History of R. Jorgensen Antiques

It began with a dream.

After selling their place in Montana in 1968, then working for two years in the Peace Corps in Ghana, Robert and Rebecca Jorgensen were searching for a new life venture in an antique shop.
Family connections in Wells enticed them to this southern Maine coastal community. After 30 years of interest in antiques, and wishing to embark on a new career, they purchased the historic 1685 Mill House property and began living out their dream of dealing in fine period antiques.

And so, in 1971, R. Jorgensen Antiques was established in Wells, Maine.

A family business

Three years into their endeavor, son Ric Jorgensen joined them from Montana and the renovation and expansion of the buildings to more effectively showcase a growing antiques collection. Another three years brought their daughter, Pamela Jorgensen Higgins, from Vermont. 

Each family partner, having their own unique perspective and knowledge base, developed a passion for different periods or style of antiques - creating a very broad and diverse antiques inventory.

Historic location

The Old Mill House, located adjacent to Stevens Brook, was built between 1681 and 1685 by Jonathan Hammond on part of a land grant from the King of England to Fernando Gorges.

Jonathan Hammond, born in 1644, was the son of one of the first families to settle in Wells. In 1686, he was Marshal of the District of Maine, a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. His daughter Mary was wed to Samuel Treadwell and together they lived in the cape called the Old Mill House (named for the sawmill built on the property).

Impressive grounds

An integral part of this historic property are the spacious lawns, mature trees and perennial gardens with a horseshoe drive separating our buildings from the bustle of Route 1.

Bob planted a wonderful, often photographed espaliered wall of pear trees as well as other trees.  He also planted over 40 various types of trees, including some Dawn Sequoia, which punctuate the stands of old lilacs, giant white pines, perennial rock gardens between the buildings.