One of the most prolific architects of the West End area was Francis H. Fassett (1823-1908), and along with the original Maine General Hospital, the Baxter Building, a landmark of upper Congress Street was of his design. James Phinney Baxter , mayor of the city for six years, donated the building for use as the Portland Public Library. During high school, I spent a lot of time afternoons researching in the library's collection of American Heritage magazines for my American History class. Mom would drop me here soon after 4PM, and I'd be there til she picked me up at closing. In the 70's, the city sold it to the Maine College of Art where it housed photography labs, darkrooms and other studios. It has recently been put on the market again. Finding a resting place for this grand old building, in these economic times, probably won't be easy. From this photograph, you get a bit of a taste of some of the amazing architecture and intricate design inside and out.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Old Library
One of the most prolific architects of the West End area was Francis H. Fassett (1823-1908), and along with the original Maine General Hospital, the Baxter Building, a landmark of upper Congress Street was of his design. James Phinney Baxter , mayor of the city for six years, donated the building for use as the Portland Public Library. During high school, I spent a lot of time afternoons researching in the library's collection of American Heritage magazines for my American History class. Mom would drop me here soon after 4PM, and I'd be there til she picked me up at closing. In the 70's, the city sold it to the Maine College of Art where it housed photography labs, darkrooms and other studios. It has recently been put on the market again. Finding a resting place for this grand old building, in these economic times, probably won't be easy. From this photograph, you get a bit of a taste of some of the amazing architecture and intricate design inside and out.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Such a beautiful building. We passed by it every day when we lived on Congress Street. Please let us know what happens to it next.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I really hope it finds a new owner soon, and someone who will respect and love it for its beauty and history. It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSo many pretty details and also a nice composition in your photograph!
ReplyDeleteI like it.
Its really fantastic and beautiful. I like it specially with the contrast between white and rose stone.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly don't build them like they used to. I hope someone will find a good use for such a grand building. The architecture is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHope your recovery continues to go well.
Sunny :)
How beautiful and ornate!
ReplyDeleteThat would have been my kind of library. What happened, did your city go modern too?
ReplyDeleteMust have made a wonderful library building. I hope they find another fitting use for such a beautiful building.
ReplyDelete«Louis», like those who have already commented, hopes the building will find a new owner soon - and that it won't be allowed to deteriorate. Modern "architecture" just can't hold a candle to a splendid design like this. It seems we don't know how to build beautiful buildings now, as witnessed by the horrible new de Young Museum in San Francisco.
ReplyDeleteI agree that a building like that is a treasure and hopefully is protected from destruction. I recall many hours spent in libraries during my student days. I guess now Google has changed all that.
ReplyDeleteFor a second there I thought I was looking at an Italian church. A grand building full of books. What can be better.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Oakland Daily Photo and leavings and hope you drop by again. I took some time to stroll through your blog. Enjoyed your photos and am captivated by the stories you weave. Especially love the vintage photos of family and friends and the accompanying reminiscences.