Donated by Dead River, founded in 1909 by Charles Hutchins, Dead River Company had its roots in the forest products industry. The company was named for the Dead River, which flowed through much of its timberland in remote areas of Western Maine. In the 1930s, Curtis Hutchins took over management of the company from his father. The purchase of a small petroleum bulk storage plant, four gasoline stations and an Esso franchise, in 1936, marked Dead River Company's entrance into the petroleum business.