Historic Auburn home to be open during festival

The Woman’s Literary Union, 19 Elm Street, Auburn will be open for tours during the Balloon Festival, on August 22, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This impressive Colonial Revival mansion was built between the years 1914 – 1917 by Horatio Gates Foss, a prominent shoe manufacturer.  Designed by Gibbs and Pulsifer, a Lewiston firm, the house is of a grand Federal Revival style with Spanish influence.  It is a well-preserved, two-and-a-half story, hip-roofed dwelling that features a central portico, a stucco exterior finish, as well as red ceramic tile roof.  The house was originally nominated to the National Register in 1976 for its architectural significance as well as its association with the Dingley-Foss Shoe Company.  

When Horatio’s widow, Ella Foss, died in 1941, she bequeathed the mansion to the Woman’s Literary Union.  The Woman’s Literary Union is a §501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization that seeks to further the intellectual, cultural and educational advancement of its members and the community.

This is an excellent opportunity for local residents and visitors from afar to go back into history by touring this magnificent home.