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 really cool old building in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. It was built way back in 1854. This building is special because of its unique triangle shape. It also has a very interesting roof!
For many years, this building was home to The Piscataquis Observer. This is one of Maine's oldest weekly newspapers. Today, the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society owns the building. They use it as a museum and for storage.
What Does the Observer Building Look Like?
The Observer Building stands in the middle of Dover-Foxcroft. It's at a busy spot where two streets meet. These streets are Pleasant Street and East Main Street (Maine State Route 15).
The building itself is shaped like a triangle. It has two stories and is made of wood. The front of the building is narrow. It has three sections facing the street intersection.
One of the most unusual things about the building is its roof. At the front, the roof is shaped like a steep triangle. But as you go towards the back, it flattens out. This makes it look a bit like an upside-down boat!
On the first floor, the front has a main door. There are windows on each side of the door. The second floor has two windows placed evenly. There's also a smaller window higher up in the triangle part of the roof. All the doorways have small roofs over them. These are held up by simple wooden supports. The corners of the front are decorated with flat wooden columns called pilasters.
The long side of the building facing south has nine windows on the first floor. It has eight windows on the second floor. The side facing north has eight windows and two doors on the first floor. It also has eight windows on the second floor.
A Building with a Story
The Observer Building was built in 1854. A man named William Sargent built it. At first, it was used as a place for people to live. It had several apartments inside.
In 1903, George Doore bought the building. He changed it into a space for businesses. He then rented it to the Observer Publishing Company. This company published The Piscataquis Observer newspaper.
The Observer newspaper has a very long history. It started way back in 1838! It was first called the Piscataquis Herald. In 1842, its name changed to the Piscataquis Farmer. Finally, in 1847, it became The Piscataquis Observer. It is one of the oldest weekly newspapers in Maine.
The newspaper had its offices and printing machines in this building. They stayed there until 1997. Then, the newspaper company gave the building to the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society.
Today, the historical society 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.
Because of its unique design and long history, the Observer Building is important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 26, 1998. This means it's recognized as a special historic site.
See also
