Holland-Drew House

377 Main St., Lewiston, ME
The original owner of the Holland House, Captain Daniel Holland, was an important member of the Lewiston community. A successful businessman, dealing with lumber and real estate, he was also very active in the promotion of early industrial development. In 1868, he became a member of the governor's council, and in 1870 and 1871, he served as a member of the Maine State Senate.

A later owner of this residence was Judge Franklin M. Drew. He was a prominent figure in the history of Maine as well as of Lewiston. Once a Judge of Probate in Androscoggin County, he also played an important role in the state legislature and served as Secretary of State. He gained most of his local notoriety through service as an officer of the Lewiston Trust and Safe Deposit Company as well as Treasurer of Bates College. During the Civil War, he was made Colonel of the 15th Maine Regiment of Volunteers. His flourishing legal practice kept him in the public eye. for many years.

In addition to the historical significance of its past owners, the house has architectural significance of its own. Worthy of special note are the stained glass portraits found in the central window panel of each of the twin bay windows in the facade. One is of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; the other is of Mozart. The house itself is beautifully maintained and is a fine example of the Italianate style.
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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.

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Maine was originally part of Massachusetts: Maine was a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was officially recognized as a separate state on March 15, 1820, becoming the 23rd state of the United States.
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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