Fryeburg Registry of Deeds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fryeburg Registry of Deeds
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 96 Main St., Fryeburg, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1845 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 87002196 |
| Added to NRHP | December 30, 1987 |
The Fryeburg Registry of Deeds is an old, important building located on Main Street in Fryeburg, Maine. It used to be a government office where official records were kept. This building is special because it was the only office for Oxford County in the western part of the county. It's also a great example of a building style called Greek Revival, made with bricks. Because of its history and unique look, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Contents
What Does the Building Look Like?
The Fryeburg Registry building is a small, one-story structure made of brick. It sits on a strong granite base. The building has a pointed roof, called a gable roof. A simple decorative edge, known as a corbelled cornice, gives it a classic Greek Revival style.
Windows and Doors
The windows and the main entrance have special sills and tops (called lintels) made of granite. The front of the building has two sections, or "bays." The main door is on the right side. The eastern side of the building has two windows, while the western side has just one.
Changes Over Time
In 1975, a wooden addition was built onto the back of the building. This part sticks out a bit on the western side. The outside walls have been made stronger with steel. A brick chimney goes up from the building's metal roof. Inside, the building has a modern look and includes a large, secure vault for important documents.
A Peek into History: The Fryeburg Registry
The town of Fryeburg was started in 1762 by Joseph Frye and others. It was the first non-Native community in what is now Oxford County. In 1800, York County chose Fryeburg as the place to keep official records, called a registry of deeds, for the northern part of the county.
Oxford County's Own Registry
In 1805, Oxford County was formed from parts of York County and Cumberland County. The main county office was moved to Paris Hill. However, Oxford County decided to keep a registry office in Fryeburg. In 1821, they ordered a new, fireproof building for the registry, which was finished the next year.
Building Style and Use
The current building might have been built around 1845. Its Greek Revival style became popular later in the 1820s. This building served as the registry office until 1918. After that, it was used for town offices and even a local history museum. As of 2014, the building was empty.
