Description
The Shaw Block is a landmark in downtown Greenville. It was originally built during the summer of 1893 by the Shaw family who were pioneer developers in the Moosehead region.
The Moosehead Gazette in August 1952 wrote that the building "is a tribute to the woodland empire from which the (Shaw family) derived their prosperity.
"Its sills and girders are of the strongest timber, 16x16 inches thick, while framings for floors, walls and partitions are 12x3 inches thick and set as closely together as 12 inches. The foundation of the building is three feet thick."
Two large vaults were incorporated in the structure to house the Guilford Trust Company. After its construction, the Shaw Block was painted a "handsome yellow."
The first floor provided space for various businesses while the upstairs featured a large hall with a stage and proscenium at one end. The third floor was used as a meeting place for the Masons.
The dedication of the hall on the second floor took place Jan. 26, 1894. People traveled from as far away as Bath and Waterville to attend the event, no small feat in the wintertime of 1894. Lighting was provided a kerosene system - considered very modern at the time. The building was also the first one in Greenville to be "electrified" and the Shaws had their own electric generator for that purpose.
In addition to dances and events, the second floor of the Shaw Block hosted a number of plays, parties and even Minstrel shows. Another first for the building was housing the first motion picture theater in Greenville, operated by Pero Morris. The Indian Store tourist shop operated on the first floor of the Shaw Block for 70 years (from 1927 to 1997).
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