Bagley-Bliss House
1290 Royalsborough Rd., South Durham, METracy Bliss (1883-1976) and Mary Fannie Bliss (1885-1978). They had apparently vacated the house in the early 1960s as it was said to have stood empty for some twenty years prior to its rehabilitation in 1982.
There is very little visual evidence left of the house which Israel Bagley is said to have built about 1770. If in fact the building which exists today dates in large part from that period, it was subjected to a thorough remodeling in the nineteenth century, probably by the Bliss Family. This scenario is not inconceivable since the general form of the house is very traditional. It may also help to explain the massive vaulted brickwork that is centrally located in the basement, a structure that is typically associated with large central chimneys but would seem to be unnecessary in its present use. Nonetheless, the virtual obliteration of the c. 1770 interior and its replacement with the fashionable -- albeit restrained - Greek Revival detailing would have represented an extraordinary undertaking, especially in this rural setting. In this context, it is tempting to speculate about the presence in the household of carpenter Lucius Burbeck as reported in the 1850 census. Was he engaged to carry out this project? Unfortunately, the answer to this question may prove to be completely elusive, but the idea remains an intriguing one. Like the front block, the ell does not have the appearance of a pre-Revolutionary building, although its surviving hearth with two water basins may very well be from an early period. The ell was substantially remodeled during the 1982 rehabilitation.
Although the Bagley-Bliss House lacks the fully developed Greek Revival detailing of many of its urban or village counterparts, it exhibits a typical range of features found on such buildings in rural areas of the state. These include the central entrance with its recessed door framed by sidelights and a simplified entablature with a pronounced cornice; shallow pedimented hoods above the windows; wide comer pilasters that rise to a broad frieze; and pedimented gable ends. Inside, the most overt Greek Revival details are the stair with its bulbous turned newel post and thin balusters, and the mantelpiece in the room behind the central hall.
Local significance of the building:
There is very little visual evidence left of the house which Israel Bagley is said to have built about 1770. If in fact the building which exists today dates in large part from that period, it was subjected to a thorough remodeling in the nineteenth century, probably by the Bliss Family. This scenario is not inconceivable since the general form of the house is very traditional. It may also help to explain the massive vaulted brickwork that is centrally located in the basement, a structure that is typically associated with large central chimneys but would seem to be unnecessary in its present use. Nonetheless, the virtual obliteration of the c. 1770 interior and its replacement with the fashionable -- albeit restrained - Greek Revival detailing would have represented an extraordinary undertaking, especially in this rural setting. In this context, it is tempting to speculate about the presence in the household of carpenter Lucius Burbeck as reported in the 1850 census. Was he engaged to carry out this project? Unfortunately, the answer to this question may prove to be completely elusive, but the idea remains an intriguing one. Like the front block, the ell does not have the appearance of a pre-Revolutionary building, although its surviving hearth with two water basins may very well be from an early period. The ell was substantially remodeled during the 1982 rehabilitation.
Although the Bagley-Bliss House lacks the fully developed Greek Revival detailing of many of its urban or village counterparts, it exhibits a typical range of features found on such buildings in rural areas of the state. These include the central entrance with its recessed door framed by sidelights and a simplified entablature with a pronounced cornice; shallow pedimented hoods above the windows; wide comer pilasters that rise to a broad frieze; and pedimented gable ends. Inside, the most overt Greek Revival details are the stair with its bulbous turned newel post and thin balusters, and the mantelpiece in the room behind the central hall.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
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 has a unique musical tradition: Maine has a rich musical tradition that is influenced by its maritime heritage and French and Irish roots. Traditional Maine music includes fiddle tunes, sea shanties, and ballads, and there are many festivals and events celebrating Maine's musical heritage throughout the state.
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 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