of Maine’s wealthiest towns during these years, and drew a large immigrant population for several reasons, two of which were climate which was similar to where most of the new immigrants had come from, and because there was work to be had due to the booming lumber industry. The Independent Order of the Sons of Benjamin (I.O.S.B) became the first Jewish aid organization in Maine, and was founded with the purpose of maintaining a sanctified burial ground. After that time, the I.O.S.B continued to help new immigrants begin work as peddlers in order to serve the farmers and woodsmen in the area. Population data over the years First population estimate in 1850: 33 Highest population estimate 1940: 1650 Latest population estimate 1995: 1000 Current Jewish organizations Congregation Beth Abraham (Orthodox) Congregation Beth El (Reform) Beth Israel Synagogue (Conservative) Mikvah at Congregation Beth Abraham Major events and milestones Early immigrant period (pre 1900) In the 19th century, Bangor was one of New England’s largest cities, attracting people because of the many opportunities to work in and to support the lumber industry. Bangor was known to have a small Jewish community as early as 1849 when thirteen German Jews came together to buy land for a burial ground. The Independent Order of the Sons of Benjamin (IOSB), Maine’s first Jewish aide organization, loaned money for the land. In addition, the IOSB helped new immigrants with loans to get them started, loaning money for a cart and a horse so they could peddle to the lumber community. That same group of early Jewish settlers was responsible for forming Ahawas Achim, the first organized synagogue in Maine. However, by 1856 many of those families left Bangor. The congregation dissolved and was held in trust for almost 20 years when, in 1874, the property was reclaimed as a new wave of Jewish immigration began and new families moved to Bangor. In 1888, Congregation Beth Israel was formally organized as Lithuanian and Polish Jews moved to Bangor. By 1897, the cornerstone was laid for what is still the oldest continuously functioning synagogue in Maine. Later immigrant period (1900 – 1920) By 1901, Ahawas Achim had closed, and in 1907, Congregation Beth Israel opened. Their first years were challenging, as the congregation came together from a mix of backgrounds, from German to Polish to Lithuanian. The inability to come together and serve the entire Jewish community led