Nichols Block facts for kids
The Nichols Block is a really old and important building in downtown Bangor, Maine. It was built way back in 1892! This building has a special look called Romanesque Revival style. It was designed by a local architect named Wilfred E. Mansur.
The Nichols Block is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a special part of history. It's also part of the Great Fire of 1911 Historic District. What's super cool about this building is that it survived two big events: the terrible Great Fire of 1911 and a big city makeover project in the late 1960s called urban renewal. Not many buildings in that area survived both!
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Who Built the Nichols Block?
The Nichols Block was built for a man named Eugene C. Nichols, who was often called E.C. Nichols. He owned one of the biggest stores in Bangor in the 1800s. His store sold dry goods and fancy items. It was located on Main Street, across the Kenduskeag Stream from where the Nichols Block stands today.
What Was the Building Used For?
It seems like E.C. Nichols built this new building as an investment. This means he probably hoped to make money by renting it out. The first business to move in was Meyer M. Levy's Bangor Clothing Store. The upper floors of the building had a "Social Hall." This was a big room that people could rent for parties and events.
The very first event held there was a dance. It happened just before Christmas in 1892. Miss June Nichols, who was E.C. Nichols' daughter, hosted the dance. Back then, Exchange Street was a very busy and fun place in Bangor. It had many hotels and bars. The main train station was also at the end of the street, making it a lively area.
Who Was Wilfred E. Mansur?
Wilfred E. Mansur was a very famous architect in Bangor around the year 1900. He designed many important buildings. Besides the Nichols Block, he also designed E.C. Nichols' own house in 1895. This house was a large wooden mansion with a cool round tower. It's still standing today on Union Street, at the corner of High Street.
