College Block-Lisbon Block
248--274 Lisbon St., Lewiston, MEOriginally called the Lisbon Block, this structure is one of the first commercial blocks erected on south Lisbon Street. It was built by several incorporators of the Franklin Company in an attempt to induce commercial development in proximity to the mills.
Restrictions included in an early transfer deed limited the structure's height to one story prior to April 1, 1865, and three stories after that. Building materials were also stipulated as follows: walls of brick or stone with iron, a metal slated roof, and metal gutters. Its use was also limited to either stores or shops. Town meetings were held in the building prior to the incorporation of the city in 1863. The city charter was approved here in 1862 and the building housed the early city offices until its completion of the City Building in 1872. Several early mayors were inaugurated in Lisbon Hall. The Lisbon Block housed the Manufacturers and Mechanics Library, founded in 1860. The Library grew to become one of the largest in Maine and contained many rare historical volumes. It was moved to the city Building and was considerably reduced by the fire in 1890. Many churches held early meetings in Lisbon Block including:
Between 1875 and 1881, the various owners donated and sold their shares to Bates College and the building became known as the College Block. The College Block has long been associated with cultural activity in Lewiston and is especially associated with the Franco-American community. Institute Jaques-Cartier, Lewiston's first Pranco-American society, began as Societe Sainte Jean-Baptiste with a mass meeting held in January 1872 in this building. In 1875, the organization merged with the Institut Jacques-Cartier, a literary club that held previous meetings in the Dominican Block on Lincoln Street. The Institut held meetings on the third floor of the College Block until 1939 when they erected a separate building on the opposite corner of Lincoln and Chestnut Streets. The Musical and Literary Club has occupied the third floor of the College Block since its founding in November 1888. This club was created by the union of the Chorale Ste. Cecile and the Cercle Cremazie and was organized to present dramas and operas in the French language. Its founder, Henry F. Roy, served as a representative to the Maine legislature from 1925-27. Unite Franco-Americane has used the old club rooms of the Musical Literary Club since its incorporation in 1975. Over the years the hall has temporarily accommodated many of the city's fraternal societies and related organizations. Lewiston's first telephone was installed in John Garner's store.
Local significance of the building:
Restrictions included in an early transfer deed limited the structure's height to one story prior to April 1, 1865, and three stories after that. Building materials were also stipulated as follows: walls of brick or stone with iron, a metal slated roof, and metal gutters. Its use was also limited to either stores or shops. Town meetings were held in the building prior to the incorporation of the city in 1863. The city charter was approved here in 1862 and the building housed the early city offices until its completion of the City Building in 1872. Several early mayors were inaugurated in Lisbon Hall. The Lisbon Block housed the Manufacturers and Mechanics Library, founded in 1860. The Library grew to become one of the largest in Maine and contained many rare historical volumes. It was moved to the city Building and was considerably reduced by the fire in 1890. Many churches held early meetings in Lisbon Block including:
- the Universalist Society, 1858-1860;
- the Bates Street Universalist Church, 1864-66;
- the Pine Street Free Baptist Church, 1869.
Between 1875 and 1881, the various owners donated and sold their shares to Bates College and the building became known as the College Block. The College Block has long been associated with cultural activity in Lewiston and is especially associated with the Franco-American community. Institute Jaques-Cartier, Lewiston's first Pranco-American society, began as Societe Sainte Jean-Baptiste with a mass meeting held in January 1872 in this building. In 1875, the organization merged with the Institut Jacques-Cartier, a literary club that held previous meetings in the Dominican Block on Lincoln Street. The Institut held meetings on the third floor of the College Block until 1939 when they erected a separate building on the opposite corner of Lincoln and Chestnut Streets. The Musical and Literary Club has occupied the third floor of the College Block since its founding in November 1888. This club was created by the union of the Chorale Ste. Cecile and the Cercle Cremazie and was organized to present dramas and operas in the French language. Its founder, Henry F. Roy, served as a representative to the Maine legislature from 1925-27. Unite Franco-Americane has used the old club rooms of the Musical Literary Club since its incorporation in 1975. Over the years the hall has temporarily accommodated many of the city's fraternal societies and related organizations. Lewiston's first telephone was installed in John Garner's store.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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 was the first state to adopt Prohibition: Maine was the first state to adopt Prohibition in 1851, almost 70 years before the rest of the country followed suit. However, it was also one of the first states to repeal Prohibition, doing so in 1934.
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