An 1850s gazebo with surprising historic significance is being restored this summer, thanks to a lead gift of $6,000 from the First National Bank.
Built in Newcastle around 1850, the structure is a product of this region’s shipbuilding heyday. It features decorative carvings that are attributed to William Southworth, one of Maine’s prominent 19th century wood carvers.
Southworth’s carved decorations were in high demand when Maine dominated the wooden shipbuilding industry. Local ship carvers like Southworth not only created figureheads and other aesthetic features for vessels, but they also lent their talent to the communities with commercial signs and decorative features for homes and businesses. William Southworth likely created the carvings that adorn this gazebo, which was originally located near his shop in Newcastle. In 1955, when the gazebo was about one hundred years old, it was gifted to Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA) and moved to its current location at 133 Federal Street in Wiscasset.
As weather and time have taken a toll on the gazebo, LCHA recently launched a restoration project to address the extensive work needed to preserve the structure for future generations. With help from First National Bank, lead sponsor of the project, work has already begun. Representatives of the bank met with LCHA trustees, volunteers, and staff to present a check for $6,000. The public is invited to visit the gazebo at 133 Federal Street in Wiscasset.
Lincoln County Historical Association is a non-profit organization that provides stewardship for the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta, the 1761 Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, and the 1811 Old Jail and Museum in Wiscasset. For more information, please visit www.lincolncountyhistory.org or Facebook at Lincoln County Historical Association (Maine).
Photo Caption: Representatives from First National Bank present a check to Lincoln County Historical Association to support the restoration of an 1850s gazebo with connections to the region’s 19th century shipping industry.
