The Influence (Monhegan, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Influence
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St., Monhegan, Maine |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1777 |
| Built by | Trefethern, Henry |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 83003655 |
| Added to NRHP | December 29, 1983 |
The Influence is a very old and important house located on Main Street in Monhegan, Maine. It was built in 1826 and is one of the biggest and oldest homes on this small island. The house was constructed by the son of the last person who owned the entire island. Because of its history and unique story, The Influence was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
About Monhegan Island
Monhegan is a tiny island community located about 12 miles (19 km) off the coast of Maine. It includes Monhegan Island itself and several smaller islands nearby. The main harbor, where boats dock, is found between Monhegan Island and Manana Island.
The Influence House: What It Looks Like
The Influence house sits on a small hill, looking out towards Manana Island. You can find it on the west side of Main Street, just north of where Fish Beach Lane meets it.
This house is a large, two-story building made of wood. It has a special type of roof called a hip roof, which slopes down on all four sides. The outside walls are covered with clapboard siding, and it sits on a strong foundation made of granite.
The front of the house, facing the street, and the back of the house, facing the harbor, both look very grand. Each side has five windows across, with the main entrance in the middle. The front door has narrow windows on either side and a small decorative roof above it. A smaller, one-story section extends from one side of the house.
The History of The Influence House
Monhegan Island was bought in 1777 by a man named Henry Trefethern, who came from Kittery, Maine. After he passed away in 1806, the island was divided among his family members. This meant that many different people started to own parts of the island.
Henry Trefethern's son, who was also named Henry, became a very important person in the small island community. He had a lot of say in what happened on Monhegan. Because of his importance and how much he shaped the island, the large house he built in 1826 became known as "The Influence."
Not long after it was built, the house was actually split into two separate living spaces. This was done so that Henry's brother, George, could also live there.
