| Old Winterport Commercial House Antique Shop & Bed and Breakfast 114 Main Street, P.O. Box 589 * Winterport, Maine 04496 (10 miles south of Bangor, Maine) B&B (207) 223-4965 * Antique Shop/B&B (207) 223-5854 ann@antiquesandreusables.com |
Copyright 2009. Old Winterport Commercial House.
N. Plonsky - webmaster
N. Plonsky - webmaster
TOWN HISTORY
The town of Winterport lies on the west bank of the Penobscot River (a
tidal river), 10 miles south of the city of Bangor, Maine. It was a part of
the town of Frankfort and became a separate town in March 1860 just
before the Civil War.
The Penobscot River has always had a great influence on Winterport.
Prior to the coming of the railroad to Bangor in 1855, most freight and
travelers came to the city on vessels sailing up the river. In the winter
months before the days of ice breakers all goods and travelers had to be
off-loaded at Frankfort (Winterport) and transported to Bangor and points
north by wagons or sleds. Because the river was ice bound beyond this
point, this was a true "winter port" making it an important location. Many
people earned their living in support of the river transportation and
many ships were built here. By 1880, 140 sailing vessels had been built
in the area but this industry came to an end with the coming of the iron
steamship. There was passenger service via the Boston boats of the
Eastern Steamship Co. up until 1935. Today river traffic consists mostly
of oil tankers.
Many businesses have been in town including livery stables, blacksmith
shops, one room schoolhouses, and a corn and flour mill. On Steamboat
Avenue there was a vinegar factory along with cooper shops, fishermen's
shacks and the wharf for the Boston boats.
The Union Meeting House on the terraced slope above Main Street is a
great example of Gothic Revival architecture and although its function as
a church has changed since its construction in 1833, it still adds dignity
and grace to this river town. The bell in the tower was cast by the firm
founded by Paul Revere and bears the marking "Revere Boston." It is one
of only 112 known to still exist of the 400 Revere bells cast between 1792
and 1839 and has been rung on memorable occasions. The clock in the
steeple, with its four faces, was installed in 1861 with funds raised locally
by the church members. It was manufactured by the E. Howard Company
of Waltham, Massachusetts and, like the bell, can be regarded as an
authentic antique with its old and interesting works.
The central area of the town including Main Street and portions of several
side streets are considered of such architectural and historic significance
that the area has been named the Winterport Historic District by the U.S.
Department of Interior.
The Old Winterport Commercial House continues in the tradition of
the original Commercial House, as it was known when it opened in 1834.
Originally this building was a stopping point on the stage line from
Belfast to Bangor and it served the traveling public who came here by
boat. It was also the scene of the celebration of incorporation when
Winterport became a town in March of 1860.
To this day, the town of Winterport retains its charm of sea captain
homes, strolling sidewalks, and a vibrant downtown.
The town of Winterport lies on the west bank of the Penobscot River (a
tidal river), 10 miles south of the city of Bangor, Maine. It was a part of
the town of Frankfort and became a separate town in March 1860 just
before the Civil War.
The Penobscot River has always had a great influence on Winterport.
Prior to the coming of the railroad to Bangor in 1855, most freight and
travelers came to the city on vessels sailing up the river. In the winter
months before the days of ice breakers all goods and travelers had to be
off-loaded at Frankfort (Winterport) and transported to Bangor and points
north by wagons or sleds. Because the river was ice bound beyond this
point, this was a true "winter port" making it an important location. Many
people earned their living in support of the river transportation and
many ships were built here. By 1880, 140 sailing vessels had been built
in the area but this industry came to an end with the coming of the iron
steamship. There was passenger service via the Boston boats of the
Eastern Steamship Co. up until 1935. Today river traffic consists mostly
of oil tankers.
Many businesses have been in town including livery stables, blacksmith
shops, one room schoolhouses, and a corn and flour mill. On Steamboat
Avenue there was a vinegar factory along with cooper shops, fishermen's
shacks and the wharf for the Boston boats.
The Union Meeting House on the terraced slope above Main Street is a
great example of Gothic Revival architecture and although its function as
a church has changed since its construction in 1833, it still adds dignity
and grace to this river town. The bell in the tower was cast by the firm
founded by Paul Revere and bears the marking "Revere Boston." It is one
of only 112 known to still exist of the 400 Revere bells cast between 1792
and 1839 and has been rung on memorable occasions. The clock in the
steeple, with its four faces, was installed in 1861 with funds raised locally
by the church members. It was manufactured by the E. Howard Company
of Waltham, Massachusetts and, like the bell, can be regarded as an
authentic antique with its old and interesting works.
The central area of the town including Main Street and portions of several
side streets are considered of such architectural and historic significance
that the area has been named the Winterport Historic District by the U.S.
Department of Interior.
The Old Winterport Commercial House continues in the tradition of
the original Commercial House, as it was known when it opened in 1834.
