Granite Store (Sullivan, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Granite Store
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. 1, Sullivan, Maine |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000152 |
| Added to NRHP | December 16, 1974 |
The Granite Store is a very old and interesting building found along U.S. Route 1 in Sullivan, Maine. It's a special example of Greek Revival architecture, which was a popular style long ago. What makes it extra unique is that it's built from rough granite stones.
This building was probably constructed between 1835 and 1850. Because of its historical importance, the Granite Store was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today, it seems to be used as a home.
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About the Granite Store Building
The Granite Store stands on the south side of U.S. Route 1. You can find it between the road's meeting point with Maine State Route 200 and where Mill Brook crosses. This building is two and a half stories tall. It has a roof that slopes down from the front, forming a triangle shape.
Building's Unique Look
The building sits on a strong granite foundation. Its two main floors are made from rough granite stones that were dug up nearby. The triangular parts at the top, called gables, are made of wood. They are covered with weatherboard, which is a type of wooden siding. A decorative border, called a cornice molding, outlines these gables.
The front of the building faces north. It has a main entrance in the middle. This doorway is framed by long granite blocks. On each side of the door, there are two large windows. Above these, there are slightly smaller windows. An even smaller window is placed in the very top part of the gable. The sides of the building do not have any windows.
Rear of the Building
The back of the Granite Store has two windows on the first floor. There is one window on the second floor. You can also see a space on the second floor where a doorway used to be. This doorway was likely used for loading things into the building.
A Store Through Time
It is thought that the Granite Store was first built in the 1840s. Its first job was to be a store that sold salt and other supplies. These items were important for fishermen who worked on the Grand Banks, a famous fishing area.
Changes Over the Years
By the late 1850s, the area around the building became a shipyard. This is where fishing schooners, which are types of boats, were built. At that time, the Granite Store likely became a "chandlery." This means it sold all sorts of supplies that sailors and ships needed.
Since the 1870s, the building has been empty for long periods. However, it has been used sometimes as a gift shop or an art gallery. Now, it appears to have been changed into a home for people to live in.
