A mid-19th century gazebo is being restored this summer, because of to a lead gift of $6,000 from the First National Bank.

Built in Newcastle around 1850, the structure is a product of this region’s shipbuilding heyday. It features decorative carvings that are attributed to William Southworth, one of Maine’s prominent 19th century wood carvers, according to a news release from Shannon Gilmore, Lincoln County Historical Association executive director.

Southworth’s carved decorations were in high demand when Maine dominated the wooden shipbuilding industry. Local ship carvers such as Southworth not only created figureheads and other aesthetic features for vessels, but they also lent their talent to the communities with commercial signs and decorative features for homes and businesses.

Southworth likely created the carvings that adorn this gazebo, which was originally located near his shop in Newcastle. In 1955, when the gazebo was about 100 years old, it was gifted to the association and moved to its current location at 133 Federal St. in Wiscasset.

As weather and time have taken a toll on the gazebo, the association recently launched a restoration project to address the extensive work needed to preserve the structure for future generations. With help from First National Bank, work has already begun.

For more information, visit lincolncountyhistory.org or find Lincoln County Historical Association (Maine) on Facebook.

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