U.S. Customhouse and Post Office (Waldoboro, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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U.S. Customhouse and Post Office
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St., Waldoboro, Maine |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1855 |
| Architect | Ammi B. Young |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000180 |
| Added to NRHP | January 18, 1974 |
The U.S. Customhouse and Post Office in Waldoboro, Maine, is a special old building with a rich history. It was built between 1855 and 1857 and is a great example of Italianate architecture. This style was popular in the mid-1800s. For many years, it was home to the Waldoboro Public Library. In 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site worth protecting.
Contents
What Does the Building Look Like?
The old Waldoboro Customhouse is located right in downtown Waldoboro. You can find it on the north side of Main Street, close to the Waldo Theatre. It's a two-story building made of brick, and it has a sloped roof.
Special Design Features
The building's outside walls are painted brick. It has some cool features that make it stand out. Look for the big, round-arched openings where the windows and doors are. There's also a metal balcony that stretches across the front. The fancy trim around the roof, called a cornice, adds to its unique look.
A Look Back at Its History
This building has served many purposes over the years. It was originally built to be a customhouse and post office.
Why Was a Customhouse Needed?
A customhouse was a place where government officials collected taxes on goods coming into the country by ship. The Waldoboro customs district was set up in 1799. It covered ports in both Knox and Lincoln Counties. The first customhouse was made of wood, but it burned down in 1854.
Who Designed This Building?
The building you see today was built to replace the one that burned down. It was designed by Ammi B. Young, a famous architect. He worked for the United States Department of the Treasury. Young was known for using the Italianate style and for building structures that were resistant to fire. This building is one of his smaller designs, but it still shows off his style.
From Customs to Community Library
The customs district in Waldoboro closed down in 1913. After that, the building found a new purpose. It became the home of the Waldoboro Public Library. It served as the library for many years, even when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The library has since moved to a new location. Today, this historic building is a private home.
