Historic Portland Discussion

[Portlander]

This shot was taken just under the flashing time and temperature sign and construction is just starting on One Portland Square to the right.

 

[Portlander]

The landmark Falmouth Hotel on Middle Street. Demolished to eventually make room for Canal Plaza.

 

[Cosakita18]

Something about his photo if Middle Street looking west from 1922 really gives a "big city" feel

 

[Portlander]

 

[Portlander]

 

[Portlander]

 

[Portlander]

 

[Portlander]

 

[Portlander]

 

[mainejeff]

I want the return of the Hawaiian Hut!

 

[TC_zoid]

I've mentioned this before, but I was told that the primary reason they got rid of the pool was an incident from Ozzy Osbourne and his band. They got a bit too drunk after a concert at the Civic Center (hey, it's what they do), and they went up to that rooftop pool and threw some patio furniture over the edge. They should have just banned rock stars. I like the Hawaiian Hut thing. They should bring that back. And actor Tony Shalhoub worked as a waiter up there. Good find. Looks like it's from an old, old post card. Perhaps The Armature can bring back some of that pool fun (sans the furniture tossed over the edge).

 

[Portlander]

 

[Portlander]

The hotel's beautiful park like setting amuses me and looks like it's sitting on Park Avenue with Deering Oaks behind it!

 

[Portlander]

 

[Portlander]

This photo shows the recent completion of the Fidelity Building and the expansion of the Miller Building (PM&B) in 1911. The addition was necessary for the continued growth of Porteous Mitchell & Braun which became the largest department store in Maine.

 

[Portlander]

 

[nomc]

View attachment 35791

You may have mentioned this elsewhere on the forum, but was this converted into the present day building or just torn down?

 

[nomc]

View attachment 35795

What's up with the cranes on the PM&B building? Is the building to the right of it the present day SPACE or is SPACE a new building entirely? When was that gap between the two buildings filled in?

 

[Portlander]

It became University Hall for USM students in the 80's after the hotel closed and renovated into apartments around a decade ago which gave the building a new exterior. The Portlander's pool was located behind the fence where the couple are hanging out.

 

[Portlander]

nomc, the cranes on the roof were for the expansion of the Miller Building in 1911 which was originally half the size it is now. If you look at this photo closely, you will notice the structure's name and year which symbolized the original portion. The three windows bay extension to the right was added due to the success of PM&B and the need for more retail space. The other clue that the right section was an add on is the width of the bays are a little narrower than the ones on the left in order to allow the building to squeeze into the limited piece of property.