July 2009

165-67 Congress Street For Sale - Architect: John Calvin Stevens

By Carol McCracken

Architect John Calvin Stevens is such an icon in Portland that whenever one of his properties goes on the real estate market, that fact is worth noting.  That’s especially true in the Greater Munjoy Hill area because Stevens was the architect of so few homes in this part of Portland  Most of his work was concentrated in the West End of Portland.  He’s also celebrated for his summer cottages – Shingle Style – in Delano Park on Cape Elizabeth.

Although he designed (or altered) about 300 buildings on the Portland peninsula, he designed only two on North Street (nos. 34 and 38), two on the Eastern Promenade, (nos. 5 and 126) and on one Atlantic Street for which he did alterations only.  MHN is not clear whether or not it’s still standing.  Stevens also was the architect for a “dispensary” at 65 India Street.  This information was gleaned from “John Calvin Stevens On the Peninsula l880to 1940 by Earle G. Shettleworth,Jr. and published by Greater Portland Landmarks, Inc. 2003.

For sale at l65-67 Congress Street is an absolutely charming and very well-maintained example of Stevens’ architect.  It’s hard to imagine this property will remain on the market for very long.  It was built in 1883 according to one source and according to the city’s assessor’s office in 1875.  Take your pick!

It was built for James Cunningham, who was a successful labor broker within the then up-and-coming Irish community.  The Irish themselves comprised a large segment of the labor pool in the mid-to late 1800s.  Anyway, long aware that this was a Stevens home, MHN was so delighted to just go inside and peek around that she forgot to ask pertinent  questions.  Except, it’s sale price is $485,000. and there are four occupied rental units therein.  

According to Hill resident and broker, Colleen Bedard, “…if someone is familiar with Portland the buildings that CJS has been involved with –yes, it adds value.  Also, you can see his architectural details in the building, which add value and help to make it quality living space.”  If it sounds interesting to you, don’t linger!  (editor’s note!)

For answers to your other questions, please get in touch with Colleen Bedard, at RE/MAX By The Bay at 970 Baxter Boulebvard.  Mobile phone (207) 233-7273.  Or cbedard@homesinmaine.com

Share on Facebook

In Memorium

By Carol McCracken

Spirits Alive is continuing with its popular guided tours of Portland’s oldest bural ground, Eastern Cemetery, in August.

The schedule is as follows:

SUNDAY, 16th at 1 pm Earliest Portland – the Unmarked Past. In 1632, settlers began arriving at the place we now call Portland.  No buildings remain standing from that time.  The open land of Eastern Cemetery is an appropriate site to learn about some of the events of the 17th and early 18th centuries that occurred within sight of the cemetary while they shaped Portland’s indomitable spirit.

SATURDAY, 29th at 10 am – Art & the Elements.  A fascinating inroduction to the gelology of the Eastern Cemetery, including markers and monuments; a brief introduction to early mortuary art and the effects of the environment on the site.

SUNDAY, 30th at 10 am – Earliest Portland – the Unmarked Past.

Please meet at the Congress Street gate of the Eastern Cemetery.  Admission is $7, students and elders (62 and up) $4  and children under 12 are free (please have correct change or a check.)  Tours last about l hour and will be canceled if it rains.  All funds raised go to the non-profit, Spirits Alive, to maintain the Eastern Cemetery.  Wear appropriate layers as the wind is always a bit stronger on the Hill!

For more information, visit www.spiritsalive.org/tourschedle.  For cancellation information in case of bad weather, call the tour hotline at 318-2982.

Share on Facebook

By Carol McCracken

The afternoon sun got a lot brighter  when Harold Schaitberger, general president of the International Association of Firefighters spoke from the top step of the city hall in Portland to a crowd of about 400 people.  “Don’t cut safety, bring our firefighters back – now,” he repeated to the crowd of around 400 who quickly took up the chant – repeating it over and over.

The 4:00 p.m. rally was billed as an opportunity  to support the nine fighters who recently were laid off by the city because of budget cuts.  It was an opportunity to accuse Joe Gray, city manager, of ‘bad faith bargaining”.  But  Schaitberger, whose office is in Washington, D.C. turned this rally into an opportunity to announce welcome news to many firefighters and their families in attendance.

Schaitberger announced to the crowd that the Obama Administration has just announced that it will immediately begin funding the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response known as the Safer grant  - with 630 million dollars – for the entire country.  Enough funds could be distributed to the city of Portland to hire firefighters back who’ve heen laid off over the past year.  It would also be retroactive to January of last year.  There is more good  news. It is  that it will not cost the city a penny.  Schaitberger said that currently negotiations are underway to remove any strings or caps or maintenance that might be attached to this stimulus package.  “It’s free money for the next next two years,” he said.  Hopefully by then, the economy will have recovered.

This new stimilus package from the federal government could mean that 23 firefighting jobs could be salvaged in Portland.  Schaitberger said that  city officials could start applying for the funds within the next 30 days.  He said it was his impression that the city of Portland had no knowledge of this potential stimulas package, although it has been in the works for sometime now.  He encouraged supporters to contact council members to support this opportunity from the federal government to restore firefighters’  jobs.

Speaker after speaker addressed the aroused and  attentive crowd most  of whom were clad in yellow t-shirts opposing the budget cuts that had forced the layoffs of nine firefighters recently.  The speakers repeatededly accused the city of ‘bad faith bargaining’ and more. 

Prior to the rally, Lt. Pinder of the Munjoy Hill stationhouse said:  “We are a necessary evil.  People don’t know everything we do.”  About 40 motorcylists, mostly from Providence, RI, assembled at the Hill stationhouse before making a dramatic entrance at city hill to kick-off the rally.

According to one union organizer, the bad faith bargaining of Joe Gray, city manager, “undermines collective bargaining which is a basic constitutional right.”   That’s what’s so scary,” he said.  “Negotiating a contract and then legislating it away is not good. Many firefighters feel forgotten because unions have been so vilified in recent years.”

Share on Facebook

Gambo At The Dock at Portland Yacht Services

By Carol McCracken

The research sailboat Gambo has arrived at St. Anthony’s Harbor, Newfoundland according to a message just received via Epirb.  (Epirb is an emergency communication system that, if necessary, notifies  the Coast Guard of Gambo’s location in the event she needs to be rescued.)  That location is 900 miles from Portland and about l/2 way to Greenland according to what one crew member told MHN just prior to their leaving Portland Harbor on July 14, 2009.  

MHN will continue to keep its readers informed as messages are received.  Please read two prior posts, June 28 and July 14 for background information on the Gambo.

Share on Facebook