For Immediate Release
September 13, 2001
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400

Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky to Honor Chilton Paint Company for 100 Years of Incorporation

Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky will honor the Chilton Paint Company for 100 years of incorporation on Friday, September 14, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at its business located on 410 Payne Road, Scarborough. Chilton Paint Company was incorporated in the State of Maine on May 18, 1901.

Nineteen corporations are celebrating their centennial anniversary this year. They include eight business corporations--Beta Theta Pi Co., Chilton Paint Company, Edward H. Best & Co., Hodgco, Inc., Lewiston Daily Sun, Oxford County Telephone and Telegraph Company, Psi Upsilon Chapter House Association, The Dunlap Agency--and eleven non-profit corporations--Library Club of Lovell, Megunticook Golf Club, Northeast Harbor Fire Co., Inc., Silver Harvest Grange Association, The Aid Society of Otter Creek, Maine, The Maine Optometric Association, Waldo County General Hospital, Wilson Grange, No. 321, The Tracy Reunion Association and Wilton Free Public Library Association.

"I enjoy this opportunity to recognize these Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations that have attained this milestone," said Secretary Gwadosky. "Many dedicated people have been involved in keeping these organizations and businesses active for 100 years. It is a significant achievement, given that my Department has over 50,000 active corporations on file."

Chilton Manufacturing began as a Boston business shortly after the Civil War. The founders of Chilton were all descendants of Mary Chilton, an early resident of the Plymouth Colony. In 1872, the company moved its business to its present location in New York City. Chilton Paint Company’s Maine operation was established in Portland in 1901.

Chilton exported its products all over the world and was a major producer of paint for the federal government during the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War. In 1970, Chilton expanded its operations into the furniture industry and presently maintains retail outlets in Freeport and Scarborough. The Martens family, the present owners, have been active in the company since 1920.