Do You Remember What Businesses Occupied These Augusta, Maine, Buildings?

As a history geek, I have always been fascinated by what our towns and cities were like decades ago.

What were the local schools like?  Who were the major employers back then?  What did people do for fun?  Where did they go to eat?

Honestly, I could spend an entire weekend flipping through those Images of America books.  Centered on one particular community, industry, or activity, those sepia-toned books are filled with photos from the 1800s & 1900s.  Along with dozens of pictures, the books contain stories of a community's notable residents.

Long Gone Augusta, Maine, Businesses

One of the things that has always fascinated me about Augusta is the history of the businesses that once operated in the city.

The streetcar service that used to enable residents to navigate the city with ease, the numerous celebrities who once visited the Augusta House Hotel, the history of the Colonial Theater—all these stories, along with the rich past of Edwards Mill, could easily fill a book.

Sadly, all of these have been gone for decades.

Cony Street Hill in Augusta, Maine

As a resident of Augusta for nearly a decade, I have probably driven past this block of buildings thousands of times.

For the majority of the time I have lived here, the buildings have never been fully occupied.  For example, the spot occupied by the Golden Village Chinese Restaurant has been boarded up since shortly after I moved here (in 2016).

Kennebec Guns once occupied one of the storefronts and, based on a Google Maps image from 2011, the block was once home to a beauty salon.  At that time, the block also contained the Christian Science Reading Room.

Over the years, I have seen several businesses come and go.

What was there decades ago, though?

Recently, the Augusta, Maine - A Capital Happening Facebook page posted a photo that, based on the tail of a car in the image, looks like it was probably from the 50s or 60s.

Commenters on the post said they remember there being a TV sales & repair store in the block, a small bar, Smith's Grocery, and a place called Alice's Lunch.

What other businesses do you remember occupying those buildings?  Let us know by sending us an email or by messaging us through our app.