Skowhegan Homes Certified as Historic Homes

Submitted by Melvin Burnham

Two prominent Skowhegan homes have been certified as historic homes through the Historic Homes Registry sponsored by the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center.  The importance and significance of historic homes within our community are honored through this program.  Residents who own a home at least one hundred years old have the opportunity to document the home’s age, register it in the Historic Home Registry, and display an approved house marker indicating the original homesteader, the year of construction, the owner’s affiliation with the registry.

Home owners Henry and Mary Lou Holden Mollerus and Norman and Patricia Dickey chose to enlist the help of veteran researcher Ruth Blood in completing the research for their homes.  The Mollerus home on Parkman Hill was originally constructed by Leander Pooler about 1870.  Since then the property has changed hands ten times; owners include Mary Lou’s parents, Harold and Thelma Holden, who purchased in 1933.  Mary Lou was quick to share that the provenance and the old feeling of the home are important to her.  She grew up here with her three brothers, and she and her husband raised their three children in the home as well.  Mary Lou also pointed out the wide pumpkin pine floor boards that appear to be original to the structure.

Norman and Patricia Dickey’s home on North Avenue was constructed by James Young about 1848.  The Dickeys purchased the property in 1962 some fifty years ago and have occupied the home nearly one third of its existence. They definitely cannot see the day that they would ever sell it.  Over the years they have updated the property while retaining the integrity of the historic home and raised their daughter in this old home. Newspapers dated 1853 found on a wall behind a cupboard during renovations were not disturbed, left for the generations to come. Norman grew up in the area and is quick to share his stories and the renovations they have made.  He used to work at the airport across the street from his current home and remembers a Mr. Goodwin with a long white beard sitting on the front lawn, one of the twelve property owners since 1848.

Historic Home Registry markers now proudly adorn these two homes.  Several other home owners are in the process of gaining certification through the program.  Information pertaining to the Historic Home Registry can be obtained by contacting the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center, PO Box 832, 66 Elm Street, Skowhegan, Maine, 474-6632, or on the website - skowheganhistoryhouse.org under Programs & Events.