In 1802, Ebenezer Thayer, a Boston merchant, purchased 39 acres of land near the tidal arm of the Town River in Quincy, Massachusetts. Thayer petitioned the Quincy Legislature in 1806 so he could build a dam across the river and construct a mill. A few years after constructing it, Thayer sold the property to David […]
Artist Miles Chapin created this beautiful pink granite sculpture as part of the Maine Sculpture Trail. This trail is an outdoor exhibit of 34 sculptures over 273 miles of coastal Downeast Maine. The pink and black granite came from quarries in Red Beach. The Maine Sculpture Trail is a self-guided driving tour, and directions can […]
On Main Street (Route 1) in Calais, Maine sits this stunning mural painted by Artist Amy Bartless Wright. Painted in 2015, this 14′ X 65″ design covers the entire right side of the building. We hope you enjoy some of the photos during the creative process. Irene Chadbourne Food Pantry
In the early 1940s, William Rosenberg, a shipyard worker in Quincy, MA, realized there wasn’t anywhere nearby for him and his fellow workers to get lunch. He borrowed $2,500 to start a food truck called “Industrial Luncheon Services”, and sold sandwiches, doughnuts, snacks and coffee. After a few years, Rosenberg looked for a more permanent […]
The Lansdowne Theatre opened on June 7, 1927, in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania (a suburb of Philadelphia). The 1,381 seat theater was designed by William H. Lee, a Philadelphia-based architect known for the recently renovated Queen Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware. The Lansdowne was operated by Herbert Effinger of the Stanley-Warner (later Warner Brothers) circuit. Opening as a […]
On the corner of Maine Street (Route 1) and North Street stands a three-story brick building with a unique history. Built in 1847, the building was part of a bustling community where apartments and successful businesses occupied every building. This particular building had three floors. The first floor was retail, the second apartments, and Dr. […]
Overlooking Narraganset Bay, the Beavertail Lighthouse stands on the site of the 3rd oldest lighthouse in North America. The first tower was constructed of wood in 1749 and stood 58 feet tall with an 11 for light on top. Abel Franklin was appointed as the first Light Keeper. The light was extinguished by the British […]
Everywhere you look in Linden there’s a dead zone. All the while people are zipping along in their cars, riding on trains, running for busses and intensely living their lives in the seams between the dead spaces. Don’t get me wrong, I like Linden and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the city and getting to know […]
I drove to the modern day Mizner Park, which I frequently do, and I would like to share the history of Addison Mizner, where you can visit the beautiful statues and memorials of his grand legacy. Addison Mizner’s vision began in 1894. This was the beginning of his architectural life designing mansions, yachts, and creating grand plazas […]
Looking at the Old Town Mall in Baltimore today, you’d have no idea it was one of Baltimore’s most important and historic commercial districts. Nearly all of the stores are vacant and dilapidated, and it has the atmosphere of a place that is entirely forgotten. Located roughly in the center of it is the former […]
Get stories from America's original highway delivered to your inbox—hidden gems, forgotten history, and the road less traveled.
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use
Continue with Google