Cole Block (Bethel, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cole Block
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Cole Block in 2013
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 19 Main St., Bethel, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1891 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 98000310 |
| Added to NRHP | April 1, 1998 |
The Cole Block is a very old and important building in Bethel, Maine. It's located at 19 Main Street. This four-story building was built in 1891. It's one of the most famous buildings in Bethel's downtown area. In 1998, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place worth protecting.
What Does the Cole Block Look Like?
The Cole Block is a four-story building made of wood. On the ground floor, there are two shop spaces. The second floor has two office spaces. The rest of the building holds a large hall, like an auditorium.
The front of the building looks very balanced and even. The shop entrances are set back a bit in the middle. This area also has the door to the upper floors. The left shop entrance was changed to be flat with the building's front. This part now holds the town offices.
The upper floors are also very balanced. They have fancy wooden decorations between the windows in the middle. You can see the name "Cole Block 1891" on a sign between the second and third floors. Another sign between the third and fourth floors says "Odeon Hall."
History of the Cole Block
The Cole Block was designed by an architect named George M. Coombs. It was built in 1891 for two brothers, Fred and Elmer Cole. This building quickly became the most important one in Bethel's small downtown area.
Building such a big place was a challenge for the Cole brothers. They soon lost the property because of money problems. The Bethel Savings Bank then took over the building. The bank used most of the first floor until 1974. Other businesses rented the other side of the building.
The "Odeon Hall" on the upper floors was a very popular place for events in town. Many different private and public gatherings happened there. Even graduation ceremonies for Gould Academy were held in the Odeon Hall.
