Bank gives $6K toward LCHA’s Wiscasset gazebo’s restoration

Mon, 07/10/2023 - 10:15am
From left are First National Bank’s Lorna Weber, Kim Averill and Ann Clifford; Alice Smith Duncan, LCHA volunteer; First National Bank’s Sue Norton and Monique McRae; and LCHA’s Michael Chaney, Christine Hopf-Lovette, Robin Grant, Shannon Gilmore, Ed Kavanagh and Bill Sutter. Courtesy photo

    The gazebo at Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA)’s 1811 Old Jail and Museum, 133 Federal St., Wiscasset is being restored this summer, thanks to a lead gift from First National Bank.

    Built in Newcastle around 1850, the gazebo is a product of this region’s shipbuilding heyday. It features decorative carvings attributed to William Southworth, one of Maine's prominent 19th century wood carvers.Local ship carvers like Southworth created figureheads and other aesthetic features for vessels, and lent their talent to communities through commercial signs and decorative features for homes and businesses. The gazebo first stood near his shop in Newcastle. In 1955, the gazebo was gifted to LCHA and was moved to its current location.

    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 the bank as lead sponsor, work has 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.

     

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