Born in Dixmont, Maine in 1861, Albert R. Day was educated in the public schools of Corinna and at Union Academy.
From the age of sixteen until he was twenty-six, Day taught school, serving as Principal of the high school in Stetson and at Vinalhaven, before acting as Superintendent of Schools in Corinna.
In 1887, his career underwent a significant change when he left teaching to become a merchant and Postmaster in Dixmont.
In 1893 he was elected to the Maine House of Representatives and, after serving one term, was elected to the Maine State Senate for terms covering the years 1895 to 1898.
In 1897, he was elected President of the Maine Senate.