Originally this building was a stopping point on the stage line from
Belfast to Bangor and it served the traveling public who came here by
boat. It was also the scene of the celebration of incorporation when
Winterport became a town in March of 1860.
To this day, the town of Winterport retains its charm of sea captain
homes, strolling sidewalks, and a vibrant downtown.
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| LOCAL EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS (Be sure to book early as our rooms sell out during events.) |
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| Penobscot Narrows Bridge and the view on top of the observatory. |
| An 1833 inn and stagecoach stop converted into a 4,000 sq. ft. antique shop and second floor bed & breakfast with private baths. |
LET US BE YOUR GUIDE
Winterport and the surrounding area has many treasures. Here are some
of the things you can see and visit within a very short distance of us:
* Right behind our inn is the beautiful Penobscot River. You can walk
along the river and with luck you may spot a moose (yes, we have
pictures proving they have been seen there) or in the winter, seals have
been known to float down river on the ice chunks. A Walking Tour Map of
our town is also available.
* 4 Points Bar-B-Que- within walking distance has genuine southern
bar-b-que. Owner John Ramirez has been transplated here from
Oklahoma and does bar-b-que the way it should be done. Weekends bring
Blues musicians such as Nick Moss, Adam Ezra Group, Sean Chambers
Band, and this September we can't wait for Joe Lewis Walker.
* Our local winery, The Winterport Winery, is within walking distance and
creates award winning fruit wines such as Blueberry, Pear, Apple, and
during the fall Cranberry. A must see is their gift shop and art gallery.
* A short 4 miles is Sonny's Par 3 Golf Course and Driving Range. You'll
find not only reasonable rates at Senior Golf Pro Sonny Reynolds's course
but a challenge as well.
*Also 4 miles from us is the Winterport Dragway with different events
throughout the summer.
* 10 miles south is Fort Point State Park which hosts the nearest
Lighthouse to our area.
* Also 10 miles south is the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. At about 40
stories high, this bridge is the only one of its kind in the northern
hemisphere with an observatory at the top.
* Next to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge is Fort Knox with underground
tunnels, old cannons, and a fantastic view of the bay. In October they do a
must-see scary haunted house. They also host various events such as
Pirates Weekend and Paranormal Fairs.
* Is the beach more your scene? 13 miles down the road is Sears Island.
No guarantee on the water temperature up here!
* Skiing more your style? Hermon Mountain Ski Resort is within 10
miles. Not only downhill but snow boarding too.
* And yes, there is Acadia National Park. We can give you some
highlights, maps, and the "must see" things to do there as well as
recommendations on eateries.
This is just a small sampling. There are also museums, town fairs, flea
markets, hiking, and more. We'll also direct you to the local pub scene
and the restaurants that the locals go to.
We welcome you to explore our beautiful state !
Winterport and the surrounding area has many treasures. Here are some
of the things you can see and visit within a very short distance of us:
* Right behind our inn is the beautiful Penobscot River. You can walk
along the river and with luck you may spot a moose (yes, we have
pictures proving they have been seen there) or in the winter, seals have
been known to float down river on the ice chunks. A Walking Tour Map of
our town is also available.
* 4 Points Bar-B-Que- within walking distance has genuine southern
bar-b-que. Owner John Ramirez has been transplated here from
Oklahoma and does bar-b-que the way it should be done. Weekends bring
Blues musicians such as Nick Moss, Adam Ezra Group, Sean Chambers
Band, and this September we can't wait for Joe Lewis Walker.
* Our local winery, The Winterport Winery, is within walking distance and
creates award winning fruit wines such as Blueberry, Pear, Apple, and
during the fall Cranberry. A must see is their gift shop and art gallery.
* A short 4 miles is Sonny's Par 3 Golf Course and Driving Range. You'll
find not only reasonable rates at Senior Golf Pro Sonny Reynolds's course
but a challenge as well.
*Also 4 miles from us is the Winterport Dragway with different events
throughout the summer.
* 10 miles south is Fort Point State Park which hosts the nearest
Lighthouse to our area.
* Also 10 miles south is the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. At about 40
stories high, this bridge is the only one of its kind in the northern
hemisphere with an observatory at the top.
* Next to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge is Fort Knox with underground
tunnels, old cannons, and a fantastic view of the bay. In October they do a
must-see scary haunted house. They also host various events such as
Pirates Weekend and Paranormal Fairs.
* Is the beach more your scene? 13 miles down the road is Sears Island.
No guarantee on the water temperature up here!
* Skiing more your style? Hermon Mountain Ski Resort is within 10
miles. Not only downhill but snow boarding too.
* And yes, there is Acadia National Park. We can give you some
highlights, maps, and the "must see" things to do there as well as
recommendations on eateries.
This is just a small sampling. There are also museums, town fairs, flea
markets, hiking, and more. We'll also direct you to the local pub scene
and the restaurants that the locals go to.
We welcome you to explore our beautiful state !
| NEED MORE REASONS TO VISIT? |