RUMFORD – One of Rumford’s architectural gems has been nominated for inclusion on Maine Preservation’s annual Most Endangered Historic Properties list.
And it’s not one building, but an entire complex built in 1901 and 1902. It’s Strathglass Park, one of the state’s first planned housing developments.
Roxanne Eflin, director of the statewide nonprofit group, toured downtown Rumford and Strathglass Park with a group of interested people ranging from town officials and Revitalization Committee members to the Rumford Historical Society and the River Valley Growth Council.
The 79-building complex, including 51 brick duplexes, was nominated by a group of community members, she said.
This Friday, for the 10th year, Maine Preservation will announce its list for 2005. The Portland-based organization is governed by a 20-member board and 25-member advisory committee. Its Web site is www.mainepreservation.com.
Properties on the list receive access to all of Maine Preservation’s resources, such as professional and technical assistance, help in applying for grants, and education on the importance of preserving history and historic properties.
But perhaps more importantly, such a listing raises awareness about a property that may be threatened or in danger.
“This has prompted groups to become involved in preservation by a grass-roots effort,” said Eflin.”Our purpose is to move threatened historic properties into the success column.”
Strathglass Park was named by paper mill industrialist Hugh J. Chisholm, after his ancestral estate in Scotland.
According to historical records, Chisholm organized Rumford Realty Co. in 1901 to provide residential units for local paper mill workers. Housing was desperately needed because of the influx of workers and the shortage of housing. In total, 28 wooden houses were built along with 51 brick duplexes and two boarding houses. A granite arch leads into the brick building complex. Additional brick homes were built outside the granite arch in 1902.
The Strathglass Park District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 because of its importance in social history, its early community planning and development, and its architecture.
All homes in the district are now privately owned. During Chisholm’s day, his company owned the complex and workers leased them.
Town Manager Steve Eldridge has been an advocate of architecture, historical preservation and the arts and culture.
The Downtown Revitalization Committee has recently been organized to look for ways to rejuvenate the town with the help of a planning consultant.
Maine Preservation is one of several organizations that town officials have invited to Rumford to take a look at its potential.
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