Cumston Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cumston Hall
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 796 Main St., Monmouth, Maine |
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| Built | 1899-1900 |
| Architect | Harry Hayman Cochrane |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival; Queen Anne Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000130 |
| Added to NRHP | August 14, 1973 |
Cumston Hall is a special old building in Monmouth, Maine. It was finished in 1900. This building is a great example of a style called Romanesque Revival architecture. It was a gift to the town from Dr. Charles M. Cumston. Today, it is home to the town's public library and hosts many theater groups. Cumston Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
What Does Cumston Hall Look Like?
Cumston Hall stands out in Monmouth village. It is on the east side of Main Street. This is also Maine State Route 132. The building is large and has two stories. It is made of wood with a hip roof. The outside is covered with clapboard siding. Its foundation is made of strong granite.
A tall, square tower sticks out from the front right side. It is about 70 feet (21 meters) high. The tower has a pointed roof with small turrets at the corners. The outside of the building is decorated with many fancy wooden designs. Round columns support arched sections on the first floor. The windows on the upper floor are often paired. They have round arches at the top. There is also a special three-part window above the main entrance. This window is in a section that sticks out and has a gable roof.
The Story of Cumston Hall
Cumston Hall was finished in 1900. It is named after Dr. Charles M. Cumston. He used to be a headmaster at the English High School of Boston. Dr. Cumston gave this beautiful building to Monmouth. It was built in the Romanesque Revival and Queen Anne styles. When it was first built, it included a library and a large room for performances.
Dr. Cumston chose Harry Hayman Cochrane to design and decorate the hall. Cochrane (1860–1946) was an artist who painted murals. He had gone to school in Monmouth. Cochrane's artwork can be seen in the ceiling paintings. These paintings show cherubs, which are like little angels. He also created detailed plaster designs. These designs frame the walls, boxes, and the arch around the stage.
Today, Cumston Hall is a busy place. It is home to the Cumston Public Library. It also hosts the Theater at Monmouth and the Monmouth Community Players. Many other local activities happen here too. The plays and shows put on at Cumston Hall attract people from outside Monmouth. They come to see this important landmark.
See also
- Monmouth Academy (Maine)
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Kennebec County, Maine
