Maine Governors to Celebrate 175TH Anniversary of the Blaine House
August 14, 2008
AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci and First Lady Karen Baldacci will celebrate the 175TH anniversary of the Maine Governor’s Mansion -- the Blaine House -- this weekend. The current First Family will be joined by previous First Families for the two-day celebration.
“I have always considered it an honor for my family to live in what is essentially a museum,” Governor Baldacci said. “The house is full of history and memories, and it is a Maine treasure. People should take the time to see the Blaine House in person if they can, particularly during this landmark celebration.”
In addition to Governor Baldacci and First Lady Karen Baldacci, Governors Angus King, John R. McKernan Jr., Joseph E. Brennan, John H. Reed and their families are expected to attend portions of the celebration.
The Blaine House was built in 1833 and was purchased by James G. Blaine in 1862. The house was donated to the State of Maine by Blaine’s daughter Harriet Blaine Beale in 1919. She made the donation in memory of her son Walker Blaine Beale, who was killed in action in World War I.
The landscaping surrounding the Blaine House was designed by the Olmsted Brothers of Brookline, Massachusetts. The brothers, along with their father also designed Central Park in New York City, Acadia National Park, as well as the landscape surrounding the United States Capitol Building and the White House.
The public is invited to tour the Blaine House this Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Other events in honor of the celebration are scheduled to take place in Capitol Park during the same time period, including trolley car rides, carriage rides, games and live music. The Maine State Library, Maine State Museum and Maine State House will also be open for tours during this time. In addition, a short fireworks display is scheduled to mark the celebration for Friday night at 9 in the Capitol Park area.
