Continental Mill Housing
a.k.a. Pathways Building and St. Mary's School Building
66-82 Oxford St., Lewiston, MELewiston's cotton textile mills, such as the Continental, long dominated city life. Their combined demands for Labor were what drew so many people, particularly French-Canadians, to the city in the first place. "Little Canada", that richly ethnic, st111 largely French-speaking neighborhood, exists literally in the shadow of the Continental Mill. Originally a small structure called the Porter Mill, built in 1858, it was purchased in 1866 by the Continental Company and greatly expanded, employing 1200 persons by 1895.
To accommodate the rapid influx of people attracted by Lewiston's employment opportunities, mill owners constructed special tenements called mill blocks. Each mill block was under the strict supervision of a director who kept a careful eye on the moral and physical condition of the tenants.
These buildings are all that is left of the many substantial mill blocks that once lined Oxford Street. Originally fronted by elm trees and a lawn between them and the canal, these substantial brick structures gave dignity and character to the neighborhood which may hopefully one day be restored.
These mill blocks were constructed in 1866 in an architectural style that is a transition from the Greek Revival to the Italianate. The very plain almost severe treatment of the windows indicates the Greek Revival influence as do the doorways with brick pilasters supporting granite lintels. The buildings are very restrained and consciously balanced. The flat roof and overhanging eaves with their supporting brackets illustrate the Italian influence. The belfry and cross are later additions, indicating the religious and educational functions these buildings have served in more recent years.
Local significance of the building:
To accommodate the rapid influx of people attracted by Lewiston's employment opportunities, mill owners constructed special tenements called mill blocks. Each mill block was under the strict supervision of a director who kept a careful eye on the moral and physical condition of the tenants.
These buildings are all that is left of the many substantial mill blocks that once lined Oxford Street. Originally fronted by elm trees and a lawn between them and the canal, these substantial brick structures gave dignity and character to the neighborhood which may hopefully one day be restored.
These mill blocks were constructed in 1866 in an architectural style that is a transition from the Greek Revival to the Italianate. The very plain almost severe treatment of the windows indicates the Greek Revival influence as do the doorways with brick pilasters supporting granite lintels. The buildings are very restrained and consciously balanced. The flat roof and overhanging eaves with their supporting brackets illustrate the Italian influence. The belfry and cross are later additions, indicating the religious and educational functions these buildings have served in more recent years.
Industry; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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 played an important role in the Underground Railroad: Maine was a major stop on the Underground Railroad, which was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the North.
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