McLellan House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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McLellan House
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 140 School St., Gorham, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1773 |
| Architectural style | American colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000073 |
| Added to NRHP | December 5, 1972 |
Imagine a house that stood tall even before the United States was officially a country! The McLellan House is one such amazing place. Located at 140 School Street in Gorham, Maine, USA, this historic building was built way back in 1773.
It is believed to be the oldest brick house in all of Cumberland County. It might even be the oldest brick house in the entire state of Maine! Today, the McLellan House is part of the University of Southern Maine (USM) campus in Gorham. It is used by a special center that studies education. This important house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Contents
Discovering the McLellan House
The McLellan House is located just north of Gorham's town center. It sits on a small hill, looking over School Street. This house is a two-and-a-half-story building made of brick. It has a classic design with a sloped roof and a strong granite foundation.
How the House Was Built
The front and right sides of the house show a special brick pattern. This pattern is called Flemish bond. It means the bricks are laid in a way that looks very neat and strong. The other sides use a simpler pattern called common bond. The top parts of the house, under the roof, are made of wood. They are covered with flat wooden boards called clapboards.
The windows on the first floor and the main front door have a curved top. This curved shape is called a segmented arch. The windows on the second floor are shaped like regular rectangles. Inside, the house has been changed many times over the years. This is because the university has used it for different things. However, some of the original decorations and styles from 1773 can still be seen.
The McLellan Family and Early History
The McLellan House was built in 1773 for a couple named Hugh and Elizabeth McLellan. They were among the very first settlers to arrive in the Gorham area. They moved there around 1740, long before the house was built.
A Landmark Brick Building
This house is thought to be the first brick house ever built in Cumberland County. It is also one of the oldest brick buildings still standing in the whole state of Maine. Imagine how strong it must have been to last so long!
From Home to College Building
In 1966, Gorham State College bought the house. This college is now known as the University of Southern Maine. At first, the house was used as a dormitory, a place where students could live. Later, it was changed again to become office space. Today, it continues to serve the university as a place for important educational work.
