Waldoborough Town Pound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Waldoborough Town Pound
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 Location in Maine
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| Location | Main St., Waldoboro, Maine |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1819 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000103 |
| Added to NRHP | May 28, 1976 |
The Waldoborough Town Pound is a very old stone building in Waldoboro, Maine. It's on Main Street, also known as Maine State Route 220. This special building was made in 1819. It was used to hold farm animals that had wandered away from their homes.
The pound reminds us of Waldoboro's farming history. It is one of the few old animal pounds still standing in Maine. Because it is so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This list helps protect historic places in the United States.
What is the Waldoborough Town Pound?
The Waldoborough Town Pound is located on the west side of Main Street. It is south of U.S. Route 1 and just north of the Waldoboro Historical Society museum. The pound is shaped like a rectangle. It measures about 45 feet by 55 feet. The shorter side faces the road.
How the Pound Was Built
The walls of the pound are made from rough stones. These stones were stacked without using mortar, like a puzzle. On top of the walls are flat granite slabs. These slabs are held in place by large metal staples. The staples were made by hand and hammered into holes in the stone.
There is only one entrance to the pound. It is on the side facing the street, at the northern end. A large granite slab sits above the opening, like a strong stone beam. When the pound was in use, a wooden gate would have closed this opening.
History of the Town Pound
Waldoboro's first animal pound was made of wood in 1785. Its job was to hold stray farm animals. This included animals like cows, sheep, or horses. The animals would stay there until their owners came to get them.
The stone pound you see today was approved by the town in 1819. It was used for many years. Over time, new ways of managing farm animals were developed. So, the pound was no longer needed for its original purpose. Today, the Waldoboro Historical Society owns and takes care of the old stone pound.
