Criterion C: Architecture
Period of Significance: 1818, ca. 1875-80
Local Level of Significance
The Pilley House located in the small town of Brooks, Waldo County, Maine, was built in 1818 and was associated with a number of well-known local individuals. The longest association was with the Pilley family from 1863 to 2005. The two-story, side gable building is significant at the local level under Criterion C for architecture as a good example of a late Federal period building with minimal decoration which was updated in the late-nineteenth century to accommodate new styles and materials as well as practical comfort. The removal of the center chimney and the added ell allowed for a more modern circulation pattern, and the added bay window gave the building a hint of Italianate style. The altered chimney configuration also added space to the building and improved the heating of the building. Other features like the windows and screen porch provide both an up-to-date appearance and more comfort. The building is significant for its original construction date of 1818 and for the ca. 1875-80 modifications to create a building with late-nineteenth century characteristics.