Kora Temple
11 Sabattus St., Lewiston, MEBuilt in 1908, the Kora Temple strikes a decidedly unusual note amid the largely undistinguished architecture of central Lewiston. It is one of the largest and certainly the most noticeably Prominent home of a fraternal organization in the State.
The Kora Shrine of Lewiston was organized in 1891 and held its first meetings in the facilities of the Masonic Temple on Lisbon Street. Later, a frame structure on the site of the present building was purchased and used until it was razed to make room for the new Temple. The building was the site of a dedication banquet and ball on March 17, 1909, that was attended by some 2,000 people. It was the social event of the year for Lewiston and for much of Maine with several hundred out-of-town Shriners crowding in for the gala event.
This Moorish-style structure was the work of the noted local architect George M. Coombs, (1852-1909), a member of the Kora Shrine, and was one of his last major commissions. The great mural series in the banquet room was executed by Harry H. Cochgane, a somewhat eccentric 19th-century Renaissance man: artist, architect, author, historian, poet, playwright, and politician. Cochrane had an unusual interest in the origins and ceremonies of fraternal organizations, especially Masonry and the Shrine. He wrote, produced, and designed sets for a 3-hour extravaganza entitled The First Crusade which dramatized certain aspects of the origins of Masonry against a colorful Near-Eastern background. The Kora Temple murals were reproduced and their inspirations and interpretations were explained in his book Following the Fez.
The Temple is still owned and maintained by the Kora Shrine of Lewiston which continues to utilize its ornate facilities as a meeting place and headquarters.
Local significance of the building:
The Kora Shrine of Lewiston was organized in 1891 and held its first meetings in the facilities of the Masonic Temple on Lisbon Street. Later, a frame structure on the site of the present building was purchased and used until it was razed to make room for the new Temple. The building was the site of a dedication banquet and ball on March 17, 1909, that was attended by some 2,000 people. It was the social event of the year for Lewiston and for much of Maine with several hundred out-of-town Shriners crowding in for the gala event.
This Moorish-style structure was the work of the noted local architect George M. Coombs, (1852-1909), a member of the Kora Shrine, and was one of his last major commissions. The great mural series in the banquet room was executed by Harry H. Cochgane, a somewhat eccentric 19th-century Renaissance man: artist, architect, author, historian, poet, playwright, and politician. Cochrane had an unusual interest in the origins and ceremonies of fraternal organizations, especially Masonry and the Shrine. He wrote, produced, and designed sets for a 3-hour extravaganza entitled The First Crusade which dramatized certain aspects of the origins of Masonry against a colorful Near-Eastern background. The Kora Temple murals were reproduced and their inspirations and interpretations were explained in his book Following the Fez.
The Temple is still owned and maintained by the Kora Shrine of Lewiston which continues to utilize its ornate facilities as a meeting place and headquarters.
Other; Art; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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 home to some unique geographical features: Maine is home to a number of unique geographical features, including Acadia National Park, which has the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast, and the "Old Sow" whirlpool, which is one of the largest tidal whirlpools in the world. Maine also has over 5,000 miles of coastline and 6,000 lakes and ponds.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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