These Are Some of the Oldest Businesses Still Operating in Maine

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

L.L. Bean - 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. They have over 42 stores and a lot more than just the famous Maine hunting shoe (known today as the practical and trendy Bean Boot). 112 years later, the flagship store remains where it all started in Freeport.

Ripley & Fletcher Ford - 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. 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 and the railroad station is now Norway-Paris Soft Serve, but Ripley and Fletcher has remained in the same location, selling cars for 115 years.

Amatos - 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- Lewiston, Maine - 146 Years

Originally founded in Newark, New Jersey, in 1878, Geiger Brothers began as a print shop. In 1955, the company moved to Lewiston, and is now named Geiger. The advertising specialties company makes promo products with business logos on them. It's still a family-owned business, and is currently 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 - Millbridge - 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 country and parts of the world. John, Liz, Nick, Sara, and Tom are the great-grandchildren of founder Jasper Wyman, and they run the company today.

Mathew's Pub  - 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 who knows what it was originally called.

Deering Lumber - Biddeford - 158 years

Three generations of the Deering Family have been at the helm of Deering Lumber since it opened its first store in 1866. One of their earliest products were boxes made of small slices of pine logs to ship fruits and vegetables.

Matthews Brothers - Belfast - 170 Years

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