"Histories" in Woodfords Corner
History is the weaving of stories –- of a land, the peoples, the cultures, the buildings, politics, organizations, businesses and urban planning. A delightful aspect of our work at FWC is learning the histories of the area. One of the reasons FWC became a Main Street America Affiliate was to to honor these histories as part of our work. This month, we highlight some of those strands and offer them to you. Here is a sampling:
History of Woodfords Corner (video) by Julie Larry of Greater Portland Landmarks
Toy Len Goon – (video) Mother of the Year 1952 – who owned a laundry in Woodfords Corner
Forest Ave and Stevens Avenue Historic Context (report from 2015)
Architecture History Walking Tour – (interactive map for a self-guided tour)
Woodfords Corner Traffic Redesign (video for the transportation/urban planning)
Baxter Trail (walking tour from Back Cove Park through Corner to Baxter Woods)
Before the pandemic, FWC hosted two history talks in partnership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, who own and occupy the clock tower building and Greater Portland Landmarks. The clocktower has been the centerpiece of this corner for 120 years. On a date TBA, FWC and the Odd Fellows will host a small group tour of the inside of the clocktower building. This tour is free and limited to 25 people, so please sign up ASAP. Sign up here
Finally, we know there are hundreds more histories to be discovered and shared. If you have a personal story and photo about Woodfords Corner to share, please send picture and a brief story to info@woodfordscorner.org.
Woodfords Corner, late 1890s, facing toward the peninsula. Chapman building on the right. Wish we still had the trees and streetcars!