Maine State Building
Poland Spring, Poland, MEIn 1892, an International Exposition was opened in Chicago to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. Maine's response to the Columbian Exposition was an irregularly shaped Queen Anne-type structure the shape of which was dictated by the irregular lot assigned to it on the far eastern end of the exposition.
The architect chosen for the building was a Lewiston, Maine native by the name of Charles Summer Frost who had achieved a national reputation for his buildings in Chicago.
When its role as the Maine Exposition building had ended it was decided that it would be an advantage to the granite and slate industries of Maine to donate the building as a permanent fixture to the city of Chicago. The park commission subsequently informed the Maine representatives that all buildings in that section of the park were to be removed.
At this point, several parties made offers to purchase the building. The committee considered all proposals and decided to sell the building to Hiram Ricker and Sons who were the owners of the celebrated Poland Spring summer resort at Poland Springs, Maine. The Rickers paid $30,000 for the building and it cost them approximately $5,000 to move it to Poland Springs. A sixteen-car train was hired and the building was loaded piece by piece. It was finally reconstructed in front of an oak grove beside the Grand Hotel at Poland Spring. On July 1, 1895, the building was dedicated as a library and arts building and thereafter advertised as an additional attraction to this famous watering place of the turn of the century leisure class.
The building stands empty today although still in its original condition. With the great Poland Spring House and the rolling hills of Androscoggin County as a backdrop, the Maine State Building is a rare survivor because it was brought back to Maine for a second life as a cultural center for those who took the waters at Poland Spring. It is ironic that its second career would be cut short by the technological advance it was built to commemorate, for the development of the automobile would eventually spell the doom of Poland Springs itself.
Local significance of the building:
The architect chosen for the building was a Lewiston, Maine native by the name of Charles Summer Frost who had achieved a national reputation for his buildings in Chicago.
When its role as the Maine Exposition building had ended it was decided that it would be an advantage to the granite and slate industries of Maine to donate the building as a permanent fixture to the city of Chicago. The park commission subsequently informed the Maine representatives that all buildings in that section of the park were to be removed.
At this point, several parties made offers to purchase the building. The committee considered all proposals and decided to sell the building to Hiram Ricker and Sons who were the owners of the celebrated Poland Spring summer resort at Poland Springs, Maine. The Rickers paid $30,000 for the building and it cost them approximately $5,000 to move it to Poland Springs. A sixteen-car train was hired and the building was loaded piece by piece. It was finally reconstructed in front of an oak grove beside the Grand Hotel at Poland Spring. On July 1, 1895, the building was dedicated as a library and arts building and thereafter advertised as an additional attraction to this famous watering place of the turn of the century leisure class.
The building stands empty today although still in its original condition. With the great Poland Spring House and the rolling hills of Androscoggin County as a backdrop, the Maine State Building is a rare survivor because it was brought back to Maine for a second life as a cultural center for those who took the waters at Poland Spring. It is ironic that its second career would be cut short by the technological advance it was built to commemorate, for the development of the automobile would eventually spell the doom of Poland Springs itself.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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 unique lobstering tradition: Lobstering is a way of life in Maine, and it has been for generations. Lobstering was once considered a lowly profession, but now it is a highly respected and lucrative industry. Maine lobsters are renowned for their sweet flavor and are considered a delicacy around the world.
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