Hathorn Hall, Bates College
Bates College campus, Lewiston, MEBates College was incorporated as the Maine State Seminary in 1856. Originally the Parsonfield Academy, Parsonfield, the college was founded by Free Baptists under a charter providing that it should be free from denominational control, yet that education and religion should be inseparably connected. The location of the college was disputed by other towns, but Lewiston's central location and subscriptions by local businessmen towards the building fund won the distinction. A college course was instituted in 1863 and the seminary's name was changed in honor of Benjamin E. Bates of Boston. Bates was one of the first New England colleges to become co-educational, and in 1907 it became one of the associated colleges in the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Bates is first among New England colleges in the number of its graduates who are principals of New England secondary schools.
The first building of the Maine State Seminary was Hathorn Hall completed in July of 1857 and named in honor of Seth and Mary Hathorn, the principal donors in the fundraising drives.
The first class at the Maine State Seminary consisted of 83 gentlemen and 54 ladies. The doors opened on September 1, 1857. Enrollment increased to 353 in the second year.
For the first six years of its existence, Hathorn Hall was used by the Seminary as a library, chapel, lecture rooms, and office building; then, until August 1869, jointly with Bates College (which was chartered in January 1864) Thereafter the seminary department became preparatory to the College, culminating in the Nichols Latin School, and Hathorn and Parker halls became the sole property of the College.
Thirty-one buildings have been added to the original two; instead of twelve acres the campus encompasses a hundred; from five students in 1863 it has grown to over eight hundred, and from a faculty of six, shared with the Seminary, to nearly seventy members in instruction and administration. But Hathorn Hall, on the little knoll at the heart of the College, still dominates the scene, its fine proportions as pleasing to the eye and its sweeping lines as uplifting to the spirit today as in its youth. In sturdy dignity, it gives promise of service to many generations of students yet to come.
Local significance of the building:
The first building of the Maine State Seminary was Hathorn Hall completed in July of 1857 and named in honor of Seth and Mary Hathorn, the principal donors in the fundraising drives.
The first class at the Maine State Seminary consisted of 83 gentlemen and 54 ladies. The doors opened on September 1, 1857. Enrollment increased to 353 in the second year.
For the first six years of its existence, Hathorn Hall was used by the Seminary as a library, chapel, lecture rooms, and office building; then, until August 1869, jointly with Bates College (which was chartered in January 1864) Thereafter the seminary department became preparatory to the College, culminating in the Nichols Latin School, and Hathorn and Parker halls became the sole property of the College.
Thirty-one buildings have been added to the original two; instead of twelve acres the campus encompasses a hundred; from five students in 1863 it has grown to over eight hundred, and from a faculty of six, shared with the Seminary, to nearly seventy members in instruction and administration. But Hathorn Hall, on the little knoll at the heart of the College, still dominates the scene, its fine proportions as pleasing to the eye and its sweeping lines as uplifting to the spirit today as in its youth. In sturdy dignity, it gives promise of service to many generations of students yet to come.
Education; Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
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 has a strong maritime heritage: Maine has a rich maritime heritage that is evident in its lighthouses, fishing villages, and seafaring traditions. The state has over 60 lighthouses, more than any other state in the country.
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