| 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
ABOUT OUR TOWN
The town of Winterport lies on the west bank of the Penobscot River (a
tidal river), 10 miles from 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 Penobscot River has always had a great influence on 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
great 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.
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.
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.
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
tidal river), 10 miles from 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 Penobscot River has always had a great influence on 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
great 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.
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.
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.
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
USS BELFAST
Eastern Steamship Co.
Eastern Steamship Co.
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| LOCAL EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS (Be sure to book early as our rooms sell out during events.) |
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| Penobscot Narrows Bridge and the view on top of the observatory. |
| An 1833 inn and stagecoach stop converted into a 4,000 sq. ft. antique shop and second floor bed & breakfast with private baths. |
Come join us this year as we celebrate Winterport's 150th Birthday.
We began on March 12th, the day in 1860 when Winterport became an official town,
with a reenactment of the original speeches given at that ceremony. Following this,
we met at My Fork Restaurant for our birthday party and special slide presentation.
Our celebration, sponsored by The Winterport Area Business Association (WABA),
continues this summer from Saturday, July 31 through Saturday, August 7. The
schedule of events include:
Sat., July 31 - 8am - Farmer's Market
8am - Mile Long Yard Sale
11am - Town Parade
9pm - Fireworks
Sun., Aug. 1 - 11am - Multi-Denominational Service at the Union
Meeting House followed by a Town Bar-B-Que and more
entertainment
Mon., Aug 2- 5:30pm - Classic Wheel Show at the Winterport Dragway
Tues., Aug 3- 5pm - Walking Tour of Winterport followed by Port in the Storm
Chowder at the Winterport Winery.
Wed., Aug 4- 7:30am & 12:30pm Par 3 Scramble Tournament - Sonny's Par 3 &
Driving Range, Winterport
Thur., Aug 5- 7:00pm - Winterport's Got Talent ! - Wagner Middle School
Fri., Aug 6 - 5-7pm - Meet the Businesses - Downtown Parking Lot
Sat., Aug 7 - 12 noon - 8pm - Winterport Music Festival including
Children's Fun Area and Petting Zoo
For More Info - www.winterportmaine.gov
We began on March 12th, the day in 1860 when Winterport became an official town,
with a reenactment of the original speeches given at that ceremony. Following this,
we met at My Fork Restaurant for our birthday party and special slide presentation.
Our celebration, sponsored by The Winterport Area Business Association (WABA),
continues this summer from Saturday, July 31 through Saturday, August 7. The
schedule of events include:
Sat., July 31 - 8am - Farmer's Market
8am - Mile Long Yard Sale
11am - Town Parade
9pm - Fireworks
Sun., Aug. 1 - 11am - Multi-Denominational Service at the Union
Meeting House followed by a Town Bar-B-Que and more
entertainment
Mon., Aug 2- 5:30pm - Classic Wheel Show at the Winterport Dragway
Tues., Aug 3- 5pm - Walking Tour of Winterport followed by Port in the Storm
Chowder at the Winterport Winery.
Wed., Aug 4- 7:30am & 12:30pm Par 3 Scramble Tournament - Sonny's Par 3 &
Driving Range, Winterport
Thur., Aug 5- 7:00pm - Winterport's Got Talent ! - Wagner Middle School
Fri., Aug 6 - 5-7pm - Meet the Businesses - Downtown Parking Lot
Sat., Aug 7 - 12 noon - 8pm - Winterport Music Festival including
Children's Fun Area and Petting Zoo
For More Info - www.winterportmaine.gov
HAPPY 150TH WINTERPORT !!!
Our distinguished Town Manager recites an
original proclamation given on March 12, 1860.
original proclamation given on March 12, 1860.
In the background our State Rep. reads a new
proclamation from our current governor
proclaiming that March 12, 2010 be declared
Winterport's 150th Anniversary Day.
proclamation from our current governor
proclaiming that March 12, 2010 be declared
Winterport's 150th Anniversary Day.
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