Years ago, Wiscasset Newspaper had a weekly feature called “Then and Now.” The idea was simple: We'd dig up an old photograph and place it alongside a new one taken from the same spot, to show how much—or how little—things had changed over the years. I can’t claim this as my own idea; another newspaper was doing something similar and we too gave it a try for a few months.

I thought it might be fun to do something like this now, although much to my surprise it proved somewhat of a challenge.This was because I chose scenes from downtown Wiscasset, which you may recall underwent a major construction renovation a few years back. 

The first “Then” picture was taken by me 46 years ago, the week before Thanksgiving and during a blustery snowstorm. The camera was pointed at the historic Rundlett Block on Main Street that was built in 1871 with bricks made in Wiscasset. I was standing on the opposite side of Main Street in front of Whitfield’s Drug Store, now home to Wiscasset Bay Gallery. Depositor's Trust, a bank, was next door to the pharmacy. Wiscasset Newstand (newsstand is misspelled with just one “s”) was owned by Chet Bentley. Although Mr. Bentley was the owner it was Dot Lewis who usually manned the store. They sold newspapers, magazines, coffee, cigars and cigarettes. They also served as the ticket agent for the Greyhound bus service. Next door was Peter Rolfe’s art gallery, and on the corner was a gift shop – Wood Water and Wildthings.Further up the street is Tat’s Diner, owned by a woman named Tat Mitchell. Tat’s Diner was open for breakfast and lunch but is most remembered for Tat’s collection of eclectic bumper stickers she displayed on the rear wall over the kitchen. Although you can’t see it because of the delivery truck, Roland’s Barber Shop was next door to the diner. The “Now” picture, in living color, was taken this past Saturday.  I think you’ll agree the biggest changes over the years have been the addition of the traffic signal at the Middle Street intersection and the brick sidewalks. Other than the addition of new windows, the Rundlett building looks pretty much the same.

Down the street where the other traffic light is now located is a picture of Water Street facing the waterfront. This was taken in the mid-1980s when the town was reconstructing the sidewalk. The large round sign with the tree on it is over the entrance of the former Tree House Taverne, which later became Sarah’s Café, and is now Jodies Café & Bakery. The Tree House was originally owned by David and his wife Toni Nelson.  If I recall correctly, the eye-catching sign was cut from a sheet of metal and painted by artist Ray Shadis of Edgecomb.Alongside the tavern was the Porringer shop, which sold needlework items, gifts and antiques. It was owned by Barbara and Peter Darling. Further down the street is a Dutch Boy Paints sign and home to Wiscasset Lumber Company.  It was owned by the Sherman brothers, Walter, Stanton and Gerry Sherman. After the Shermans sold out, the lumber company building was remodeled becoming the Shops of Port Wiscasset. Across the street from the lumber company was Wiscasset Ford, an automotive dealership owned by Harry Haggett.As part of the downtown reconstruction project, the building housing the garage and showroom was torn down to make room for a parking lot.

The last picture is facing Railroad Avenue from the riverbank close to where where Red’s Eats picnic tables are now. There’s a lot to see in the “Then” picture. Let’s start with the railroad car loaded with lumber. The car was sitting on a former siding waiting for pickup. This was when the former Maine Central Railroad was still in operation and carrying freight.Just to the left of the railroad car is the former Wiscasset Hardware Store’s delivery truck. Not shown is the hardware store itself that sold home appliances, paints, tools and household items and was owned by the Stetson family. The hardware store building on the corner of Main and Water streets is now home to Sylvan Gallery. The white sign advertising The Friend was on the building owned by Schuyler Fairfield. Schuyler operated his sign painting business, Fairfield of Wiscasset on the bottom floor. The building’s upper story was occupied by Schuyler’s parents. The Friend was a small gift store on Main Street next door to the barber shop. They sold handmade quilts along with tin ware. Next door to Schuyler’s business was Fred Peaslee’s, S & P Bait Company. Fred bought and sold marine worms both blood and sand from local worm diggers. Notice all the television antennas on the roofs of the buildings.  I wasn’t able to capture the “Now” picture exactly from the same spot, although you can see how the buildings have changed over the years. No more antennas!

Phil Di Vece earned a B.A. in Journalism studies from Colorado State University and an M.A. in journalism at the University of South Florida. He is the author of three Wiscasset books and is a frequent news contributor to the Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper. He resides in Wiscasset. Contact him at news@wiscassetnewspaper.com