Says its application for historical status:

Developed as a company town by Boston investors beginning in 1850, Lewiston rapidly grew to become the largest industrial city in Maine. It became particularly important as a textile center for the region. Until its decline in the 1920's, Lewiston experienced fairly steady prosperity.

Decline in the 20s? You don't think anything declined in the 20s. It's still the second-largest city in Maine, with a population of 36K. Well, let's see what's still around.

Chances are, U do:

It looks as if they added those windows at the back later. Or not; could have been done at the time. No sense knocking on any doors to ask.

Vacant lot next door, but of course once it had a building whose exact dimensions you can determine by its absence.

This is nice:

Part of the Lower Lisbon Street Historical District, which no doubt awaits the renaissance promised by such declarations.

Still a furniture building; same name. Look at the size of that boarded up window on the left:

Is there any better way - short of demolition - to tell people that things are shutting down, and shutting down for good?

So you're telling me the demographics have changed since the war:

Hello, my good man, I would like to do some Mogadishu business

Now and then you think: so they were always bricked up, then?

SUPPORTERS

ELASTIC HOSE

DRINK

COCA COLA

Around the corner:

The town's Wikipedia page said "The city's flagship department store, the four-story B. Peck & Co., closed in 1982 after more than a century in business." I wonder if that's it.

More fine restoration work:

They left their mark everywhere, and made sure it didn't fade.

Good golly Miss Molly:

City Hall. That's a sign of a prosperous town. The tower is completely unnecessary - except as an expression of civic pride and power, in which case it's completely necessary.

I have the feeling the depositors didn't win out in the end.

Depositors Trust Company? I should certainly hope so.

A beautiful original entrance: curved glass and inlaid name.

It was originally a bank, believe it or not. The Lewiston Trust and Safe Deposit Company built it in 1898. It has its own Wikipedia page:

The building was purchased in 1926 by W. Grant, owner of a clothing store. He made alterations to the interior to accommodate the retail function, but retained significant architectural elements, including marble flooring and stairs, basement level waiting rooms, and the bank president's office on the second floor, which has rich decorative woodwork.

Wouldn't you love a tour?

So the holodeck is malfunctioning today, I guess:

You know just how it tasted - thin crust, little crispy pepperoni cups with a pond of grease in each one. Delicious.

Yelpers like it, and we know what a hard bunch they are to please.

This . . . isn't a good sign.

I think it could be occupied, though - those bricked-up windows have smaller windows, indicating a retrofit. The walkway obviously isn't the prefered means of entrance these days, though.

This is even sadder:

There's more. Have a look around.