National Register Listing

Dingley, Frank L., House

291 Court St., Auburn, ME
This fine example of a high-style Second Empire house in villa form was the home from its construction in 1867 until his death in 1918 of Frank L. Dingley, distinguished editor for 57 years of the Lewiston Evening Journal, Maine's second-largest daily newspaper. Upon graduation from Bowdo in College in 1861, Dingley joined his brother Nelson, later to become a distinguished statesman, in founding the Journal as a daily (it had been a weekly publication since its founding in 1847). From small beginnings, it grew rapidly under Frank Dingley's editorship into a highly respected newspaper. The Civil War accelerated newspaper production and Dingley was one of the first to make full use of the telegraph as a news gathering Instrument. In the great era of personal journalism represented by giants like Horace Greeley, James Gordon Bennett and William Cullen Bryant, Dingley established his own reputation for the fecundity of expression, zeal for righteousness, irrepressible uproarious humor and rapier-like wit, all coupled with boundless energy. As years passed he became the oldest-in-service of the major working newspaper editors in the United States. Under his guidance, the Journal was constantly modernized and was the first newspaper in Maine to employ cylinder presses and construct a half-tone plant. In 1898 he "refounded the Lewiston Journal with the construction of a large new building, installation of huge 28-page presses and linotype machines. His outside interests were many and included extensive foreign travel, yachting, and the development of a unique summer resort at Squirrel Island. He became deeply involved in speculative construction and built many houses in various parts of Lewiston and Auburn. A personal friend of Theodore Roosevelt, he was a strong supporter of the Progressive Party. He was an ardent patron of the arts and established a personal picture gallery of some importance. Always interested in science and invention, he was one of the first believers in and supporters of F. E. Stanley, developer of the famous steam automobile and the dry photographic plate. The Dingley House, beyond Its architectural merit, remains as a monument to a man of many parts and certainly Maine's most noted 19th-century journalist.
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

industry architecture houses residential buildings
Maine was the site of the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history: The worst maritime disaster in U.S. history occurred off the coast of Maine in 1914, when the passenger ship SS Eastland capsized, killing 844 people. The disaster was caused by overcrowding and instability due to design flaws.
Maine random facts
Androscoggin County, located in the state of Maine, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was historically inhabited by the Abenaki Native American tribe who utilized the Androscoggin River, which runs through the county, for transportation, fishing, and trade. European settlers arrived in the early 17th century, with the first permanent settlement established in the 1630s.

The region saw significant growth during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The Androscoggin River played a crucial role in the development of textile mills, shoe factories, and paper mills, transforming the area into a major industrial center. Communities like Lewiston and Auburn became thriving manufacturing hubs, attracting a large immigrant population, particularly French-Canadians and Irish immigrants, who came to work in the mills.

The county faced challenges during the Great Depression in the 1930s, with the closure of many mills and factories leading to high unemployment rates. However, Androscoggin County remained resilient and diversified its economy by expanding into other industries like healthcare and higher education. The establishment of institutions like Bates College and hospitals helped to stabilize the region economically and provide new opportunities for its residents.

In recent years, Androscoggin County has experienced revitalization efforts focused on preserving its history and promoting tourism. The area boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, including the Bates Mill complex and various museums, which attract visitors interested in learning about its industrial past. Additionally, the county's natural beauty, with its rivers, parks, and lakes, has made it a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities. Overall, Androscoggin County's history is characterized by industrial growth, cultural diversity, and the ability to adapt to changing economic circumstances.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Androscoggin County, Maine.

  • 1854 - Androscoggin County is established by the Maine Legislature on March 18
  • 1873 - The county seat is moved from Auburn to Lewiston
  • 1890 - Bates College is founded in Lewiston
  • 19th century - Mills along the Androscoggin River drive the local economy
  • 1930s - The textile industry in the county starts to decline
  • Late 20th century - Lewiston and Auburn experience a period of economic restructuring
  • 2000s - The county focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism