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, has a long and interesting history. It was once known as the Children's Hospital. This historic building was constructed in 1909 and designed by a famous architect named Frederick A. Tompson. It's located in the eastern part of Portland's West End neighborhood.
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A Special Hospital for Children
This building first opened its doors in 1909 as the Children's Hospital. It was founded in 1908 by doctors Edville Gerhardt Abbott and Harold A. Pingree, along with Frank W. Lamb. This hospital became famous worldwide for helping children with disabilities, especially those with scoliosis, which is a curve in the spine.
The hospital closed in 1948. At that time, most of its 56 patients moved to Maine General Hospital, which is now called the Maine Medical Center. The building also served as an extra part of the Mussey Mansion for a while. Later, it was owned by the University of Maine system. It housed the University of Maine School of Law from 1962 to 1972. After that, the University of Southern Maine used it for its main offices.
In 2010, a group called Community Housing of Maine wanted to turn the building and the empty lot next to it into 35 affordable homes. Because of its important history, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 7, 2012.
The Abbott Treatment
The Portland Children's Hospital was known for its great design and its strong focus on helping children. Dr. Edville Gerhardt Abbott, who was the chief surgeon, developed a special way to help children with scoliosis. This method, called the "Abbott Treatment," helped adjust the curve in a child's spine. It was created in 1911. For many years, the Abbott Treatment was considered the best way to treat scoliosis and is still mentioned in medical journals today.
Elm Terrace: New Homes for Families
In 2011, the Maine State Housing Authority approved plans for the building and the empty lot at 68 High Street. The idea was to create 38 homes for people with lower incomes. The building is being updated to meet the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means adding things like elevators to make it easier for everyone to use. The first floor of the building will also include parking spaces.
The plan to change the property into housing caused some discussion. A state official named Bruce Poliquin questioned the cost of each housing unit. However, the project moved forward to provide much-needed affordable housing.
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