23 Then And Now Photos In Maine That Show Just How Much It Has Changed
By Michelle|Published February 22, 2018
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
One of the most wonderful things about Maine is the history that surrounds us. In almost every city and town there exists a piece of the past, left over from years before, that can be seen simply by looking up. But, what was Maine like before we were here? While we can see the buildings and sometimes remains of old signage, what did it feel like? Every so often we catch ourselves imagining the trolleys and the hard working folks and businesses that kept our towns thriving. If you do this too, you’ll love the world of truly unique then and now photos from Maine that one local Bangor photographer has created!
With strong and longstanding family ties to Bangor, photographer Rick Haney has a special relationship with the city.
Wishing to bring back pieces of the past he grew up hearing about, he's worked to recreate photos from the 1800s and 1900s using carefully planned modern photos with delicate editing work that merges the new with the old.
Each of the photos in the series is based on an older photo, meant to remind us that Bangor was once much different... but in some ways, very much the same. You just have to have a little bit of an imagination.
This color photo was taken from the Independent Street bridge. While the date of the nautical overlay is unknown, it's likely before the 1911 fire that began nearby the area.
Abraham Lincoln's vice president took his last breath in Bangor on July 4, 1891. While we don't know for sure, this may very well be his funeral procession.
The Ghosts of Bangor Facebook page taught us that Short Street, which is now the exit ramp for the Joshua Chamberlain bridge, once extended right into Main Street!
This neighborhood on Upper Hancock and Essex Streets has been demolished, but in the 1960s the photographer's Grandmother (who was a Bangor City Nurse) visited many of the families here.
These horsedrawn water systems (pictured on Lower Park Street around 1900) were used to water the dirt streets to prevent dust in the air during the summer.
In the background of this photo, there was an area called "Undertakers Row," where handmade coffins and tombstones were created. You'll also see the Tarratine Club in the far left, which is a private residence now. That house is the only structure in this photo that still exists today.
This photo features Mercantile Square, which dates back to the 1830s, when the Flatiron building was constructed.
It was located between West Market Square and Pickering Square, behind Freeses. During the Urban Renewal time of the 1960s, this area was demolished.
Haney took away some important advice from his grandfather: "Honor those who came and went before me, to remember the effect they had on my life, and to always remember there are two things we can leave for the next generation: One is roots, the other is wings."
We think this creative project is one of the most important in Maine. Without it, we may lose important memories and stories that provide insight into who we are, how the state has evolved, and what has made Bangor what it is today.
Says Haney of his grandfather, "Without his influence, without his stories, I would not be standing here telling my story. Maybe he’s here too, providing light and guidance with all the other Ghosts of Bangor."
These photos were all created by Bangor photographer, Rick Haney who grew up in and still lives in the area. You can see the website dedicated to this incredible project here. The Ghosts of Bangor Facebook Page has even more photos, along with some wonderful conversation between other Mainers about their own memories of these photos. And, consider getting yourself a calendar (found on the website) for a monthly reminder of Maine’s history.
And, to watch these photos transform before your eyes, watch this incredible video!
If you’re a lover of all things Maine history, check out the story of the oldest restaurants in the state by clicking here!
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