Isaac Farrar Mansion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Symphony House
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Isaac Farrar Mansion
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 166 Union St., Bangor, Maine |
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| Area | 0 acres (0 ha) |
| Built | 1833 |
| Architect | Richard Upjohn |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000078 |
| Added to NRHP | October 26, 1972 |
The Isaac Farrar Mansion is a very old and important house in Bangor, Maine. Many people also know it as Symphony House. This special building was finished in 1833. A famous architect named Richard Upjohn designed it. This was one of his first big projects!
For many years, the house was a private home. But from 1929 to 1972, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra owned it. They used it as a music school. Today, the house is part of the Bangor YMCA. The United States government recognized its importance in 1972. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
What Does the Farrar Mansion Look Like?
The Farrar Mansion is on Union Street in Bangor. It is a large brick building with two and a half stories. This means it has two full floors and a smaller attic floor. The house has a special roof shape called a truncated hip roof. It also has windows that stick out from the roof, called gable dormers.
The house mostly shows a style called Greek Revival. This style was popular in the 1800s. It uses ideas from ancient Greek temples. Later, in the early 1900s, some parts of the house were changed. These changes added a Colonial Revival style. For example, the front porch and a large window on the side were added then.
The History of the Isaac Farrar Mansion
A successful businessman named Isaac Farrar ordered the house to be built. He moved to Bangor in 1836. He wanted a grand home for his family.
Richard Upjohn's First Big Project
The design of the house was given to Richard Upjohn. This was a very important job for him. His early work in Maine, like this house, helped him become famous. He became one of the top architects in the mid-1800s. The Farrar Mansion shows that Upjohn was good at the Greek Revival style. Even though he is best known for his Gothic Revival buildings, this house proves his skill in other styles too.
From Home to Music School
The house was a private home for many years. In 1911, the University of Maine Law School bought it. They used it as a place for students to live until 1929.
In 1929, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra purchased the building. They changed its name to "Symphony House." They opened the Northern Conservatory of Music inside. This was a school where people could learn to play music. The house also held the music section of the Bangor Public Library.
In 1972, the music school closed down. The symphony sold the building in 1973. The local YMCA bought it. Now, the YMCA uses the old mansion for events and special gatherings.
