Abial Cushman Store facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Abial Cushman Store
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St. E of ME 168, Lee, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1840 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001906 |
| Added to NRHP | December 18, 1990 |
The Abial Cushman Store is a very old and important building in Lee, Maine. It's also known as the Lee Forest Grange or Home on the Grange. This historic building was built way back in 1840. It's special because it's one of the few old shops left from the 1800s in this small town. It also shows off a cool building style called Greek Revival architecture.
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What is the Abial Cushman Store?
The Abial Cushman Store is found in the quiet village center of Lee. It sits on the north side of Lee Road, near Maine State Route 168 and Maine State Route 6. This building is made of wood and has a rectangular shape. It stands two stories tall.
A Look at the Building's Style
The building has a roof that slopes down on the sides, called a "side gable roof." Its outside walls are covered with "clapboard siding." This means long, thin wooden boards overlap each other. A porch runs all the way across the front of the building.
The front corners of the building have special flat columns called "pilasters." These pilasters go up to support a decorative band called an "entablature." This band is just below the roof's edge. The second floor has windows. The first floor is split into two parts. On the left, there's a shop entrance with big windows on each side. On the right, there's a window and a door that leads upstairs. Behind the main building, there are smaller sections that get narrower, like a telescope.
A Building with a Past
The Abial Cushman Store was built in 1840. Many people believe it is the oldest shop still standing in Lee. It was in the center of town. It was also close to Lee Academy, which was important for the town's economy. For many years, it was used as a general store. A general store sells all sorts of things, like food, tools, and clothes.
In 1884, the building became the meeting place for the local Grange chapter. The Grange is a group that supports farmers and rural communities. The building was used by the Grange for most of the 1900s. Since then, it has been fixed up. Today, it is used for shops and community events.
The Abial Cushman Store was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1990. This list includes important historic places in the United States.
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