Criterion A: Entertainment/Recreation
Criterion C: Architecture
Period of Significance: 1937-1975
Local Level of Significance
The Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial in Greene, Androscoggin County, Maine, was designed by Stanley S. Merrill and built by Louis Malo and Sons in 1937. The Tudor Style building is significant under Criterion C for its architectural style. It is a good example of the style which is relatively rare in Greene and across Maine. The building is also significant under Criterion A for its association with entertainment and recreation from its construction to the present day. John M. Sawyer had the building constructed as a memorial to his mother Araxine Wilkins Sawyer with the intent that it would host morally uplifting entertainment provided free to the public. Ms. Sawyer was particularly interested in guiding young people to what she considered wholesome lives and entertainment. Both she and her son condemned the use of tobacco and alcohol and felt theater, dancing, and card playing were to be avoided. The Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Foundation has provided at least two events per month for most of its existence and has maintained a strict moral code and free access as intended by John Sawyer. The period of significance extends from construction in 1937 to 1975 over which time the Foundation has provided entertainment to the public and the building has become a center of family friendly entertainment in Greene and the region.