Name/Title
Saco House, circa 1910Entry/Object ID
2014.317.2Scope and Content
Men lounging in front of the Saco House on Main Street, circa 1910. The brick building was built in 1838 by Hammand & Odall for Tappan & Cutter. The first proprietor of the hotel was Rufus Banks. Prior to this building, Rufus Banks operated "Banks' Tavern" at the same location, a wood building built in 1818 by John Ricker of Buxton. The Saco House was not only the preeminent hotel in Saco, but it was also Saco's stagecoach station, with regular trips to Portland operating day and night. In the 1880s, the hotel was remodeled by proprietor Lewis P. True. Billiard tables were installed, as well as the new "panoramic windows" at the front of the building. The stagecoach and stable office occupied the back, as well as a men's barber shop. The Dining Room took up the left side of the first floor. A parlor was on the landing of the second floor, along with the lady's room (the men's room was behind the barber shop). In 1912, a spectacular fire burned out the interior of the hotel. Only the outside walls of the front section remained standing. The building was rebuilt, with much of the exterior intact, and it housed the Atkinson's Furniture company for nearly 75 years and is now known as the "Atkinson's Building."