Incoporated into Charles Bulfinch's plan for the Maine State House was a Senate Chamber much smaller than the one which exists today. It was located in the North end of the original building which comprises only the center section of the present structure.
State House in 1836
(The Original Bulfinch Design
from a painting by Charles Codman (1800 - 1842)
at the Maine State Museum)
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In the old Chamber, marble fireplaces flanked the President's desk above which hung heavy tasseled draperies. On the opposite wall were stoves to provide additional heat. Central heating came much later to the State House. The room itself was handsomely decorated in the Classical Revival style.
Maine Senate Chamber, circa 1870
(Rendering courtesy Maine Historic Preservation Commission)
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As Maine grew, so did the task of conducting its business, and the Senate Chamber often doubled as a committee hearing room. By 1910, general overcrowding of the entire building resulted in the construction of extended wings on the North and South ends, and the Senate moved to a new Chamber at the end of the South wing. The 75th Senate opened its session in this room which was 60 per cent larger than the original Chamber.
Maine State House, circa 1910
(Rendering courtesy Maine Historic Preservation Commission)
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With the exception of a few repairs and painting, the Chamber remained unchanged until 1960, when it was completely remodeled with new furnishing, mahogany desks and modern devices such as new ventilating and public address systems. Of interest is the fact that in terms of dollars, this renovation cost slightly more than Bulfinch's original building.
The present Senate Chamber, spacious and generouly lit, with its impressive and tasteful decor, ranks as one of the most beautiful rooms of its kind in the United States.
Maine Senate Chamber, present day
(Courtesy )
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