Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-03-24
e. E.. A FAMOUS HOUSE.
A Relic of ''Ye 0Iden lyme" Being
Torn Down.
"Reminiscences oil a Court Street House ard Of
EsEss Early Augusta by Col. Staples.
= n

rs Early Augusta by Col. Staples.
EHI Ike1r
The old house that stands on Court
street, next but one to State street,
and which worlImen are now tearing
dawn, is one of the Oldest and most in
teree'ia3 from a historical standpoint,
Of the old buildings in Augusta. Who
would imagine to look at the insight
ly old building that it was once a fav-
orite resort for the leading men in the
State, for the Legislators. for the elite
of the town. Although it is difficult to
connect popularity with such an old
weather beaten affair, yet popular it
was. years ago, before mos, of us had
made our appearance on earth.
Many years ago, the building was
not situated as it now is and differed
in other ways. The end of the house,
which now stands to the north, for
merry faced east. The house is now
a story higher than it was in its
younger days, having been raised and
another story built underneath. In the
basement Of the building was q res
taurant. kept for many years by Mrs.
Stewart, a colored woman. Running
up the front of the house We're two
stairways, meeting at the door of a
barber shop above the restaurant.
This barber shop was beautifully
decorated and possessed many hand
some mirrors. The proprietor was
Prof. Chapman. Augustus most ia
nous tonsorial artist at that time. Ii
was Prof. Chapman who shaved all
the distinguished visitors and the lead
ing men of Augusta. But what gave
10 the ancient structure its fame and
historical interest was the restaurant.
Ii was a famous resort in its day. on
the north side was row of eating
stalls, cosy and inviting. Each of
these stalls had the printed name of
one of the then few Pre- sidents of the
United States above it On the. south
side of the restaurant was a grandly
embellished counter used for bar. for
in those days drinking was not looked
upon with the same disfavor that it
is in these days of grace. The house
was the great stage hotel of Augusta
before the days of the Maine Central
Railroad, the stages from Portland and
Bangor stopping before its door. and
the passengers delighted to enter ami
partake of the hospitality always to
be found there, in the way of rest, food
and New England rum. In the rear
of the restaurant Were some stairs
leading up to several private rooms.
Many stories used to be told about
these rooms. 1t was whispered that
they were gambling dens, but since
that story has no proof. We will not
give the old house that reputation on
any mere rumOr.
We are indebted to the kindness of
Col Staples and Benz. A. Piper
for these facts. Both recollect
how. in their boyhood days, the
fame of the house had spread
throughout the State, and it was Gag
erly patronized by the State leaders
the members of the Legislature and
the boarders Of the cid Mansion and
Cushnoc houses. 1t was in 1910, when
Col Staples father came 10 Augusta
and at that time the house had long
been famous and was at the height of
its glory. 1t was famous for its old
New England rum. the most popular
drink of that day when whiskey was
unknown. 1t was very rarely that
case of delirium trements was then
heard Of That came with the advent
Of mixed and adulterated liquors. Col.
Staples remembers the first case of
that malady in Augusta. one man met
another on the street and said: Mr.
b died, last night" The other re
piled: is that SO? What was the
cause of his DEATH" The other re-
piled: why. he died Of the diirium
tremens." The other had never heard
Of such thing, and said: "Delirium
tremens. What is that"
The building directly beside the old
house was formerly the court house
and stood where the Jail is now stu
ated. 1t is still known as Concert
hall. In those old times this building
was used for a school house and en-
tertainment hall. At one time the Free
Raptists used the hall for their church
services before their church was erect
ed. Eastman Johnson, the famous
painter, had his only studio in Con-
cert hall. In this building the court
proceedings We're carried on with
great pomp and solemnty. Col.
Staples remembers that the court used
- march into the court room with
drawn swords. led by drummer.
Few can recolect incidents connected
with the early life of this city more
wildly than Col. Staples. He can re-
member things that happened when he
was a small boy as though the events
occurred but yesterday. one day his
father took him to a barber to have
his hair cut Col. Staples remembers
this barber was a negro and wore
wig pushed SO far back on his fore
head that it gave his brow an extreme
ly high appearance. Col. Staples
father said to the barber: What a |
high forehead you have" The negro
made no reply, but Col. Staples. OBJ
serving him in the glass, noticed that
now and then he put his hand to his |
head and pushed the wig still farther |
back. 50 that, when he had finished
the trimming, his forehead was phe-
nomenally high.
At that time Augusta had a military |
company called the Augusta Greys," |
captained by John Anthony. The town |
also possessed a company of reserves
called the String Beaners." with Joe |
Anthony as captain. The String
beaners' We're not at all we'll equipped,
but armed themselves with hoes. rakes |
or sticks. one day the "Greys" were
marching down Water street nj e,, thay