In the photo at left, the building on the left was built between 1820 and 1822 by Jonathan Webb as his residence and from which he operated a hotel and tavern. It was located on Main Street opposite Bridge Street and was known for a while as Barker’s Tavern. The building later became known as the Presumpscot House and retained that name for many years. In 1902 it was moved around the corner to Fitch Street to make room for construction of the Scates Building, which was built in 1903 by local businessman John C. Scates. The building became a boarding house and in later years it was known as Bevo’s Rooming House. The building on the right was built in 1844 by Dana Brigham and Henry Walker. F.X Girard operated a grocery and dry goods store on the first floor for many years. The top floor, known as Brigham Hall, was used between 1873 and 1879 by the Catholic Church to celebrate Mass until St. Hyacinth Church was built on Brown Street. In later years, former Mayor Ernest O. Porell purchased the building and operated an appliance store on the first floor left side of the building, leasing the other portion to the Men’s Shop. Both buildings were vacated and slated for demolition when they were destroyed by a spectacular fire on Jan. 8, 1978. CVS Pharmacy and parking lot, right, now occupy this location.

Research and photos courtesy of Mike Sanphy