68 High Street facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Children's Hospital
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| Location | 68 High Street Portland, Maine |
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| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Frederick A. Tompson |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 12000065 |
| Added to NRHP | March 7, 2012 |
The building at 68 High Street in Portland, Maine, used to be known as the Children's Hospital. It is a historic building designed in the Colonial Revival style. This style looks like old colonial homes.
The hospital was built in 1909 by architect Frederick A. Tompson. It was founded in 1908 by doctors Edville Gerhardt Abbott, Harold A. Pingree, and Frank W. Lamb. This hospital became famous worldwide for helping children with scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves.
The Children's Hospital closed in 1948. Most of its 56 patients moved to Maine General Hospital. This hospital later became the Maine Medical Center. The building at 68 High Street was also used by the University of Maine School of Law from 1962 to 1972. After that, the University of Southern Maine used it for its offices.
In 2010, a group called Community Housing of Maine wanted to turn the building into 35 affordable homes. The building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 7, 2012.
A Special Hospital for Kids
The Portland Children's Hospital was known for its great design and its care for children. Dr. Edville Gerhardt Abbott was the main surgeon there. In 1911, he developed a special way to treat scoliosis. This treatment helped to fix the curve in children's spines.
Dr. Abbott's method was called the "Abbott Treatment." For many years, it was the main way doctors treated scoliosis. Even today, doctors still talk about it in medical journals. It was a very important step forward in helping children with spine problems.
Elm Terrace: New Homes
In 2011, the Maine State Housing Authority approved a plan for the building at 68 High Street. They wanted to create 38 homes for people with lower incomes. The building was updated to meet modern standards. This included adding elevators to make it easier for everyone to use.
The ground floor of the building also included parking spaces. This project was important for providing more affordable housing in Portland.
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