-reel films from this era are known to survive. Four are archived at the Library of Congress in various collections, and British Film Institute donated a pair to Northeast Historic Film in Bucksport. Digital scans of the original 35-millimeter films, with new music scores added, were screened in June 2023 at the Colonial.

Society presenter Ed Lorusso showed two of the films, “Caught in the Rapids” and “Cupid, Registered Guide,” in August. At this presentation, he will show two different films, “Border River” and “A Knight of the Pines,” roughly 25 minutes each. As before, Lorusso will provide commentary, then answer questions after the viewing.

Lorusso has been restoring silent films since he retired. Six of his projects have been licensed by Turner Classic Movies, including “The Enchanted Cottage” 1924, which aired in late September. His projects have been screened at various theaters and silent film festivals across the country. He’s also the author of “The Silent Films of Marion Davies” and is working on a book about filmmaking in Maine during the silent era.

The Kennebec Historical Society presentation, co-sponsored by the Maine State Library, is free; donations are accepted.

For more information call Scott Wood, executive director, at 207-622-7718.

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