| Old Winterport Commercial House Antique Shop & Bed and Breakfast 114 Main Street, P.O. Box 589 * Winterport, Maine 04496 (10 miles south of Bangor) B&B (207) 223-4965 * Antique Shop/B&B (207) 223-5854 * ann@antiquesandreusables.com |
Copyright 2009. Old Winterport Commercial House.
N. Plonsky - webmaster
N. Plonsky - webmaster
TOWN OF WINTERPORT
The town of Winterport lies on the west bank of the Penobscot River (a
salt water river), 10 miles from the city of Bangor. It was a part of the old
town of Frankfort and became a separate town in March 1860 just before
the Civil War.
The Old Winterport Commercial House continues in the tradition of the
original Commercial House, as it was known when it opened in 1834.
Originally this building was a stopping point on the stage line from
Belfast to Bangor and it served the traveling public who came here by
boat. It was also the scene of the celebration of incorporation when
Winterport became a town in March of 1860.
A survey of the river was made in 1873 and 1874. Alexander Longfellow,
brother of the poet, was then in the service. His name appears on the old
Commercial House registers and he often was a guest at the house of the
Honorable T. Cushing.
The central area of the town including Main Street and portions of several
side streets are considered of such architectural and historic significance
that the area has been named the Winterport Historic District by the U.S.
Department of Interior.
Not every small town has incidents of national importance. But twice
Frankfort saw battles on her waterfront. In 1779 when an American fleet
failed to capture Castine, the British chased the ships up the Penobscot
where, in order to escape capture, they were burned and sunk by the
crews. The flagship Warren was scuttled off Oak Point and is now the
object of an intensive search by naval archaeologists.
In 1814 the townspeople watched the British come up the river in an
attempt to seize the USS Frigate Adams at Hampden (next town above
Winterport.) The militia from this area was no match for the seasoned
British troops put ashore at the Cove. Tobias Oakman from Frankfort was
killed and several others were wounded in the fray. Captain Morris of
the Adams spiked his guns, blew up the ship, and narrowly escaped
being taken prisoner.
The Penobscot River has always had a great influence on the well being
of Winterport. Prior to the coming of the railroad to Bangor in 1855, most
freight and travelers came to the city on vessels sailing up the river. In
the winter months before the days of ice breakers all goods and travelers
had to be off-loaded at Frankfort (Winterport) and transported to Bangor
and points north by wagons or sleds. Because the river was ice bound
beyond this point, this was a true "winter port" making it an important
location. Many people earned their living in support of the river
transportation and ships were built here. By 1880 140 sailing vessels had
been built in the area but this industry came to an end with the coming of
the iron steamship. There was passenger service via the Boston boats of
the Eastern Steamship Co. up until 1935. Today river traffic consists
mostly of oil tankers.
Many businesses have been in town including livery stables, blacksmith
shops, one room schoolhouses, and a corn and flour mill. On Steamboat
Avenue there was a vinegar factory along with cooper shops, fishermen's
shacks and the wharf for the Boston boats.
The Union Meeting House on the terraced slope above Main Street is a
fine example of Gothic Revival architecture and although its function as a
church has changed since its construction in 1833, it still adds dignity and
grace to this river town. The bell in the tower was cast by the firm
founded by Paul Revere and bears the marking "Revere Boston." It is one
of only 112 known to still exist of the 400 Revere bells cast between 1792
and 1839 and has been rung on memorable occasions. The clock in the
steeple, with its four faces, was installed in 1861 with funds raised locally
by the church members. It was manufactured by the E. Howard
Company of Waltham, Massachusetts and, like the bell, can be regarded
as an authentic antique with its old and interesting works.
To this day, the town of Winterport retains its charm of sea captain
homes, strolling sidewalks, and a vibrant downtown.
The town of Winterport lies on the west bank of the Penobscot River (a
salt water river), 10 miles from the city of Bangor. It was a part of the old
town of Frankfort and became a separate town in March 1860 just before
the Civil War.
The Old Winterport Commercial House continues in the tradition of the
original Commercial House, as it was known when it opened in 1834.
Originally this building was a stopping point on the stage line from
Belfast to Bangor and it served the traveling public who came here by
boat. It was also the scene of the celebration of incorporation when
Winterport became a town in March of 1860.
A survey of the river was made in 1873 and 1874. Alexander Longfellow,
brother of the poet, was then in the service. His name appears on the old
Commercial House registers and he often was a guest at the house of the
Honorable T. Cushing.
The central area of the town including Main Street and portions of several
side streets are considered of such architectural and historic significance
that the area has been named the Winterport Historic District by the U.S.
Department of Interior.
Not every small town has incidents of national importance. But twice
Frankfort saw battles on her waterfront. In 1779 when an American fleet
failed to capture Castine, the British chased the ships up the Penobscot
where, in order to escape capture, they were burned and sunk by the
crews. The flagship Warren was scuttled off Oak Point and is now the
object of an intensive search by naval archaeologists.
In 1814 the townspeople watched the British come up the river in an
attempt to seize the USS Frigate Adams at Hampden (next town above
Winterport.) The militia from this area was no match for the seasoned
British troops put ashore at the Cove. Tobias Oakman from Frankfort was
killed and several others were wounded in the fray. Captain Morris of
the Adams spiked his guns, blew up the ship, and narrowly escaped
being taken prisoner.
The Penobscot River has always had a great influence on the well being
of Winterport. Prior to the coming of the railroad to Bangor in 1855, most
freight and travelers came to the city on vessels sailing up the river. In
the winter months before the days of ice breakers all goods and travelers
had to be off-loaded at Frankfort (Winterport) and transported to Bangor
and points north by wagons or sleds. Because the river was ice bound
beyond this point, this was a true "winter port" making it an important
location. Many people earned their living in support of the river
transportation and ships were built here. By 1880 140 sailing vessels had
been built in the area but this industry came to an end with the coming of
the iron steamship. There was passenger service via the Boston boats of
the Eastern Steamship Co. up until 1935. Today river traffic consists
mostly of oil tankers.
Many businesses have been in town including livery stables, blacksmith
shops, one room schoolhouses, and a corn and flour mill. On Steamboat
Avenue there was a vinegar factory along with cooper shops, fishermen's
shacks and the wharf for the Boston boats.
The Union Meeting House on the terraced slope above Main Street is a
fine example of Gothic Revival architecture and although its function as a
church has changed since its construction in 1833, it still adds dignity and
grace to this river town. The bell in the tower was cast by the firm
founded by Paul Revere and bears the marking "Revere Boston." It is one
of only 112 known to still exist of the 400 Revere bells cast between 1792
and 1839 and has been rung on memorable occasions. The clock in the
steeple, with its four faces, was installed in 1861 with funds raised locally
by the church members. It was manufactured by the E. Howard
Company of Waltham, Massachusetts and, like the bell, can be regarded
as an authentic antique with its old and interesting works.
To this day, the town of Winterport retains its charm of sea captain
homes, strolling sidewalks, and a vibrant downtown.
Home of Capt. Walter McDonough
Main Street Early 1900's (Road Still Dirt)
Winterport Marching Band
USS BELFAST
Eastern Steamship Co.
Eastern Steamship Co.
Odd Fellow's Building
Main Street Around 1900 (our building on far right.)
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| LOCAL EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS (Be sure to book early as our rooms sell out during events.) |
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| NEED MORE REASONS TO VISIT? |
| Penobscot Narrows Bridge and the view on top of the observatory. |
| A beautifully restored stagecoach stop converted into a 4,000 sq. ft. antique shop and second floor bed & breakfast with private baths. |