TOPSHAM
As part of Topsham’s year-long celebration of its 250th year as a town, a local architectural historian will lead a walking tour Saturday through the town’s historic district.
The cost is $3 to pre-register by emailing [email protected], or $5 on the day of the event. Space is limited. Those interested will meet at 2 p.m. Saturday in front of the old Town Hall and John Cone School on Elm Street.
What makes this historic district stand out is how the 19th century Maine village has remained intact, with ownership of the homes changing over the years, but the many different styles of the eras remaining.
“Most evidence of the industrial and shipbuilding history of Topsham has been lost to floods, fires and time,” said architectural historian Scott Hanson. “But, the residential architecture of the village remains to help tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in the community as it developed.”
Hanson will be leading the tour, walking past stately Federal-style homes and those which were sometimes expanded to have a second story added and updated in the Greek Revival-style. There are also newer homes built, reflecting the mid- and late-19th century architecture which still stands today in the neighborhood.
More than discovering the architecture on this tour, Hanson’s talk includes some of the history of the many prominent residents who lived in these homes. Participants on the walk learn not only what sets a home apart, but about the lives which helped shape the town and the legacy left behind.
The Topsham Historical Society and The Highlands are hosting the walk and will offer light refreshments at the end along with a tour inside the historic 1806 Holden Frost House on The Highlands’ campus.
THE TOPSHAM HISTORICAL Society and The Highlands are hosting the walk and will offer light refreshments at the end along with a tour inside the historic 1806 Holden Frost House on The Highlands’ campus.
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