Kennebunk River Club facts for kids
|
Kennebunk River Club
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 |
|
 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 116 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, Maine |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1888 |
| Architect | Frederick W. Stickney |
| Architectural style | Shingle Style |
| Part of | Cape Arundel Summer Colony Historic District (ID84001549) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75002169 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | September 9, 1975 |
| Designated CP | August 16, 1984 |
The Kennebunk River Club is a special club located at 116 Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport, Maine. It's a private place where people can relax and meet others. The club was started in 1888 by people who spent their summers in the area. Its main building, built in 1889, is a great example of Shingle Style architecture. This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 because of its importance.
About the Kennebunk River Club
The Kennebunk River Club building sits on the west side of Ocean Avenue. It is located right between the road and the Kennebunk River. It is a two-story wooden building that stands on stilts, called pilings. It has a big, pointy roof that faces both the river and the road. Small windowed sections, called dormers, stick out from the sides of the roof.
Building Design and Features
The front of the building faces the river. It has a main entrance with two doors and windows on either side. Other windows are placed evenly on both sides of the entrance. A porch runs along this entire side of the building. Downstairs, the porch has five arched openings. Upstairs, there is one large arched opening. Stairs under the porch connect the different levels. Inside, the club looks much like it did when it was built. It has a simple and classic style.
History of the Club
In 1888, thirteen people who spent their summers in Kennebunkport decided to start a club. They first called it the "Lobster, Boat, and Canoe Club." The next year, they began building the club's main building. When construction started, they officially named it the Kennebunk River Club.
A famous architect named Frederick W. Stickney from Lowell, Massachusetts, designed the building. It was finished in 1890. Later, in 1908, they added a special shed for canoes on the north side of the building. Members of the Penobscot tribe, who came from Old Town each summer, would build canoes and rent them out to club members. Over the years, the club's activities have changed to match the latest trends in boating.
