Portland Maine
Wednesday, February 25, 1998
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The Portland Observatory atop Munjoy Hill, perhaps the city's most visible landmark reflecting its maritime heritage, is in danger of collapse due to years of water and insect damage to its wooden framework. However, a non-profit group formed last year - Portland Observatory Restoration Trust - is in the process of collecting funds to restore the 1807 signal tower.
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The Observatory will be dismantled later this year and each timber will be numbered and preserved. Severely rotted, insect-chewed beams will be replaced with the same type of wood used originally - Eastern white pine - and the structure will be reassembled in 1999.
Before the age of wireless communication, the 82-foot-high tower allowed those on land a 30-mile view out to sea, with telescope, and enabled ships' arrivals to be announced in advance via a system of signal flags. Therefore, those in town involved in the booming shipping trade - or people interested in the arrival of a ship for any reason- could prepare for unloading, or coordinate their arrival to the waterfront with that of an incoming vessel.
Nowadays, the Observatory serves as a historic landmark, tourist attraction and defining element of the Portland skyline. Greater Portland Landmarks, a local historic preservation organization, had been offering public tours of the tower from 1982 until its temporary closing in 1994. These tours, and seasonal admission to the tower, will be resumed upon completion of the restoration. GPL also will be hosting educational trips to the Observatory for area youngsters. Currently they are offering a school program about the history of the structure in association with the Center for Maine History that provides resource materials for free, and classroom visits for a small fee.
Temporary support cabling has been installed inside the Observatory to stabilize it against strong winds. With some beams rotted to the point of being hollow, this precaution was necessary to ensure the stability of the structure until proper repairs can be made.
Estimated cost of the restoration is about $1.1 million. The City of Portland has pledged almost half of that amount to the project, with the other half to come from private donations.
Also check out the KidsPORT web site for lots of great information on the history and restoration of the Portland Observatory. KidsPORT is an effort by third-grade students in the Greater Portland area to help restore the Observatory.
To make a donation, or for information on how you can help, e-mail PORT.
Or contact PORT at:
Portland Observatory Restoration Trust
165 State Street
Portland, ME 04101
(Tel: 207-774-5561; Ext. 47)
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