Burnell Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Burnell Tavern
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Location | ME Route 113, Baldwin, Maine |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1737 |
Architectural style | Colonial |
NRHP reference No. | 83003638 |
Added to NRHP | December 29, 1983 |
The Burnell Tavern is a very old building in West Baldwin, Maine. It used to be a place where travelers could stop and rest. This historic building was built way back in 1737. That makes it the oldest building in the area! It's a special landmark in West Baldwin. The Burnell Tavern was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Today, it is a private home. You can't visit it like a museum.
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What is the Burnell Tavern?
The Burnell Tavern is a historic building. It was once a busy inn for people traveling long distances. It offered a place to eat, drink, and sleep. This type of building was very important in the past. It helped people travel safely between towns.
Where is it Located?
The Burnell Tavern is in West Baldwin, Maine. This is a quiet, spread-out rural area. It sits on the west side of a road called the Pequawket Trail. This trail is made up of Route 5, Route 113, and Route 117. In the past, this was the main road. It connected the coast of southern Maine to Fryeburg. Fryeburg was home to the Native American community known as Pequawket.
What Does It Look Like?
The main part of the Burnell Tavern is a large, wooden building. It has two and a half stories. It has a roof that slopes down on two sides. There are two chimneys that are not placed exactly the same way. The outside walls are made of clapboard siding. The building sits on a strong stone foundation.
The front of the building faces east. It looks very balanced. The main door is in the middle. It has a small roof over it. There are tall, narrow windows next to the door. Another door is on the south side. It has a window above it and a decorative frame. A two-story section extends from the back. This gives the building an "L" shape. There is also an old carriage barn from the 1800s behind the house.
How Old is the Building?
The Burnell Tavern was built in 1737. A local farmer named Gideon Burnell built it. People believe it is the oldest building still standing in Baldwin. Gideon Burnell was a busy man. He also ran mills that ground grain and cut wood. He even had a store.
The tavern was a popular stop for travelers. They were often on their way between Portland and central New Hampshire. The Burnell family owned the tavern for a very long time. It stayed in their family until the 1900s. Today, it is a private home.