Children’s Hospital, (Former), Portland, 1909-1948

Date listed: 3/19/2012

Criterion A: Health/Medicine, Social History Criterion B: Dr. Edville Gerhardt Abbott (1871-1938) Criterion C: Architecture Statewide Significance

Erected in 1909 as an institutional building in a neighborhood of Federal style homes, the Portland’ Children’s Hospital is notable both for its architecture and for its contribution to the health and welfare of Maine and the state and the nation. The Children’s Hospital is located within the Spring Street National Register Historic District but falls outside its “19th century” period of significance. The district is characterized by two and three story residences, primarily in the Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles. The Children’s Hospital is eligible for individual listing on the National Register of Historic Places on the local level under Criterion A for its significance in the context of Social History and Health/Medicine. It is eligible under Criterion B on the state level, for its association with Edville G. Abbott, M.D., who, as Surgeon in Chief of the Children’s Hospital, developed the “Abbott Treatment” for correcting curvature of the spine in children suffering from scoliosis in 1911. (The Abbott Treatment was considered the standard of care for several decades and continues to be referenced in medical journals). It is also eligible on the local level under Criterion C, Architecture, as a notable example of early 20th century Colonial Revival style architecture by Portland architect Frederick Tompson. Originally connected to the 1801 Federal style Mussey Mansion, the property retains integrity of location, design, setting, material, workmanship, feeling, and association, despite of the demolition of the mansion in 1962.

AGENCY INFORMATION

Children’s Hospital, (Former), Portland, 1909-1948