Clement Maxwell built this house and a barn on land at 214 Main St., left, in the late 1800s. Used for farming, it remained in the Maxwell family until it was sold by John Maxwell around 1977. The property was purchased by a developer representing Shaw’s Supermarkets with plans to clear the land and build a store on the site. The barn was resold, dismantled and taken out of state. The house was used by the fire department for live fire training. Shaw’s later decided to build a store at Pine Tree Shopping Center, and the land remained undeveloped until it was purchased by the Lee Auto Dealership, which now occupies the site. The Maxwell family was prominent in Westbrook for many years, and also owned the Deer Hill Farm with a large tract of land across the street at 201 Main St. Westbrook City Hall and adjoining office building are on the site of the farm buildings. The farmland was developed into house lots and the area took the name Deer Hill.

Photo of the Clement Maxwell farmhouse courtesy of the Maxwell family. Research and other photo courtesy of Mike Sanphy