Three central Maine properties on Endangered Historic Places list

PHOTO: St. Louis Church, Auburn. (Maine Preservation photo)

YARMOUTH – Buildings in Auburn, Livermore and Oxford are among the five named to Maine Preservation’s Most Endangered Historic Places in Maine list this year.
Maine Preservation is a statewide nonprofit organization that yearly names endangered historic places in order to underscore the diversity of buildings and sites significant to Mainers and the challenges faced by individuals and communities in saving, restoring, and repurposing these special places that tell the story of our history.
This year’s list includes:
St. Louis Church, Auburn. Formed in 1902 to serve the French-Canadian neighborhood in New Auburn, St. Louis Church held Mass in its basement while raising money to build the church. The cornerstone for the Gothic Revival-style church, designed by architect Timothy G. O’Connell, was laid in May 1915. O’Connell designed Catholic and Episcopal churches across New England, including at least 15 in Maine, most notably the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Lewiston. St. Louis’ parish held its last Mass in August 2013. The city eventually took possession of the property in hopes of transforming it into an asset for the neighborhood and city, marketing it for possible development. It needs extensive repairs.

Pigeon Hill Schoolhouse, Oxford. One-room Pigeon Hill Schoolhouse was built around 1867 and served area students until 1940, with Barbara Elliot the last teacher. It is the only remaining school of nine in Oxford that has not been demolished or altered. The schoolhouse still carries the characteristics of one-room rural schoolhouse, complete with original wall-mounted blackboards. It was sold in 1951 to the Thurlow family, who this year sold it to developers. Patricia Larrivee, president of the Oxford Historical Society, developed a plan to relocate the building and rallied support in the community and among town leadership. The new owners have given a timeline ending in December for the move. Estimated cost is $25,000.

Washburn Memorial Library, Livermore. Built in 1883, Washburn Memorial Library features a traditional wood-framed structure enveloped in six-inch granite ashlar from North Jay and topped by a Monson slate roof. Designed by architect Alexander Currier, the building was commissioned by Gov. Israel Washburn Jr. and dedicated to his parents. In 1886, shortly after completion, Washburn presented it to the Livermore community as a public library. Now part of Norlands Living History Center, the library’s internal trusses are pulling apart under the weight of the roof, compromising sections of the exterior walls, which are showing the damage.
American Can Co. Building, Eastport and Fort George, Castine are also on this year’s list.
“No two solutions will be the same for the five imperiled places on this year’s list, but we can call upon our experience and support network to aid efforts,” said Tara Kelly, Maine Preservation executive director.
For more information on all the properties, visit www.mainepreservation.org/most-endangered-2022.