National Register Listing

Isaacson, Philip M. and Deborah N., House

2 Benson St., Lewiston, ME
According to the owner, travelers on Benson Street in Lewiston, Maine often mistake the Philip M. and Deborah N. Isaacson House for a private tennis court or swimming pool. The structure, elevated on a level terrace, presents to the street a wall of vertical redwood siding, broken only at the corners by elongated frosted-glass panels and in the middle by an open portal with a white wooden frame. This structure, one of two high walls surrounding front and rear courtyards, is both an integral part of the house and a method of providing privacy for the occupants of the glass-walled International Style House at the core. Designed in 1960 by the Cambridge-based architect F. Frederick Bruck, and lived in continually by the original owners, the Isaacson House has been essentially unchanged since its completion and retains extraordinary integrity of design, materials, workmanship, location, association, setting, and feeling, as well as original, period furnishings. Within Maine, this is one of very few International-style houses designed for year-round residency and possibly the only example located in an urban residential neighborhood. In addition at this time is it the only known International Style courtyard house in the state. The Isaacson House is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places at the local level for its architectural significance
as a building that possesses the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Maine is known for its delicious blueberries: Maine is one of the largest producers of blueberries in the United States and is known for its wild blueberries, which are smaller and sweeter than cultivated blueberries.
Maine random facts
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.

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