Lord, James C., House
a.k.a. Callahan House
497 Main St., Lewiston, METhis substantial and interesting example of late 19th-century eclectic architecture, combining elements of the Italianate, Queen Anne, and High Victorian Gothic styles, is important as one of the few known works of architect Jefferson Lake Coburn, in addition to the basic merit of its design. It further stands as a classic example of a prosperous merchant's house of the period conveying as it does the feeling of dignity and security so important to the rising Victorian middle class.
As early as 1872, James C. Lord had established a grocery and provision business in Lewiston at the corner of Lisbon and Cedar Streets. From this time until 1885 he resided at 491 Main Street, one lot from the corner of Mountain Avenue. Lord had acquired both lots in 1850 and it was on the empty corner that he built his new house (497 Main Street) in 1885.
From Lord, the house passed to John N. Wood in 1890 and Wood's widow in turn sold it in 1920 to Timothy F. Callahan, who for many years was prominent in Lewiston political circles.
Born in 1835, Jefferson L. Coburn, after an honorable military career in the Civil War as a lieutenant in the 1st Maine Cavalry, established himself as an architect in the Lewiston-Auburn area. He became well known in central Maine and executed commissions in Presque Isle and Vassalboro as well as in his local area.
Local significance of the building:
As early as 1872, James C. Lord had established a grocery and provision business in Lewiston at the corner of Lisbon and Cedar Streets. From this time until 1885 he resided at 491 Main Street, one lot from the corner of Mountain Avenue. Lord had acquired both lots in 1850 and it was on the empty corner that he built his new house (497 Main Street) in 1885.
From Lord, the house passed to John N. Wood in 1890 and Wood's widow in turn sold it in 1920 to Timothy F. Callahan, who for many years was prominent in Lewiston political circles.
Born in 1835, Jefferson L. Coburn, after an honorable military career in the Civil War as a lieutenant in the 1st Maine Cavalry, established himself as an architect in the Lewiston-Auburn area. He became well known in central Maine and executed commissions in Presque Isle and Vassalboro as well as in his local area.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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 worst maritime disaster in U.S. history: The worst maritime disaster in U.S. history occurred off the coast of Maine in 1914, when the passenger ship SS Eastland capsized, killing 844 people. The disaster was caused by overcrowding and instability due to design flaws.
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