Clifford, John D., House
14--16 Ware St., Lewiston, METhe Clifford House is one of the most interesting of Maine's few Mediterranean Revival-style houses. The Mediterranean Revival (or Italian Renaissance Revival) of the late nineteenth-early twentieth century exerted very little influence on the domestic architecture of Maine. The handful of Maine houses in this idiom is predominantly summer cottages in coastal resort towns, designed by out-of-state architectural firms (e.g. "Sona gee" in Bar Harbor, now altered; "Eeganos" in Bar Harbor, Guy Lowell, 1910 (NR); Louise N. Grace House in Islesboro, Wilson Eyre, 1918). The Clifford House is virtually unique among the state's year-round houses and is all the more remarkable as a product of a native architectural firm. As the house was built toward the end of the Mediterranean Revival vogue (c. 18901930), it also incorporates certain self-consciously "modern" features, such as steel casement windows, an arched door with round light, arched trellises, and a built-in garage, which is equally unusual for the place and period.
Eugene J. Gibbs and Addison G. Pulsifer of Lewiston were in partnership as an architectural firm 1911-27. Pulsifer was a real estate developer, and Gibbs was the primary designer. The firm had designed stucco houses with Mediterranean features as early as 1914 (H.G. Foss House, Auburn, ME, NR), but generally retained classical or colonial revival ornament. The progressiveness of the Clifford House may have been as much due to the client as the architect. The present owner remembers that Mrs. John D. Clifford (his grandmother) had wanted an "Italian Villa"; Mrs. Clifford is mentioned in a contemporary newspaper description of the house as having made a number of specific design decisions, such as to severely limit the amount of interior woodwork.
John D. Clifford was an ambitious Lewiston lawyer who became U.S. Attorney for Maine in 1933. Clifford briefly served in the Maine State Legislature (1915-16) and was an active organizer for the Maine Democratic Party. Eleanor Roosevelt was entertained in the house in the 1930s.
The period of significance of the Clifford house terminates in 1937.
Local significance of the building:
Eugene J. Gibbs and Addison G. Pulsifer of Lewiston were in partnership as an architectural firm 1911-27. Pulsifer was a real estate developer, and Gibbs was the primary designer. The firm had designed stucco houses with Mediterranean features as early as 1914 (H.G. Foss House, Auburn, ME, NR), but generally retained classical or colonial revival ornament. The progressiveness of the Clifford House may have been as much due to the client as the architect. The present owner remembers that Mrs. John D. Clifford (his grandmother) had wanted an "Italian Villa"; Mrs. Clifford is mentioned in a contemporary newspaper description of the house as having made a number of specific design decisions, such as to severely limit the amount of interior woodwork.
John D. Clifford was an ambitious Lewiston lawyer who became U.S. Attorney for Maine in 1933. Clifford briefly served in the Maine State Legislature (1915-16) and was an active organizer for the Maine Democratic Party. Eleanor Roosevelt was entertained in the house in the 1930s.
The period of significance of the Clifford house terminates in 1937.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
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.
Maine is the birthplace of Hannibal Hamlin: Hannibal Hamlin, who was born in Paris, Maine in 1809, served as the 15th Vice President of the United States under President Abraham Lincoln.
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