Downtown Main Street, Lincoln, Maine. Year unknown.
It's always a challenge to deal with a big snowstorm in downtown Lincoln. The year this was taken (unknown), there was plenty of the white stuff!
In this 1929 view of Lincoln's Main Street, you can see the beautiful old elm trees that used to grace the sides of the streets.
This photo was taken in March of 1993.
The Lincoln House Hotel on Main St. in Lincoln, year unknown. For more photos of the Lincoln House, click here.
This old postcard shows a view of Main Street. We're not sure when it was taken, but maybe someone who's good at identifying cars could help.
This aerial photo of Lincoln was taken in October of 1994 by Connie Rand.
This wonderful old photo, provided to us courtesy of Ida Whitney, shows Lincoln from the dam on Mattanawcook Lake. The year is unknown, but no electrical wires are visible and boardwalks served as sidewalks. Notice that the street had not yet been paved. Also visible are some of the elm trees that once lined the streets of town before the Dutch elm disease hit the area.
Here's a view of Lincoln's Main Street on Memorial Day in days gone by. We don't have a year for this photo, but the sidewalk was made of boards and the street hadn't been paved yet. It looks like the mode of transportation was mainly horse-drawn carriages, too. If you have any information about this photo, please e-mail us.
Here's a view of Main Street from an old postcard. The Lincoln House Hotel is on the right, with the Methodist Church in the background. Note the boardwalk! If you know when this photograph was taken, we'd love to hear from you.
Lee's ancestors, the Kneelands, had a store on Main Street for many years. We're not sure when this was taken, but the street hadn't been paved yet!
During the 1920's the Ku Klux Klan was a potent political force in Maine, reaching into the State House in Augusta. Lincoln, like many towns in Maine had, for a few years, a vibrant Klan organization. Here are two photos taken in the mid-20's. The one above shows Klan members posing on the lawn of the Methodist Church, and the one below shows them marching in a parade on Main Street.
This fire was on Main Street near the Bon Ton Restaurant.
Here's a real treat for all you history lovers. George King of the Lincoln Historical Society sent us this 1875 map of downtown Lincoln. Click on the map at left and you can see it full size. The names of property owners are on the map, and you'll discover that some of the streets have undergone changes since 1875. Also notice that Mattanawcook Lake isn't there yet!
We still have lots of old photos to add to this page, so be sure to come back often. And if you're not already supporting the Lincoln Historical Society, please think about joining them. You can help preserve the history of Lincoln. The dues are modest and you'll have a lot of fun. It's something the whole family can enjoy!
Meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month from January to November. Social time begins at 6:30 with the meeting following at 6:45. Membership fees are $3 per year and $1 for senior citizens.
If you have any questions, call Jeanette King at 794-8996.
This photo was taken in 1996, before the two big fires claimed several buildings on Main Street. You can see Mattanawcook Lake on the right.
We don't know when this photo was taken, but this is Main St. in Lincoln a long, long time ago - no cars!
This photos of Lincoln's Main Street was sent to us by Geoffrey Nelson of Columbus, Ohio, who grew up here. He says the photos date from around 1906. Notice that the street had not yet been paved. He believes his great-grandmother lived upstairs in the building on the corner at the time. Lincoln's Post Office was at this location, before moving to the Western Auto Building on Main Street, and then finally moving to the present building on Fleming Street. If you have old photos of the Lincoln area, or some memories you'd like to share with us, e-mail them to us!
Here's a photo taken at the intersection of Main St. and West Broadway in Lincoln. We're not sure when the picture was snapped. Can anyone offer any information? The photo below was taken last fall. The doughboy statue was turned some time ago when the traffic patterns on Main Street were changed. Now he looks toward West Broadway instead of up Main Street.
Here's an early picture of Lincoln's Odd Fellows Hall. You can see some theater or movie posters leaning against the building. We have no idea when this was taken. Can you tell us?
This is Lincoln's Main Street, year unknown. The Masonic building that now houses Lincoln's Town Office bears a sign advertising movies. There's a sign across the street for Butterfield's Restaurant. Those who know cars may be able to guess when this was taken.
LINCOLN LIBRARY LOOKING TO ITS PAST
Can you remember the past? Specifically the old days of the Lincoln Memorial Library? Linda Morrill would like to hear from you if you do! Lee's grandmother's sister Nat Lindsay used to work there in 50's and 60's. Notice all the elm trees in the above photo. If you have any memories of the library call Linda at 794-2765. She'd love to hear from you. - Lee Rand
When I was a little girl, I lived quite close to the library. As soon as I was old enough to walk there by myself, it became my second home. I was a voracious reader, and often brought home more books than I could read before they were due back to the library. My friends Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Lindsay were very gracious and sweet. They knew what I liked, and always recommended books that provided a challenge along with a good learning experience.
I loved the summer reading programs. The treasure chest shown here is from the summer of 1956. There's only space for ten books in there. Tucked inside are three additional sheets covered on both sides with the librarian's small, neat handwriting!
My job keeps me too busy for reading anymore, except for the occasional technical manual. I still love a good book, though. If I ever retire, I plan to read plenty of interesting books. Who knows, I may even write one myself.
If you have kids, take them to the library often. Read to them when they're little and with them as they grow. Reading is one of the most valuable skills you can teach them. It will help them throughout their lives.