Jordan, Charles A., House
a.k.a. Deacon French House
63 Academy St., Auburn, METhe Charles A. Jordan House is one of the most ornate Victorian houses in the Lewiston-Auburn area, if not the State of Maine. It is significant not only for its outstanding architectural features but also for the fact that it clearly demonstrates the craftsmanship of the local Maine builder.
Charles Jordan was a local builder of Auburn in the late 19th century. His firm was begun in 1878 under the name of Pierce & Jordan, succeeded in 1882 by Charles A. Jordan himself, and then under the name of Jordan & Bond in 1884. In 1887, Mr. Jordan was again in business by himself.
Charles A. Jordan was born on June 14, 1856, and resided in Auburn. He was listed in the Auburn City Directories as an architect and builder. It is thought he died about 1893, for his name ceased to appear in the city directories that year. He was the son of Charles R. Jordan and Deborah Bonney.
This particular house was built ca. 1880 by Jordan as proof of his skill as a designer and builder. Other buildings by Jordan were Auburn High School, The Stanley Dry Plate Factory, the Avon Mill, and many fine residences in the Auburn area.
This fine Victorian House, one of Charles A. Jordan's best, is in good condition and will soon be restored by its owner. This great house stands not only as a tribute to Charles A. Jordan but also as a tribute to the skill of the local Maine builder.
Local significance of the building:
Charles Jordan was a local builder of Auburn in the late 19th century. His firm was begun in 1878 under the name of Pierce & Jordan, succeeded in 1882 by Charles A. Jordan himself, and then under the name of Jordan & Bond in 1884. In 1887, Mr. Jordan was again in business by himself.
Charles A. Jordan was born on June 14, 1856, and resided in Auburn. He was listed in the Auburn City Directories as an architect and builder. It is thought he died about 1893, for his name ceased to appear in the city directories that year. He was the son of Charles R. Jordan and Deborah Bonney.
This particular house was built ca. 1880 by Jordan as proof of his skill as a designer and builder. Other buildings by Jordan were Auburn High School, The Stanley Dry Plate Factory, the Avon Mill, and many fine residences in the Auburn area.
This fine Victorian House, one of Charles A. Jordan's best, is in good condition and will soon be restored by its owner. This great house stands not only as a tribute to Charles A. Jordan but also as a tribute to the skill of the local Maine builder.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
About National Register Listings
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 once part of New France: In the 17th and 18th centuries, the area that is now Maine was part of New France, which was a French colony in North America that included parts of what are now the United States and Canada.
About Androscoggin County
Androscoggin County Timeline
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.
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.
Androscoggin County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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