Lewiston City Hall
Pine and Park Sts., Lewiston, METhis impressive Baroque Revival structure replaced Lewiston's Old City Hall which burned in a fire in January of 1890. The building had only been standing for thirty years and its destruction was a great loss to the city. The architectural firm of Brigham and Spofford from Boston was chosen to design a new City Hall. On October 1, 1890, the cornerstone was laid and almost two years later, on May 19, 1892, the completed building was dedicated. It stands on the site of the previous hall in downtown Lewiston. The cost to the city was $180,000.
John Calvin Spofford, the architect, was born in 1854 in Webster, Maine. He was a student at Maine's Wesleyan Seminary and later the Maine State College. He held a job as the principal of Smith's Business College in Lewiston from the years 1876 to 1877 and later spent some time in the carpentry and masonry trades before entering the architectural office of Henry Preston in 1879. From 1881 to 1886 he held a position as a draftsman for the Boston firm of Sturgis and Brigham. During this time he was in charge of the construction of the Commonwealth Building and the Massachusetts Life Insurance Company Building in Boston.
Spofford entered into many partnerships in the years 1887 to 1908. Among them was the four-year partnership with his former employer Brigham. The firm of Brigham and Spofford was responsible for the additions to the Maine State House in Augusta and for the design of the residence of J. Manchester Haynes, also in Augusta. This house was said to be the finest in Kennebec Valley. Unfortunately, it burned in 1893. Spofford designed many public buildings in both Maine and Massachusetts.
He made his home in Everett, Mass, where he was active in town government.
There was much criticism voiced when the Boston firm was named. Many citizens thought George M. Coombs, a Lewiston architect, did not have a fair opportunity for the commission. They also felt the building would cost too much money. The final result, however, was a City Hall of unusual distinction, bespeaking the aspirations of this thriving manufacturing city.
Local significance of the building:
John Calvin Spofford, the architect, was born in 1854 in Webster, Maine. He was a student at Maine's Wesleyan Seminary and later the Maine State College. He held a job as the principal of Smith's Business College in Lewiston from the years 1876 to 1877 and later spent some time in the carpentry and masonry trades before entering the architectural office of Henry Preston in 1879. From 1881 to 1886 he held a position as a draftsman for the Boston firm of Sturgis and Brigham. During this time he was in charge of the construction of the Commonwealth Building and the Massachusetts Life Insurance Company Building in Boston.
Spofford entered into many partnerships in the years 1887 to 1908. Among them was the four-year partnership with his former employer Brigham. The firm of Brigham and Spofford was responsible for the additions to the Maine State House in Augusta and for the design of the residence of J. Manchester Haynes, also in Augusta. This house was said to be the finest in Kennebec Valley. Unfortunately, it burned in 1893. Spofford designed many public buildings in both Maine and Massachusetts.
He made his home in Everett, Mass, where he was active in town government.
There was much criticism voiced when the Boston firm was named. Many citizens thought George M. Coombs, a Lewiston architect, did not have a fair opportunity for the commission. They also felt the building would cost too much money. The final result, however, was a City Hall of unusual distinction, bespeaking the aspirations of this thriving manufacturing city.
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.
Maine was once part of New France: In the 17th and 18th centuries, the area that is now Maine was part of New France, which was a French colony in North America that included parts of what are now the United States and Canada.
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