Cushman, Charles L., House
8 Cushman Pl., Auburn, METhe Charles L. Cushman House is significant as an unusual architectural specimen in the Queen Anne style and certainly one of the finest residential designs of George M. Coombs, Aubum's prolific and leading late 19th-century architect. The house is also important as a reflection of the affluence derived from shoe manufacturing, the city's most important industry in the period.
Beautifully sited on a bluff overlooking the city, this massive pile of field stone with its ornamented gables, circular comer tower and elaborate porch and porte-cochere, was built in 1889 by Charles L. Cushman, son of Ara Cushman, founder of one of the largest shoe manufacturing complexes in New England. At the time the house was built Charles was vice president and general superintendent of the manufacturing department of the Ara Cushman Company which consisted of three factories with 118,500 square feet of space and over 1,000 employees. All of this had sprung from a small three-man operation in nearby Minot begun by his father in 1854.
Besides the great stone house, the estate consisted of a large greenhouse, stables and a tennis court on several acres of land. Now, only the house remains on a reduced but still ample plot.
George M. Coombs (1852-1909) was the leading architect in the Lewiston-Auburn area for many years and participated in the design of the majority of the public and Industrial buildings of the period in both cities. He also executed many residential commissions for many of the impressive late 19th-century houses for which the region is noted. Outstanding among these is the Cushman House which received national attention after selection for publication in the American Architect and Building News on December 21, 1889.
Local significance of the building:
Beautifully sited on a bluff overlooking the city, this massive pile of field stone with its ornamented gables, circular comer tower and elaborate porch and porte-cochere, was built in 1889 by Charles L. Cushman, son of Ara Cushman, founder of one of the largest shoe manufacturing complexes in New England. At the time the house was built Charles was vice president and general superintendent of the manufacturing department of the Ara Cushman Company which consisted of three factories with 118,500 square feet of space and over 1,000 employees. All of this had sprung from a small three-man operation in nearby Minot begun by his father in 1854.
Besides the great stone house, the estate consisted of a large greenhouse, stables and a tennis court on several acres of land. Now, only the house remains on a reduced but still ample plot.
George M. Coombs (1852-1909) was the leading architect in the Lewiston-Auburn area for many years and participated in the design of the majority of the public and Industrial buildings of the period in both cities. He also executed many residential commissions for many of the impressive late 19th-century houses for which the region is noted. Outstanding among these is the Cushman House which received national attention after selection for publication in the American Architect and Building News on December 21, 1889.
Industry; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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 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 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