Observer Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Observer Building
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 128 Union Sq., Dover-Foxcroft, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1854 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 98000724 |
| Added to NRHP | June 26, 1998 |
The Observer Building is a special old building in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. It was built way back in 1854. This building is unique because it's shaped like a triangle, similar to a "flatiron" iron. It also has a very interesting roof.
For many years, this building was home to The Piscataquis Observer. This was one of Maine's oldest weekly newspapers. Today, the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society owns the building. They use it as a museum and for storing historical items.
Contents
What the Building Looks Like
The Observer Building stands in a very noticeable spot. It's at a triangular intersection in the middle of Dover-Foxcroft. Here, Pleasant Street and East Main Street (Maine State Route 15) meet.
Its Unique Shape
The building itself is a two-story wooden structure. It's shaped like a triangle. The front part is narrow and has three sections.
The Special Roof
One of the most unusual parts of the building is its roof. At the front, the roof is very steep, like a triangle with equal sides. As you move towards the back, the roof flattens out. This makes it look a bit like an upside-down boat!
Doors and Windows
The front of the building has a main door. There are windows on each side of the door on the first floor. On the second floor, there are two windows placed evenly. A smaller window is in the very top part of the roof. All the doorways have small roofs over them. These are supported by simple wooden brackets. The corners of the front are decorated with wooden pillars called pilasters.
The long side of the building facing south has many windows. There are nine on the first floor and eight on the second. The north side has eight windows and two doors on the first floor. It also has eight windows on the second floor.
History of the Observer Building
The Observer Building has a long and interesting past. It has changed how it was used over the years.
Early Days
William Sargent built the building in 1854. At first, it was likely used as a home. It might have been divided into apartments for people to rent.
Home of the Newspaper
In 1903, George Doore bought the building. He changed it into a place for businesses. He then rented it to the Observer Publishing Company. This company published The Piscataquis Observer newspaper.
The Observer newspaper has a history going back to 1838. It was first called the Piscataquis Herald. In 1842, its name changed to the Piscataquis Farmer. Finally, in 1847, it became Observer. It is known as one of Maine's oldest weekly newspapers.
The newspaper had its offices and printing machines in this building. They stayed there until 1997.
A Museum Today
In 1997, the newspaper company gave the building to the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society. The society now uses the first floor as a museum. Visitors can learn about the area's history there. The upstairs is used for storage, offices, and meetings.
The Observer Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 26, 1998. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
See Also
