Maine Memory Network

Cella's Club Orchestra, Biddeford, 1929

Contributed by: McArthur Public Library Date: 1929 Location: Sanford Media: Glass Negative

Nurses Graduation, Biddeford, ca. 1930

Contributed by: Dyer Library/Saco Museum Date: circa 1930 Location: Biddeford Media: Photographic print

A City Awakes: Arts and Artisans of Early 19th Century Portland

Portland's growth from 1786 to 1860 spawned a unique social and cultural environment and fostered artistic opportunity and creative expression in a broad range of the arts, which flowered with the increasing wealth and opportunity in the city.

Portland Hotels

Since the establishment of the area's first licensed hotel in 1681, Portland has had a dramatic, grand and boisterous hotel tradition. The Portland hotel industry has in many ways reflected the growth and development of the city itself. As Portland grew with greater numbers of people moving through the city or calling it home, the hotel business expanded to fit the increasing demand.