Posted in Maine
April 06, 2016
These 12 Houses In Maine From The 1930s Will Open Your Eyes To A Different Time
Growing up in Maine means strong family values and friendships that have stood the test of time. For many of us, that time was marked by where we lived. Our home is where we laughed, cried, learned and opened our doors for anyone in the neighborhood that wanted a hot meal. Many of our homes have been in the family for generations and it’s a place where we all return to for comfort. It was the same back in the 1930s. These homes from the 1930s will give you a small glimpse into what life was like. For many, it’s not that different!

This type of resettlement came just before the creation of the more official "Farm Security Administration (FSA)." Created in 1937 under the Department of Agriculture, it helped with rural rehabilitation, farm loans, and subsistence homestead programs.
The FSA relied on the cooperation between states and county offices to determine which clients needed loans that could not get the funding elsewhere. Farmers could use these loans to buy land, equipment, livestock, or seeds.
The overall goal of this type of assistance program was to see families become self-sufficient after the debilitating Depression that hit the rural areas the hardest.
The FSA relied on the cooperation between states and county offices to determine which clients needed loans that could not get the funding elsewhere. Farmers could use these loans to buy land, equipment, livestock, or seeds.
The overall goal of this type of assistance program was to see families become self-sufficient after the debilitating Depression that hit the rural areas the hardest.

While we've all heard the tale of the recluse (some might prefer to say "thief") living near North Pond as a hermit for 27 years, the man pictured here is the self-professed ACTUAL hermit of Maine. Fun fact: He created a musical instrument made up of two organs and a piano in one, the only orchestral organ of its type. At least, he claims.

In this photo he is playing the orchestral organ he created using two organs and a piano.

If anyone remembers this, we'd love to hear about it!

This is another home that was part of the FSA's rural programs to help families become self-sufficient. It was optioned for the Resettlement Administration from the Federal Land Bank.

While this mansion was actually used by an antiques dealer, it is still in stark contrast to the resettlement programs happening throughout rural Maine at the time.

In the 1800s and early 1900s, hitching posts were quite common. Saddle horses, horses pulling carriages and teams pulling wagons were “parked” by tying reins to these posts.

This room actually looks a bit like my current office. You never know what you might need close at hand!

Remove some of those cars at the side of the road and replace them with new models and this could actually be a photo taken today!

At the time, Boothbay Harbor was a true fishing village. Today it's just as idyllic, with just a smidge more visitors.

This home was located in the Trevett section of Boothbay.

When was the last time you lived in a house that needed a fire bell?
Did you live in Maine during the 1930s. We’d love for you to share your experiences with the community over on our Facebook page!