Foss, Horatio G., House
19 Elm St., Auburn, METhis impressive Colonial Revival mansion was built in 1914 by Horatio Gates Foss, a highly successful Lewiston industrialist and self-made man. The land on which it stands was purchased by Foss from Samuel Pickard who inherited it from his father-in-law, Squire Edward Little, the principal founder of Lewiston-Auburn.
The son of a shoemaker, Jeremiah Foss and his wife, Elizabeth N. (Handerson), Horatio Gates Foss was born in Wayne, Maine on February 22, 1846. While being educated in the local public schools, he learned the shoemaking trade from his father and later went to Haverhill, Massachusetts to gain practical experience in larger shoe shops.
In 1875 he came to Auburn and became associated with the shoe manufacturing firm of Dingley, Strout & Co. Mr. Strout died in 1887, at which time the name was changed to Dingley, Foss & Co. since Foss had already established himself as a partner and became General Manager of this firm which employed between five and six hundred people. During his later years, he spent considerable time in Boston where he could be near the stock market in which he was very active. He died on December 2, 1928.
The couple having had no children, his widow, Ella M. (Fletcher) whom he married in 1878, upon her death in 1941, bequeathed the house to the Woman's Literary Union.
The Foss House, long an Auburn showplace, stands as yet another reminder of the rewards of success in the 19th-century industrial world.
Local significance of the building:
The son of a shoemaker, Jeremiah Foss and his wife, Elizabeth N. (Handerson), Horatio Gates Foss was born in Wayne, Maine on February 22, 1846. While being educated in the local public schools, he learned the shoemaking trade from his father and later went to Haverhill, Massachusetts to gain practical experience in larger shoe shops.
In 1875 he came to Auburn and became associated with the shoe manufacturing firm of Dingley, Strout & Co. Mr. Strout died in 1887, at which time the name was changed to Dingley, Foss & Co. since Foss had already established himself as a partner and became General Manager of this firm which employed between five and six hundred people. During his later years, he spent considerable time in Boston where he could be near the stock market in which he was very active. He died on December 2, 1928.
The couple having had no children, his widow, Ella M. (Fletcher) whom he married in 1878, upon her death in 1941, bequeathed the house to the Woman's Literary Union.
The Foss House, long an Auburn showplace, stands as yet another reminder of the rewards of success in the 19th-century industrial world.
Industry; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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 was the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution: The first naval battle of the American Revolution was fought off the coast of Maine in 1775, when American forces captured a British schooner.
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