Constructed in 1866
Our building was built the same year as Portland’s Great Fire of 1866.
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On July 4th, 1866, a fire ignited from what was believed to be either a firecracker or a cigar down by the water on Commercial Street in Portland, Maine. The fire spread for almost 24 hours, sending out a thick black smoke over the city, destroying the homes of 10,000 Portland citizens.
- Information gathered from Greater Portland Landmarks
The fire never reached our neighborhood, thankfully.
It spread from the waterfront, to the Old Port and then up into the East End. Thousands were displaced overnight.
Image courtesy of Greater Portland Landmarks
1,500 tents for shelter
The Federal Government shipped 1,500 tents to the city for citizens to take shelter in. It was thankfully July, so this was a feasible short-term solution for thousands left without a home that summer. Trains from Canada brought blankets, clothing and other goods.
Image courtesy of Greater Portland Landmarks
